UNDENIABLY DESTINED

CHAPTER 21

Aadaya takes her stance before her brother, defensive and unwavering. Sweat trickles down the side of her face as she stands clad in her athletic attire—yogapants and a sports bra. Even in this sacred garb, she sweats profusely, a testament to the rigorous training she's endured with the boys for the past five hours. Before this, she dedicated three hours to personal training in the exclusive gym reserved for the chosen few of the Alpha Calling.

The guys, fashionably late, commence her training as if she were a novice. Oblivious to her seasoned expertise, Aadaya plays along, not seeking more attention than necessary. Nervousness about the impending Alpha Calling, an event she has never witnessed, adds to her apprehension. Participating in a fighting championship, a world debut, compounds her anxiety. Her aunt, initially against the idea of her fighting, now meticulously monitors her diet, recognizing the need to fortify her for the upcoming challenge.

Attempting an uppercut, Aadaya's weariness is palpable as Zack deftly evades. The exertion, though familiar, is taxing, evidenced by her muscles groaning in protest. Her brother, sensing her fatigue, encourages her to press on. Irritation creeps in as she looks at him, the relentless sun intensifying her discomfort. Covered in sweat from numerous laps and exercises, the initial fun turns to frustration as her brother persists.

Gritting her teeth, Aadaya swallows her frustration as Zack continues guiding her. "Be nimble on your feet," he advises, demonstrating with a flick of his leg. A sudden attack catches her off guard, but Aadaya sidesteps, seizing Zack's arm and expertly slamming him onto the mat. The impact resonates with a loud thud, followed by Zack's groans.

Surprised by her own prowess, Aadaya watches her brother writhing in pain on the mat. She stands aside, not offering assistance, her amusement evident as laughter escapes her. The scene, though amusing, adds to the layers of her training experience in the unforgiving heat of the training ground.

Zack's plaintive cry, reminiscent of a child seeking solace, pierces the air, "Help me," he implores, addressing the sister who moments ago had bested him. Tears stream from Aadaya's eyes, yet they dance with mirth as she giggles at the absurdity of the situation. She approaches her brother, now resembling an elderly man as he clutches his back in pain. Even upon rising, he remains hunched, his hand firmly pressed against the source of his agony.

Aadaya, still chuckling, gazes at her brother, clutching her abdomen in a mix of pain and amusement. Suddenly, Zack straightens his back, emitting a loud scream as his spine audibly realigns. The comical nature of the scene intensifies as Zack limps toward the sidelines, Aadaya rolling on the mat in laughter, lightly striking the surface with her hands.

Laughter echoes through the training gym as Zack descends onto the mat once again, a groan accompanying his landing. Footsteps herald the arrival of Ryan, laughter bubbling forth with Fredrick in tow, a spectator to Zack's embarrassing descent.

Ryan, tapping Zack consolingly on the back, mocks, "Come on, man, be nimble on your feet," laughter trailing his words. Aadaya, still lying on the mat, high fives Ryan, reveling in her brother's misfortune without reservation.

Fredrick, sharing in the mirth, leaps onto the mat, mimicking Zack's posture, holding his back and emitting a groan. Zack, turning toward the chairs, shoots a glare their way, his middle finger extending as he curses them silently. Aware of his angelic sister's presence, he refrains from voicing the colorful curses that dance on the tip of his tongue, recalling his mother's warnings.

Zack settles into a seat, taking a moment to recover. Addressing Fredrick, he gestures dramatically, "Be my guest," his arm flailing as he collapses onto the seats, nursing his back. Fredrick, looking at Aadaya, who springs to her feet, smirks. He and Aadaya assume fighting stances, circling each other in preparation.