GIFTED RILEY by Lacy Mierr

Chapter 25: What the Wolf?

*Riley*

I glanced at Mya and wasn’t sure how to take her expression. She wasn’t glaring at me, but smiling at me, almost sweetly. I didn’t know how to take that. Nothing in her face could explain as to why she zeroed in on me to be her sparring partner. I sized her up and despite her being slightly shorter than me, I could see she wasn’t just lean but fit.

Still, we’d only be able to fight as humans, I hadn’t had much practice. but both Vera and Knox said I had improved very quickly and in a short time too. Vera wasn’t here, I’m sure off with Nicolas dealing with the hunter issue, but Knox was there and I couldn’t help but glance over at him.

He nodded to me, but his expression was much easier to read than Mya’s, he looked uneasy. It could be because of Mya’s skills or he was nervous of the outcome and how he would have to explain any bruises. to Nicolas.

Turning away from Knox and his uneasy face, I tried to welcome Mya’s mor

positive one.

“I accept,” I finally said to her. Her smile widened and she headed for the center of the mat. She walked with a level of confidence I could only dream about. As I went to join her, I tried to calm my nerves. The audience didn’t help but fighting someone who isn’t out to train me was going to be different. Not that Vera was easy on me, but each strike was meant to teach me something. Everytime she tossed me over her shoulder was a reminder that I forgot to block. I wouldnt have that with

Chapter 25 What the Wo

Mya, she was also here to learn and not just from the teachers. I was now her practice partner and she would not hold.

I could do no less.

Her smile finally faltered as she got into her fighting stance. She hunched over, spreading her feet apart and raised her arms mirroring. an animal ready to attack. I had yet to find my own signature stance so I just stood with my hands to my side and faced her head on, my eyes laser focused on her.

A gust of wind blew between us, the only sound was the whistling as it passed. Seconds laters, Mya came alive. Though in human form, her movements were wild, animalistic but somehow still controlled. She was fast as she swung her arms at me, almost like a gorilla, trying to knock me off balance. Her erratic steps confused me, causing me to leave an opening for her. She took her chance and landed a double fisted blow to my middle.

At the last second I managed to deflect

most of the damage and stumbled back landing on one knee. She wasted no time and like a massive spider appeared to crawl towards me on all fours. It creeped me out more than anything. I’ve never seen a wolf move like this before. I was starting to understand Knox’s look of

dread.

Anticipating her approach, I held my ground until the last second. Just as she neared me, I flatted myself to the ground allowing her to crawl over me, I wrapped my legs around her middle, used every muscle I had to flip our positions and the strength of my legs sent her tumbling away from me. She rolled as came out of the entanglement with one. leg extended, the other bent and both mans crawling at the mat like at feral cat.

Chapter 25- What the Woin

That smile was back.

I was panting but so far, I hadn’t looked like a complete fool, at least I didn’t think so. Finally, she stood to her full height, no longer mimicking an animal and raised her hands to block her face. I wanted to relax, seeing a normal pose, but Mya was definitely a fighter with tricks up her sleeves.

I allowed her to charge at me. Vera told me I had a natural gift for defense rather than offense. I better have, considering the life I had. Mya didn’t keep me waiting long. Her foot work was impressive but after a few left, right, left right, I could see where she was going. Vera was too fast for me, but this time I knew what was going to happen.

Mya threw out her right arm, I veered to my right, reached out to grab her extended arm, pressed my back to her chest, grunted and flipped her over my head.

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As if it were in slow mention, I saw the surprised look on her face as she soared over me, but before I could rejoice in finally being able to flip someone, Mya landed on her feet and yanked my arm that had grabbed her arm and pulled me forward. I felt an elbow slam into my back sending me crashing to the floor.

I landed with a thud as the wind was nearly knocked out of me. Winded, I rolled to my back, panting with my arm covering my sweaty face. I groaned as my body fought relaxing against the mat or staying rigid.

I had lost. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I was annoyed at myself.

“Hey,” Mya called to me.

I exhaled and waited for the boasting I knew was coming. Except when I opened my eyes, it was her outstretched hand that greeted me. I

Chapter 25. What

hesitated a moment before taking it. She helped me to my feet and reached out to squeeze my shoulder.

“Good fight. I won this time, but I think it’s only a matter of time before it’s you helping me up,” she said, that cherry smile back on her face, “and cool stance by the way, intimating.”

I chuckled, unsure of how I felt like a winner even though I totally lost. Turning around towards Knox and the other she-wolves’ clapping for me was almost making me emotional.

As some of the she-wolves came to congratulate me on finally getting that flip move down, I found myself glancing towards the door that Nicolas liked to watch me from. The door was slowly closing and I couldn’t help but wonder if he saw the fight. It wasn’t a win, but there was no denying it was an improvement.

Turning away from the now closed door, I went over towards Knox. On my approach he mocked clapping.

“Bravo,” he said, “Vera would be very proud.”

“Yeah, but now she needs to teach me what to do when a person lands.

on their feet,” I chuckled. Knox laughed and then called for another two volunteers.