~Annalyn POV~
By noon, we were deep in the highlands forest, mist curling around the trees. Matteo had me in a clearing, showing me how to shift my stance, dodge, and throw a punch. His hands were on my hips, adjusting my posture, and my damn heat flared, making my skin buzz.
"Focus, Annalyn," he said, his voice low. "You're distracted."
"Yeah, because you're all up in my space," I shot back, shoving his chest. He didn't budge, just grinned.
"Gotta get used to it. Enemies won't give you space." He stepped closer, his hands sliding to my waist. "Try again. Block me."
I swung, and he caught my wrist, twisting me into a hold. His body pressed against mine, warm and solid, and I gasped, my wolf practically purring. "This isn't fair," I muttered, struggling.
"Life's not fair." He spun me, pinning me against a tree. "But you're stronger than you think."
