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“Say it back to me,” he commanded.
“I…am the expert of my own mind and body,” I repeated.
“One more time. Sound like you believe it this time.”
“I’m the expert of my mind and body.”
“That’s right. No one else. Only you.”
My face was still burning, but I nodded. I took a deep breath and chewed on the inside of my lip as I worked up the courage to say what was on my mind.
“It sounds exciting,” I finally said. “I want to see what you’re like when your want for me goes unchecked. I want to know what it’s like when you don’t hold back at all. Even if it hurts, I want to experience that with you.”
Cole dragged in a deep breath, one tighter than the one before. One I was learning telegraphed his arousal. His lips flattened, and he huffed. “All right.”
“All right? What does that mean?”
“That means I need a day to do some thinking and figure out some logistics. Hell, I’m trying real hard not to pounce on you right now.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “All right,” I said. “I guess I should probably start getting ready for this class I’m going to.”
“Yeah, probably a good call,” he said. “Munch on some fruit while you get ready.”
I nodded and climbed off his lap. I reached over the massive bed to grab the bowl of fruit, feeling his eyes following me the entire way. His eyes didn’t stray from me as I rounded the bed and walked into the bathroom, munching on kiwi as I went.
I brushed my teeth, trying to focus on the task at hand and push aside any lingering nerves. Next, I gathered my hair and tied it back into a ponytail. I wanted my hair out of my face so it wouldn’t impede my movements during the training. When I left the bathroom to get dressed, I saw that Cole had snuck away. Perhaps to get some space from the urge to pounce.
I put on some athletic leggings and a spandex tank top. At first, I wanted to wear something that covered the scars from the aborted bite, but I had nothing to hide. The scars on my arms served as reminders of the battles I’d fought and survived. They were a testament to my journey, proof that I had overcome adversity and emerged stronger than ever. There was a time when I would have stressed out about keeping them hidden, especially around strangers.
Once, the scars had felt like a symbol of failure. Now, they felt like a badge of honor. Proof that I’d been through hell and come out the other side.
I slipped into a pair of running shoes, double-checking the laces to make sure they were secure. The familiar sensation of the cushioned soles against my feet brought a sense of comfort. These shoes had carried me through countless challenges before. My daily runs were the first thing that helped me feel like I had some control over my life. I was able to run out the anxiety and tension and fear that had plagued me when I first moved to New Middle Bluff.
I’d never anticipated that those runs would lead me here.
With one last glance in the mirror, I turned away, leaving behind my doubts and insecurities. Today was about embracing the present and the opportunity to grow and learn. The training session would push me to my limits, both physically and mentally, but I was ready. At least, I thought I was.
Excitement built within me as I went downstairs. I found Cole waiting by the door, a proud smile on his face as he took in my appearance. His eyes lingered on my scars, but he didn’t say a word. Instead, he simply reached out and took my hand, offering me a silent gesture of support and understanding. His own scars, both from Wyatt’s attack and the multiple surgeries he’d had to endure afterward, were a physical trait that linked us, proving we knew exactly what the other was dealing with.
“Feeling a bit better?” I asked as I laced my fingers through his.
“‘Better’ is an interesting word for it,” he said with a sly grin. “I am feeling a little less keyed up, though.”
“Good. Can’t have you trying to disrobe me in front of everyone,” I teased.
“No, we can’t have that. I don’t particularly feel like sharing that version of you, either.”
I laughed as we walked out the door. “What do you think I should expect at this training? I mean, have you ever seen a shifter-led self-defense course for humans before?”
Cole’s brow furrowed slightly. “Honestly, Marley, I have no idea,” he admitted with a sheepish smile. “I’ve never witnessed a shifter-led self-defense course for humans. It’s uncharted territory for both of us.”
A tinge of nervousness crept into my voice as I replied, “Oh, I thought you’d been to something like this before.”
Sensing my apprehension, Cole squeezed my hand. His eyes, filled with unwavering support and reassurance, met mine. “Marley, you are incredibly strong and resilient,” he said earnestly. “I have no doubt that you’ll do great today. If anyone can fight off a shifter, it’s you. Especially with the experiences you’ve already had.”
“I’ve never actually fought off a shifter successfully.”
“You’ve never subdued a shifter. But you have fought them off or evaded them,” he said. “Sometimes running is the best way to fight a pursuer. There’s no shame in it.”
