Tempted By my Evil Lycan Stepbrother novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Dirty Tricks

Riley’s POV

My eyes widened a little, stunned

I never thought that warrior would pick me as his opponent.

Not because I was scared of him. But warriors and healers aren’t even on the same playing field when it comes to strength or combat skills.

Like Danica once said, healers are usually protected. We’re valuable, but fragile.

“Are you out of your damn mind?” Odin looked just as shocked. “You want to challenge a healer? Do you have no shame at all?”

Vincent didn’t even look embarrassed. He actually grinned. “That’s the deal. Take it or hand over the training room.”

“Hey, we’re already being nice letting you choose,” Layla chimed in, sticking out her tongue. “We could’ve sent out Silas instead. None of your team would’ve stood a chance. Vincent’s, like, average in our group.”

I glanced suspiciously at Vincent’s bulky arms. The guy’s fists were practically the size of my head. That monster was average? Who the hell was she trying to fool?

“No. Absolutely not,” Odin snapped “There’s no way I’m letting our healer fight days before the Hunting Season starts.” “Yeah, let’s just drop it,” even Olivia spoke up, looking nervous. “They can have the room-”

“No.” I cut her off

They both spun around to stare at me, eyes wide in disbelief

I looked directly at Vincent, my voice calm “I accept your challenge”

“Wait what?” Odin grabbed my arm, lowering his voice urgently. “Are you insane? Look at him! He’s at least five times your size!”

“Relax I know what I’m doing,” I said softly

“The fuck you do!” Olivia hissed “You’re just trying to prove something. Be a hero or whatever. But what if you get hurt? You will get hurt. Then we won’t have a healer at all when the Hunting Seasonbegins. That could be exactly what they’re planning!”

“I get it. I know you guys are worried ” My voice dropped. “But I’m not letting these assholes walk all over us before the competition even starts”

“But

“Trust me. Just this once.”

I unzipped my jacket and tossed it to the side of the arena.

Underneath, I was wearing just a sports bra and a short athletic skirt, tight enough to show the muscles I’d trained for.

I wasn’t your average soft healer. I’d worked for this body.

I rolled my shoulders and walked to the center of the training mat.

“Well?” I called out, a smirk curling on my lips. “What are you waiting for?”

The boys on the other team started whistling and cheering, eyes full of amusement like they were about to watch a comedy show

Vincent swaggered over to me, grinning like a brute. His shadow completely swallowed mine.

+25 Bonus

“You’re tiny,” he said, looking down at me with a sneez. “I could snap your neck with one hand.”

I scoffed. “Or maybe I’ll fist your head off.”

He snarled, crouching low. “You’re dead, little healer.”

“Alright, one–on–one rules!” Silas announced loudly. “No shifting. No weapons. Hand–to–hand combat only. The fight ends when one of you can’t stand anymore. Now–BEGIN!”

He barely finished speaking before Vincent roared and charged straight at me.

Holy shit, this guy was massive. Like a freaking bear.

I dodged to the side just in time, the gust from his charge stinging my skin

“Running won’t win you the fight, little healer!” Vincent yelled, throwing a punch aimed at my face.

I ducked and spun out of reach. He was strong, no doubt. But also slow. Clumsy.

Interesting Maybe I could use that

He kept swinging, and I kept dodging, light on my feet. It pissed him off. After another missed lunge, he let out a frustrated roar and reached out to grab my shoulder

Perfect timing!

This time, I didn’t run

I planted my feet, grabbed his wrist with both hands, used his own momentum–and flipped him clean over my shoulder.

SLAM!

His giant body crashed onto the mat with a deafening thud

There was a ringing silence after that Everyone stared in shock

Then Odin burst out cheering Even Olivia started clapping in shock.

I glanced at Layla’s group. Their jaws were practically on the floor. Their expressions were precious.

“It’s not over!” Odin shouted. “He’s still moving!”

I stepped back, fists clenched, ready.

Sure enough, Vincent staggered to his feet, clearly dazed. That throw had rattled his brain. His shame turned to fury- he let out a guttural cry and charged again.

But this time, there was zero technique in his movements. He was drive by brute rage. Which meant he had forgotten all his skills and given me more chances.

He was so busy attacking, he completely forgot how to defend. I kept dodging, slipping through every gap, landing quick hits that chipped away at him.

The crowd grew louder. Odin and Olivia were nearly hoarse from yelling encouragement. Layla and her crew, meanwhile, looked like they were swallowing rocks.

Everyone could see it now–I had this in the bag.

Vincent lifted his fist again and went for my face. I was ready. I was going to flip him one more time and end the game

But just as his punch grazed past me. Suddenly, pain exploded across my shoulder.

.25 Bonus

Aeried out, stumbling back, and quickly looked down

A long, deep garh – at least ten inches–split open acros: my shoulder Blood gushed down my arm, splattering the mat

What the fucking hell?

How could a punch cut me?

I snapped my head up and looked over I was just in time to catch the flash of steel disappearing into Vincent’s sleeve

“Riley!” Odin shouted “What happened? Are you okay?!”

I clenched my jaw, still staring Vincent down. “That cheating bastard used a weapon.

“What?! Bullshit!”

Voices from the other team erupted Layla’s shriek was the loudest. “There’s no weapon! Vincent’s hands are empty!”

“It’s in his sleeve,” I said coldly “I want a body search Now”

“No way!” Layla screamed “That’s just an excuse of yours! You’re losing, so you are making things up to blame Vincent. That’s just pathetic!”

“Excuse me?” Odin barked “Riley was the one winning Everyone saw it!”

Layla rolled her eyes “Sure Vincent’s standing just fine, and she’s bleeding all over the floor. I think it’s pretty clear who’s losing”

I stared at Vincent. He smiled snugly back. Darmin it. I underestimated how dirty these people could be. My vision blurred slightly from the blood loss

“You might as well give up, little healer, Vincent said loudly “Agid hand over the room. You’re just a weak healer. There’s no shame losing the combat to me ”

I gritted my teeth Screw you I didn’t lose

BANG!

That’s when the doors slammed open, interrupting our argument. Someone strode inside, fast and furious.

Ezra was wearing a sleeveless training tank and gym shorts, sweat still clinging to his brow. Obviously just came down from the training field. He scanned the room and locked eyes on me. Then marched over.

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