Bound by Fates (ABO PJO AU)

Chapter 9: Things start to heat up

A/N: I don't own PJO. Uncle Rick does. I just play with the characters.

" Speech"

Thoughts, dreams, visions

' Flashback '

The training grounds were quiet except for the rhythmic clash of weapons and the soft thud of Spencer’s boots against the dirt. She’d been sparring almost non-stop since morning, each swing of her sword more aggressive than the last. Sweat dripped down her brow, her breathing heavy as she moved through the arena.

Louis leaned against a tree nearby, arms crossed, observing her with a furrowed brow. He could sense something was off,as her strikes were precise but lacked their usual control.

“Spence,” he called, keeping his tone light. “Take a break. You’re overdoing it.”

She didn’t even glance his way. “I’m fine,” she replied tersely, moving into another set of drills. Her movements were slightly shakier than before now, but she pushed through.

Louis straightened, his concern deepening. He knew what was coming.  It's her heat . It must be starting soon. The bond had been pulsing with a low, insistent hum for days, and it was starting to affect both of them.

“You’re not fine,” he said gently, stepping closer. “You’re pushing yourself because you’re trying to ignore what’s happening.”

Spencer finally stopped, turning to face him. Her hazel eyes burned with visible frustration, the greyish-green depths flashing like storm clouds before snarking . “And what exactly am I supposed to do, Louis? Sit around and wait for it to hit?” I'm not some bloody damsel in distress! I can take care of a heat myself, thank you very much. I don't need an Alpha to hover over me.

“I’m not saying that,” he replied, keeping his voice calm. “But you can’t train through it like this. You’ll hurt yourself.”

“I can handle it,” she snapped, her tone sharp. “I’ve always handled it, even before I knew that you're my ...” Mate. He's my mate,my Alpha.

Louis sighed, running a hand through his blond hair in a slightly frustrated manner . “This isn’t about handling it alone anymore. We’re bonded, Spence. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.” Why can't she let me help her? She knows that I'm not going to hurt her, right?

Her jaw tightened ever so slightly at his comment, and for a moment, she looked like she might argue further. But the bond nudged her gently, sending a pulse of warmth and reassurance through her that softened her defenses.

Spencer looked away from him, biting her lip as she warred with herself whether or not to quip back at him .

“You don’t understand,” she muttered finally. “I need to be in control.”

Louis stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I get that,” he said softly, almost pleading with her. “But control doesn’t mean running yourself into the ground ,does it? Let me help you, please.” Because we need each other . She's are so exhausted that she can barely stand. I have to help her somehow.

Spencer hesitated as the weight of his words started to sink in. Finally, after what felt like forever,but in reality must have been a only few seconds ,she sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Fine,” she said quietly, though her voice still carried a trace of defiance. “But only because I’m tired.” Knackered to be honest.

Louis smiled, the usual mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “Of course. Whatever you say, Commander.”

She rolled her eyes at his antics but couldn’t hide the small smirk tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”