The Minx

I worked harder for the next few weeks. Besides sleeping and eating, all I did was train. I became obsessive. I was one-track minded. I took all of Marco's time. I barely left the house. I barely left the practice gym. I was getting stronger. I could call the light out on command now. The more adrenaline I had flowing, the harsher and more powerful the light was. Admittedly, I was a little neglectful to Aspen, but I was determined to beat him. Finally, the test was here. I stood on the mats as I faced Aspen. He looked tired as he faced me. All I felt was a fire behind my eyes. I needed to win.

"Are you ready?" Marco asked a bit solemnly. I knew he didn't want me to win. He mentioned it to me time and time again, but he still trained me wholeheartedly. I nodded as I crouched. Marco and Ben stood aside as we started. Aspen was hesitant at first, so I struck first. It was hard, trying to fight my chosen mate and benefactor, but I had to keep to end goal in mind. I didn't want to hurt Aspen by any means, but I had to win. We went back and forth, trying to pin each other. I refrained from using the light attack because I knew exactly how lethal it really was. Ben still hadn't healed from the one time I hit his shoulder and that was weeks ago. I had a plan to use it as a last resort only. We didn't shift into our wolves to fight and I was thankful for it. Shifting was still extremely painful for me. Aspen started to fight back when he realized that I was a real threat. I almost had him when he slipped through my fingers. We went back and forth. He almost got me a few times, and I almost got him a few times. I was fighting with everything I had. Finally, I won.

I panted as I stood on shaky legs to get a drink of water. I gulped down the water as I leaned against the wall. I grabbed the towel wiped the sweat from my face before holding the towel against my neck. Aspen stood as he took a breath.

"She actually won," Ben muttered in disbelief.

"Why didn't you use the light? It would've been over a long time ago," Aspen asked. I caught my breath before standing up straight.

"No matter what my end goal is, you're still my mate, Aspen. I'm not willing to do absolutely anything just to get my way. I didn't want to hurt you. Ben's shoulder still isn't back to normal even with werewolf healing, but that doesn't mean I will hold back with Kieran," I explained.

"Last time you froze," Aspen reminded me.

"Next time I won't. I'll be ready for him," I said confidently.

"He's still a nine-tailed fox, Camilla. What's your plan?" Marco asked as he crossed his arms. I sighed before dropping the towel and crossing my own arms.

"Kieran is obsessed with me for some reason. I'll stay with him just long enough to figure out the why and get him to fix my... issue," I said uncomfortably as I looked towards the ground briefly. It was weird talking about it in front of Ben and Marco.

"Then I'll try to get away. If I can't, I'll find his weakness, and try to kill him. If I can't kill him, I'll just try to do as much damage as possible and escape," I finished.

"Cami, that doesn't sound like a solid plan. It's 'winging it' at best. Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Ben protested as he took a step forward. Marco put a hand on his chest to keep him back.

"Well it's not like I can think up a more detailed plan until I can figure out what he's thinking. All I can do is focus on what we do know. And all we know right now is that he has some sort of obsession with me, and that I'll be capable of getting away if I need to," I explained.

"He can teleport, Cami. Do you think you'll be able to get far?" Ben asked.

"I'm with my son on this one. I don't think you should risk trying to out play a fox," Marco agreed.

"I made a promise," Aspen stopped their protests despite his own reservations. Aspen grabbed my hand before pulling me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist as he held me close to him.

"Let me go on record saying: I don't like this. I don't agree with it. I would rather keep you safe by my side and not risk this at all. But I've seen how determined you were over the last few months, and I know if I don't give you my permission, you'll go anyway and that's more dangerous. I'd rather you mind-link me whenever you need me. You beat me fair and square so I'll keep my word," Aspen said before releasing me.

"How do you plan on even finding that fox?" Ben asked in slight disgust. I knew he didn't approve of this. I knew he cared about me too, and he didn't want to see me in danger either, but my mind was already made up. I sighed as I touched Aspen's cheek gently. He leaned into my hand on impulse.

"There's no need. He'll find me, but I'll have to meet him alone," I answered Ben, keeping my eyes on my mate. We left the gym and went to our room. I showered and got ready for bed before going to sit next to Aspen. He had already showered and gotten ready for bed as well. I agreed for one last night with Aspen before going to seen out Kieran. Aspen sighed before he held my hand in his.

"I don't like this," Aspen said solemnly. I took a breath before I crawled into his lap and put my head against his chest.

"I know," I said softly.

"I don't know how long I'll be gone or what will happen, but you know I'm doing this for you, right?" I said before peeking up at him. He kissed my head before wrapping his arms around me.

"I know," he replied dejectedly.