Rejected, Not Broken

Chapter eight

Elara’s POV

Three days, three days was all it took for Kaden and me to disagree about almost everything.

“You were late.”

I glanced at the sun. “By five minutes.”

“You were late.”

“It’s five minutes.”

“It only takes five minutes to lose a fight.”

I sighed dramatically.

“It must be exhausting being you.”

“No.”

“It must be exhausting being around you.”

Kaden didn’t even blink.

“Stretch.”

I rolled my eyes but did as he said.

“This is exactly what I mean.”

“What?”

“You don’t know how to have a normal conversation.”

“I do.”

I looked at him expectantly.

He looked back.

“…Well?”

“I’ve already had one.”

I stared at him for a second before laughing in disbelief “You’re unbelievable.”

“So I’ve heard.”

I muttered something under my breath as I bent to touch my toes.

“What was that?”

“I said you’re very… dedicated.”

“You lied.”

“I did.”

He nodded like he didn’t want this to continue “I know.”

I couldn’t help smiling “You know, most people would’ve pretended not to hear that.”

“I have no interest in pretending.”

“Clearly.”

He walked past me toward the rack of wooden practice swords.

“Pick one.”

“I thought today was hand-to-hand combat.”

“I changed my mind.”

“Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m in charge.”

I groaned.

“I hate that answer.”

“I know.”

I picked up one of the swords, testing its weight in my hands.

“It’s heavier than it looks.”

“Good.”

“Good?”

“You’ll stop relying on speed.”

I frowned “I rely on speed because I’m smaller than most people.”

“You rely on speed because you lack patience.”

I opened my mouth to argue then closed it, this man was testing my patience yet I couldn’t think of anything to say.

“I do not lack patience.”

“You interrupted me three times in the last minute.”

“…That doesn’t count.”

“It does.”

“It doesn’t.”

“It does.”

I pointed the wooden sword at him “Has anyone ever told you you’re annoying?”

“Frequently.”

“And?”

“They’re usually right.”

“You just admitted it.”

“I did.”

A laugh escaped before I could stop it “You know what? That’s the first interesting thing you’ve said all morning.”

Without warning, Kaden swung his practice sword, Instinct took over. I barely managed to block the strike before stumbling backward, he wouldn’t even go easy on me, I felt offended.

“What was that for?”

“You lowered your guard.”

“We were talking!”

“You were.”

I glared at him.

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re distracted.”

Before I could fire back another complaint, small footsteps echoed across the training ground.

“Brother!”

Luna came running across the grass, her little curls bouncing with every step. She slowed the moment she reached us, clutching a small basket in both hands.

“I brought snacks.”

Kaden lowered his sword immediately, the change was so subtle I almost missed it, his shoulders relaxed, his voice, usually so firm, softened.

“Thank you, Luna.”

She beamed as she held up the basket.

“Miriam made biscuits.”

He accepted it with a small nod.

“You remembered.”

“I told her you always forget to eat when you train.”

“I see.”

He reached into the basket, broke a biscuit in half, and handed one piece back to her.

“Share with me.”

Luna giggled excitedly “Okay.”

The two of them stood there quietly eating while I watched from a few feet away. Was this the same Kaden? The man who’d barked orders at me all morning was patiently brushing crumbs off his sister’s cheek as if he had all the time in the world. And hello why aren’t I being offered any biscuits, that’s offensive. Luna looked up at him.

“Miss Elara is always frowning.”

“I am not,” I protested.

She tilted her head innocently “You are.”

Kaden’s eyes drifted toward me “For once… she’s right.”

I gasped dramatically “You took her side!”

“She stated a fact.”

“Unbelievable.” I humphed folding my arms.

Luna looked from me to Kaden, then back again, a tiny line formed between her brows.

“You two argue a lot.”

Neither of us answered, she looked even more confused. “I thought friends don’t argue.”

Kaden answered immediately “We’re not friends”

“I wouldn’t say we’re enemies.” I countered

We both paused, Luna blinked looking like she was in deep thought then she smiled brightly.

“So… you’re something in the middle?”

I couldn’t stop myself from laughing, Kaden simply looked at his sister before giving the smallest nod.

“…Something like that.”

Training ended late in the evening and by the time I returned to the house, every muscle in my body ached.

I was halfway up the stairs when I heard laughter…Luna’s. Curious, I followed the sound to the library, the door was slightly open.

Peeking inside, I found Luna sitting on the floor surrounded by books, Kaden sat across from her.

“…And what sound does this letter make?” he asked.

Luna studied the page carefully “B.”

He nodded “that’s very good Luna.”

She grinned proudly.

“And this one?”

She frowned, thinking hard before answering.

“M.”

“Very good.”

He reached over and gently patted her head.

“You’re improving.”

Luna’s face lit up.

“I practiced yesterday.”

“I noticed.”

“I want to read as well as you.”

“You will.”

There was complete patience in his voice, I found myself smiling as i leaned against the doorframe, completely forgotten.

So… he does know how to be nice, the realization was almost irritating.

This was not the man who had corrected the way I held a practice sword six different times that morning nor was he the man who told me I lacked discipline every chance he got.

Luna looked up and noticed me first.

“Miss Elara!”

Kaden turned his expression returning to its usual calm almost immediately.

“You’re done resting.”

I sighed “There he is.”

“There who is?”

“The grumpy vampire.”

Luna covered her mouth, trying to hide a giggle, Kaden looked at me without the slightest reaction he looked irritated.

“I don’t recall giving you permission to nickname me.”

“I don’t recall asking.”

For a brief second, neither of us spoke, we just glared at each other fiercely then Luna looked between us.

“Are you arguing again?”

“No,” Kaden and I answered together.

Luna frowned “I think you are.”

“I think you’re right.”

She smiled proudly, clearly pleased with herself Kaden closed the book and stood.

“Training resumes in ten minutes.”

I groaned “It’s late and I just finished training.”

“You finished this morning’s training, it’s not my fault you finished late.”

I stared at him.

“There’s… afternoon training? But it’s evening already ”

“There is now.”

“You’re making these rules up as you go.”

“ I am not.”

“You definitely are.”

He walked past me toward the door “If you spend as much energy training as you do complaining, you’ll improve much faster.”

I turned to Luna “Does he always have an answer?”

She nodded.

“Always.”

I sighed.

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

Luna smiled before she put her fingers to her chin in thought “I think Brother likes talking to you.”

I almost laughed “Trust me, Luna.” I glanced at Kaden’s retreating figure, “I don’t think your brother likes me very much.”

Luna looked smiled playing with her books “I think he does…”

Her words lingered in my mind long after Kaden disappeared down the hallway.

I wasn’t sure she was right but I couldn’t deny one thing, watching him with Luna made me wonder what had happened to the patient, gentle man I’d seen only moments ago.

Because whenever he looked at me… all I got was the strict instructor.

The training grounds were quiet by the time we returned.

Kaden walked ahead of me until we reached the center of the field.

He stopped. “Today isn’t about fighting.”

“Then why are we here?”

He turned to face me.

“Because before I teach you how to defeat your enemies, you need to understand yourself.”

“I know myself.”

“No.” His answer came so quickly that it caught me off guard “You know the person you were raised to believe you are.” He said gradually closing the distance between us.

I folded my arms trying to look tough like his closeness did not affect me “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Kaden studied me for a moment before speaking.

“When were you first able to shift?”

“I was seventeen.”

“Late.”

“I know.”

“How many times have you shifted since then?”

“Not many.”

“And every time?”

“My wolf…” I hesitated. “She becomes… difficult to control.”

“Difficult?”

I nodded “It’s like she doesn’t listen to me.”

“She doesn’t.”

I stared at him “What?”

He took a slow step toward me like we weren’t close enough already I sucked in a deep breath trying my hardest to maintain eye contact.

“Your wolf has never obeyed you because she was never meant to be restrained.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’ve spent your entire life believing you’re weak.”

“Not anymore I am not.”

“You are a lycan yes.” He paused “But that’s only half the truth.”

The words settled over me like a heavy blanket.

“What are you talking about?”

“Your mother was a pure-blood vampire.”

I blinked.

“You knew my mother?”

“Yes, I don’t remember much but she was my tutor at some point .”

My heart skipped “ tutor? Of what?”

Kaden held my gaze.

“Honestly I don’t know, but I’m sure ms Bennett told you the entire story.”

“…No, there’s a lot she doesn’t know, I hoped you will have those answers.”

“She was a pure-blood vampire, that means she is royalty. She fell in love with a wolf which was heavily frowned upon that is why she was cast out”

I stared at him. For several seconds, I couldn’t hear anything except the pounding of my own heartbeat.

“You’re serious?.”

“I don’t joke Elara.”

She had died before she ever had the chance to tell me much of anything.

“I was a little boy so I don’t remember much but if you want more answers and really seek revenge you have to get to the most powerful man alive right now”

“Blackwood?”

“Zeke Blackwood, he is Kevin’s uncle and the last of the lycanthrope. I’ve met him Elara and he is not to be trifled with .”

I stood in thought for a while “I am not scared, I am not that girl anymore and I want revenge.”

I looked at him sharply lifting my eyes to meet his our bodies so close we were touching “Train me and get me ready.” I said my eyes more determined than ever.

As if on queue, it began to rain but I didn’t care we both stood staring at each other, chests rubbing, I saw something different flash in Kadens eye.

He suddenly pulled back like I had burnt him.

“hybrids like you are exceptionally rare.” His expression remained calm, but he didn’t look me in the eye. “They’re also feared.” And we are going to train Elara. I’m with you.

I swallowed hard.

“Your vampire blood enhances every instinct your wolf possesses.” And we will use that to our advantage.

“That’s…”

“Why you’ve struggled to control her.”

Silence stretched between us.

Every memory I’d buried suddenly resurfaced, the painful shifts, the fear,voices calling me cursed, broken.

Kaden’s voice pulled me back.

“Listen carefully, Elara.”

I forced myself to meet his eyes.

“I’m not training you because you need more strength.”

He paused.

“I’m training you because you already have too much.”

The words echoed through the empty field.

“And if you fail to control it…”

His voice dropped an octave lower, deeper.

“…your enemies won’t be the only ones who suffer.”

A chill ran down my spine and for the first time… I wasn’t afraid of Blackwood but of how much havoc I could wreak if I wanted to.