CHAPTER EIGHT

Troy and I found ourselves in the training area again, but this time, it was different. He had called me here for our first joint training session. As we stood facing each other, the warmth in his eyes was hard to miss.

"Today, we will work on your combat skills," he announced.

Following his guidance, I settled into a defensive stance. His eyes lingered on me, studying every motion. His first punch came swiftly; I managed to block it, though his speed caught me off guard.

The session continued, with Troy patiently leading me through various techniques.

“ You are too tense, you need to relax,” he said as he walked towards my direction.

As Troy came closer to me, I could feel the air change around us. His steps were slow and precise, and I sensed his attention fixed on me. My heartbeat quickened, and it became hard for me to catch my breath. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as he stopped right in front of me.

Standing there, Troy's hand gently rested on my shoulder. His touch sent warmth through my body, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

"Just breathe," he said softly. "Take a moment to relax and breathe."

Gradually, my tension eased as his words sank in. I could feel his gaze, as though it could penetrate right through me. He leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear, igniting a blush on my cheeks.

"You are doing well," he whispered. "Just focus on your breath."

With each inhale and exhale, a sense of calm started to envelop me. I closed my eyes, fully immersing myself in the present moment.

"Good job," he said, his voice low and approving.

"Thank you," I replied, a small smile formed on my lips.

Troy looked at me, his eyes filled with an emotion I could not quite place. It seemed to be a mix of satisfaction, admiration, and something else. His hand was still on my shoulder, and I could feel the heat of his touch through my shirt. A moment passed between us before I finally broke the silence.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“You are truly beautiful.” He said as he gently brushed a strand of my hair from my face.

“ I am aware," I said as I turned my back to him, hoping he did not see the blush his comments caused, I went to my bag searching for my water bottle.

“ Looking for this,” Troy's voice interrupted, I turned to see my can in his hand.

"Yes," I answered, moving to take it from him. However, he raised his hand just out of my reach, it was difficult for me to take it from his hands since he was way taller than I was.

"I don't have time for games, Troy," I scolded, crossing my arms in frustration.

“No games, just do one thing for me.” He said,

“ What is that?” I asked, irritation brewing inside me as I waited for his response.

“ Kiss me.” He said with a serious expression.

“What?” I asked, taken aback by his request.

“Kiss me and I will hand it over to you” he explained.

"You must be out of your mind," I retorted, trying to retrieve my water can.

“Only because my mind is filled with the thoughts of you” he smirked.

I rolled my eyes.

"Huh! Quit with the flirting and give it back, or else," I warned.

"Or else what? Will You turn into a wolf and bite me?" He chuckled.

The sound of his laughter felt like salt in my wounds. I hated him before but now this is much worse, I despise him and I am going to kill him right here and now.

“You are so dead,” I screamed as I ran to attack him.

Seeing how red and angry I was he started running and laughing, making me even more furious. I tackled him down and we started struggling to see who would gain the upper hand.

Without warning, Troy pushed me against the ground, his lips forcefully crashing onto mine. The intensity of the kiss took me by surprise, and for a moment, I found myself succumbing to the appealing charm of his touch.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, revealing Xena standing in the doorway, his eyes widening at the scene before him.

"I did not mean to interrupt anything. I will just... I will leave you to it."

"No, Xena wait, it's not what you think " I rushed to explain, I hurriedly straightened my messy hair and kicked Troy’s feet as I got up.

Xena hesitated uncertainty in the doorway,

"What's up?" Troy asked calmly, seemingly unfazed by the situation. Meanwhile, my face was burning with embarrassment.

"I wanted to remind you about the pack's annual festival. Hope you will be attending tonight?" Xena inquired.

“Yes, Blue and I will be attending the party,” Troy announced.

“Me?” I asked

“ Yes, you will be my plus one,” he said.

“ I will pass, I'm feeling too tired.” I faked a yawn “I need my sleep.”

“You are coming, we will be home early.” he started.

“Nope, I would rather be in my bed” I announced.

"You do not really have a choice," he continued. "Remember, you are still a prisoner here, unless, of course, you prefer a dark dungeon to your comfy room."

“Seriously? You are going to use your power over me? I asked, surprised.

“ Only if I have to” he smirked.

“I seriously can't stand you," I retorted.

He smiled at my outburst.

“ I hate you, and I mean it” I reacted angrily.

“ I love you too,” he answered.

I picked up my stuff and walked out of the room in a fury. The cool hallway air did little to suppress the heat still rising from my cheeks.

My encounter with Troy had left me confused and angry. Shaking my head, I tried to clear my mind. Troy's presence was like a constant puzzle. Anyway, I am not going to let the thought of him consume my mind.