Ch. 131..140
Chapter 0131
“Still, not moving until she does.” Oliver's low warming timber makes me smile. “She's probably never slept this long before and needs it.”
“You jealous she spent more time with him than you two?” Sam is teasing Cam, but what are they talking about? My brain is still sleep foggy and I’m having trouble following their line of conversation.
“No!” He said defensively, and a little high pitched, very unlike his usual calm nature, and not in a way that had anyone believing him. “But my wolf won’t let me leave without her and we all need to go downstairs and meet with the Alpha King before they all leave.”
I take a deep breath and open my eyes curious enough to want to know what they are talking about. “The Alpha King is leaving, now? Is Xander going with him?” I push up from the floor and feel the tingling pins and needles from my arms waking up. Oliver’s arm is heavier than I thought and must have cut off the circulation to my own while I was holding on. I shake them out and wince, trying to speed up the process.
“Of course you get up when we mention Xander! Kota sounds irritated too. What happened while I was
sleeping?
“It’s hard to sleep when you guys are arguing right above my head. Are we free to move around the packhouse now? Osiston said they would let us know when we could come out of the lockdown.” I stood and stretched. That was some of the best and longest sleep I've had in forever.
“He told you his name?! The rest of us get to call him Warrior or Sir. And, yes, I do have to leave with my father, but we will be in touch. This situation Is unusual and until we figure out who the
target is or who the intruder is, we will have to keep working together. The castle is only a couple hours from here by car and 45 minutes by boat, so we could be here quickly if you need us.”
“You are the second person to ask me about Warrior Osiston’s name.” I yawn. “Does he really not allow anyone to use it?” Skipping right past the jealousy in Kota’s voice. “Do you know when you will be back this way? Or, well, I guess the guys are coming to you this summer for training. So it will probably be after that at the earliest with all of the things going on now.
That will be weird to not have any of you around.” It finally dawned on me that, at some point they will all be leaving, Sierra included.
“Warrior Brogan, usually goes by his last name, if he lets you call him by aname that is. My father
occasionally calls him by his first name, which is the only reason I know it. He really introduced himself with his first name?” He sounds shocked.
I just rolled my eyes and headed toward the elevators.
“Can we really go eat? You were right Cam, I am starving.” Cam gives me alittle smile at the acknowledgement when I pass him. Everyone shuffles to join me, the elevators ding and we all pile in. Kota pulls me back towards one of the corners and places me directly in front of him, wraps an arm around my waist and locks my back to his chest. Cam stands next to me and grabs my hand, interlocking our fingers.
Oliver stands in front of me and Mateo in front of Cam so I am completely boxed in. I’m glad I’m not claustrophobic since I am barely taller than their elbows. I can’t see a thing. I resist the urge to roll my eyes and huff, it’s a real struggle though. I am fully capable of protecting myself. The Luna’s, who are probably just as equally skilled at fighting, should be the main focus, not me.
When we get to the first floor there is a steady hum of commotion. Clearly everyone has been released from the lockdown and is in need of a quick meal and to get outside. Our wolves don’t like to be cooped up like this. At least we all got to be together, I feel bad for mates who were separated or parents and kids who were separated overnight.
We all grabbed food and headed out back, but instead of going to one of the patio tables, I headed straight towards the Luna’s garden maze. There aren’t any tables back here, but most people won’t go back here and we can get a little freedom from the commotion of the packhouse while still getting to be outside. | head straight toward my shady spot, with the hammock. I’m not dumb enough to sit in the hammock though, knowing the guys are going to want to sit with me and I will not tolerate them breaking my favorite reading spot.
Chapter 0132
Chapter 0132 "How long have you been hiding this spot?" Sierra sits next to me. We all dig in like we haven't eaten in weeks. This might be the equivalent for the guys who are used to full meals all of the time. The never ending supply of PB and J sandwiches we lived on yesterday were not enough. "Luna Ava has had it forever, she put the hammock up a few years ago when she kept finding me back here reading." I shrug at her. "It was always a quick place to get away from dad when he was in a mood. I turned my attention to Xander who followed us in and quickly changed the subject. "When are you guys taking off I have to make sure I find Warrior Nickolas and Osiston before you all leave." "Once everyone is done eating, I think. The guys are packing everything up now. Warrior Brogan was asking about you earlier, said you had a conversation to finish. Xander cocked an eyebrow at me and I just laughed and rolled my eyes. "Are you going to explain, or just leave us all hanging?" 'I can't here, the walls might have ears, but he can tell you on your ride back" I wiggle my own eyebrows at him conspiratorially. His eyes glaze over for a brief second. "And, on that note, it is time for me to go. Walk me out?" He looks right at me. "Yeah." I move to stand up and everyone else does the same. I fight another eye roll and move forward to walk by Xander, wondering if they will ever let me be alone with him. "We are going to have to find a way for you to come out, even if it's with with the guys. I know my mother would love to have you and you could see the torture we all go through each summer." He smiles at "That would be amazing, considering you are stealing all of my friends this summer. Even Sierra has to go home at some point." I pretend to pout, trying to give my best Sam impression. "Well then, we have to make it happen, since we will be the cause for that look" He smiles at me again and it lights up his whole face. I return it easily. I feel like we could be really good friends, if the guys stopped with their interfering jealousy. I'll have to figure out how to give him my information before they leave.
"Little One, you are going to have to explain how you make such good friends and such annoying enemies." Osiston's voice booms at me from the driveway. 'I will when you explain why everyone keeps asking how and why I know your first name. "Wait! He gave you a nickname too?! Xander almost shouts. "That is a good question, and I can only tell you that my wolf decides Osiston completely ignores Xander. "What?! What does that even mean?" I'm right in front of him now, straining my neck to look up at him. "And can you squat or sit or something? This is ridiculous." He chuckles and squats in front of me and we are eye level. "You are special Little One, I will be seeing you agaln soon. "Can I give you something?" I ask and he looks at me skeptically. "Just give me your phone. | say exasperated, holding out my hand. He gives it over slowly. I plug in my information, save it and then flip to Xander's contact and forward him the info. "There now we can communicate." I'm lookin at Osiston, but I'm speaking to Xander as his phone goes off. He looks at the notification and the largest grin splits his face, like a little boy on Christmas morning getting the first glimpse of presents. Alpha Reggie walks over with LunaAnne, "You really are something special. I can't wait to see what you accomplish.” He grips my shoulder in a manly way and then Luna Anne gives me a hug. “Keep in touch, sweet girl.” She looks over my shoulder and smiles, hugging me one more time and then moving on to the guys, then Alpha Lucas and Luna Ava. Once everyone is packed up and on their way we start heading back into the packhouse and an unease sets in my stomach.
Chapter 0133 really need to run guys, can we just go to the arena for a little bit? please? I need a couple Of hours, we slept for a whole day." I look at each of them. "You don't all have to come, but I can't go by myself even if you would allow it. Luna Ava said not to do anything alone right now. please?" I shake my hands out to try and get rid of some of the jittery feeling. The closed in feeling is making me anxious. I don't like feeling trapped, even if it's for my own safety. "Why don't the rest of you run along and Cam and Kota can help me, since she doesn't need all of you to tag along with her. I left a few things up in my room and could use a couple of strong men to help me." Kaley's high pitched voice cuts through like a dull knife. She's strutting up in what should be a shirt, but she has pulled down to act as a very short dress. "You can both help me gather my things and then escort me to my house?' She's smiling at them like a stalker looks at a celebrity. "It will give us some quality time together too." She simpers. "What could you have possibly brought to the party that would require help from two guys?" Sam asks, not hiding his absolute distaste for her suggestion.
'IA girl just needs a strong hand or two, that's all_ And I would really appreciate the help." She flips her hair and flexes her eyes at Sam daring him to contradict her again. The problem is, she doesn't seem to know Sam very well and he absolutely loves that Idnd of challenge. "Oh no, I totally understand, you need a schlep. Micah!! Hey, Micah, Come here a second!" Sam shouts over the crowd of people hanging outside the packhouse, I'm sure to catch a glimpse of the Alpha King leaving. Micah walks over slowly, eyeing us suspiciously. What's up Sam)" "Kaley here needs some assistance with her things and you are a perfect man for the job. You know, always wanting to step in and put a hand on... I mean, lend a hand to Our female pack members. You can follow her up, grab her stuff and get her settled back at her house, right? Thanks
man! Appreciate the help. We have our own assignments to get done. Sam turns with Sierra and starts to walk away, not even looking over his shoulder to see who is following. But none of us are dumb enough to stick around and let her try and wiggle her way into our group again.
I told all the guys they didn't have to do any training, but knew they wouldn't be able to sit out either. We did basic cardio, some stretching, which the guys hated, and then strength training in the weight room.
I needed to feel like I put my body through something today to get stronger, but I also had two hard days of full battle and I am still recovering from those beat downs. There's nothing like the feeling when your endorphins hit during exercise though It's the best Idnd of high ever.
"Okay guys we can go now, we will be back to our regular schedule tomorrow, so let's not overdo it."
I laugh at their sweaty faces, look at Sierra then grab her hand and run for it. I have no idea what I was thinking, but for once in my life I went with an instinct to just play and a game of cat and mouse seems like fun. We are laughing through the streets, making sure to keep the guys in our sights, but not close enough to catch us. As I run up the steps to the packhouse front door ready to declare myself the winner, I am looking back over my shoulder to make sure I can still see the guys who are kind of running behind us, they have clearly given up on the chase and could have easily caught up a long time ago, when I run smack into
someone and and we both go toppling down inside the entryway. "WHAT THE HELL?! Could you at least watch where you are going? There is no reason to run through the door like a wild animal. This is a formal packhouse and should be treated with respect and dignity."I am so sorry, I didn't realize the door was open when..."
My words fall short when I look up into the hateful eyes of Kaley. She had already popped back up to her feet elegantly, while I am slowly scraping my heap of a body off the porch. "What are you still doing here? I thought everyone went home. "Don't be ridiculous, of course I came back You don't think you can hog Cam and Kota as well as the Alpha Prince do you, you little skank? You need to get out of the way, there is no reason for them to even entertain the idea of being friends with you, let alone anything more, which is clearly what you are trying to do by leading them all on. She's talking extremely loudly and I'm not sure why.
"Won't your boyfriend be upset at all the time you spend with other guys? You must be an expert at all forms of s*x to keep them all occupied at the same time. Or maybe you get extra perks with the Alpha by keeping his sons satisfied.
Chapter 0134 "Huh?! What are you talking about?" "Why haven't we heard about a boyfriend?" Oliver asks behind me. Kaley looks at me with a triumphant gleam in her eye. "That's somethingwe should probably know about there, Bitty, don't you think? "What?! NO, 1..." thinkwe need to discuss this and make sure we approve of this guy, you know standards and all Of that. Thank you Kaley for bringing this to our attention. I'm sure you can see yourself out since you should have left hours ago anyway. Sam chimes in and pushes me past her and further into the packhouse followed by the rest of the guys and Sierra, who shuts the door in her bewildered face. "We need to find something to occupy that girl, she is exhausting to try and get rid of all the time." Sierra smiles at me. "You okay, she was kind of harsh. "You don't really have a boyfriend right?" Kota asks. "Really? That's what you're worried about? When none of you leave her alone for longer than twenty minutes at a time. Kaley was a b*tch to one of your
best friends, and continues to tell people she's the future Luna, that she's sleeping with the exclusively and who knows what else and you're worried about a boyfriend she fabricated to make Skylar sound like a sl*t? Sky should be allowed to punch you in the balls as hard as she can for that. "I'm not punching anyone, right now. And, no, I don't have a boyfriend. Are you kidding? I wouldn't even know what to do in that situation. I barely talk to you guys, let alone any other guy in the pack I'm grabbing some food and heading to my room. I need to get back on track, we still have school and training this week I need to get caught up." I turned and walked to the kitchen, not caring if any of them followed me. This whole week has thrown me off my usual track. We've been out of school and I haven't had to deal with Kaley and her minions, everyone visiting has pulled my focus, but now that they are all
gone and the dust is settling, my old routine of 'hide from the b *tches' will return and I can only hope I did enough to have the Elite Warriors want me next year. It's almost as if the kitchen omegas knew I was coming. A plate was ready for me with a sandwich, chips, veggies, sliced fruit and a bottle ofwater. One looked over at me as I came through, nodded her head to the plate and then winked before going backto her chores. "Thank you, Lenny! How did you know? This looks amazing! "You always eat a full meal after training. Gotta keep you well fed since you keep those boys of ours in line. She shrugs like it's common knowledge and not a big deal. ''Well, I appreciate it. Thank you so much." I hug her before I grab my things and start to head back out and toward the stairs as the rest of my friends file into the kitchen. "Hey, Lenny! Can we possibly get a snack too? Smalls totally worked us over and we burned through your amazing cooking from earlier." Kota asks excitedly after seeing my plate. "All the supplies are right there on the counter for you boys, Sierra, your plate is right there. Miss Skylar went up with hers already. "Wait! You made them plates and not us? I thought we were tight Lenny!" Sam whines. "We are, which is why you have access to food right after I just fed half the pack and guests and just finished cleaning everything up. Those two young ladies of yours, however, clean up after themselves and never make me come find my dishes." I giggle at her response.
These boys may help with parties, but they clearly don't with the daily chores. She may be an elderly omega, but she's like a grandma you don't cross at the best of times.
I stood waiting for Sierra at the bottom of the stairs, still smiling as they all whined and she scolds them playfully. Sierra meets me at the base of the stairs with her plate giggling as we hear the boys protest Lenny's claims. We head to my room and get started on the work for the next few weeks. I know Pm not behind, but it feels weird to not have a month's worth Of assignments basically complete.
For the first time in what feels like forever, but has only actually been about a week, the guys leave us alone. It actually felt weird to not have their auras and voices filling the room. Once we were done with all of the work we could complete, we headed outside. The day was so nice and I wanted to soakup the last rays of sun sitting in the hammock and reading quietly. Sierra just laid beside me and dozed.
Chapter 0135 We only last a few minutes before I look over at her lying next to me in the massive hammock "When do you leave? I actually didn't think about you only being here this year until Xander left today." "I actually don't know, my parents didn't have an exact return date. Who knows, maybe I can stick around a little while longer."
She smiles over at me. This year has been a blast, and very eventful." She giggles. "I was actually afraid of being bored away from the never ending business of the Royal pack. There is always something going on, something that needs attention, some person or pack that needs something. And don't get me started on the morons who think it's a good idea to try and attack and overthrow the Alpha King. But you, my friend, have kept me just as on my toes as any of those people. You are deceiving in your tiny little package." She squints over at me. "Well, maybe I will get accepted into the Elite Warrior program and I can get out of here and come see your world. That would actually be a fun trade." "You really have to stop talking about leaving, Bitty.
Oliver comes around the corner of the little hedge hiding my hammock holding his chest as he sits down on my side effectively scooching me to the center and almost sending us flying off with the unbalanced weight. "WHOA SH*T! sorry! He yelps. Thankfully he's quick on his feet literally, and stops the hammock from completely capsizing. He shifts us around so he's lying in between us. '(Why did you change your nickname for Sky? I noticed, earlier." Sierra trails off, we are all thinking about how they found me this morning in the Luna's room. "You called her 'Bitty' then too." '[I don't know really. 'Bite Size' was just part of the joke, but we just kept it up and since we all
started training with her and we all started getting bigger, it dawned on me how little bitty she really is compared to us. So it's something that I have just been thinking in my head, and it came out at that moment." He shrugged. "As much as I want to sit here and chill with you two, we actually can't stay, the Alpha sent me to find you, Bitty. He wants to talk to you about something. Let's go." He moves to get up and almost topples us again. "How do you manage to not look like an idiot getting in and out of this thing?" "Well, I am about the size Of your left leg, so there's that. I'm also just better." I giggle at him, jumping off the hammock sending him and Sierra swinging the other way. She uses the momentum to jump to her feet and the whole thing spins and almost dumps him in the grass. I jump away before he can grab me, trying to think of something to distract him. "Wait what about Sierra, Luna Ava said not to be alone." "Never fear her wolf in shining armor is here!" Sam jumps out from the bushes, causing us all to laugh. "How long have you had that line in your pocket?" She scoffs at him. "Long enough fair maiden. Can I keep you company while you lay majestically in the hammock?" He clicks his heels together and bows deeply before grabbing her hand and kissing the back of her knuckles. "Of course, good sir." Sierra giggles. "Come on, let's go before they start making out in front of us." Oliver puts his arm around me and leads me out of the little garden. "Hey! No on my hammock!! I shout over my shoulder only to hear laughter in response. And then Sam's "I make no promises." faintly followed. Please remind me to sanitize that thing." I lookup at Oliver. "They are probably not the first to bang on the hammock, Bitty." He lifts and eyebrow at me. "Ugh! I know, but now the thought is in my head and that's not an image I really want when I want to lay there to relax." I scrub my hands over my face. Oliver just laughs at me again. We make it into the Alpha's office and he's the only person here. I don't know what I expected, but I figured at least LunaAva would be here.
"Ah, Skylar, grab a seat. Oliver, can you wait outside please, this won't take long. I watch him leave really unsure of what is going on now. "Did...did I do something wrong sir?" I'm starting to panic a little. I have never been called to see the Alpha before and with everything going on, I hope that I'm not a suspect. I wasn't around when they found the severed fingers and had to lock everyone down. And with no unfamiliar scent leaving the territory they have to think it is someone from this pack There is no other explanation. Maybe the Luna was just being nice to me yesterday while they eliminated all other options, seeing if I would slip and say something incriminating. Maybe I am the only option left. I can feel my chest starting to heave as I try to control my breathing.
Chapter 0136 "Child. If you don't shut down your thoughts I will Alpha command you. I bring my unfocused gaze back to him and force myself to look into his face. He is rubbing his temples like he has a migraine.
"You are not a suspect, you are not in trouble, but yes I do think you may have information or might be able to help us with this situation. I have now been given limited details of your situation. I wish you would have come to me, but I also understand vthy you didn't. As a father, it hurts me to know that's how little you think of all of us fathers because of your personal experience.
I will not force you to tell me, but know this, I can and will help you when you are ready to give me your whole story. It does not make you weak to speak out against people who are taking advantage of you or harming you to better their situation." He takes a deep breath before continuing.
"As for our most recent incident, you are correct, I think it is someone who is in our pack or on our territory with permission based on the lack of unfamiliar scent. The problem is there was no recent scent to go with.
The strongest scent was the patrol wolves that had run in that area about an hour before we found the package. Meaning they are masking it somehow.
It didn't occur to me until too late that your unique sense of smell with regards to my sons might be helpful to us in our investigation. I am also aware that my mate and my sons would probably skin me alive for asking you to help since they are all convinced you might have been a target. But, since I am Alpha, I will do what I need to do to protect this pack as I believe you will. So here is my proposition for you.
I will bring you into this investigation as I see fit. I will not hide it from the Luna and I will only inform my sons if they ask I will not lie about your involvement, it just won it be a publicized thing.
I will leave it to you if you want to tell boys of your involvement yourself. Second, I want to la-low the next time you are harmed at school, no matter how big or little the injury. And before you argue, I have been watching from a distance and knew something was going on, but I couldn't gather enough evidence to do any formal investigation. I still can't, and my wolf and I are not happy about your situation in the slightest."
"I am not tattling every time someone shoves me in the hallway. That does make me look weak, like I can 't handle myself. "Currently you are not handling yourself. You may be stepping in for lesser or weaker pack members, but you are a punching bag for those who are weak minded. If you were handling yourself you would treat those bullies the same as you treated your opponents during trials. He squares a look at me, that makes me want to shrink back, but I won't, I won't look weak now that pressure is being put on me. "I just get in trouble. Even when I only use words to defend myself. The headmaster never believes me and told me if I was in any more fights I would be expelled or at the very least suspended, and I have never actually been caught in a fight."
I’m raising my voice, something I normally would never do, especially to our Alpha, but if he is in father mode then I feel justified in reacting like his teenage child.
"I can 't prove anything and I can't afford to miss school, especially not now with Elite Warrior training camp on the line. I won it jeopardize my spot, because someone got handsy with me. I will not let anyone take that away from me, I have put up with too much to get to where 11m at." My breathing has picked up and I can feel my chest tightening, tears threatening.
"I have to get out of here, I need to find my purpose, my own way. I won't let mindless bullies get in the way of that, they have already taken so many things. I am on the verge of tears and it just makes me more angry.
Knock, knock The door cracks open. "Bitty, you okay? I'm dying out here, it feels like an asthma attack Oliver calls in. I turn to see him grasping the door handle, knuckles white, his other hand on his chest and pain in his eyes. "I'm fine, sorry Oliver." I take a deep calming breath. I have to remember he is sensitive to my emotions all of a sudden for some reason, especially extreme ones. I take another breath and scrub my hands over my face, just another reason to keep my emotions in check When I look back at the Alpha, he has a curious expression on his face. "How long has he been able to pick up on your emotions like that?"
Chapter 0137 "Uh, I'm not really sure, he was able to find me yesterday when the Luna told me about what was in the package and I was... afraid." I couldn't tell him what really went through my head. "He said he felt' it in his chest. And he couldn't sleep the other night after the celebration, that he had a weird vibe and the only thing that made him feel betterwas sleeping on my floor next to my bed. I mean all the guys were in my room, but the twins were with me in the bed and he was on the floor next to me. Is that weird?" "I'm actually not sure, I don't know if I've ever heard anything like it. But another thing and the real reason I brought you in here is the Alpha King, Warrior Nickolas and Warrior Brogan want you to train with the Elite Warriors. They want you, soon too. I haven't told anyone except the Luna, Kyle and Brett about this either. Not even your father." He stops and just stares at me, letting that information sink in as I just stare at him. "WHAT!! ARE YOU SERIOUS? WHEN? HOW? WHAT?! I can 't even form a coherent sentence. I am so excited! "AHHH!" I jump up and run around his desk to jump in his arms. He's quick and saw me
coming, standing to catch me and wrap me in a hug. I let the small little girls in the backof my head the fleeting thought that this is what a father should do before I stuff it back down in the darkest corners of my mind. I squeeze the Alpha tighter, hopefully putting all my joy and appreciation into this hug. "Delta Kyle was not lying when he told you that you went against the most opponents both days. The warriors were trying to see when you would break You not only didn't break, you outmaneuvered most of the top warriors and the ones who would have eventually worn you down, were properly tired after their session with you. You even gave Xander a concussion that took a few hours to heal from." His chest bounced up and down with a silent chuckle. I pull back quickly to look in his eyes, to see if he's lying to me. "What? No I didn't, there's no way.
He's an Alpha King, the strongest wolf around. He didn't say anything to me yesterday or today.” "Well, I should say not. I would take that secret to my grave if it were me. But, unfortunately, he chose to challenge you in front of all his trainers, his father, our whole pack and visiting packs. He's just lucky that no one really knows what his wolf looks like yet, so he can stay somewhat anonymous. His trainers have been giving him a hard time though and will never let him live down getting beat by a female warrior who just learned to shift, is a quarter his size and weight and three years younger. And you, my dear, beat him, submitted his ass, and now you can choose to let him thinkyou have no idea or rub it in at the perfect moment. “I really have to process all of that, but when do I get to go for training? I thought they don't take anyone until they've graduated school. "You are a special case, my dear, not only are you a year ahead on your studies but they have never seen anyone like you and don 't want to waste any time. You are correct though, they want to give you a little more time here, so they will corne out at the end Of the next school year and decide then when you will go, but you will go to training." He smiles ear to ear. I am so proud of you, we all are, I hope you know that." My eyes fill up with tears and I hug him tight around the waist again. I didn't know how much I really needed to hear that, but the weight that lifts from me as I sob into his shirt tells me and him how much that one little phrase means to me. They are proud of me. The Alpha and Luna, Gamma Brett and Delta Kyle are proud of me. They see me, my efforts, my accomplishments, my drive. I made someone proud. The door flies open and bangs on the opposite wall. Okay, Bitty, I can't handle it anymore, what happened? Cam and Kota are out here asking what's wrong too. You are on some kind of emotional roller coaster, and I'm gonna throw up.' "You aren't the only one, I have a massive headache. What did you do to her dad?" Cam asks, moving into the room, and close behind me. I can smell the citrus wrap around me like a soft blanket on a chilly night. Tiny, come here please, my wolf needs a hug from you to knowyou're okay so he can settle down." smile into Alpha Lucas' shirt and sniffle in. I turn and hug Cam around the waist and feel his body relax into mine, then I turn to Oliver who
seems to have been on this ride with me the whole time. I rest my forehead on his chest and let him wrap me in a gentle hug. And finally I moved to Kota sitting in the chair I vacated. I sit in his lap and hug him around the neck Do they know? I ask Alpha Lucas over the mindlink, unsure of whether or not I can say anything.
Chapter 0138 No, they don't, but you can choose to tell them or not. It's not a secret you have to keep, but can if you want. They clearly know something is going on with you. I look up at all of them. This is exciting news for me. Something I have wanted for myself for so long, I don't remember a time not dreaming of this day. I am so excited I don't want to keep it from them. I finally have people to share things like this with, accomplishments that have been in the works for years. I beam at the Alpha then each of my friends. The Alpha King, Warrior Nickolas and Warrior Osiston want me to train to be an Elite Warrior." I basically squeal. Kota stiffens under me. Cam grips the edge of his fathers desk, knuckles going instantly wthite and Oliver's face drops and he sinks to his knees, breathing heavily. "Bitty, I thought we talked about this. He breathes in deep like it's difficult. "You can't leave. We need you, can't you see that?" Why is he pleading with me? This is good news. I move to get up, but Kota's iron grip won't let me move an inch. I try again, pushing with my hands this time. He's not looking at me, but at his father, with a glare that would bring a lesser man crumbling down. I reach out to Oliver, wanting to ease his obvious pain. He doesn't move, just stares at me in disbelief. '[I'm not leaving now and it's not forever." I try and reason with them, "It's just training. You guys all know I want to train to be an elite warrior, this shouldn 't be a shock They won't even let me start for another year at the earliest, but I didn't want to keep it from you. This is exciting news!" I try to sound cheerful, but their reactions are not what I expected and it's tough to keep up my enthusiasm. "Besides, you are all leaving in a few weeks, even Sierra, you can't be upset that I want to go train to be my best self too." When none of them relax and their sad and angry expressions stay the same slump against Kota's chest, feeling angry as my own revelation sinks in. They are all leaving and leaving me behind. And they are totally okay with that. What hypocrites, they are all going to leave me here alone while they go off and learn how to do a job that the moon goddess designed for them, but they want to keep
me here under lock and key like a fragile flower and go off to have fun and adventures. They are no better than my dad with his baby factory thoughts. 2 I can feel the tears burning the back of my eyes and normally I would blink them away or run and hide so they won't see them, but the more I think about the injustice of their motives the more the angry tears build and I eventually just let them fall. I don't sob, Pm not wracked with heartbreak, I'm furious. Angry tears just fall at the revelation that they want me stuck here too, with no ambitions of my own, only what they allow. Just continue on the well worn path that they are comfortable with, caged like a pretty bird only for display, never allowed to spread her wings and see what she is capable of. I am the trophy to show off as a party trick when other high ranking wolves come to visit. The freakshowthat they can use to make the pack look better. I stare at the window, letting my dark thoughts spiral, a strong longing to be in the forest outside hitting me, feeling the walls closing in on me suddenly. My body starts to shake with the anger coursing through me, boiling in my veins. I push at Kota's arms again, the steel embrace keeping me firmly in place. "Move your arms Dakota and let me up before I break them." I say it as calmly as possible, but the anger is definitely there.
He hesitates for just a moment before he snaps out Of whatever trance he 's locked in with his father and slowly loosens his arms. "We need to talk about this Smalls, you can't just leave us to go off on your own, it's not safe." "No!" I stood up, breaking his hold on me with more force than was probably necessary. I kind of hope I leave a mark for at least a little while. Alphas tend to heal quickly. I backed toward the door like a caged animal ready to strike. "You all can talk about this. Talk about how to wrap your tiny minds around this. I point at the three of them. '[When the Alpha King calls for me I will go. Until then keep your distance, all of you. No more nicknames, no more slumber parties and hanging out. I am not your play-toy or your property. I am a warrior of this pack and will be treated as such. My name is Skylar and you will use only that. You are all leaving for training, leaving me behind, it's
bullsh*t to think that I can't do the same. You are no friends of mine if you can't see what I truly want for my life and be supportive. You are a bunch of hypocrites. I don't raise my voice or yell at them, just state the facts.
Chapter 0139 "I will not stay here, caged and restricted. I will leave at the first opportunity and you may or may not be told about it if this is how you are going to react." I changed my focus to the Alpha. "Alpha, may I use your gym? The Luna does not want us to go out alone, and I respect that, but I don't want any of these guys near me right now and I have some anger to work out." My whole body is still shaking in anger and I need to desperately release the energy before I shift in the middle Of this office. My wolf is just as pissed as I am. She's ready to bang their heads together. "Yes sweetheart, use it as long as you need, I will send Brett and Kyle down to check in in a little while, you may need sparring partners. | nod my head and turn to leave. "Stay put, all three of you." The Alpha aura was strong and suffocating, it had me stutter in my steps until I realized he Was giving me the Space from them that I needed. "Would you like me to send Sierra down in a little while as well?" "That's fine, thank you Alpha." I say over my shoulder. I can't bear to look any of them in the eye. I won't feel bad about this.
As soon as I am through the door the explosion Of arguments from all three of them make me flinch. They can't be that angry about me leaving. It's not their decision, it's mine. And just the thought of them feeling so entitled makes the lava in my veins run even hotter. Gamma Brett is waiting for me in the hallway, his blank expression tells me, he has been told of the situation and he turns as soon as he sees me and walks to the stairway that leads down the the cells and the Alpha's personal weight room. He can't always get to the gym that is attached to the main arena, and frankly, probably can't get a workout in if he does go. There is always someone who wants to talk to him or aska favor of him, so he had a portion of the cells turned into a gym with weights, hanging bags and a large area for sparring. Gamma Brett lets me in with his code. "Do you want me to wrap your hands? The Alpha had a
brand new bag hung that could use some breaking in." Like father, like son I guess. That thought just adds fuel to my flames. He gives me a little smirk. Now I know he's aware of the whole situation and wants me to burn some of the energy before offering himself as a partner to spar with. At least he appreciates my strength and skill level. "Yes please." Is all I say as he walks me over to the storage rack that seems to have everything I might need to burn off the negative energy I have aimed at my friends right now. He takes my hands like Oliver has done so many times and gently wraps each of my fingers making sure the straps are secure. Once he is done he steps back towards the door and takes the position of a sentinel on guard. No words or eye contact needed, just my protector so I can disengage and fully let loose without having to spare energy on the world falling apart around me. I let the world fall away. No friends, no limitations, no bullies, no one to answer to, just me and the bag in front of me. Every possible emotion I have pent up inside goes into each and every hit, every kick more lethal than the last. I lose all sense of time and feeling. All the negative thoughts swirling in my head are released into the bag. Everything my father has ever spit out at me, every insult and false accusation from Kaley and her minions, all the self doubt that has pushed me to be better each and every day. I heard a crack a while ago, but I don 't stop to check for breaks in my hand. The pain just fuels the anger more. Pain is a weakness and I am tired of feeling weak, being treated like I am weak, seen as being weak Even my wolf is giving me space. She hates that we are fighting with the guys, she wants her pack, needs them, but she has always understood what I want and need. She hates being stifled by them too. She will not fight me when I choose to leave and further my training. Whether my mate is here or not this is a decision I have to be able to make. Training has really been the only thing I have ever had control over, that will not change now. I will never let anyone take this physical release from me. It's my bliss, my Zen, the happy place that is attributed to no one other than me. I want to push and see what I am really made of. I know I'm not the best based on how I did in the trials. I want to be THE best, not just the best here in this pack I want to be tried and tested, battle-worn with experiences I will never get being stuck here, so I can come home and pass on the knowledge to future generations.
Chapter 0140 When all of my limbs are numb, and I can't even lift my arms to throw punches, I sit in front Of the new bag and just stare at the hole I produced. The bowels of stuffing and sand spilling out onto the floor in front of me. I don't even know when it broke. I just stare and cry, let the emotional exhaustion take over, and a sick, twisted part of me hopes they feel it. Feel it to their core and it brings them to their knees. I want them to feel the pain and heartache that they have contributed to, unconscious or not. At some point the weariness must have taken over, because the next thing I know, my eyes are fluttering open to the sounds of voices. Angry, but whispering voices. I strain to listen while I take in my surroundings. "She has broken every bone in both her hands.. White walls, my bedroom walls are white right? "How is that even possible, she wasn't down there that long?" These sheets are scratchy, definitely not mine. "She punched a hole straight through the brand new bag! It's one hundred percent possible. I don't recognize the smell, I'm not in one of the guys rooms either. I wish these people would shut up, I'm exhausted. There are stress fractures in both forearms and in her lower legs that have already begun to heal. She is severely malnourished too, but that is probably a result of her level of training and participating in the trials and not replenishing properly. And don't get me started on the list of old injuries that were never treated properly before she got her wolf. I try to move my arms to sit up. "Ugh!" Everything hurts, what the hell happened? Even my hair hurts. "I hear her, please can I go in?" I know that voice. Luna Ava. "Yes, Luna, but only you. We don't want to overwhelm herwith too many people, she clearly has had plenty to deal with. It took 2 of us over an hour to catalog all of her previous injuries. What are they talking about? Who are they talking about?
"What the hell is beeping? Can someone turn that off?" Is what mumbles out of my mouth as my eyes focus. "Oh, sweet girl. You're awake. You have no idea how happy I am to see those gray eyes." I blink again as I focus on Luna Ava walking over and grabbing my hand. I wince at the gentle touch. "What happened? Where am I?" "We had to bring you in when you passed out in the gym and Brett couldn't get you to wake up." '[Where is here?" I can feel my heart rate rising at the thought. "You're in the pack hospital sweetheart. Why didn't you tell me how bad it was?" She's whispering, tears filling her eyes. "Howbad what was?" I try to play dumb but my slow brain is starting to connect the dots of the conversation that was going on out in the hall. "You said the bullying wasn't that bad and you could handle it. "The beatings? The torture? Who cares? No one gives a sh*t or it would have stopped. No one in our school cares about helping anyone else, they only care about their own status and personal well being. They all just keep their heads down and don 't make waves, because being an inconvenience is punishable anyway the principal sees fit and anyone else paid off. People look the other way when students are missing from classes, they don't bat an eye when injuries that have nothing to do with training show up. Why would anyone tell, when there is no one to tell?" I know she means well and she is not the real target for my anger, but she is here and she asked. I hope my voice was loud enough for the jack *sses in the hall to hear through the crack in the door. 'We do care, there is just..." "Nothing to go on? No proof? Concrete evidence? I raise my eyebrows at her, trying to keep my voice level, and she at least looks ashamed. "Those excuses are just more proof that not every voice is listened to with the same level of interest, if you aren't deemed important, then no one takes a second look The only important people are the future ranked leaders, just so you are aware." I sit up and start to pull the IV out of my arm, wincing at the pain from the needle and all the bones still healing in my hands, and then peeling all the sticky pads off the various parts of my body as the monitors stac strong. Please come sit back down, we will make arrangements for you to be moved
back to your room at the packhouse if you don 't want to stay here. Luna Ava reaches for me looking like she wants to cry.