Chapter 5

Kaida’s pov

"Kaida, we're running late for training!" my brother’s voice echoed through the hallway.

I quickly sprang up from my bed, my heart racing with urgency. "Oh no, I'm going to be late!" I muttered to myself, rushing to the bathroom to quickly wash up.

As a werewolf, my pack members had an uncanny ability to sniff out even the slightest change in a scent, including my arousal.

I couldn't afford to draw unnecessary attention to myself, especially not today.

Last night's encounter was still fresh in my mind. I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my chest as I thought about the mysterious stranger who had pleasured me the night before.

As I washed the slippery liquid in between my legs, I couldn’t help but smile. My secret lover had a way of making me feel alive and desired.

"Can't wait to see you tonight, sunshine. Remember to wear the blindfold and be ready for me." a message popped up on my phone.

A sly smile spread across my face as I read the words.

It was so unreal. Even though I had no idea who this person was, he had become an integral part of my life.

The training grounds were alive with the sounds of sparring—growls, shouts, and the clash of claws. The sun was high, casting a warm light across the field where warriors honed their skills daily. I had spent the morning practising with Axel and other warriors, pushing myself harder than usual to be ready for anything.

I was finishing up a drill when Akira sauntered over, her smirk giving away her true intentions. Her eyes glinted with a cold edge that set me on guard immediately.

“Kaida,” she called, her tone challenging, “Care for a spar?”

I glanced at her, my instincts prickling.

Something about the way she moved, the over-confidence in her stride, felt off.

But, as one of the pack’s warriors, I had faced tougher opponents than Akira. I wouldn’t back down.

“Sure,” I replied coolly, masking any suspicion. “I could use the extra practice.”

The pack members gathered around, eager to watch the spar.

Akira wasn’t a warrior by rank, but her agility and strength were well-known, making her a formidable opponent when she wanted to be.

She took a stance, her eyes narrowed, and I mirrored her, aware of every shift of her weight, every flick of her gaze.

“Ready?” she asked, a smug smile playing on her lips.

“Always,” I shot back, feeling my muscles tense.

We circled each other for a moment before she lunged. I dodged easily, reading her moves as though I could see inside her mind. I retaliated with a swift jab that caught her off guard, sending her back a few steps. But instead of backing down, her expression grew darker.

“You’ve improved,” she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. “But let’s see how long you can keep that up.”

Before I could respond, she feinted left and came at me from the right with blinding speed. Her claws swiped near my face, closer than they should have been in a practice match. I barely had time to dodge, but her claws nicked my shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood.

The crowd murmured. Sparring matches were intense, but drawing blood was rare—and clearly intentional.

I clenched my jaw, keeping my stance firm. “Careful, Akira,” I said evenly, masking my irritation. “We’re supposed to be training, not fighting to the death.”

Akira’s smirk widened. “Oh, don’t be so fragile, Kaida. I just want to see what you’re really capable of.”

She lunged again, her movements more aggressive, her strikes sharper and harder.

I realized she wasn’t just sparring—she was trying to injure me.

My mind flashed with a thought: Akira was setting me up, trying to make me look weak in front of the pack.

I dodged and countered with a kick to her abdomen, sending her sprawling back.

She recovered quickly, and the anger in her eyes flared.

Without warning, she darted forward, her claws aimed right at my side.

I managed to block her at the last second, grabbing her wrist and twisting it just enough to immobilize her, bringing us eye to eye.

“Enough, Akira,” I growled, loud enough for those watching to hear. “If you want a real fight, challenge me like a true warrior. But if you keep this up, it won’t end well for you.”

For a second, I thought I saw a flicker of fear in her gaze. But just as quickly, she smirked again, twisting free of my grip.

“Fine, Kaida,” she sneered, backing off. “But don’t think this means you’re untouchable. I know your weaknesses.” She lowered her voice so only I could hear.”

I felt my blood boil, but I kept my composure, not giving her the satisfaction of a reaction. She turned and sauntered off, leaving me standing there, aware that she had just declared war in her own twisted way.

As I looked around, I could see some of the other warriors watching me with a mix of respect and curiosity. They’d seen me hold my ground, and while Akira might have left a scratch, I’d proven I wasn’t one to be messed with.

But a chill settled over me as I watched her disappear into the shadows.

Akira had crossed a line today, and I knew she wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted.

What is Akira's problem with me?