ANTONIO

Few days later and Leila had practically been adhering to everything I instructed which I considered was a good thing and great improvement. Also, I had given Amelia the time she needed to make out every single detail on Alpha Xander and she had announced to me that we were finally ready to attack.


It made my heart swell with joy as I trained Leila in swordsmanship. It wasn't because I wanted her to be strong or anything but at least we needed to do something to deceive her that we actually wanted her to be strong.

I watched Leila intently as she hefted the sword in her hands when I passed it to her. At first, when I handed it over to her, I expected that it would be too heavy for her to carry but she had carried it and still maintained a perfect balance which got me thinking how.

She had already impressed me with her wit and charm and of course her powers, but now I was eager to see how she would handle a weapon. It wouldn't do me any good if she gets skilled in swordsmanship but seeing her holding the sword perfectly, I decided to show her real sword techniques to be sure she wasn't skilled with swords.


Before bringing her,Amelia had told me that she was no good with weapons but this can not be a coincidence .

I showed her the basic stance and grip, and she quickly adopted the posture, showing a natural altitude.


"Very good," I praised her but kept looking at her with surprise filled eyes and suspicion accompanying it.

"You seem to have a natural talent." I finally commented as I could no longer hold back the question that was on the tip of my tongue.

Leila's expression immediately brightened. "My father taught me a few things when I was younger. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it." She said and I knew that she was talking about Beta Carlson.

I never knew that he had such time to teach her on how to handle a sword, that was surely some shocking news to hear.

"Then let's see what you can do," I challenged, stepping into a ready stance myself; knowing that she might have some skills troubled me and I needed to find her capacity so we know what we were dealing with.

It would surely be a boomer if we find out that she has just been acting weak but was strong and skilled in fighting.

I thought she would decline but she gladly took my invitation and lunged forward with the sword with swift and fluid motion.

As she attacked, I countered and stared strangely at her. Why the hell did she learn how to fight like that?

Soon we were engaged in a flurry of swings, blocks, and parries. She was damn good in swordsmanship and my heart fell into the pit of my belly.

I was astonished by Leila's skill. Her movements were precise and calculated, and she seemed to anticipate my every move which was quite disturbing.

As our training progressed, I could see a competitive fire burning in Leila's eyes. She was relishing the challenge, and the exhilaration of sparring with me was evident in her movements.

After a particularly intense series of attacks, Leila pulled back, breathing heavily but with a satisfied smile.

"Wow, I forgot how much fun this is!" she exclaimed, clearly overjoyed yet exhausted by our sparring session.

I found myself smiling in response, impressed and enchanted by her spirit unlike what I was feeling deep inside of me.

"You're quite talented, Leila," I said, faking to admire her skill.

"With a bit more practice, you could be a formidable opponent." I said hoping that she would explain how she was so good but that would only raise suspicions.

As I continued to train Leila, I couldn't help but admire her tenacity and resilience.

Every time she stumbled or missed a parry, she would pick herself up and attack with renewed vigor.

"Leila," I said, pausing our session for a moment, "you have the spirit of a true fighter. With time, you could be an exceptional swordsman." I said with bile filing my tongue but I tried to mask my bitterness.

Leila grinned, a twinkle in her eye. "Well, if it means I get to beat you in a sparring match one day, then I'll gladly take that as motivation." She said and smiled.

The more we sparred, the more my anger rose and I told her that the sparring session had ended.

"How about you teach me how to control my powers?" She questioned and I obliged.

Leila stood in the middle of the training field, her eyes closed, her breathing deep and steady.

We had been working on meditation techniques to help her control her powers, but so far she was struggling to keep her energy in check.

"Just breathe, Lelia," I encouraged, my voice low and soothing. "Focus on the calmness within yourself. Visualize a still pond, no ripples on the surface."

Leila's face contorted in concentration, sweat forming on her brow. Suddenly, her eyes shot open, a look of horror on her face.

Leila's hands flew to her head, grasping at her temples. A low, crackling sound filled the air. "I can't... I can't control it!" she cried out, panic-stricken.

The wind picked up, leaves swirling in a sudden vortex around us. A dark cloud began to gather above, blotting out the sun. LIGHTNING!! The same thing that happened the first day she met her mate.

How could I not know that, that was her signature?

"Leila, breathe!" I shouted over the howling gale. "You must calm yourself."

Why the hell did I agree to train her on her powers?

She wasn't doing well with it and her whole body was trembling.

But it was too late. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder.