I grinned. “Maybe not, but it’ll be fun to try.” And if I could hold my own against him, then maybe, just maybe, I could start gaining some approval in the pack.

Donovan lunged toward me and I slid to the side. It was on. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me, but he’d still push me.

I threw a series of punches at him, trying to break through his guard, but he batted my fists away easily. On my last punch, he grabbed my wrist, yanking me forward.

Before he could put me in a hold, I arced into an aerial. The force of my motion with my whole body weight was enough to yank my wrist free.

I smiled at the muttering from the pack, but only had a split-second before Donovan started at me again.

Donovan kicked. I caught his ankle and twisted, sending him spiraling to the ground. He hit the stone with a heavy thud. I was pretty sure I heard a “Jay-sus” in the back of the room.

Donovan rolled to his back and grinned up at me. “I should really have mats installed.”

“You think?” I wiped a little bit of sweat off my forehead with my shirt. “This room isn’t doing you any favors.”

Donovan kipped up. “Let’s get it sorted right away. I’ve a guy we can call.”

I stepped back, raising my hands up to be ready for whatever Donovan threw at me next. “Good.”

With that, Donovan attacked again. Kick. Kick. Jab. He’d throw them, I’d block them.

Every time I managed to get a hit on him, more and more people joined in to cheer me on. It gave me a nice rush. Thirty minutes later, Donovan had me pinned. I’d built up a good sweat, but it was over. It was the same pin I’d used on Max. I was flat on my stomach, my cheek pressed against the stone. Donovan had my arm wrenched in an impossible position behind my back, and his knee was digging into my spine.

I couldn’t help but laugh. At the sound, his arms relaxed, and he bent down to brush a kiss across my forehead. “We need to work on your offense. You’re good with defensive moves, but you don’t plan ahead. You don’t press me.”

I shrugged. “Agreed. I’m all about defense. Especially when fighting against someone stronger.”

“But if it’s someone stronger, you’ll need to fight smarter.”

Fair enough, but I wasn’t sure how to do that and not get my ass kicked.

“I’ll show you how.” He rolled off of me and rose to his feet before holding out a hand. I didn’t need any help getting up, but it was nice that he offered.