Surviving My Fate

Chapter Nineteen Sparring Session

My muscles ache and tension sets in. I’m unprepared and my limbs flail. I try to block the first of many of Mel’s hits failing desperately. Her toned leg sweeps out knocking my feet from under me leaving me no time to react. With a thump, I land on the hard ground pain sprouting from everywhere my body hits.

Today isn’t going as planned. My combat training is zilch. I had never even taken so much as a pilates class and Mel isn't taking it easy. I had opted to ask Mel to step in because Carter wasn’t teaching me anything. He had insisted my training consist of nothing but endurance activities until I could build up my strength and stamina. He has me remaining in a constant state of prolonged strenuous action for longer durations every day which pushed my human body to its limits. Sustaining my strength in battle would be key he said so I had been doing extreme cardio and weight lifting for a week. It is kicking my ass. I could hardly roll out of bed this morning but I knew I needed to.

If Carter were going to refuse to teach me any offense or defense I would learn elsewhere. I wouldn’t have to worry about sustaining anything if I couldn’t fight back. Though maybe I shouldn’t have chosen the beta female. Mel could definitely kick some serious supernatural ass.

I blink the fuzziness from my vision and Mel comes into view her hand outstretched “You okay?”

I take her hand cautiously, Mel lifts me to my feet with the same effort I pick up Alex. Even in her human form, she’s stronger than the average male. “Yeah, I’m good Carter just hasn’t taught me s**t. That was my first attempt in combat.” I huff irritated at my weak state.

“Wow, we’ve gotta get you in shape girl.” Mel snickers tossing a bottle of water at me. I catch it clumsily and twist the top off chugging half of it instantly. When I drop the bottle to the ground ready to pick up where Mel and I left off arms wrap around my waist. The tingles that erupt on my exposed stomach give away the culprit before his voice does.

“What are you doing out here Cassandra?” Carter breathes into my left ear, his tone is rough he’s clearly upset at my disobeying him.

“Learning to fight” I grit out slamming my elbow into his side and stomping my foot down on his while butting my head into his jaw. The sudden shock of my actions causes him to release me allowing just enough time to extract myself from his grip before he can react. Maybe some of the videos I watched would help.

“What the hell Cass?” He growls turning his attention from me to Mel with a glare.

“Don’t look at me I didn’t teach her that.” She says with her hands up in surrender, she’s holding back laughter though.

“I need to be able to protect myself, Carter. If you won’t teach me then Mel will.” I will not back down.

“Fine Cassie. Next time use more force. You need to throw your full body weight behind your movements. That only phased me because of the shock not because you hurt me.”

He’s serious now.

He’s also right.

That attempt was weak and half-hearted.

“Thanks for the tip, I should get to practicing then.” I offer a small smile then turn focusing my full attention on Mel.

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere baby, if you want to practice” he clicks his tongue “you’re fighting me.” Carter lilts with a low laugh as if that makes me any difference.

“Fine by me.” I jerk my chin up facing him meeting his gaze with defiance.

“Let’s get started then.” He pulls his shirt over his head tossing it to the side with a wink. His basketball shorts ride dangerously low on his waist exposing the top of the sexy v that continues below. “Mel?”

“Yes Alpha”

“Get into a fighting position we will demonstrate proper blocking techniques. Throw some punches and kicks.” He instructs.

I watch as Mel moves towards Carter taking her fighting stance in front of him. Her fists go up the right blocking her face leveled near her chin, her left lower and the elbow tucked slightly offering a range of movement to block her abdomen. She places her left foot forward, feet shoulder width apart balancing herself and preparing to attack. Her left leg lashes out almost connecting with Carter’s right thigh, his hand shoots down blocking the motion. Mel is fast her right-hand flies out looking for a landing on Carter's jaw, her body pushes off her right leg like a coiled spring launching. Right before connecting her left-hand swings forward going at his middle. The double attack is quick catching him off guard. He manages to dodge the punch directed at his jaw, the other hitting its target. Mel sweeps low, the same move she pulled on me moments ago intended for Carter. Her left leg knocks his feet from under him, his back kissing the ground.

“Maybe you need the training too Alpha” she teases.

“Maybe I was taking it easy on you.” He counters propelling himself up to his feet with his arms.

Mel laughs doubling over in her hysterics. When she straightens up after a few minutes she wipes a stray tear from her eye. “Okay then bring it Alpha.” She taunts with a wag of her finger a sly smirk on her lips.

This is going to be fun to watch. The others seem to think so too, the training group makes their way across the clearing gathering near us and forming a small circle with them in the middle. Marcus wanders up next to me his eyes locked on his beautiful mate. “She’s a feisty one” he chuckles “Carter won’t get off too easy.” His elbow nudges mine and he winks at me.

Everything after happens in quick succession. Carter launches himself forward with a powerful roundhouse kick aimed at Mel’s midsection she throws her arms down blocking her body the force moving her centimeters from her original position. Countering the attack she leaps into the air her body flipping gracefully over his still-outstretched leg as she lands a solid blow to his ribs. Carter growls spinning to lock in his target. Mel bounces lightly on her toes ready for whatever comes at her. They circle each other the suspense building until Carter finally breaks the standoff with a sequence of punches and kicks. Right, left, right, right kick, left punch. Mel is fast, she either blocks or dodges everything.

“That’s my girl.” Marcus cheers low enough for only me to hear so he doesn’t distract her.

Mel’s attacks are calculated she drives her foot into his shin the creaking of a swift snap leaves Carter limping, a flash of pain crossing his features. Mel doesn’t stop, she uses the injury to her advantage sending another kick into his thigh disabling the leg further as she swings her fist toward his midsection. Carter grabs her fist yanking her forward. Using his own momentum and strength against him she brings both of her feet up shoving them into his stomach. He releases her stumbling backward while she lands softly on the ground never missing a beat. Although her arm now hangs limply at her side. Carter's head snaps up regaining his balance and those gold flecks dance like fire. Cain is very close to the surface. The snarl that leaves his mouth is proof of his anger. Cain doesn’t like to lose. His aura surrounds Mel demanding her to back down but she does no such thing. She’s proving to her alpha she is more than capable of protecting her Luna. Her anger over not being seen as a dominating warrior making its way to the surface. A low growl escapes her throat and her eyes glow like sapphires. Her wolf is close too. Marcus stiffens at my side ready to jump into action if necessary. Carter might be his brother but Melody is his mate and he will fight for her.

I step between them, their bodies hurling at each other and now at me. “That’s enough” my voice radiates power and my hands shoot outwards palms facing them on either side of me stopping their assent. Calm rushes over their features and everyone stares in awe.

Marcus wraps his mate in his arms and I lower mine turning to Carter. I hear a pop along with Mel’s exhale, he must’ve popped her shoulder back in place.

“So much for my training” I giggle placing my hands against Carter's chest. He’s damp from the sweat clinging to his bare skin.

“Mel can handle your training from now on.” He states loud enough for all to hear. Mel squeals in excitement having proved herself once and for all.