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“All right, let’s try something a bit more advanced,” Willow says, breaking into my thoughts. “This one’s great for when someone grabs you from behind.”
I focus, listening intently. Willow steps behind me, her hands gripping my shoulders lightly. “Okay, so first, you want to drop your weight and twist your body like this…” She demonstrates the move, and I mimic her as best as I can.
“Good, now try it with a bit more force,” she encourages. I take a deep breath and try again, this time managing to break free of her grip. Willow grins. “Nice job! You’re a natural.”
Despite my confidence, doubts try to creep in, but I push them aside. I’m here to learn. The movements are becoming more fluid, and a small part of me starts to enjoy the challenge and distraction.
“Looking good, ladies,” Zane interrupts, and I glance up to see him watching us with a satisfied smile. “Aria, you have a great instinct for this. Keep it up.” His gaze lingers on me a moment longer, a flicker of something protective flashing in his eyes. It’s subtle, but it’s there, making me wonder what he’s thinking.
“Thanks,” I say, trying to keep the blush from creeping up my cheeks. His praise feels good, more than I’d like to admit, which is probably why my internal omega hussy preens with each uttered praise from him.
My omega instincts are ridiculous sometimes. The need for praise, the urge to breed, even the way my breath catches when an alpha’s hand brushes my neck—it’s all hardwired into us, supposedly for the continuation of the species. But knowing the biology doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
“All right, everyone,” Zane calls out, thankfully dragging me from my internal chatter, clapping his hands to get our attention. “Let’s switch it up. I want you to pair off with someone new and try some sparring.”
Willow gives me a thumbs-up before moving to find a new partner. I’d rather tie myself to her and prevent her from partnering with anyone else. I glance around, feeling a bit lost, until I see a tall woman with curly hair approaching me.
“Mind if I join you?” she asks, her tone friendly.
“Not at all,” I reply, grateful for the company. “I’m Aria.”
“Sam,” she introduces herself. “Let’s do this.”
A spark of determination ignites within me, even though this woman clearly looks like she can kick my ass. “Absolutely.”
As we start sparring, I concentrate on all the techniques and strategies I’ve been taught, ignoring any outside disturbances. It’s difficult but also invigorating. In this moment, I have a sense of power and agency that I haven’t felt in some time. It’s like I’m reclaiming a part of myself that was missing.
With each calculated move I execute, Noah’s grip on me weakens, loosening the suffocating chokehold he has over my life, and that is worth more than any amount of wealth or power. It is a priceless freedom that I will fight tooth and nail to keep.
As an overhead buzzer sounds, signaling the end of class, I feel my stomach drop with disappointment. The room quickly becomes a flurry of movement as students pack up their bags dropped in the corners of the room and chatter excitedly about their plans for the evening. I remain frozen, dreading the moment when I have to leave this class and face the rest of my evening. I feel like this room is a bubble, and the moment I leave, I’ll lose the confidence I worked hard to gain.
Zane appears beside me, his piercing gaze sending shivers down my spine. His curious expression hints at something more intense beneath the surface, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking as he stands there, silently studying me.
“You did well, Aria,” he says, his voice low and sincere.
“Don’t sound so surprised, Master Zane,” I mock, and maybe I’m flirting a little.
“Busted.” He places a hand on his chest, his eyes twinkling.
“Maybe don’t doubt me.” I elbow his side.
Something flickers in his eyes before he raises a brow. “You’ll have to prove yourself.”
I snort. “I just did that.”
“You should come to the advanced class sometime,” he says, his eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing my potential. “I think you’d do well. It’s rare to see someone pick up these techniques so quickly.” He pauses, seeming to wrestle with a decision. “In fact, I’d like to see how far you can go. How about we test you for a white belt right now?”
I whip my head back to look at him. “Don’t I just get that one?” I arch an eyebrow.
His lips tick up into a crooked smile. “No, Aria, you have to earn that belt. Now, do you want to earn it?”
“Like right now?” I peer outside at the darkness. I know my last bus leaves in half an hour, which I can make, but if I hang around, then I won’t have a ride home.
“I’ll drive you home,” Zane offers, and my neck nearly snaps in half when I look back at him. I mean, not really, but almost. His tone is casual, but there’s an underlying firmness that leaves no room for argument. It’s a side of him I’ve seen in class but not directed at me personally.
“You’d do that?”
He shrugs, completely indifferent to my internal struggle.
