?Chapter 67:

Filled with purpose and a surge of adrenaline, I twisted sharply again. This time I slipped out of his strong grip. My leg extended into its full length—a swift kick, connecting solidly with his side.

Ryder jerked first, his hands swaying loose at his sides before he stumbled back slightly.

“Yes!” I whispered silently, a smile spreading across my face as I exhaled sharply.

Straightening himself, he looked at me for a moment, a shocked expression flickering across his face. Our gazes locked, and I saw the sh of approval in his blue eyes as they darkened.

“Not bad,” he cleared his throat, rubbing his side with a grin. “You’re learning fast.”

My chest heaved with exertion, anger still simmering. “You don’t get to y the teacher here, Ryder,” I hissed, the pride in my voice evident. Hell, I had every right to; I’d made a freaking Lycan Alpha topple. I was still basking in my glory. For someone who barely had her wolf, it wasn’t a small feat.

Ryder chuckled darkly, his eyes sparkling. I squinted to look closely. His eyes looked lighter, clear like the skies on a sunny day. Maybe it was the sunlight. “You’d be surprised what I get to do, Jasmine.”

The challenge lingered in his words, sending a burst of new energy through my veins.

“This isn’t over,” he warned. “You’ll need more than your anger to beat me.”

I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down. “Bring it on.”

“Start with defense,” Rydermanded, his eyes gleaming with a challenge as he rolled his fists.

I rolled my eyes at him, my mind alreadying up with a cheeky response to his statement. But before I could speak, hisrge, burly body shot through the air, aiming straight for me. My body froze for a moment. How the hell was I supposed to dodge that?

Instinct kicked in, and a sh of adrenaline made me act quickly, throwing my hands up in the air as I dodged his attack. My arms trembled with the effort, but I refused to back down. I punched outward, aiming for his chest. Ryder blocked my blows with ease, but I didn’t give up. More frantic punches surged through my muscles as I targeted his chest and face.

Ryder’s eyes sparkled with approval. “Good reflexes, but you’re boringly predictable,” he chuckled. “With the way you screamed, I was expecting more.”

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I growled, frustration fueling my movements. My fists flew in a flurry of punches and jabs against his solid chest. He didn’t seem fazed at all; instead, he countered each strike, his movements fluid and effortless as he cupped my fist each time it came close to his body.

“Defense is key, Jasmine. Use your opponent’s energy against them.”

I snarled. This was bing more annoying than fun. All I wanted to do was kick his ass, surprise him, and show him that I wasn’t some weak werewolf.

I shifted my weight to my left heel to gain bnce. My right leg swung out in a wide kick. In a swift motion, Ryder’s hands swung by his sides, and he caught my ankle mid-motion, spinning me around before I could even process what was happening.

“Centerline theory,” he barked, his eyes harsh as he stared at me. “Protect your core.”

“Don’t get distracted,” Ryder warned, his eyes glinting with mischief. He never failed to switch moods on a dime. Easy for him to say.

“Keep your guard up,” he barked again, advancing on me. I shot out my hands and threw a few punches at him. His face bore a slightly amused expression, and he made no attempt to catch my fist. He didn’t flinch, and it was starting to piss me off.

Ryder chuckled dryly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Are you catfighting or actually punching?” he teased, and my back stiffened. My intention was to prove that I wasn’t weak—not to be ridiculed. The irony was frustrating. I shot him a re.

My arms trembled with exhaustion. “I’m trying, okay?”

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