The Challenge

CHAPTER SEVEN

Elara's pov

 "Elara" a crooked voice called out to me as I stared into the forest.

"Who is there?" I asked, my eyes darting around me.

"It's alright I'm right here" a middle aged woman with raven black hair clothed in a flowing white dress emerged from behind a tree.

"Who are you?" Everything within me stiffened as I assessed her as she drew nearer.

"The question is not who I am but who are you?" Her lips tugged upwards and I stared at her in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I scrunched my brows.

"You have no idea who you are Elara" she shook her head slowly coming to a stop in front of me

"I know exactly who I am" I argued.

"You don't remember" the woman muttered.

"Remember what?" I asked her.

"Remember" she gripped onto my shoulders and gave me a gentle shake.

"Remember Elara" she urged me before she faded away.

"Elara" another voice called out to me as I slowly blinked into consciousness.

"Diana" I looked at the chubby woman hovering above me on my bed.

"It's time for training and Alpha Ronan does not tolerate tardiness" she informed me as I sat up. I scanned my room, trying to make sense of the dream I just had. It felt real, it felt so much more than what it posed to be.

"I'll be right down" I ran a hand down my face wondering how my dreams could go from Ronan to a complete stranger apparently trying to talk to me.

I take a few minutes to change into suitable training gear before I follow Diana down.

"The Alpha has requested for you at the special training grounds" Callan reveals just as we stop in front of him, without any preamble.

"Good morning to you too" Diana grits out beside me and immediately Callan's eyes turned to her and visibly softened.

"Good morning mi vida" the couple stared at each other affectionately and I had to look away, feeling as though I was invading a private moment as my cheeks heated. A pang of jealousy shot through me as I could clearly see the affection they held for each other.

"He isn't training with the rest of the pack?" I questioned, not so sorry about drawing them out of their little bubble.

"He normally does but he wants to have a one-on-one training session with you" he explained, all traces of work gone and I knew he was all business now. My heart dropped at his words, would my heart survive being in the same proximity as Ronan especially when he was sweaty and oozing the masculine confidence that seemed to be a part of him.

"He isn't so daunting Elara. You'll be fine" Diana chuckled at my expression as she led me towards the special training grounds.

"Have fun" Diana winked at me once we reached an open clearing before walking back the direction we came.

My gaze is fixed on Ronan's ripped back as if sensing my presence he turned towards me and my breath hitched.

I stared unabashed at his chiselled chest with few sweat beads making a path down his body. He was only clad in black shorts and his hair was a tussled mess. I desperately itched to run my hands through his hair, to tug him closer as his lips crushed against mine and I was pressed up against his form chest.

My eyes meet his and I swallow at the fire in them. Untamed desire burns within the depths of his silver eyes and from the constant flashing of his eyes I know he is fighting for control.

'Get a grip' I mentally shook myself before walking towards him.

"Good morning" I whispered as I approached.

"Were you able to rest well in your room?" He asked me and I could feel his eyes tracing along my body.

"Yes, everything was perfect" I gave a small smile.

"So what are we up to?" I asked awkwardly.

"I have to assess your strength and know exactly what type of training you require" he explained.

"And here I was thinking this was a lover's rendezvous" the words leave my lips before I could stop them and I cringe.

"It definitely could be if that's what you want" he replied, his voice dangerously low.

"You were saying about my training?" I tried to direct the conversation onto safer grounds.

"Fight me" he said simply.

"What?" My mouth popped open.

"Fight me so I can assess your abilities" he explained.

"I'm not going to fight you Ronan" I muttered. I wasn't that bad of a fighter but I knew Ronan would effortlessly beat me and that would be beyond embarrassing.

"How about we make another deal?" He suggested.

"You never make deals that are in my favour" I argued.

"It's only one deal we've made" he pointed out and I grumbled under my breath.

"Alright let's hear it" I conceded.

"If you can have me on my back, even for a second you can return to your pack and I'll break the mate bond" he said and my eyes bulged.