*bellicose = with aggression and willingness to fight

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​​

Author's note: this is from Serina's point of view

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Duke was telling me how to hit properly when the sound of someone clearing his throat got our attention.

Lazarus.

I wanted to ask Lazarus what he is doing in the gym. Based on his swimming trunks and a t-shirt, he came here straight from the beach, but I remembered that he is a werewolf, and he probably followed his nose here.

What's with that sour expression? Did something happen? Or is he not happy because I'm here with Duke?

I felt Duke's grip on my hips tightening and I realized that Lazarus was probably sulking because of the position Duke and I were in. Well, he can continue sulking. Duke and I are dating, and Lazarus will need to accept that or take a hike. I'm done with his childish behavior.

"Is everyone back from the beach?", I asked Lazarus in an attempt to break the awkward silence.

Lazarus nodded stiffly and I could see his eyes darting toward my hips that were covered by Duke's hands.

"I thought you will join us.", Lazarus said.

"That was the plan, but we were nearly mugged in town, so I thought that Drago should teach me a few moves."

Lazarus frowned with genuine concern showing on his face. "Mugged? Are you OK?"

"Yes, yes.", I confirmed with urgency. "There were four of them, cornering us in an alley, but Drago handled them."

I hoped that this will end up the talk about muggers and I didn't realize that I will fan the flames in the other direction.

Lazarus looked suspiciously at Duke. "Did he? And now he is teaching you how to fight? Are you sure that he is the right man for that job?"

"Do you have a problem with that?", Duke asked, hostility evident in his voice.

Lazarus lifted his chin, showing that he is not intimidated. "I believe there are more capable men than you."

Duke snorted. "And you think you are one of them?"

Lazarus smiled smugly with a hint of malice. His eyes flickered golden for a moment, and I had a bad feeling about this.

Did he forget that Duke is human? Lazarus is not going to shift here, is he?

I thought that it's logical why I would ask Duke to train me instead of anyone else.

Of course, I wanted to spend time with Duke (aka my boyfriend). In addition to that, Duke is a human who knows how to fight, so he is the best teacher for me since I don't have super-strength like Lazarus or Aldus to rely on.

Seeing that Lazarus is stubbornly provoking Duke, I gave up on trying to reason with him and I turned my attention to Duke. "Don't argue with Laz. You were showing me how to punch…"

"And this dog thinks that he can do a better job.", Duke interrupted me without removing his glare from Lazarus.

Oh, no! I was too late. What happened with Duke's words, how he usually doesn't resort to violence? And did he just call Lazarus, a dog?

The two of them started a macho-showdown, ignoring me completely. It started with me, but now it's about them showing who has the upper hand. How exasperating.

"Serina said you can fight.", Lazarus said mockingly. "How about the two of us spar and see who is the better person to teach her how to fight?"

Duke's determined expression crushed my hopes that he will listen.

Duke is usually a friendly and easy-going guy, and he snaps only when someone reaches his bottom line. Unfortunately, I am his bottom line and Lazarus reached for it.

I was annoyed with the current situation. Do they really think that the outcome of this spar will change my mind about who can train me?

I wanted to shout that I give up on training, but I had a strong feeling that it will not change anything between two blockheads who are eager to clash.

I chided myself silently for being naive. I saw that Lazarus is not happy with Duke's presence, but I hoped it will not escalate.

Duke is obviously protective of me, and I welcome it, but Lazarus is a werewolf, a powerful one. Duke should not provoke Lazarus or accept this challenge, but how can I explain that without mentioning werewolves or making it appear that I'm looking down on Duke?

I turned to glare at Lazarus. He should know better. Why is he challenging a human?

"Laz, can we have a word?"

"There is no point in talking now, love.", Duke said, his fierce gaze slightly softening when he met my concerned one. "Whatever you want to say to him, it can wait for after our fight."

Fight? I thought they were about to spar!

Things were spiraling out of control.

"No!" I shouted. "I won't allow it."

Lazarus flinched at my words, but Duke was unmoving.

"I know you are worried about your friend. I promise not to hurt him badly, but I can't make promises about his ego.", Duke said like he was trying to comfort me, but his words only made Lazarus implode in anger.

"Boy…", Lazarus squeezed through his teeth. "It seems you were playing with children so far. It's time for a grownup to teach you a lesson."

Lazarus walked to the clear area in the gym, and he removed his t-shirt in one swift move before extending his hand toward Duke and wiggling his index finger, inviting him to come closer.

"Duke, don't…", I pleaded even though I knew it's no use.

Duke's eyes were zeroed on Lazarus as he made his way toward him, removing his top and throwing it to the side carelessly.

Seeing them scowl at each other made me nearly pass out from worry.

Why is it so difficult to breathe? Is it my anxiety or something else?

I exhaled sharply and shook it off. This is no time to space out.

Instead of enjoying the sight of two ultra-handsome half-naked men in front of me, I grit my teeth in frustration. How the hell am I supposed to stop this madness?

I was furious at Lazarus. Why did he turn into a bully?

Yes, Duke is strong, and he has amazing skills but that is when measured by human standards.

How much can skills and whatnot be effective when facing sheer power that can topple mountains? Werewolves are much stronger than humans as-is, and Lazarus has the strength comparable to an Alpha!

For several endless seconds, it was a pin drop silence and only my heart thundered in my ears.

Lazarus glared at Duke while sizing him up smugly and Duke returned his gaze confidently while stretching his neck.

Rushed steps were heard from my right and I saw Emilio, Hugo, Cristina, and Zoe rush into the gym. One breath later, the other teens trickled in, bumping from the back in the first four.

Why are they here?

They all halted their steps at the door and proceeded closer with caution, no one daring to come too close or to make a sound, and I wondered why they are looking at two buffoons with such fear. Or was that admiration?

Mona peeked in the gym last with confusion obvious on her face. It seems that she just followed the crowd.

Duke and Lazarus acted like it's just the two of them present and I swear that the air crackled between them with hostility.

Lazarus's eyebrow twitched. "Let's see if you have what it takes to back that spirit…" His voice was low and dangerous, and I swallowed hard.

He is not going to fight Duke for real, is he?

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