Page 127 of Crystal Luna

“Because I’ll let you practise your close combat on me.”

“You want to be my punching bag.”

“Don’t worry I’ll fight back.”

It hit her then that he didn’t know she could half-shift. “As you wish.”

His eyes widened in surprise and slight suspicion. His Adam's apple bobbed as he gulped. “That was a little too easy.”

“Well, if anyone walks in I’m not going to stop.”

“Good. I won’t go easy on you either.”

Asher quietly sat back, patiently waiting as she made her breakfast. Only once she was ready did they leave the house, Asher keeping the conversation surprisingly light as they walked.

“What other things are usually on your workout plan?”

“Hikes, patrols, weight training, and combat.”

“I’m sure after you beat my ass, everyone will be lining up to be your workout partner.”

“You are aware that the mindset you have before a fight is a huge part of your success, right?”

“Yeah, it was brought to my attention a few times. But I’m not sure if I can bring myself to hurt you.”

Velora’s lips curled into an evil grin. “I’ll make sure your ego gets so crushed, you’ll be dying beat me.”

“That’s… terrifyingly exciting.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as he opened the gym door for her.

Asher began to rearrange the equipment, pushing machines back and laying down mats. Velora simply sat back and watched as he set up the gym for his ultimate takedown. She found it hard to feel bad for him. After all, he’d been the one wanting to come along.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Isaiah

As he went to open the gym doors, Axel’s mind reached for his. ‘Alpha, you might want to get to the gym.’

‘Already here.’

Just a few minutes prior he’d been jolted awake by a pain shooting through his head—a pain that didn’t belong to him. Being close to Ash wasn’t always good. Especially when he was trying to get closer to Vel by challenging her in close combat. As soon as Isaiah had figured out what was happening, he’d dressed and rushed to the gym, keeping his mind as closed off to his brother’s as he could.

Isaiah stepped into the gym just in time to see Ash slam his fist into Vel’s jaw. Blood already dripped from her nose. It took Isaiah all he had not to step between them.

Axel approached with worry etched all over his face. “I found them like this a few minutes ago. I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“They know what they’re doing—just wait and see.”

Axel was thorough with his training, though he always made sure no one ever got seriously injured. Vel and Ash, however, were covered in more blood than he cared to admit. Even more smeared the mats beneath them.

Vel didn’t hold back, mercilessly driving her fist into any soft part of Ash she could find—and Ash did the same, breaking through her cover easily. She didn’t seem to care, an ominous sparkle making her eyes shine.

“Is that all you have, Princess?” Ash spat out a mouthful of blood. “After all the praise Heath had for you, I’d assume you could actually beat my ass.”

“Like you’re worth my energy,” she snarled.

The doors opened and in filled the warriors ready for their morning workout—though they only froze in place when they took in the scene before them.