My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 163

Chapter 163: Chapter 163 Under Moonlit Stars

Elena’s POV

The next morning arrived with the familiar routine of breakfast at our regular hour, followed by Corbin’s announcement that we were all expected in the shooting gallery.

Asher and I found ourselves walking at the back of the group, maintaining careful distance between us. Public displays of affection were strictly forbidden here, one of the most rigid regulations we had to follow.

"How old are you, exactly?" I found myself asking as we trailed behind the others.

"Nineteen," he replied simply.

"Really? I would have guessed older." The admission slipped out before I could stop it.

"My build throws people off. Everyone assumes I’m older than I actually am. What about you?" His question came with genuine curiosity.

"Nearly seventeen," I answered.

"When do you turn seventeen?" he pressed, and I felt myself pause, uncertain how to respond.

"I honestly don’t know my actual birthday. The people who raised me in my early years never told me before they shipped me off to that facility. I spent most of my childhood there, and birthdays weren’t exactly celebrated. So the date remains a mystery." The explanation felt heavier than I intended.

"What happened to your birth parents?" His voice carried a gentleness I wasn’t accustomed to.

"I never met them. All I was ever told was that someone abandoned me at a fire station." The words came out flat, matter-of-fact.

Asher’s attention was completely focused on me, hanging on every word I spoke. I had never experienced that level of genuine interest from anyone before.

When we reached the shooting range, Nico and Koa were called first, leaving Asher and me to wait in the quieter office area. We both welcomed the reprieve from the noise.

"What was it really like growing up on that military compound?" he asked once we were settled.

"Not nearly as glamorous as people imagine. My earliest memories involve combat training sessions. I took quite a beating on a regular basis," I said, trying to keep my tone light.

"Who was training you?" His brow furrowed with concern.

"The drill instructor. He never showed any mercy, regardless of my age. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. It shaped me into a capable soldier." I shrugged, attempting to downplay the harsh reality.

"But you were never given the opportunity to choose a different path. Doesn’t that anger you at all?" His question caught me off guard.

"To be completely honest, I’ve never really considered it. Being a Hunter is my entire identity, the only life I’ve ever been prepared for," I admitted.

"There’s an entire world beyond this that you’ve never experienced," he said softly.

"I can’t argue with that," I conceded.

"Good," he said with satisfaction.

"Can I ask you something?" I ventured, and he nodded expectantly. "What’s that scent you always have? It’s distinctive, but I can’t quite identify it."

His laughter was immediate and warm. "I don’t use any cologne."

"Seriously? That’s just your natural scent? Well, it’s actually quite appealing," I said, feeling heat rise in my cheeks as I looked away.

He didn’t respond verbally, but I could sense his amusement. The embarrassment was immediate and intense. Why had I even asked such a personal question? I needed to learn better self-control.

"Does anyone ever break curfew around here?" Asher asked, changing the subject.

"Not that I’m aware of. I haven’t been here long enough to know for certain," I replied.

"Well then, I suppose we’ll have to find out for ourselves," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I assumed he was joking, but that night, around midnight, I woke to find Asher standing beside my bunk.

"Time to go," he whispered.

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