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Alistair pulled them out of the small pond, feeling victorious. Bella sputtered up the water that had filled her lungs when she gasped in surprise when she first felt the water.

He covertly stared at her naked form. Her fire had burned away the loose layer of clothing that hid her. When they were underwater her skin had felt so warm despite her flames being extinguished.

Bella was growling at him in annoyance. She hadn't actually expected to lose. She hadn't lost in a fight in nearly a millennium.

"Give me your coat." Bella said through her growl. Alistair tossed it to her. It completely engulfed her and smelled like him, dried blood, venom, and smoke. It was a nice combination. Bella turned towards her territory as she swept her wet hair out of her face.

"Wait, I won." Alistair said as he ran to her side.

"My exact words were 'if you can defeat me in battle I'll consider thinking about the possibility of you being my mate'. Now that you've somehow won I'll actually decide whether I want you as my mate or not."

"And how long will that take you?"

"Less time if you'd stop talking to me." Bella glanced at him and he had a very patient look on his face. "Bring me the best smelling human you can find tomorrow in our usual spot then I'll tell you my answer." Alistair could accept that. He nodded before running in the opposite direction of her territory.


Next chapter: Bella's contemplations.