Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Chaos exploded on the balcony. Micoy roared and grabbed the first attacker by the collar, hurling him over the railing. "Stay away from her!"

The man screamed as he fell into bushes below. Another scout swung a knife. "You're exposed, beast! That glow gave you away!"

Elisa snatched a heavy vase and smashed it over the guy's head. "Leave him alone! We haven't done anything to you."

Micoy laughed through the pain. "That's my girl. Grab anything. These fools came with silver like they know our secrets."

A third attacker lunged at her. Micoy intercepted, claws slashing across the man's arm. "Touch her and die. She's under my protection."

Elisa found a small spray bottle from her PT kit in her purse. "This neutralizes silver reactions! I brought it just in case." She sprayed it on Micoy's fresh cuts. "Hold still. It stings but it'll help."

He winced but kept fighting. "You planned for this? Smart woman. Why risk yourself for me?"

"Because this fake thing is turning real," she shouted, kicking another scout in the knee. "And I don't want to lose you before we figure us out. Duck!"

Micoy spun and tossed the last man hard against the wall. "You heard her. Run back to your masters. Tell them Micoy doesn't scare easy." The attackers scrambled away, groaning.

He turned to her, breathing hard. "You okay? That was too close."

Elisa touched his face. "I'm fine because of you. But you're hurt. We need to get out of here."

They raced to his safehouse across town. Inside the quiet apartment, Micoy sat on the bed while Elisa cleaned his wounds carefully.

"You took those hits for me," she said softly, dabbing gently. "Not just for the deal. Why?"

He caught her hand. "Because when I look at you, the fake lines blur. You're brave, sharp, and you see the real me. Not many do. It stirs deeper than pack duty."

She leaned in, kissing him tenderly at first. "I feel it too. Your strength, your fire... it makes me want to drop every wall. Stay with me tonight. Not as pretend."

Their kisses heated up, slow and meaningful. "I need you close," he whispered, pulling her onto his lap. "Not rough this time. Let me love you properly, Elisa. Feel every inch of this connection."

She nodded, heart racing. "Yes." They undressed each other between soft kisses and whispers. She straddled him slowly, sinking down onto his length with a shared moan.

"So deep," she breathed, rocking gently. "You fill me completely. Tell me this means something."

"It does," he groaned, hands on her hips guiding her. "More than I planned. Ride me slow, baby. Let me feel you." His mouth found a small cut on her shoulder, licking it tenderly while thrusting up deep and steady. His knot swelled gradually, locking them together.

Elisa gasped, moving with him. "I love this side of you. Tender but still so strong. The fake dating... it's cracking my heart open."

"Mine too," he admitted between licks and thrusts. "You're becoming real to me. My woman. My mate in every way that counts." They moved together in perfect rhythm until pleasure crashed over both of them. She cried out his name as he filled her, holding tight through the long, intense knot.

Afterward, they lay tangled. "That felt different," she said quietly. "Like truth."

"It was," he replied, stroking her hair.

The next morning, Micoy's pack beta, Vance, joined them at the safehouse for a strategy talk.

Vance crossed his arms. "The fake relationship is holding for now, but that balcony mess nearly blew everything. What are the ground rules from here?"

Micoy nodded. "No more public risks. We appear together, support each other, but keep the shifting hidden. Elisa gets her stories, I get my image cleaned. Simple."

Elisa sipped coffee. "But what about real feelings? This isn't just acting anymore. Your pack okay with a human in the mix?"

Vance shrugged. "As long as it serves the pack. No real mating marks yet. Keep it controlled. Micoy, you teach her defense today. She needs to protect herself if trouble finds her again."

"Good idea," Micoy said. "We'll hit the gym. You ready to learn some moves, tough girl?"

Elisa nodded.

At the private boxing gym, Micoy wrapped her hands. "First rule: always watch your opponent's eyes. They tell you the next strike."

She threw a punch at the pads he held. "Like this? Feels awkward."

"Better than nothing," he encouraged. "Again. Twist your hips more. Imagine protecting us from those silver thugs."

They drilled for hours. Sweat poured down their bodies. "You're getting it," he praised. "Faster. Block high!"

Elisa laughed, breathing heavily. "This is exhausting but empowering. Teach me a takedown."

He showed her, ending up on the mat with her on top. Their eyes locked. "See? You pinned me."

Heat flared between them. She kissed him deeply. "I like being on top. But I like when you take control too."

He flipped her smoothly, pinning her wrists. "Then let's mix it." Passion overtook them right there on the training mats. Clothes came off in a rush. "God, you're beautiful when you're fired up," he murmured, kissing down her neck. "All that fighting spirit turns me on."

"Prove it," she whispered back. "Right here where we just trained."

She started on top, her warm pussy riding him hard and fast, hands on his chest. "You feel incredible. All that power under me."

Micoy groaned, gripping her thighs. "Anything for you, love. But I'm not staying pinned." He rolled them, pinning her down and thrusting deep, his dick digging harder. Sweat made their bodies slide together. "Oh shit! Every moan, fight, moment. I enjoyed it."

"Yes! Harder," she urged. "I love how you challenge me." They moved urgently until both reached higher pleasure, voices echoing in the empty gym.

After, they dressed slowly. "That training turned steamy quick," she said with a grin.

"Best kind," he replied.

Suddenly the gym door opened. A league investigator stepped in with two guards, holding a tablet. "Micoy, Elisa. We have video from last night. Clear evidence of abnormal strength and glowing eyes on that balcony. Because of that, the rival team filed a formal complaint, and the hearing is tomorrow. Explain yourselves or face permanent ban."

Micoy stood tall. "No! This is a setup."

Elisa squeezed his hand. "Calm down we can do this."

The investigator frowned. "Save it for the hearing. Your fake romance might not save you this time!"