Chapter 25 Damon Asher's hand lingered on Elena's shoulder , casual but firm . Irritation curled hot and sharp in my I had no reason to care . No reason to feel this slow - burning irritation coil inside me . West +15 Bonus Yet , before I could think better of it , my feet were already moving . My long strides carried me across the training grounds with silent purpose . The murmurs of the other candidates barely registered as I neared , my entire focus homing in on Elena and Asher . She wasn't leaning into his touch , but she wasn't pulling away either . My lips pressed into a thin line , and then I acted . My palm met the curve of Elena's backside in a firm slap . The sound cracked through the air like a whip , silencing the surrounding chatter . Elena jolted forward with a sharp intake of breath , her entire body stiffening . Asher raised an eyebrow , his mouth twitching with amusement . Lignored him . Elena spun on her heel , her expression shifting from stunned disbelief to pure , fiery rage . " What the hell was that ? " she snapped , eyes blazing as she whirled to face me . I smirked down at her . " You're too distracted , " I said smoothly . " Focus on training . " The look she gave me could have melted stone . Asher let out a low chuckde , crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back slightly . " Didn't realize you two were this close . " His tone was teasing , but I caught the underlying curiosity in my cousin's gaze . Asher wasn't just watching , he was assessing , I didn't dignify that with a response . Instead , I kept my attention locked on Elena , who was visibly fuming . Her breaths came sharp and uneven , her jaw clenched so tightly it looked like she might crack a tooth She stepped closer to me , her anger radiating in waves " That was completely uncalled for . " Iarched a brow . " Did I hut a nerve ? " You " , Elena took a deep breath , visibly trying to compose herself , but the fire in her eyes didn't dim . Asher , still grinning , muttered , " You sure know how to keep things entertaining " It was Elena's turn to ignore him and I hated how much that pleased me straightened her spine . " If you have a problem with me , Your Highness , say it . Otherwise , don't do that again " 1/2 +15 Bonus I met her challenge with an unwavering gaze , taking in the stubborn tilt of her chin and the defiance in her stance . Instead of telling her to watch her mouth , my own said , " I'll be your training partner . " The murmurs around us sharpened into outright speculation . Elena's brows shot up . " Excuse me ? " Asher's smirk widened . " Now this is getting interesting . " I didn't react . " You wanted an answer , " I said coolly . " There it is . If you have the energy to argue , then you have the energy to train . " Elena's eyes narrowed . For a moment , she looked like she was going to refuse . Lila Heat flooded my face , not just from the slap but from the sheer audacity of it . The training grounds weren't silent , but it felt like they were . I could feel the stares , the whispers crawling over my skin like a second layer of sweat . " Did you see that ? " " Did the Lycan King just spank her ? " " Vanessa was right … " My stomach twisted . I should have been used to it by now , but I wasn't me in this place , I was Elena . Elena should have demanded respect for just existing , so how did I end up with the same status as back home ? Asher let out an amused hum . " Well , that was dramatic . " I shot him a glare , but he only smirked wider . Damon stood in front of me , arms crossed , utterly unfazed . His dark eyes locked onto mine with that same infuriating , unreadable intensity " You can't just " I waved a hand , unable to even articulate the level of his ridiculousness . " As I said , you're too distracted . " My nails dug into my palms . Distracted ? That was his excuse ?