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“What do you want, Anna?” He asks.
It startles me enough that I jump. I didn’t realize he knew I was there.
“Couldn’t sleep, I was going to work out, and I heard your music. I came to investigate.”
I walk closer to him, noticing the few other pieces of workout equipment in the room. There’s a weight machine and punching bag as well.
“Did this house come with this stuff?” I ask.
“I couldn’t move my elite team into a house with no way to stay in shape. I would have bought it if I had to, but yes, this place came with everything but the punching bag. It’s enchanted not to break from shifter strength.”
This might be the longest civil conversation we’ve ever had.
“Can I join you?” I ask.
Using that punching bag will be a lot more satisfying than just punching the air.
He just holds his hand out in a go–ahead gesture.
I move over to the punching bag, adjusting my stance and throwing a softer jab to test it out. It barely moves and certainly doesn’t break, so it must really be built for supernaturals.
After a half hour of silence, I’m running through my circuits when Aksel moves to the weight machine.
I’m wondering how long this civility between us will last and deciding whether it’s a good idea to test the waters and talk again.
I go for it. “So, why are you working out at four in the morning?”
He doesn’t pause in his repetitions but does glance over at me. “This is when I always work out.”
Okay then. I guess sleep isn’t high on his priority list.
“You know they all want to coddle you, but, clearly, you’ve been trained and can take care of yourself.” He actually sounds impressed, if not begrudging.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all.”
It’s good practice to try to hold a conversation while fighting.
“But since Felix is your mate, he’ll always want to take care of you.”
I don’t respond. If Felix and I are going to work, then he will have to see me for the strong, independent woman I am. Having a mate won’t change that about me.
We both continue working out in silence. It’s actually kind of nice.
I don’t realize we’ve been down here for hours until I hear a noise upstairs and check my phone.
It’s seven in the morning.
I move to the stretching portion of my workout. First, my legs, then arms, and lastly, back and core.
Aksel doesn’t seem to be finishing up, so I leave him to it.
I’m shocked when I get up to the kitchen and don’t see anyone there. I could have sworn I heard movement up here.
I start pouring coffee grounds into the machine when I see a blood-red envelope sitting on the counter. There’s no name on the front, but it’s calling my name.
There’s nothing to say it’s for me, but it’s hauntingly familiar, so I still grab it. The envelope is not sealed, so it’s easy to slide the note out.
You’re moving around. That won’t stop me from finding you.
