?Chapter 69:

“Asshole, bastard, little piece of shit.” I paused mid-step, thinking of more insults to hurl at him.

“Bitch!” I said atst. He was a man, but with the way he was acting, he might as well be a bitch.

I stormed through the woods, my feet pounding heavily against the earth, leaves crunching beneath my shoes. A twig snapped as I stepped on it. My breath came in ragged gasps, fueled by frustration and anger. How dare he? I thought, my inner dialogue a jumbled mess of resentment.

He had no right to push me this hard. I didn’t ask toe to this stupid, lycan-infested pack. He had no right to take me away from my pack and try to mold me into some sort of lycan warrior when my wolf was almost nonexistent. I wasn’t a soldier. I was a werewolf, a pack dweller.

As I walked, the trees seemed to close in around me, guarding me from the toxic air of the training ground, their branches tangling overhead like Christmas ornaments. I was calm for a minute, but damn it, it was difficult to forget someone like Ryder, especially with the cruel games he was now ying. I felt trapped, suffocated by his constant presence. Everywhere I went, he was there, looming over me like a hawk, telling me what to do and ready to strike when I least expected it.

I quickened my pace, my heart racing with every step. I had to get away from him, from the pack house, from Isabelle’s snidements and judging gaze. I could still hear muffled grunts and noises from the training ground, which meant I was still too close to them.

I darted a nce over my shoulder, my eyes flying around the trees, ensuring no one followed. The quietness of the forest told me I was alone. The only sound in the cool wind was the rustling of leaves and swaying branches mingling with mybored breathing.

I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I didn’t want to be close to him.

The garden, once a sanctuary, now felt like an extension of his ws. I couldn’t count the number of times I’d bumped into him there. Somehow, he managed to invade that space, his presence spilling into every corner of my life. Even in the privacy of my room, I couldn’t escape his eyes, his voice, hisrger-than-life presence.

I marched deeper into the woods. The dense foliage enveloped me, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The scent of pine and damp earth was…

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Enchanting. I felt light-headed and happy. This was the type of solitude I’d been craving, and this secluded haven had be my new favorite spot.

A branch snapped beneath my foot, and I paused, listening for any unusual sounds. Silence.

Thanks to the now blistering sun, I had the chance to appreciate my choice of clothing, though my armpits were sweaty and my joints sticky. The shade from the trees kept the direct heat at bay, but the air was growing more humid. The trees began to thin, and ahead, I caught sight of a clearing. A glimmer of sunlight broke through the canopy, illuminating a narrow stream that sparkled.

“Perfect,” I let out a content sigh. What better way to cool off than in cool water, surrounded by such serene greenery?

Without hesitation, I waded into the water, still wearing my sports bra and leggings, feeling the cool water glide over my sweaty skin. Theke’s ssy surface reflected the sky above, creating an illusion of weightlessness. I dipped my neck into the water, allowing it to wash away not only the physical grime but also the emotional residue of the past few hours.

My feet curled as they grazed smooth, cold pebbles beneath them, with little koi fish swimming past. It pissed me off that I was still thinking of him. Even when he wasn’t around to annoy me, he still found a way to invade my thoughts.

The hell! My nostrils red, and I gritted my teeth, recalling each moment, each word, each gesture. How could one person be soplex? One minute, he’s acting romantic and seductive, his eyes burning with desire, his touch setting my soul aze with crazy passion. And then the next, he’s being aplete asshole.

My arms spread out by my side, and I began to make gentle strokes in the water as I swam. Thirty minutester, I was floating on my back, letting the water support my weight. The sky above transformed into a brilliant view, with deep blue hues that made the white puffs of clouds even whiter. I watchedzily as the clouds drifted slowly across the blue expanse. Nature in its fullest beauty. With my eyes closed, I allowed myself to bask in the sce of nature.

An idea I’d never dared to try popped into my head. Skinny dipping. Why not? I had this whole ce to myself. Besides, what was the worst that could happen? Peeling off my clothes, I tossed them onto a dwarf tree. My body, now fully exposed, began to shiver slightly, goosebumps spreading along my back and arms. I liked the feeling.

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