THE CHASED MATE

Chapter Seven

The sparring ring was larger than Lyra remembered. Wolves gathered around, some whispering to one another as she squared off against Kael. She could feel their eyes on her, their curiosity palpable.

Kael circled her, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator toying with its prey. “Ready?”

Lyra raised her fists, her stance steady. “Always.”

He lunged first, his speed startling, but Lyra anticipated the move. She dodged to the side, her heart pounding as she struck out with a sharp jab. Kael blocked it easily, his hand catching her wrist.

“You’ll have to do better than that,” he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Lyra gritted her teeth, using her momentum to twist out of his grip and deliver a kick to his side. It connected, though not as hard as she’d hoped.

Kael chuckled, the sound infuriating. “Not bad.”

The match continued, a dance of feints and strikes that left them both breathing harder. Lyra’s muscles burned, but she refused to let up, determined to prove she could hold her own.

Kael, to his credit, didn’t go easy on her. His strikes were fast and controlled, his movements a lesson in precision. But he didn’t overpower her, giving her space to fight back, to show her strength.

When he finally pinned her, it was with a move so quick she barely saw it coming. One moment she was swinging at him, and the next she was on her back, his body hovering over hers.

“Yield?” he asked, his golden eyes alight with challenge.

Lyra glared up at him, her breath coming in short gasps. She wanted to shove him off, to keep fighting, but the weight of him pressed against her was... distracting.

“Fine,” she muttered, her pride stinging more than her body.

Kael leaned down, his face inches from hers. “You did good,” he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that made her heart race.

She looked away, her cheeks flushing. “Don’t get used to it.”

Kael’s laugh was low and intimate, sending a shiver down her spine. “Oh, Lyra. I’m counting on it.”