Chapter 14

Asher's Point Of View

I noticed the flicker of surprise that stood within those round, beautiful irises of hers. But her face and demeanor didn't show any other emotion. Nothing at all, well except for the furious pounding of her heart. She did a good job looking as normal as possible.

I gave my eyes the liberty to explore her features. Her beautiful flawless face, skin as smooth as silk, perfect round curves, and her legs were perfect and beautiful in those training shorts. Beads of sweat having the privilege to feast on her skin, I wished it were my hands working wonders on her skin. I had to mentally fight off the emotions Ryker was fueling in me. I needed to be sane, to figure out exactly how much she knew about me and what to do about that.

She nodded to whatever Vince was saying, and when his lecture was getting unbearable, I mindlinked him to scram. I wanted her to myself. Only to me.

My wishful thinking was granted. Immediately Vince left us I pulled my tee, jumping into the ring with her and we stood with each other eyes stuck on the other. I watched her tender eyes wander briefly on my bare skin.

She had that usual expression of uncaring, being unbothered by my very existence and whatever my mere presence was making her feel. I knew she felt every damned emotion, every spark, the heat and pull between us, but she liked to pretend it didn't exist, wanting absolutely nothing to do with me. I couldn't say it doesn't bother me.

Hell, it infuriated me and affected me more than I would have liked. I was probably going to reject her, but the fact that she was doing the rejection hurt my pride. I usually had females drooling over me, but here she was, unwilling to spare me a glance. Totally infuriating.

"Okay, Mr Cohen" She drawled. Being formal, way too formal like we were about to make a business negotiation. But her voice still kept my eyes glued to her. "It's good that you know the basis, so we will work on your punches first" A smile unknowingly stalked my lips. She has no idea what damage these hands can do.

I nodded, not cognizant that my supposed mental smile was physically present. She quirked her brows.

"Do you have something to say? Or do you happen to find something amusing?" Sometimes I felt like she hated me for no actual reason. Well, she should. If a female wolf happened to find her mate with another woman it would hurt her and make her angry, but Cirilla wasn't one of us, so why the resentment? Or could she somehow feel it? The pain, hurt, and rage.

"Nothing amusing. Just eager to get started" She looked away and explained everything to me. It wasn't as boring as Vince's lectures. He could bore a bunch of students to sleep. Her voice was smooth and silken, like that of a lullaby, luring a child to sleep, Beautiful to the ears.

She held her pad up. "Let's see how much strength you have in your hands" She pointed to my fist. Her face was crippling, unsure, knowing it would probably be a lot. She acted normal, that for a second she could have fooled me into thinking she was unaware of what I was. She didn't show any fear at all.

Well, that pleased Ryker to know she wasn't scared of him.

I took my stance, giving her pads my lightest blow, but the force seemed to give the sole of her shoes a drag back.

"Harder" She half-yelled. I gave a lighter blow, knowing full well my full force could send her straight off the roof.

I was about to hit but stopped, her blue eyes gave me a look. I had a better idea. "Give me the pads, and you give me your toughest blows"

"You are in need of some training, not the other way round" True. But at least this way she wouldn't get hurt.

"I would learn better that way," I said and she studied me weirdly. "I mean, if you show me it'll be a lot easier"

She considered it briefly and dragged out the pads, tossing them to me.

"Pay attention" She coached. It was hard not to. Not with the too much skin she was showing. I bet the males in here were drooling over her. That thought ignited rage and jealousy.

I kept the pads in the air as she gave a blow. "I'm sorry about last night," I said, and she heard, but didn't spare me a look or show any sign my words were heard.

"You have no reason to be sorry," She said gently, and so low. But I could hear.

"Yes, I do" Her eyes darted to me, surprised that maybe I could hear her but they didn't say anything else. She focussed on the pads and gave another blow. "Julia was out of line, she shouldn't have attacked you" I meant every word I was saying. Both Ryker and I. I didn't know exactly where I was going with this but I needed her to know, I was apologizing for the fact that Julia almost killed her.

She didn't respond. But the sudden change in the rhythm of the drumming of her heart told me she was thinking about the attack.

At her next swing, I grabbed her hands and we stumbled on the floor. I placed my arms around her to save her from crashing hard. My naked skin connected with hers and there was an explosion of electrical current between us.

She gasped gently as we landed on the hard floor. Her blue eyes stared deeply into mine. But there was nothing in them. She was a master at masking her feelings. But I could tell she could feel everything.

We remained fixed on that spot, I was loving my reckless position on her. Her eyes blinked twice and I knew something called sanity had arrived within her. She jerked, gliding her hands on my bare chest so she could push me off her.

But the friction between her palms and my skin made her release another gasp. It came out faintly but I heard it. She mustered the strength to push me, and I was off her.

"You were supposed to watch and not grab my hands" Her rage wasn't from that. She was mad I touched her and maybe loved it.

I held my hands up. "I'm sorry. I thought we should change from the monotonous action" I took a second to admire her perfect figure in her black singlet. She looked divine. I also noticed a small mark on the skin of her back. It had the shape of a flower.

She lost it at my words. Though I didn't say anything bad. "Pads up" Her command made me smile outwardly. I loved it when she was in control.

I obeyed but she looked more enraged at my visible smile. Quickly she stroked the pads with her legs. She had strength for a human. I gave her that. "Not bad. If you could hit harder"

I saw blue fire in her eyes. It made me momentarily think of Aunt Davina whenever she was infuriated at Uncle Cameron. I smiled at that.

She prepared for another hit with her legs. And I prepared myself for it. My full strength came to the surface. As soon as her legs connected with the pad, a painful sound escaped her lips and she lost balance and almost crashed on the floor but I caught her in my arms.

Her groan was constant, I realized she had injured her ankle. Waves of remorse and guilt drowned me. I didn't mean to hurt her.

"Oh fuck, I'm so sorry. I swear I didn't mean to" I watched my hands tremble mid-air. Her eyes instantly fell on me.

"It's just a sprain" She attempted to stand but groaned. She was sucking in the pain. I grabbed her, carrying her in my arms, in a bridal style. She widened her eyes, shocked, and was about to protest. But I didn't give room for it. I carried on anyway and jumped out of the ring. I placed her on the bench, checking her ankle. It was a shade of gray and black and had swollen.

"It looks bad. Oh, goddess. I'm so sorry. I didn't…." She caught me off, surprising me as her hand fell on my shoulder.

"Enough of that already. It's not your fault. I was the one throwing the punches remember"

I only nodded. If I hadn't used my full strength, she wouldn't have injured her ankle.

"You need to get it treated"

"You mean to see a doctor?" I nodded in response. She sighed, getting up but not putting too much strength on it. "I'll be fine"

She made a move to walk but stumbled back in pain. I grabbed her. She was damned stubborn.

"I'll take you to see one now" Before she could speak, I said. "Don't argue. You got injured because of me so I must take you to a doctor" I wasn't shouting, but she seemed startled and taken aback that she couldn't speak. I took advantage of the moment and picked up my shirt. I carried her, bridal style, to the changing room.

"That's mine" I landed her carefully on the floor. She steadied and opened her locker. I was about to turn away and exit the room. But right in front of me, she pulled up her singlet, exposing her black sports bra. I was struck motionless. She held her shorts from her waist and dragged them down, exposing her slender perfect legs and black panties.

I visibly gulped, my orbs almost falling from my sockets. What sort of temptation was this? Ryker had lost it, clawing his way out. He wanted to grab her and slam her against the locker, having those perfect legs wrapped around my waist and taking her right here.

Control Asher. Control. I may be anything else but this was my mate.

'Precisely why I need to be in control!' Ryker hissed, impatiently.

No. I need to respect her and step out. My head suggested but my entire body kicked against it. Then she killed me completely. She removed her sports bra, showing off her naked back to me.

Control. Control. I wanted her. I wanted to make love to her. To feel that silken skin, feel her touch on mine, give her so much pleasure, and worship her goddess-like body. She grabbed her black bra from the locker and wore it. Her eyes caught mine through the small mirror in front of her. She could see me staring, there was something in her gaze, not surprise or shock this time, something else.

Before I could figure it out she looked away. She flung a tank top over her body and dragged out her skinny jeans. She carefully raised her injured leg and wore a leg, she tried with the other but hesitated. I moved quickly, eager to lend a hand, my hand held her waist lifting her slightly above the ground.

Our gazes connected in the mirror and she looked away and I tried not to focus on the tingles trespassing.

She wore the other leg gently, and I dropped her carefully. She wore a black fitted jacket and stuffed her training clothes into a small bag. She turned after locking the locker. Before she took a step, I carried her again, bridal style. She didn't protest and I was glad.

We had left the locker and gaited to the exit when she gazed up at me. "Could you stop by Vince's office? I can't just leave, I have to get permission"

Permission? From Vince?

The thought of my mate seeking permission enraged me. This gym literally belonged to her. Black Blood Pack owned this gym, Lakita bar where she worked as a waiter, our high school, and a few other buildings in Beaverton the revenue was used to finance the Pack and other expenses. But I didn't utter a word. I stopped by his office, but Vince wasn't in and that seemed to cause her worry.

"Could you drop me for a second?" She asked sweetly, how could I ever say no to her? She pulled out her phone from the bag and dialed a contact. Vince, he wasn't picking up. She tried once more. Nothing. Looking more worried.

"Let's head to the hospital first, we will keep trying his phone"

She had a minute thought. Nodding.

I carried her out to the parking lot to my motorbike now wishing I had brought a car instead.

I grabbed the helmet and handed one to her. I got on it, helping her gently behind me. She finally settled on it. I felt her hold on the bottom of my jacket. But that wasn't a surety she wouldn't fall off.

"Hold on tightly," I said but when she didn't respond, I grabbed her hand, slamming her harder to my back and her hands wrapped around my waist. I loved it.

This moment would have been wonderful if she didn't have an injured ankle. I could feel her breathing against my neck, the heat from her breathing sending pleasuring sensations down my spine and in between my legs.

I pulled at the hospital and we got off. I carried her to a doctor, a pack member. As soon as we reached his office, his gaze widened but was smart enough not to say anything or even acknowledge me. He examined her ankle and gave her some drugs for the pain. She needed rest, he told her but I doubt she would heed to that. Her eyes were more on her phone trying to reach Vince, instead of him.

When he was done I carried her back to the motorbike.

"We should go back to the gym. I can't reach Vince, "she said.

"The doctor said you needed some rest"

"I still have the shift at the bar" I threw a perplexed look at her. Indeed stubborn. She stared back at me, clearly getting pissed at my butting.

"You've taken me to see the doctor so you can appease your guilty conscience. I'm fine and I have work to get to."

"God...you are awfully stubborn"

"And you're not?"

We stared briefly at each other, she was staring with rage but I was busy taking in her adorable angry features. Her blond hair, flaming blue eyes, and perfectly kissable lips craved my attention. The image of her naked skin at the gym flashed in my mind and I rebuffed the sensual sensation building.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Miles' number. First ring he answered. I placed it on the speaker. "Hey Miles" Her eyes widened on me.

"Alpha" I mentally spanked myself and cursed at him for calling me that. Her facial expression didn't change at all. Before he said anything else I quickly rushed.

"Cirilla is with me" Her eyes exploded the more she opened her lips to say something but my index fingers fell on her lips. It was soft and full. She froze at my action. Even I froze. For a second, it was as if time paused, and the world for all we care faded away, but we didn't. Breathing in each other's scent and warmth.

"Asher???" Miles' call jolted me, I guess us, from our intense stare. I withdrew my finger.

"Yes, Miles. She injured her ankle and can't come tonight or the next few days until she is better" The look of worry was embedded in her eyes. It was obvious she didn't want to lose her jobs.

"Not a problem. Someone will do her shifts." I smiled at Miles' words, and she held a look of surprise.

"Thanks" I disconnected. Feeling proud of myself which she noticed.

"You didn't have to do that. Why don't you---"Her phone vibrated and she answered in haste. Vince.

"Why the hell can't I find you Cirilla?" I heard him yell at her. She rolled her eyes, which held anger. She looked as if she wanted so badly to smack him and that mouth of his. I did too. She tried explaining but he kept cutting her off. It angered me.

She was no mere employee of his, neither was she his servant. She was my mate and his Luna if the circumstances had been different, but still, I wouldn't let her be treated poorly by anyone. I snatched the phone from her.

"Vince. She's with me" It was hard to keep from growling. Her gaze was on me intently, as if studying me, or trying to solve a puzzle or provide answers to a research study. If she heard the growl, I couldn't tell.

Had she been scared by the growling, or the attack last night, I couldn't tell. She hid her emotions well and kept her thoughts away from her expression. "She injured her ankle and can't come today or the next few days' ' I disconnected, handing it back to her. She didn't say a thing.

"Where to?" I asked.

"Home" She called slowly.

We got on the bike and I drove to the small apartment I had stalked the last few days.

She got off and handed the helmet to me. I wanted to carry her in but she protested. I watched her hard as she tried to take a step but couldn't.

What does she gain by being stubborn? I grabbed her and carried her, not listening to her protests. We reached the door and she looked kind of reluctant to open it. She hesitated briefly before unlocking it. I sauntered in when the stench of alcohol and cigarettes invaded my nostrils. Her gaze was on me but I didn't have any expression.

The apartment was smaller than I had envisioned. The living room was small and the kitchen was littered with cigarette butts and empty beer bottles. There was an uncomfortable shift in her. Was she embarrassed?

She didn't have to feel that way with me. She pointed to the room at the left, so I carried her in. In contrast to the mess in the living room and kitchen, her room was neat and beautiful. The scent of fresh roses and baked vanilla cookies flew into my nostrils.

I placed her on the tiny bed. Taking a look around. Everything was in order, my eyes caught the sketchbooks lying slothfully on the edge of her bed. I picked it up but she grabbed it from my hand.

"Thank you for today," She said, but something in her voice indicated it was time I left.

"Remember what the doctor said and if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me," I said. I wasn't sure if she had my contact but I did have hers. She nodded, even though I knew if something were to happen I'd probably be the last person she calls. That hurts.

I bade her goodbye and left her room. I passed through the living room. From what I knew, she lived with her mum. It was enraging to know she lived in this state. I shut the door and got on my bike.

I took a last look at the apartment. Something did feel weird though. The apartment had a stench of alcohol, cigarettes, and something else. Something roguish. If I didn't know better, I'd say it had the stench of a wolf who had gone rogue.