Forbidden Mate: Awakening

Don swung a punch first but it barely reached Adrian. He let out a corny laugh that made me roll my eyes. “Was just warming my reflexes…I’m gonna pulverise you…”

As Don continued swinging his fists in the air, Adrian remained still, observing his movements with careful attention. I couldn’t help but wonder what Adrian was planning. What was his strategy? The anticipation slowly built within me.

Jaxon took a seat beside me, breaking my focus on the fight. He leaned closer and asked, “Why do you trust that guy so much, Lily?”

I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts. “He saved me, Jaxon. There’s something about him, something I can’t quite explain,” I replied shakily.

Jaxon tilted his head at me, “Lily, you know you can’t keep things from me right?”

“I’m not trying to.”

“We’ll get back to that… I talked to Tyler.” His voice faded.

“You didn’t have to. You really shouldn’t have.”

“I can see that it’s been bothering you. You don’t have to carry it all on your own,” he said, his voice gentle and concerned.

I sighed. “It’s been difficult, Jax. Seeing Tyler and Audrey together, it’s a constant reminder of what we had and what we’ve lost…that’s even if we ever had anything in the first place,” I confessed, with a hint of sorrow in my voice.

Jaxon’s expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. “I can only imagine how tough that must be for you.”

“It’s hard to see them so happy together when I’m still trying to heal. But I know I have to move on and find my own happiness. Their relationship shouldn’t bother me. I don’t care anymore. I just wish he’d tell me why…” I said bringing my knuckles to support my chin.

Jaxon placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “When the both of you are ready, then it’ll be the perfect time to clear things out. The wounds are still fresh now. Take your time to heal and focus on yourself.”

I mustered a small smile, touched by his words. “Thank you, Jax. It means a lot to have your support,” I said, genuinely grateful for our friendship.

He squeezed my shoulder gently. “Anytime, Lily. I mean what else do you have me for? I could be your simp all day but that’s not too resourceful, is it now?”

We both giggled and the burden I was carrying around felt a bit more bearable. I was blessed to have someone like Jaxon in my life.

Don suddenly charged forward, shouting, and Adrian skillfully maneuvered, swiftly touching a certain part of Don’s shoulder. In what seemed like slow motion, Don descended to the ground, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. My mouth hung open and I couldn’t believe what I just saw. Adrian’s unexpected move blew me away. I had never seen anything like that in my entire life.

Don quickly recovered, his face contorted with anger.

“The fuck did you just do to me, hunter?” He cursed at Adrian. He jumped back up and took a position.

The air grew tense as they engaged in a man-to-man fight. They were moving so fast that it was like a dance, with their strength and precision on full display.

One blow.

One kick.

One maneuver.

One flip.

I was busy fawning over Adrian’s agility and technique. They were truly mesmerizing.

After what seemed like forever, Adrian managed to get Don to lay flat on his back, much to the astonishment of everyone around. Don’s shocked expression mirrored my own disbelief. After all his badmouthing and arrogance, he was still beaten – by a “hunter.” The irony tasted so good to say.

Adrian extended a hand to help him up, but instead of accepting the gesture, Don grabbed him down and pressed a knife against his throat. Panic surged through me, and I was about to intervene when Jaxon acted fast and broke them up.

I rushed to Adrian’s side, concern all over my face. “Are you okay?” I asked.

Don continued his barrage of curses at Adrian, “You fucking hunter! Where did you learn that move from? Are you a fucking spy or what? How dare you hit me to the ground?! I swear I will make you pay for this.”

He was obviously really mad, even though he tried to hide it, but I could care less.

“You were lucky this time, hunter, but next time I swear you will not escape the edge of death from my hands. Worthless piece of shit!” He arrogantly spat at Adrian’s feet and stormed off, his rage trailing behind him.

“Seems your new lover knows how to play foul.”

Audrey too couldn’t resist butting into what didn’t concern her.

“And where did you see Adrian playing foul?”

“Oh shut up! You’ll do anything to back him up. You’d stoop so low to try and make Tyler jealous by hooking up with a hunter? Are you kidding me? You’re such a whore.”

“What did you call me?” My eyes narrowed at her.

Tyler held her back, “That’s okay…”

Audrey eyed me then dragged Tyler sway, his gaze still fixed on me.

I turned back to Adrian who was simply staring empathically at me.

“She’s a crazy person, so I’m used to her stupid talk.”

“But she shouldn’t call you names…” Adrian’s voice held a bass I had never heard before.

“Don’t worry about me. Are you fine? What you did back there…”

“Was amazing!” I turned back and realised Jaxon was still with us. “That maneuver and the move with the neck…where did you learn that from?”

Adrian hesitated for a moment before replying, “My dad taught me. He trained with werewolf fighters for the last generation…even participated in the Delta War.”

“That’s crazy. But, that move… I have seen it somewhere, familiar… recently…” Jaxons didn’t press further, respecting Adrian’s privacy, which I was grateful for. “Oh well. You’d have to teach me that some day. Lily, I have some work to attend to. I’ll catch up with you later.” I nodded, and with that, he left.

I turned to Adrian, “What you did was impressive,” I complimented and saw a blush rise to his cheeks.

“Meh…was nothing.”

We both went to sit on the bench I sat on before.

“Nothing? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that before. Now we’re alone, you can tell me where you really learnt it from.”

“I wasn’t technically lying. My dad taught me… it’s a specific technique he learnt from the water people of Nimel, during one of his past expeditions. He also taught the generals of the attack squad at the coven. We use it to numb the reflexes, for about a second, of creatures with stronger muscle masses as compared to us…”

“Example, werewolves?”

“Yeah.” He blushed awkwardly.

“At least it isn’t deadly. Nonetheless, it’s super cool. Would you teach me?”

His eyes remained on me, as if he was thinking of what to say, “Uh…Lily I don’t think…”

“Come on. It’ll be our little secret. Just show me.”

“Lily…”

“Come on, pretty please.”

“Okay fine, but -”

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. It was my bestie, Sarah. She texted me an invitation to a party. I read through the details and location. An idea sparked in my mind, and I turned to Adrian, a mischievous smile forming. “Would you escort me to a party?” I asked.

Adrian hesitated at first, “I don’t think that’ll be a good idea. What if I get caught, with you, at night…think about it.”

“I just did and that’s why I want you to escort me.”

“Lily, you’re kind of making me do the opposite of what I’m meant to do now.”

“Which is?”

“I need to lay low and try to fit in, not stand out and pop off.”

“Trust me, will you?” I grabbed his shoulder and held his left hand. “I would be lonely if you don’t follow me.”

“I highly doubt.”

But then a small smile played on his lips as he replied, “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

I almost squealed, “Perfect!”

Tonight is going to be one hell of a night.

But we had no idea that someone was lurking around, listening in on our conversation that afternoon. It was the arrogant and bitter Don.