Ethan's lips curled into a cocky smirk as Kasia agreed. Without hesitation, he reached down and peeled his shirt up over his head, revealing his chiseled torso.
Kasia's eyes involuntarily traced over the defined muscles of his chest and abs. She cursed internally at her momentary distraction. 'Good goddess, this man must bench press trucks,' she thought.
As much as she hated to admit it, she found Ethan incredibly attractive. There was an undeniable magnetism about him that made it difficult to look away.
Ethan noticed Kasia's lingering gaze, and a sly grin spread across his face. "If you keep staring like that, you're going to make me think there is another way I can make you stay," he teased.
Kasia felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment at being caught. "I don't know what you are talking about," Kasia said as she quickly averted her eyes and busied herself with unzipping her pants.
Kasia refocused her mind on the task at hand. Ethan's attractiveness would not sway her. This was about winning her freedom, not ogling her captor. Ethan let out a laugh and sprinted towards the lake, diving in gracefully with just his boxers on.
Kasia stepped out of her clothes and down to just her bra and panties. As she walked to the water's edge, Ethan's eyes involuntarily traced over her body. That's when he noticed the scars-jagged marks crisscrossing her torso.
Ethan suppressed the urge to snarl and hold her in his arms. Who dared to harm his mate? His brow furrowed slightly at the sight, but he was careful not to let his expression betray any pity. Kasia seemed like the type who wouldn't respond well to being pitied.
"They were from a long time ago. They don't even bother me now," Kasia said. Ethan said nothing as he didn't want to continue the conversation because he was having a hard enough time not ravaging her being almost nude in front of him.
Slipping into the lake, Kasia was surprised at the warmth of the water. It embraced her body pleasantly, in contrast to the occasional cool breeze blowing across the surface. "Nice, isn't it?" Ethan said. "It stays warm like this even during the winter. You'll love it then."
"I have no intention of staying here that long to find out," Kasia responded curtly. She steadied her breath as she focused intently on the far shore.
"On your marks..." Ethan called out, treading water next to her. His muscles tensed in anticipation.
"Get set..."
Kasia clenched her fists under the water, ignoring the bead of sweat trailing down her temple.
"Go!"
In a splash of water, they both took off, driving themselves forward with powerful strokes. Kasia kept her eyes trained ahead, pumping her arms methodically through the lake. This was about technique, not brute strength.
The water parted easily with each stroke as she found her rhythm. Inhale, rotate, extend, and pull. Her lungs strained for air, but she maintained her pace. She was holding her own against Ethan.
Glancing to her side, she caught a glimpse of Ethan's focused expression. His hair was slick against his forehead as he powered on. She was stunned for a brief period at how he moved effortlessly through the water.
'Sexy, isn't he?' It was the voice from before.
'No, and get out of my head!'
'Perhaps you should just give up. There's no way you can win against him, and why would you want to?'
No. She wasn't going to listen. Kasia shook her head, breaking her gaze. She had to keep her mind on the race. Kasia pushed forward, propelling herself towards freedom. The shore was growing closer, but Ethan was still neck and neck with her. He then turned to look at her, smiling.
'What the hell is he smiling about?' Kasia thought. 'How can he look at me like this was effortless?'
'Because he is about to show you how a human can not compete with a lycan,' the voice mocked her.
Kasia's arms burned with exertion as she fought against the water. Glancing at him again, she saw with dismay that Ethan had pulled ahead. His powerful strokes cut through the water as he surged towards the shore. Kasia pushed harder, but the distance between them only grew.
Her lungs screamed for air, and her limbs felt leaden. Still, she refused to give up. Kasia summoned every ounce of strength left in her body. She wouldn't go down without a fight.
But it was of no use. With a few final strokes, Ethan's hand slapped against the rocky shore. He had won. Kasia trailed behind, chest heaving with exhaustion, as she reached the edge moments later.
She hauled herself from the water, defeated. This had been her opportunity, and she had failed. Ethan stood watching her, rivulets of water running down his muscular chest.
"That was pretty good for a human," Ethan complimented her before he smugly smiled at her. "Guess you're just going to have to stay and play nice with me. I already have a room picked out for you in the pack house."
Kasia bristled, her temper flaring. "That wasn't part of the deal," she shot back.
Ethan laughed. "Actually, it was. You just never asked."
Kasia opened her mouth, ready to unleash a torrent of angry words. But before she could speak, Ethan held up a hand.
"Are you hungry?" he asked suddenly.
The question caught her off guard. She blinked in surprise as her tirade died on her lips.
"What?"
"I said, are you hungry?" Ethan repeated. "I used to fish and cook here all the time. I bet I could still put a pretty good meal together."
Kasia hesitated, suspicion warring with the grumbling in her stomach. She hadn't eaten since early morning, and swimming had sapped what little energy she'd had. As much as she hated to admit it, she was ravenous.
Ethan seemed to read her thoughts. "Come on, just let me make you something. Consider it another peace offering."
She regarded him warily. What game was he playing now? This had to be some kind of trick.
But the earnest look in his eyes gave her pause. She sensed no deception there. And despite herself, the idea of a hot, home-cooked meal made her mouth water.
Kasia let out a resigned sigh. "Alright," she said slowly. "I'll let you cook for me."
A grin spread over Ethan's face. Clearly, he hadn't expected her to agree so readily. "Great," he said.
"What about our clothes? They're on the other side of the lake," Kasia said.
"Don't worry about that. I'll get a fire going and see what I can dig up. Just try to relax a bit. I think you'll enjoy this."