Chapter 38. Training

**38. Training **
***Astrid's POV:***

"Yes, just like that, Bryan, utilize the technique I suggested the other day." Rafael exclaimed from the sidelines as we watched Bryan spar with another vampire, showcasing his skills so I could learn from him. He was particularly adept at sparring his opponent, but he was quickly tackled on the ground with his hands held behind him, limiting his movements.
"Martin, you have got a move there; come back, you two." Rafael ordered.
They both returned, panting from their exertion. At least Bryan wasn't; the other guy seemed in desperate need of water.
"Good Martin, you defeated a full-grown vampire while being a human," Rafael applauded.
I was startled to learn that he is a human, which makes sense given that he was panting for breath but also raises the question of what a human is doing here.
"Glad I could assist His Majesty," he said curtly.
"Alright, you can go now, and you can occupy the ground and ask everyone to practice there," Rafael remarked.
His interactions with me had been friendly, making me feel safe and trusting of him. Despite yesterday's proximity and my attire, he never made me feel insecure, even if he would take occasional glances at my body, and it was because I felt loved that way that I let myself go. After knowing more about him yesterday, I sensed a connection and similarities between us, both guarded individuals.
After learning more about him, I felt a stronger connection. His pain was evident in his voice, and I empathized with the challenges he faced at a young age. I wished I could do something for him, but all I could do was let down my own barriers in his presence.
I'm curious what he saw by reading my parents' minds, and I'm sure he met Edward; therefore, I'm sure he knows about him being my mate if he looked into my mind, which he wouldn't if he didn't. But if he did and knew, I'm not sure how he can be so calm, which leads me to suspect he doesn't. It's fine either way, but I'd rather be the one to inform him about my background than have him learn about it through others.
"Are you lost in Lalaland?" Rafael made a snapping motion with his fingers in front of me.
"Huh?" I blinked several times. "No, I wasn't; I was simply..." I'm at a loss for words.
"Just admit that you find me hot and can't get enough of me," he teased.
I diverted my gaze, cheeks flushed. "No, I wasn't," I retorted. "Can we start our training now?" I asked.
"As you say, my queen," he murmured, bowing dramatically in front of me, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Don't do that," I said, shaking my head.
"Do what?" Rafael gave me a confused expression.
"Nothing." He understands what I'm talking about, yet he enjoys hearing what I have to say.
He grabbed my hand and stopped me from entering the boxing ring in the center.
"Do you realize you're going to be announced as their queen in about four days?" Rafael reminded me. I fixed my gaze on him.
Yes, he said that in the morning and even added that I couldn't say no, but I haven't even responded.
Though I've met those elites and they appeared kind enough, I'm not sure how others would react to this. What if others share his father's opinion? Even if they like Rafael and won't say anything in front of him, what if they think I'm unsuitable to be his mate?
I want to win their hearts first, and... wait! Why am I even thinking about this? I haven't even accepted him as my mate. Or Maybe...
I shook my head. No way; I'm only drawn to him because he's nice to me, and our mate bond is showing.
Rafael's laughter jolted me out of my thoughts. "What?" I asked.
"I wish I had a mirror here so you could see yourself right now. You know how cute you looked when you were thinking whatever it was and shaking your head," he chuckled.
He brushed my hair and patted the back of my head.
"I'm not an animal you'd want to pet," I scoffed.
"Now I wish you had your wolf because I would have replied that you are an animal and I can pet you all I want," he grinned. My face sank. The thought of my wolf was always running through his head, and I knew I would be questioned about it at some point.
"Wait, what happened?" Rafael asked, understanding my misery.
"Nothing." I shook my head and began to walk away.
"Astrid." I came to a halt once more.
"Did you feel bad about the wolf thing?" he asked.
"No, why would I?" I lied, expecting him to fall for my deceptions.
"Yes, I did; I know now, and I am sorry; I was only kidding. I don't care if you have a wolf or not, which is why I'd like to show up in the ceremony." He made the offer.
"No thanks; I don't think I'm capable of that position," I said, tears welling up in my eyes.
"Astrid, what happened, my little dove?" he asked, concerned. "If you are not qualified for that post, no one else is, and you know I have even ordered a dress for you so you can accompany me." I shook my head. I'm not sure why these mood swings seem to affect me. I know that when I think about it later, I'll see that it's not such a big deal, but for now, this argument seems legitimate to me.
"All right, I have one more point here," he grinned. "Everyone is going to attend the occasion, and it will be like a ball, with Alphas, warlocks, witches, and other shifters coming to meet with us. I must host that in accordance with tradition, or I will fail to demonstrate my supremacy." He elaborated. I'm not sure if he's telling the truth or simply making an excuse to have me with him. "And how would you feel alone here when everyone else is going to the ball?" 
"Okay, I'm going, but not with you," I mocked.
"What?" he asked, wide-eyed. "What did I do wrong?" he complained. "Yes, you are coming with me, or I'm not going at all."
"No, you're lying," I said, shaking my head.
"No, you'll see; if you don't come along, then I'll have to take someone else, and I think I have a wonderful choice," he smirked.
I knew he was trying to get on my nerves to provoke a reaction from me, but I wasn't providing any.
"Astrid, how did we land in this argument? We were supposed to begin our training, yet here we are," he murmured dejectedly.
His words drew my attention, and I realized this had been happening frequently, especially since this morning. Yes, I had been dealing with this issue for some time, but it intensified after I met Rafael. Today, in particular, I couldn't fathom why I was getting irritated over trivial matters.
I sighed and moved my gaze to Rafael. "Yes, I'm sorry; I don't know what's happening to me," I admitted as tears welled up in my eyes. "I think I have gone mad." My voice became scratchy.
"Hey... Hey, my little dove, it's okay," he stroked my cheeks and brushed my tears away. "Do you want to continue or do you want to skip this session?" he asked.
"No, I want to continue," I said as things began to dawn on me. It's just a phase I go through from time to time, and today has been particularly bad.
"As you say, my queen," he said, lifting the ropes and handing me a pair of gloves.
I wore them, testing the fit by punching my two fists against each other. "You look ready," he was in his vest and shorts, facing me in a defensive stance.
"Born ready," I chuckled.
"For today, you will attack me, and I will attempt to defend myself. In the meantime, you should notice my movements and make mental notes of them. You succeed in surprising me, and you win. Understood?" Rafael elaborated.
"Aye, Captain," I laughed.
"And no, no cheating; I just wanted to let you know that my attention in training is sky high and your diversions aren't going to work on me." He tried hard to maintain a grim demeanor but failed horribly.
"We'll see," I said, taking it as a challenge.
"Ready?" I agreed by nodding.
"Let's go." I lunged at him, aiming for his guts, but he easily eluded my every move. Then I aimed for his side, but he was too fast to read my motions and deflected my assault once more.
"Good, but not the best I expected from you," he said.
That jolted my cords, and I began pounding left, right, and center, but nothing got any closer to him to cause even minor harm.
"Done?" he smirked, and I took advantage of the chance to sneak behind him, jump on top of him, and wrap my legs around his waist, lightly striking his side.
"I won!" I exclaimed joyfully. At this point, I was too preoccupied with my small victory to notice our position or feel awkward about it.
He giggled, which brought my focus back to reality, and my cheeks flushed as I realized he was carrying me like a baby on his back. He had tightly gripped my legs, making it impossible for me to fall back.
"Rafael, let me down," I whispered.
I was down on the floor in an instant, with Rafael hovering over me, but he was cautious not to lean his entire weight on me; otherwise, I would have been crushed under his muscles.
"You did win, but what if I had used my vampire strength?" he wondered.
"I guess I should thank my stars; you agreed not to use them." I winked.
"You are going to be the death of me," he muttered under his breath.
I tried to push him off of me, but who was I kidding? My attention was drawn to his lips, which were barely parted and fixated on mine. His eyes went red with an electrifying hue, and now that I know what it implies, I can't ignore it.
He gradually began to lean towards me, but I didn't back down. Instead, I closed my eyes and waited to savor his taste, but it never came.
"Perhaps another time," he chuckled, pulling away from me. What happened just now? I blinked, and as it hit me, I stood up, frustrated and enraged.
"Ughhh," I sighed in frustration and fled away, but I overheard him remark.
"Your dress will be here by night, and I can't wait to see you in it." I blushed as I dashed up to our room.
I leaned against the door, my palm on my pounding heart, trying to calm it down.
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**I'm going to try giving another update tomorrow, but I'm not going to promise.**
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