Chapter 198

Chapter 0198

“Come on.” He says, crooking his fingers at me. “Let’s have a go. You need a challenge, someone who will hit back.”

“I have no intention of having to answer to Cara about why you’re all bloody and bruised.”

He smiles at me. “Then I guess it’s good I’m mated to a Guardian. Apparently, when you complete the bond, you gain some of their strength. I’m stronger than you are now Liam.”

I frown at him. Is that possible, getting some of the power from the Guardians. I kick off my shoes and take a stand to begin sparring with him. “Is that why the Alphas forced them into a mate bond?” I ask as we begin to throw punches.

“I don’t think so.” He says as he sends his fist into my gut, knocking the air out of my lungs. Fuck, he is stronger. “From what we know from Ailduin, Alphas of the past did not get any additional strength from the Guardians.”

I swipe his legs but before I can land a punch, he’s back on his feet. Shit, he’s faster too. “I think,” he continues, “it’s only because it’s a fated bond, and a willing bond, that there was a transfer of power. But that’s just my theory.”

We go back and forth, throwing punches, getting in kicks. When we’re done, I feel better. I won’t be great until that fuckhead prince is dead, but my immediate frustration is gone.

“Thanks Rik.” I say and I mean it. It was exactly what I needed.

“No problem. Apparently, we are all family now and that’s what family does for each other.‘

“Yeah, well, I don’t exactly know how to interact in a family environment, so give me some slack if I screw it up.” I tell him.

“Done.” He says and we walk back inside. Angel is on her feet the minute I walk inside.

“Liam!” She looks from me to Rik and back again. She comes over and takes my hands, looking at my knuckles which are bloody and swollen. It’ll take a couple of hours for them to heal.

“I’m okay, I just needed to blow off some steam. I hate what you had to endure and that I wasn’t there to help you.” I pull her hands to my chest, covering my heart. “But I’m here now, and as I told you earlier, no one will ever hurt you

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again.” I tell her and kiss her forehead.

“I second that.” It’s Anders who speaks this time. “Liam, we have some ideas, but we will need to come up with a plan together so we can protect both of our borders.”

“Agreed. But tonight, I think Angel has had enough. She’s still recovering and I’d like to get her home.” I say, putting my arm around her shoulders.

“Angel, I’d like to start training you. I trained Lily when she first got her Guardian spirit and I have trained Cara all her life. I’m obviously well versed in the strengths and weaknesses of Guardians. I can help you get back on your feet faster and then help you to get stronger.” Clint suggests.

Angel turns to me. “What do you think?” She asks me. A part of me is proud that, out of everyone in this room, she trusts me enough to ask.

I look at Clint. “You’ll make sure not to push her too far while she’s still recovering?” I ask.

“Absolutely.”

I look at Angel. “Do you want to train with Clint?” She looks from me to Clint and back before smiling. “Yes.”

I nod. “Okay then.”

Cara starts jumping up and down. “Yay! Now I will have a training partner. Rik won’t let me train with the warriors anymore because I’m pregnant, but he can’t complain about me training with you.” She says before coming over and hugging Angel, as if she is the one that came up with the idea.

Rik looks to Clint while Cara is hugging Angel and there is a silent agreement that Clint will make sure that Cara goes easy during her pregnancy. That makes me feel better because Angel will need some time to build her strength.

“Come by tomorrow at 9am. We’ll swim some laps.” Clint says. We say are goodbyes and head home.

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Chapter 0199