The training grounds were nearly empty at this hour. Frost led me to a secluded section where targets had been set up at various distances. From a locked cabinet, he retrieved two pistols, checking both carefully before handing one to me.
“Let’s see what you’ve got,” he said, nodding toward the nearest target.
I took aim, squeezed the trigger, and missed completely. The bullet embedded itself in the wall several feet to the right of the target.
“I’m bad at this.” I lowered the gun, embarrassed.
“No, I think it has to do with your self confidence; you have the werewolf sense; that makes you stronger than you think; you just have to let your mind know that,” Frost said, his voice encouraging rather than critical.
He adjusted my stance, his hands gentle on my shoulders as he positioned me. “Now give your shot at that wooden mannequin by the left.”
I took aim again, focused, and fired. The bullet struck the wall, though at least closer to the target this time.
“I was aiming for the left,” I said defensively.
“Try again; this time don’t look away when you fire,” he instructed, watching me carefully. “Ready?”
“Yes.” I steeled myself, determined to do better.
“Now fire.”
Another miss, though marginally better than the first two. I lowered the gun in frustration. “Maybe this is not my fault; maybe this is all on that stupid wood.”
Frost’s lips twitched with amusement. “No, you just need some guidance.”
“Is the wood, you try?” I challenged, holding the gun out to him.
Without hesitation, he took it, turned, and fired three rapid shots. Each one struck the target’s center with pinpoint accuracy.
“Okay, I get your point; it’s not the wood; it’s me.” I took the gun back, feeling slightly deflated.
“Your dead stupid wood,” I muttered to the mannequin, taking aim once more.
Frost moved behind me, his chest warm against my back as he adjusted my grip and posture. “Your hands are steady; you can make the shot.” His breath tickled my ear. “Picture someone you dislike… a lot.”
I thought immediately of Thalia, with her smug smile and possessive gaze whenever Kaius was near. “Okay, I got it.”
“Then fire.”
This time, the bullet struck the mannequin’s chest. Not a bullseye, but a hit nonetheless.
“Now I want to know who the person you pictured is,” Frost said, grinning.
“I hate elder Thalia a lot,” I admitted. After a few more shots, I began to feel restless. “I think we could move on to archery now.”
1/2
Chapter 134
Frost nodded, leading me to another section of the training ground where bows and arrows were stored. As he began explaining the proper stance, I found my mind wandering, my attention caught not by his words but by the scent of him–pine and winter air, clean and crisp.
“Elowen.”
I blinked, realizing he’d been speaking to me. “Huh?”
“Are you listening?”
“Yeah… of course.” I tried to focus on the bow in my hands, embarrassed to be caught daydreaming. “You were teaching me how to
fire an arrow. I’m sorry, I’m just… I just really like your scent.”
His eyes darkened at my admission. “I can scent you now.”
The air between us seemed to thicken, charged with something that had been building for days–perhaps longer. The bow forgotten in my hands, I moved closer to him, drawn by an irresistible pull.
Frost bent his head, his lips finding mine with surprising gentleness. Unlike our previous encounters, there was no rush, no desperate need to lose ourselves in physical sensation. This kiss felt like a beginning rather than an escape.
His arms encircled me, strong and steady, as the kiss deepened. I melted against him, the anxiety of waiting temporarily forgotten in the heat of his embrace.
Suddenly, Frost pulled back slightly. “Elowen… we won’t be alone soon.”
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