My Destined

Chapter 23

Leia

My heart raced as I stood before the crowd while Adriel, Cleo, and Arya stood in the middle of the training arena. They were finishing any announcements and updates the pack needed to hear and discussing how the pack training day would go.

It's a bit different here than in my home pack; we had regular training run by the Pack General like everyone else and occasional demonstrations by the Alpha or star fighters. However, we never consistently had a regular or routine day where the Alpha led the training.

I could feel the nerves flutter around in my stomach and chest, my body tense as I thought about sparring with Adriel. I know I should not feel so nervous. I mean, I already sparred with Arya in front of everyone, and we train regularly. But I couldn't get Nico's comment out of my head - "I can already smell the tension that'll happen between you two. Sparring with your mate has got to be HOT!"

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even hear my name being called or feel the many eyes in my direction. "Leia!"

I shook my head quickly, a blush creeping up my cheeks in anticipation and excitement. Tala was over the moon with excitement, desperately wanting Adriel and I to shift when we spar.

"Oh, sorry. Yes, Alpha?" Adriel gave me a stern look, making him look quite handsome despite him giving me an unspoken warning. "Adriel." He nodded in approval before continuing.

"Are you ready? We are going to spar to start the training day." My eyes widened, and I could feel the blood pulsing fast in my veins. Oh, my Goddess, help me.

I nodded as the crowd filled with cheers. Arya and Cleo moved out of the way, and Adriel positioned himself on one side of the arena. Cleo winked at me as she passed, and Arya patted my shoulder in support. I could feel the stares of the pack, but I could feel one specific gaze that felt like an intense glare.

Noemi. The anger radiated off Noemi as she stood close to the front of the crowd, next to an unsuspecting Althea and the pack members who initially had poor thoughts of me when I first arrived.

"Don't worry about them, Leia. Show them your strength and focus on our mate."

I nodded in response to Tala and prepared for my sparring match with Adriel. I could feel my blood pumping, mixed with adrenaline and nerves, and my tattoo stinging.

The whole pack is silent as Adriel and I face off. Both of us were already breathing heavily, and you could feel the tension between us building up with the silence. I could feel how various eyes darted between us, wanting the show to start.

Adriel was the one to throw the first punch, and I barely blocked it in time. Each swing I threw was then blocked by Adriel as if he wanted to hold back. His movements were all swift and smooth as he remained on the defense after his first attempted punch.

My heart was thudding hard against my chest, and my breathing was becoming even heavier. I feel like I am doing too much while Adriel is so calm. Although his face and movements were calm, his grey-blue eyes held a heated fire, letting me know he felt the same tension I had.

I could feel my frustration build up inside, my body feeling like the heat was creeping up in a slow burn. Without realizing it, I couldn't help but swing erratically and with more force. Be serious, Adriel! At this moment, I wish I could mind-link with him to understand what he's trying to do. I don't want him to hold back on me, especially not in front of the pack or her.

Adriel still blocked any punches or kicks I threw at him. I felt sweat forming on my body from the heat and physical exertion. Adriel looked like he hadn't broken a sweat at all.