Chapter 14
1706 Words
Nathan blinked again, trying to process what Rory had just said.
Why don’t you come over here and find out?
Her voice had been low, smooth, and laced with challenge. Her dark eyes sparkled beneath her lashes, lips curved into a smirk that somehow made Nathan’s heart pound even harder than her roundhouse kicks.
Focus.
He took a few steps toward the open sparring mat next to the punching bag. “Alright,” he said, keeping it casual. “But I’m not going easy on you just because you’re cute.”
Rory tilted her head, tightening one of her gloves with her teeth. “Cute, huh?” she said, clearly amused. “Good. I’d be insulted if you did go easy on me.”
Nathan stepped onto the mat. “Ever sparred with someone bigger than you?”
She bounced lightly on her toes, rolling her shoulders with ease. “Only all the time.”
Nathan raised a brow. “Alright then, Rodriguez. Show me what you’ve got.”
They circled each other on the mat, Nathan barefoot, Rory in worn-in black trainers. He noticed the small details—the way her weight shifted fluidly from foot to foot, the focused way she watched his stance. She wasn’t just good.
She was trained.
Rory struck first.
A fast jab that Nathan deflected easily, followed by a low kick that almost caught his shin. He danced back, impressed.
“Quick,” he said.
“I’m just warming up,” Rory grinned.
Nathan launched forward with a mock tackle, testing her reflexes. She slipped out of the way with a graceful pivot and landed a soft punch to his ribs. He chuckled.
“Alright,” he said, eyes narrowing. “No more Mr. Nice Wolf.”
Rory raised a brow. “Mr. What?”
Nathan’s eyes widened slightly. “Uh—I said ‘Mr. Nice… buff guy.’”
She paused, suspicious.
But before she could ask, he lunged again—this time throwing a light combo: jab, jab, cross.
She blocked the first two but ducked the third, spun around him, and playfully slapped the back of his head.
Nathan turned, stunned, then laughed. “Okay, now that’s just disrespectful.”
“Just keeping you humble.”
They kept going, the match turning into more of a dance. Nathan used his strength and reach, trying to push her toward the edge of the mat. Rory, nimble and fast, dodged and redirected his energy—her technique clean and creative.
At one point, she feinted left, kicked low, then swept his leg from under him in one clean motion.
Nathan hit the mat with a surprised grunt, staring up at the ceiling.
Rory leaned over him, grinning, her gloved hands on her hips.
“Well?” she teased. “Still think I’m just cute?”
Nathan blinked up at her, breathless. “No. I think I’m mildly terrified.”
She laughed, the sound bright and warm as she offered him a gloved hand. “Come on, tough guy.”
He took her hand, letting her help him up. Their eyes locked for a moment. Her skin was flushed from the workout, lips parted slightly, and her scent—it was sweet, wild, full of adrenaline and sunshine and her.
The bond tugged at his chest again, but the potion dulled the ache. Instead of wanting to claim her, Nathan just felt… drawn in. A pull that didn’t need claws or fangs. Just her.
“Not bad, Rodriguez,” he said, brushing dust off his shorts. “You ever think about going pro?”
She shrugged. “I trained for a few years when I lived in Texas. Mostly self-defense.”
They stood there in silence for a second, the buzz of the gym fading around them.
Then Nathan nudged her shoulder with his. “So… wanna go another round?”
Rory’s lips curved. “Only if you promise not to cry this time.”
Nathan barked a laugh. “Oh, it’s on now.”
They stepped back onto the mat, resetting their stances. Their second round was even more playful—laughing, light jabs, teasing banter. At one point Nathan tried to tickle her as a distraction, it worked and she almost elbowed him in the face, also effective.
By the time they called it quits, both of them were sweaty, breathless, and grinning like idiots.
Nathan grabbed two water bottles from the fridge near the counter and tossed one to her.
She caught it one-handed and flopped onto the mat, laying on her back with a groan.
Nathan dropped down beside her, propped up on his elbows.
“You’re seriously dangerous,” he said, shaking his head. “Remind me not to piss you off.”
Rory looked over, eyes twinkling. “Too late for that.”
Nathan stiffened.
“Wait—what?”
Rory snorted and rolled onto her side. “Relax. It’s a joke.”
He exhaled. “Right. Totally. Ha. Ha…”
But in his chest, his wolf was suddenly very awake.
Nathan stood and offered Rory a hand. “You hungry?”
She raised a brow, grabbing her water bottle. “Starving.”
He grinned. “Wanna get some lunch? My treat.”
Rory smiled as she pulled her hoodie over her sports bra. “Sure. But just so you know—I don’t do salads.”
Nathan chuckled, his heart thudding. “Good.”
They left the gym and walked the few blocks down to a small beachfront restaurant tucked into the corner of a surf shop plaza. “Benny’s Grill” was hand-painted in sun-faded blue letters over the doorway, and the place smelled like grilled meat, garlic butter, and fresh ocean air.
They sat at one of the outdoor tables, shaded under a red umbrella. The beach breeze brushed through Rory’s ponytail.
A waitress with sun-bleached hair and a notepad came by, giving Nathan a once-over before smiling at both of them.
Nathan didn’t even glance at the waitress. “Yeah, I’ll take three double bacon cheeseburgers, extra fries, and a side of wings. Oh—and two sodas.”
The waitress blinked, then scribbled it down with wide eyes.
Rory snorted. “Jesus, you feeding an army?”
Nathan rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly grinning. “Fast metabolism. You know… football captain.”
Rory shook her head, amused. “I’d be jealous if I didn’t know you probably eat like this every day.”
He leaned back in his chair and smirked. “Pretty much.”
When the waitress turned to Rory, she didn’t hesitate. “I’ll take a steak. Medium rare. And the loaded mashed potatoes.”
Nathan blinked, surprised. “Steak?”
She shrugged. “What? I like meat.”
Nathan gave a short laugh. “No complaints here. It’s just—most girls I take out order something with a name like ‘sunshine kale drizzle’ or ‘leaf taco wrap.’ You’re full-on carnivore.”
Rory scoffed. “I burn a lot of calories, okay?”
He grinned. She’s different. And I like it.
Their food came out quick. Nathan wasted no time digging into his first burger while Rory cut into her steak with smooth precision.
“So,” Nathan said between mouthfuls, “what about your family? What do they do?”
Rory’s knife hesitated halfway through her bite.
Her eyes lowered for a second. “My mom died when I was twelve. We were in a car accident. She didn’t make it.”
Nathan paused, mid-chew, suddenly feeling like a jerk for asking.
Rory’s voice was softer now. “My dad got remarried a few years later. To someone only seven years older than me.”
Nathan blinked. “Seriously?”
She nodded, still avoiding eye contact. “Yeah. He and his new wife mostly travel now. Business, investments, luxury crap. I picked out the house I live in now… he bought it, but I rarely see them. Sometimes holidays, maybe a birthday or two.”
Nathan didn’t say anything at first. He just watched her. The way she straightened up, how she spoke evenly—but her eyes were distant, like she was somewhere else entirely.
No wonder she knows how to fight. She’s been taking care of herself for a long time.
He wanted to say something comforting, but Rory was already pivoting.
“What about you?” she asked, stabbing another piece of steak. “What’s your story?”
Nathan swallowed, then took a drink of soda. “Kinda the same. But different. I ran away when I was twelve.”
Her gaze snapped to his.
He shrugged. “My dad… expected a lot. Wanted me to take over the ‘family business.’ But I didn’t want that life. So I left. Ended up here in California. Met Peter. He helped me out, and we’ve been tight ever since.”
Rory leaned back, her expression unreadable. “You ran away at twelve?”
“Yeah.” He stared at his plate. “Didn’t really have a plan. Just… needed to get out.”
A pause settled over them.
The sounds of waves crashing in the distance, the seagulls cawing, the low hum of conversation from other tables—it all faded for a moment as their eyes met.
Something shifted.
Rory’s gaze wasn’t guarded anymore. It was open. Vulnerable.
“You ever regret it?” she asked quietly.
Nathan shook his head. “No. I miss parts of it… but no. Not the life he wanted for me.”
Rory nodded slowly.
They sat in silence for another moment, just looking at each other.
Nathan could feel it—the bond. Even sedated, even dulled, it was there. Buzzing under his skin like electricity. But this time, it didn’t feel like a wild urge. It felt… warm.
Real.
“Hey,” he said softly, “I’m glad you said yes to lunch.”
Rory smiled. “Me too.”
Nathan grinned and raised his soda. “To meat, MMA, and skipping the salads.”
She clinked her glass against his. “Cheers, wolf boy.”
Nathan choked. “What?”
Rory just smirked and took a sip.
- Writer
