Defense against the world

"Awe, get easy on me!" I asked, clearly scared of me and she nodded. "I'll try."

I pouted but just sighed as I started to get in a defensive posture.

I would be amazed if I got out of here alive.

Alpha Ace was smirking proudly behind me.

While Arya didn't bother looking at Kai's expression.

She let me attack her first and she just dodged all my punches.

I know she wasn’t showing me her full power. She might be only mustering 25% of her abilities so that she wouldn't hurt me.

I punched and kicked and even faked some attacks on her but she was just going easy with me.

I only managed to scrape her knee and I didn't even manage to lay my hand on her.

“Damn this was a bad decision. I have to end this soon. This only makes me look bad. It's like comparing a child with someone that has years of experience.’

I swear I could feel her thinking that.

I fell on the ground with my butt hitting the cold grass.

Damn it.

I knew this would happen. But oh well.

"So? Is it clear now who won?"

Ace glared at her, to which she returned with a silly smile. Yep, you deserved it. "Your mate is feisty, Kai." He said to Kai and Kai only looked at her smugly.

"I won the bet then."

"Good for you." Arya retorted and then helped me up, "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you badly?"

I smiled at her, dusting my butt off, "It was just a scrape, nothing more." I then accepted her hand, "So? What now?"

I thought about it and sniffed the air. She seemed to be sensing something as she said, "Come on, let's wash ourselves up. There's a nearby river."

My eyes instantly light up, "Oh finally! I could use some bathing!" I was giddy now, "Is this your way of making up to me?"

She shrugged, "Let's just go."

"Can we come?" Asked Alpha Ace and she shook my head no. He gets on my nerves. too arrogant. It’s not that obvious that Arya does not hate Ace, isn’t it?

"No. I'll cut your balls off the moment I smell your scent!" She yelled after them as she drag me with her and Ace just laughed at her while Kai looked a bit...distraught.

She seemed so angry at them. Well, I do not blame her for it. They were acting like bastards now! Totally not gentlemanly!

I looked around me, my thoughts distracted by the view. I was too busy thinking about things that I forgot to admire where I am.

The sound of the flowing water was getting nearer. Lush green meadows and fresh clean air. Everything was blooming here.

Ah somehow, it’s great to be alive and I get to witness this.

I glanced at Arya as we walked in silence, “You’re really strong Arya.”

Seemed she was thinking something deep that she turned to me when I commented, “I am not. you’re just weak.” She answered without much thought, which made me feel hurt hearing from her. She’s just stating the facts but it still feels saddening.

Upon seeing my hurt expression, she immediately withdraws her words back. “Oh. I meant that it’s because you’re human. If it was another werewolf, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”

But there was a sneaky smile on my face, not believing a word she said, “Didn’t take you for someone humble. You are strong. Admit it.”

“Fine. I am. Happy now?”

I burst into giggles, clutching my stomach in laughter, “You know one second you’ll get kind but then the next thing, you’ll give snarky remarks. You’re different, Arya..”

“I know. It’s just me.” She said. It must have been her defense mechanism against the world.

I notice that her way of dealing with everyone is through her sharp teeth and harsh words. This way, she wouldn’t be the one hurting anymore. She wouldn’t be the one in pain.

We finally reached our destination, which is the river. I didn’t hesitate but took my clothes off and dive into the waters and took a bath. I swam around, smiling and waving at her who was panicking a bit as she haven’t tested the waters first if it was poisonous or not.

“Get back here, Kira. I still haven’t tested the waters.”

I shook my head, “No, I’ve been waiting for this! and just trust me, it’s safe here!”

She sighed, removing her clothes so they wouldn’t get wet, and joined me too. “Ah, this is refreshing. I'm really glad I have someone to bathe with cause if not, Ace won't even let me here if he’s not included. He’s a bit paranoid about my safety.” I complained, “and I want another person for a change.”

I rambled on and on and it’s a good thing that Arya just let me ramble on and on except she instinctively turned behind us, as if hearing something suddenly.

Oh, did the alphas come to join us? Goodness, it must have been Kai! Or is Alpha Ace watching us? Arya gritted her teeth in annoyance.

“I told you not to follow us!” She yelled but it wasn’t Alpha Kai nor Alpha Ace.

It was different and much more opposite.

In an instant, Arya pulled her body out of the water and dashed to the trees so she could put her claws on the unidentified vampire. A specie she wasn’t expecting to come at these hot lands. If anything, they like the cold. And this place is far from cold. It even smells of burning trees and burning bodies.

“Speak. Who the hell are you?” She glared, standing up defensively to protect me. Oh no.

We’re screwed. Between us, it was only she who could put up a fight. I’ll probably be dead now. This vampire loves to drink humans’ blood after all. He’s a threat.

“Hey hey hey, I came in peace!” His hands were up in surrender. I couldn’t see the vampire’s face, all I know is that he looks pale like the moon. “Geez, calm down please.”

But then when the moonlight appeared, I swear I just rolled my eyes, instantly knowing him. Pale skin, long limbs, sharp fangs, and scarlet eyes.

I am not mistaken.

It’s Gusev. This sly vampire! Ace’s friend! What the hell is he doing here? The last time was when we were attacked by the pack!

“Drop your hand, Arya. We’re safe. He won’t hurt us.” I told Arya who was still threatened at the being in front of us.

She raised her eyebrows, wondering why I was not panicking here out of the two of us….

In a tired expression, I looked at the vampire, “Gusev, what the hell are you doing here?”

“I was just strolling around when I heard your loud voice so I went and wanted to go with you two.” he started to explain and once Arya made sure he wouldn’t attack, she put down her hands but still looked at him with anger in her eyes.

“Ugh. You’re just always following my sound. Get a life.” I retorted to Gusev.

“But I want to join in the fun!”

I looked at him incredulously. What’s the fun in this? A female’s bath in the river is nothing fun! Unless he wants to take a peek at our naked bodies! I put my body deeper into the river so that only my nose is above the water so I could still breathe and cover my body at the same time.

“No. Leave. Why is it that you’re always out to someone’s business? Don’t you get tired?”

“No. Can you not expect someone to live for hundred years and not get bored?”