Page 46 of Alpha Awakened

Hazard winked. “Whatever it takes to survive, Captain.”

“Then do your worst.” Ice’s dark eyes gleamed, eager for the challenge.

From there it was on. They grappled and fought, Hazard using both clean technique and dirty moves to try and get the upper hand. Both of them landed several kicks and strikesthat were sure to bruise later. Hazard grinned, already looking forward to them. He loved the soreness from a good fight.

Ice caught him with that nasty arm twist again. Using his speed and flexibility, Hazard reversed the hold. He caught Ice around the neck and swung around to jump on the captain’s back. Then, holding onto Ice’s broad shoulders for balance, he let his legs drop so that he could kick him in the back of the knee. It caused Ice to stumble and fall. Hazard used his weight to push him all the way down to lay flat on the floor. He ended up stretched out on top of him.

Hazard laughed softly and whispered in Ice’s ear. “This is an interesting position. I’m on top. Does that make me the winner?”

Ice growled. Hazard felt the vibration of it in his chest.

“We’re not done yet.”

Ice flipped over, but before he could get to his feet Hazard wrapped his legs around Ice’s thighs, crossing his ankles to keep them locked. Another growl came from behind the wolf mask. Ice furiously bucked his hips in an attempt to throw him off. But Hazard held on tight, so instead of dislodging him, the move made him bounce in Ice’s lap. At that, heat curled through Hazard’s belly. Ice’s cock was beneath him. Soft, but still impressive in size. He shouldn’t notice, but he was in spot where it was impossible not to. It took intense will power to keep his mind focused on their sparring and off the thick shaft nestled right between his ass cheeks.

“I’m still on top, sir.”

Hazard grinned with wicked triumph, even though he knew he wouldn’t hold the dominant position for long. And he didn’t. Ice grasped his biceps and yanked with his impressive strength. Hazard didn’t have any choice but to release his leg lock as he went flying over Ice’s head. He tucked to flip and land on his back, the breath rushing out of him with a grunt when he hit the floor.

He didn’t stay down for long however, because Ice was already up and gunning straight for him. Hazard shot to his feet, but he wasn’t fast enough to evade Ice’s long reach. Before he knew it, he was caught up in a bear hug. The hold was tight, leaving him little room to breathe. Still, it was clear Ice wasn’t using all his strength in the hold. If he did, Hazard would have several cracked ribs by now.

Remembering how he’d gotten free last time, he started to strike Ice with his knee. But Ice must have remembered too because he adjusted his stance to avoid the knee strike just in time. Determined not to lose, Hazard twisted and kicked trying to get loose while he thought of his next move. He was cursing the fact that he couldn’t do a headbutt thanks to the hard shell of Ice’s wolf mask when all of a sudden the brown eyes behind that mask went wide and started to glow. Ice’s grip loosened slightly, but rather than trying to squirm free, Hazard went still.

Chapter 17

As Ice grappled with Hazard, something teased at the edge of his senses. He tried to stay focused on their match, but his gaze was drawn to Hazard’s throat. Sweat gleamed on his tan skin. His Instinct, dormant for years, suddenly came to life with a soft whisper.Breathe.

Caught unawares, Ice drew in a deep breath through his nose without stopping to question the directive. That’s when it hit him. The scent of apple. But not just any apple. The wonderful, fresh, bright note of a Granny Smith. And it was coming from Hazard. He’d sweated through his blockers and for the first time Ice could fully take in his scent.

His eyes went wide in surprise as he realized why he’d been craving the fruit for the past few weeks. Hazard stopped fighting for a moment. Their eyes locked, both of them aware of Ice’s discovery. Then, Hazard took advantage of his momentary distraction. The omega raised his arms and brought his fists down in a hard chop block on Ice’s shoulders. The move forced Ice to drop Hazard from his hold.

“Something on your mind, sir?” Hazard asked as he skipped back out of reach.

The corporal’s tone was innocent, but mischief danced in his eyes. The little shit. He’d known all along why he’d suddenly started eating Granny Smith’s every damn day.

With renewed focus, Ice surged forward. Getting in close, he swept Hazard’s ankles with his foot, sending him crashing to themat back first. Before he could recover and get back on his feet, Ice dropped down on top of him, caging in Hazard’s hips with the muscles of his thighs. Hazard sat up and swung at him but Ice caught that arm, then the other. Forcing Hazard to his back again, he pinned both of his arms to the mat. Ice leaned down so that his upper body was over Hazard’s and their faces were inches apart.

“Submit,” he growled husky and low.

Hazard tugged hard at Ice’s hold but didn’t manage to escape. “Make me,” he said with defiance sparkling in his jade green eyes.

“I believe I already did,” he shot back, squeezing Hazard’s wrists.

A slow smile curved Hazard’s lips as he looked up at him.

“I’ve still got lots of fight left in me, sir.”

He opened his mouth and turned his head toward Ice’s arm, clearly about to bite him with his sharp canines. Ice narrowed his eyes in warning.

“Don’t you fucking dare.”

Hazard pouted but turned away from his intended target.

Behind his mask, Ice had to smile at the omega and his irrepressible spirit. He would never give up until he was truly beaten. Ice admired him for that. And from this position, he couldn’t help but once again admire his good looks as well. He looked flushed and happy, clearly enjoying their match. And he smelled amazing. Ice wanted to press his face close to Hazard’s throat and draw that scent deep into his lungs. If only he could...

* * *

Hazard stared up at his captain from his position flat on his back, arms over his head, Ice’s heavy weight pining him to the floor. He’d seen the exact moment Ice realized his craving for apples was because of him. The alpha claimed he didn’t need toscent, but his body clearly felt otherwise. And his Instinct had compensated for what it was missing with a substitute when it couldn’t get the real thing.