I woke up with a throbbing headache from lack of sleep and too much crying. But after a long, warm shower I felt refreshed. There was no sound coming from the other room so I guess Ciaran is already out somewhere.
I went to the kitchen to get breakfast and was surprised to find that Ciaran prepared food for me. There was a note telling me he already left for pack duties and a short apology for what happened last night. I snorted at the apology but I’m not one to ignore food so I ate the breakfast.
After cleaning the kitchen I sat on the living room and watched some television shows. I was flicking from one channel to another not really noticing what was on the screen.
I was bored.
When was the last time I went for a run or go to train? I’ve been lounging around doing nothing since I came here and I think I’m getting lazy.
I stood up to change to my training gear. Good thing I had the forethought to get some loose pants when Ciaran and I went to the mall yesterday. I grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen and went to the weapons room in the basement to see what I can play with.
Most of the weapons stocked in the room were guns and knives. Werewolves usually fight in their wolf form so I guess that’s the reason for the lack of originality in the weapons room. Then my eyes caught something in the corner of the room lined together with some old swords and long bows. I picked it up, testing its weight in my hand. It’s perfect. I grabbed its twin and walked out of the room whistling.
Luckily, I met no one on my way to the training grounds. I was hoping for too much when I wished the grounds to be empty this time of day but I easily found a nice spot just a bit off the side where I could meditate and do my training in peace.
I started stretching and doing light exercises. I removed my shirt as my body started to warm up. I left my feet bare because I’m more comfortable training without shoes, even outdoors. After getting the familiar feel of the weapon in my hands I started to do some routine moves just to make sure my body remembers.
I was resting and meditating when I felt Ciaran’s presence and he’s not alone. I could hear them whispering but I tuned out everyone, even Ciaran and Lorcan who were standing closest to where I was.
I could stop now. I’ve had a good start but I didn’t want to stop half way. And besides, their presence adds pressure therefore good for mental training because the next movements I would be executing requires undivided concentration and presence of mind.
I opened my eyes and met Ciaran’s unwavering gaze. He’s waiting, anticipating what I’m about to do. Well, not to toot my own horn but he’s in for a hell of a show.
I started weaving the nunchuks in my hand as I moved around the clearing. The feeling was back and even though I’m not handling a weapon that I personally own this one was easy to get used to.
I started at moderate speed, circling the space and spinning the weapon and hitting the air around me with enough force to fell an invisible opponent.
Every move I made is calculated, precise. When I got back to the center I started weaving faster. I spun the nunchuks around my body with both my hands so fast all anyone could probably catch from the movements was a blur. When I managed to find a rhythm that works for me I took out the other nunchuks resting in the waistband of my pants and weaved both with accuracy and precision that I learned through years of extensive training.
When I was in Moonscape I wasn’t allowed to train with the pack so I never realized my potential and ability in fighting until after I ran away. I learned martial arts in order to protect myself. Rothe knew how to fight. It came naturally to him. But I didn’t want to always call on him every time I feel threatened. I learned how to look after myself by taking self-defense classes and I took to martial arts training like a sponge sucking in water.
“Damn!” I heard Lorcan whisper to Ciaran after I’m finished. “Remind me not to piss him off.” He backed away and signaled the others to follow.
When I was sure Ciaran and I were alone, I turned to scowl at him.
“Did you have to bring an audience?”
I hate it when everything between us is broadcasted to the pack. I know he’s the alpha but does he need an entourage every damn time he’s out of the pack house.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t find you and I mind linked everyone to see if anyone has seen you.” He scratched the back of his neck and I can tell he’s a bit uncomfortable about what happened. “They were just worried.”
Yeah, I bet. Note the sarcasm there?
I didn’t want to remark on their so-called ‘worry’. I just bent down to grab the bottle of water and I could feel Ciaran tense behind me. I tilted the bottle to my lips and drank generously. The whole time Ciaran was watching me with a hungry look in his eyes.
Does this boy not think of anything around me aside from sex?
“Where did you learn how to do that?” He asked dragging his eyes away from my half naked body. I could feel his reluctance but he still managed to force himself to look away.
“I had a lot of free time and I used it to train.” I answered honestly.
I eyed him closely. I know what I said about his untamable lust but damn, he looks delicious today. I leaned in a little and tried hard not to sigh. He smells nice too.
I mentally slapped myself before continuing. “I didn’t have anyone to train my wolf with so I trained a lot in my human form. I can fight in my wolf form if needed but I made sure even when I don’t phase I can perfectly defend myself.”
He was stunned for a moment then his gaze softened. If I were being fanciful I’d say his look is close to admiration. After a while he nodded then a frown formed in between his brows.
Uh oh! He’s plotting something and from the naughty smirk playing on his lips I’m guessing this plot involves me.
“I can teach you,” he offered.
“What?”
“I can train you to fight in your wolf form. I’ve been thinking of training you anyway at least now I know on which part you’re lacking.” He sounds very convincing but I can feel there’s a catch somewhere.
“Aren’t you busy?” I said looking at him suspiciously trying to discover what he’s planning. “You can just order someone to train me.”
“No, I want to be the one to train you.” He said seriously. “We’ll train in the morning before I do my pack duties and we’ll also have sessions at nights too so you’ll get used to fighting in the dark.”
So far this plan of his doesn’t show any hint of hidden motive. All his suggestions are rational and sound. I’m beginning to think he’s really just volunteering to train me.
“Of course you’ll have to train with the others on days that I can’t be with you so…”
My ears perked up at that. I was never allowed to train with the others and I’m excited at the prospect of finally being included in doing something with a group.
“Okay,” I answered gamely, trying but failing to hide my enthusiasm. “When do we start?”
“We can start…” He trailed off then growled viciously.
I took a step back because he caught me off guard, wondering what set him off.
“Go back to the house,” he ordered scanning the line of trees surrounding us.
Something was wrong.
“What is it?” I asked moving beside him.
“Go back to the house!” He snapped his eyes still trained on the trees.
“NO!” I snapped back. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
He muttered a curse under his breath before looking at me.
“The south border has been attacked and they’re moving in. It’s not safe here. Please Ruari, go back to the house.”
Lorcan appeared beside us with a handful of warrior wolves.
“The others went ahead of us, alpha.” He reported.
Ciaran nodded then pointed to Bran, “Take Ruari back to the pack house and make sure he stays there.”
“Yes, alpha.” Bran answered taking a step towards me but I backed away.
“I’m coming with you.” I declared.
“No!” Ciaran glared at me but I’m not going to change my mind.
I’m not some weakling that needs to be protected. If the border was attacked and they’re advancing on the compound then there’s no safe place within this territory anymore. I’d rather go and fight on the frontlines than wait for the fight to reach me.
“It’s either you take me now or I follow you after you’re gone.” I threatened. “Your choice Ciaran.”
He wanted to say something else but we both know we can’t waste any more time arguing.
“Stay close to me.” He whispered, loud enough for only me to hear, before he took off running.Â
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