“You were slowing down.”
I spun toward him. “So sue me. I didn’t let one of his hits land. I was—”
“He was pulling his punches.” He shoved a finger in Donovan’s direction.
That wasn’t true. “No, he wasn’t.”
“Yes, he was.”
I stepped up to Micah. “No—”
“Yes,” Donovan said.
My mouth dropped open as I turned to him. “What?”
He didn’t even look a little bit sheepish. “I’m not about to hit you. Ever. Even here.”
I was going to murder him. “What was all this about how strong I am and how I can beat them and you’re not even trying.”
Donovan gave me a small smile. “You’re my mate. I can’t hit you.”
I ran my fingers through my hair as I screeched in frustration. “We’re sparring. It’s not the same thing as an abusive relationship.”
He shrugged, unfazed by my frustration. “It’s not a reflection on your ability. I’m Alpha. I’m one of the Seven and have been for a very long time. I’m much stronger than you, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not about to hurt what’s mine to protect. I’m still giving you a full workout, and—”
“We’re done with this. We’ll talk after. In private.” He needed to stop before he pissed me off even more. I turned to Micah, waving him forward. “It’s on.”
One of my other brothers caught me from behind and flung me into the air.
I tumbled over him, kicking him in the small of his back as I landed. Matt. The jerk. He flew into Micah. “What the fuck is this? A game of toss Meredith?” I punched Matt, and he blocked just before my fist crushed his nose.
And with that, the fight was on. Me against all four brothers.
Even Miles, who usually stood back, joined in.
I’d drop to avoid a kick, roll before one would stomp, and pop up only to almost get hit in the face. They were moving faster and more in sync than ever. I could barely keep up, and after a week with them, I should’ve been able to. It was like they were showing off for Donovan.
Oh shit. They were fucking showing off for Donovan. Those assholes.
With that realization, my wolf rose to the surface, and I let her. My movements quickened. My hits were stronger. I was better. One by one, I pinned my brothers down and forced their submission. Until it was just Max and me.
Blood trickled from my nose as we circled each other. I’d caught an elbow somewhere in there, but it’d already healed. Sweat dripped into my eyes, but I didn’t wipe at it. That would give Max the window he needed.
No. Max was fucking going down. Again.
I leaped at his legs, throwing him off balance. He hit the floor with a thud.
My wolf rose a little more, giving my weary muscles a boost, and I flipped Max. He swung an arm, trying to gain leverage, but I caught it and twisted it behind his back.
It wasn’t the best pin ever. I wiggled up Max’s body a bit so that I could get my knee on his back. “Submit.”
His body relaxed as soon as the word left my lips. Any fight in him was gone. “Fine.”
That was a nice change. I sat back on my heels. My breath came in quick gasps. I tried to wipe my face with my hands but ended up just spreading the sweat around. Gross.
Max rolled, his breath coming in pants. “You’ve gotten better.”
“At least someone’s finally admitting it.” All I wanted now was a shower, a giant glass of ice-cold water, and a nap.