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Besides, I had no doubt she'd be safe within the walls of the school. I'd worry about her wandering around the King pack, seeing what trouble she could find--or start.
"Good," Teresa said. "I can bring Rose with me now. Then I have to get to work."
"Oh," Rose said. "Now?"
"No time like the present."
Teresa inclined her head respectfully to Cole and me, then headed toward the school.
Rose gave me a pleading look, and I shrugged. Then Rose gave up and followed her toward the school.
"What was that?" Cole asked.
"I don't know." Rose already seemed to look up to Teresa, which I supposed I could understand; Teresa was badass, moving through a man's world fearlessly. She was unapologetically herself, utterly feminine, and yet she was valued not just as a warrior, but as part of the pack's leadership.
I felt a sudden rise of jealousy, and I wasn't sure if it was because of Rose's pull toward Teresa or because I wanted to be like Teresa in that way myself.
"But I guess I should be glad Teresa's helping look after Rose and keeping her busy." I was reminding myself as much as making conversation with Cole.
"She's good with the teens," Cole said. "They all seem to love her."
"I'm sure she's very lovable when she doesn't hate your guts on sight." It was true, which only made the tension between us feel more bitter. Like a personal rejection. "Come on. Let me punch you for a while."
Cole grinned. "I'd be delighted."
We walked back together. He moved so gracefully despite his height and muscle, and we passed other shifters that inclined their heads to him as we passed. Despite Cole's gentle approach with me, it was obvious the pack respected him and his authority.
As we approached the clearing where we usually trained, I felt that familiar ache deep inside me again. Cole stripped off his shirt, and the sight of his toned muscles and taut abs was enough to make my heart race. Being alone with him like this made it impossible to ignore.
As we approached the open grass where we'd trained before, a sense of anticipation coursed through my veins. The raw, animalistic energy of the pack surrounded us, and I could feel my own wolf stirring within me, eager to join in the fight.
His muscles tensed, ready to strike at any moment. Desire lit his eyes, the same hunger that had been there when we saw each other across the distance.
He took a fighting stance, and I mirrored him, throwing a punch at his abdomen. He easily blocked it and countered, a smirk on his lips. I tried to focus on using the techniques he’d taught me, but it was difficult with Cole so close, his scent intoxicating.
Without warning, he lunged at me. I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding his blow. We danced around each other, striking and dodging.
As we fought, I could feel the heat rising in my body, my skin slick with sweat. Cole's breath was hot on my neck, and I could smell the musky scent of his arousal. I couldn't deny that I wanted him, and I had the feeling he wanted me just as badly.
We continued to spar, the energy between us growing more intense with each passing moment. Finally, Cole trapped me, then sent me to the ground.
I swept his legs, and the two of us scrabbled across the ground until he finally got me into a choke hold. The world turned dark around the edges, and I patted his powerful bicep, tapping out. He released me, and we both collapsed to the grass, side by side.
"Nice." I rubbed my throat. The hold didn't hurt now that I was out of it, but the heat of his touch seemed to linger.
"You get better every day."
"You too," I teased.
Cole turned his head, and those dark eyes met mine. "I do, with you. You're a good opponent, Amelia. A worthy one."
It felt good to let go of my worries for a little while and just focus on the training. And with Cole, it was always fun.
As we caught our breath, I couldn't help but steal a glance at him. His chest was heaving, sweat dripping down his abs. I wanted to touch him, to feel his skin against mine.
Without thinking, I reached out and traced my fingers along the curve of his bicep. Cole didn't flinch, but his eyes fixed on me, watching my every move.
"Amelia," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
