Page 51 of His Bullied Fated Mate
“I’m changing your strength, Janella. It’s not like I’m telling you to put on a six-pack of abs. Now, quit whining and get up.” He held his hand out and helped pull me back up.
We were standing in the middle of the park closest to the city hall. It was the same park they used for training everyone, so it was equipped with padded mats and fake swords. There was a small shed where everything was stashed.
Riley had already pulled the training mat out. He stood by one corner, and I stood by the other. We’d been spared a couple of times already, all with me ending on my back. Riley wasn’t hard on me either. I was just that out of shape.
I had focused so much on work that I didn’t put working out on my list of things to do regularly, if at all. It showed. I was weak, and I was a little embarrassed with myself at times.
I threw a punch at Riley, but he blocked it. I pulled my knee up to drive into his stomach, which he pivoted. Everything I did, he had a way to get out of. We went in circles. I was trying to find some angle to pin him, and he was gliding out of everything with ease.
I was covered in sweat, and he was bouncing on his heels across from me. He waved his hands, not even breaking a sweat. “Whenever you're ready.”
I leaned over, grabbing onto my knees. “I’m ready for a break.” I stepped off the mat and threw myself back onto the grass. I panted for air. As much as I hated every second of this, I felt a little happy after every workout. I knew I was never goingto be doing things at his speed, but at least I felt like I was making improvements.
“You did well.” He moved closer, handing me a water bottle. “Getting better each day.”
“I hope you know, I’m plotting your death.”
He smirked. “What’s new?”
I couldn’t help but smile.
We went home to shower and then headed over to the infirmary. The infirmary had two separate areas. The left side was open to the public. A child coming in needing care, a mother who rolled her ankle. The right side was for all the patients affected by the bonds. They were careful who went in that direction.
We headed to the right and down the hallway. It was rather quiet today, which I welcomed. There were eight beds, and only three were in use. Cassie was standing near the medicine cabinet and smiled when she spotted us.
“Oh, morning. I didn’t know you two were coming in today.”
“I had a meeting that was canceled, and figured a trip was needed. It’s been a few days.”
“Well, since you're here, Riley, would you want to see if you can heal something for us?”
My eyebrows went up at her words. “Healing?”
She nodded. “Yeah. Healing is a pretty basic part of magic, but it does require a lot of concentration. We have someone who has a nasty gash.”
“I don't want to screw up.”
“They aren't awake. If you don't heal it, we can just stitch it up.” She hooked my arm, tugging me down the rows of beds until she stopped at the private room. She pulled me inside.
A man was lying on the bed unconscious. I could see a huge gash on her high thigh and marks all down her arms. My eyes widened at his state. Someone was stitching up his arms.
“What happened?”
“He was trying to calm someone and got hurt in the crossfire.”
She pulled me closer, and I took a seat in the chair. I swallowed, nervous as I looked at his wound. I shook my head and tried to focus.
Healing was simple. You just focused on mending the wound. Imagine the cells stitch together, the skin forming, and the muscles blending back into one.
I could feel my magic just underneath my skin, but it wouldn't come out. I pushed my magic further, trying to heal the wound. But nothing happened. The wound remained open, and I tried even harder. I felt dizzy as I pushed the magic forward, but nothing came.
“Janella?”
“Just give me a moment.” I snapped, trying to heal it. But the blood continued, and the wound stayed open.
I pulled my hands back and looked at Cassie. She quickly stepped in, starting to stitch the wound up. I took a step back and bit hard on my cheek.
“It's okay,” Cassie explained. “It takes time.”
