Down by the River #2
“As you all know, I’m Raven, the annoying girl who was a little too loud.
If you have forgotten me, then I’m Raven Jacobs, the new Head Warrior, which means it’s my job to make sure you are all at your best. The Blood Moon Pack is one of the strongest packs in the country, and with it, we are always in everyone’s line of sight.
Things may have calmed down since the battle that occurred three years ago, but there is always the chance of danger.
So, we need to be in the best shape possible. ”
Last night came back to me, and I frowned, wondering how anyone had gotten into the pack grounds in the first place.
“We’ve never had a female lead warrior… like ever,” some guy murmured, and a few nodded.
“Hey, she’s-” Damon began, but I raised my hand. I got this.
I raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t think my capabilities should be defined by whether I have a penis or not. If anyone has doubts about my capabilities, you are welcome to come and face me one on one,” I said clearly.
“Make sure you treat her with respect,” Damon added, a warning clear in his voice. I looked at him, my eyes flashing.
“Thank you, Beta Damon, but I do not need anyone to defend me.” Guilt flashed in those eyes before he nodded.
“I will leave you to it,” he said quietly.
I moved away, turning on some music on my portable player and letting the upbeat music travel around the area. I was serious about training, but that did not mean we couldn’t have a little fun.
“Okay, I want everyone paired with the person behind them!” I clapped my hands. I could feel his eyes on me, but I ignored him. I needed to focus on my job. “Name?” I asked, pointing to a young man who was loitering along the side.
“Owen,” he replied, sounding bored.
“Pair up with… Taylor, isn’t it?” I said, looking at a well-built man who stood to the side. He smirked and nodded.
“Surprised you remembered my name, babe.” I smiled at him. Oh, I remembered Taylor; he used to live right next door to us.
“You were an annoying neighbour,” I said. He grinned.
“I am not pairing up with the loser,” Owen spat, making both of us look at him.
“Hey! That was an order, and I won’t tolerate you calling your teammates names!” I snapped, walking over to the six-foot-tall guy. I didn’t know what issue the two had, but I was not going to tolerate it in my sessions.
“You may be the Head Warrior, but you don’t have control over what leaves my mouth,” Owen said, smirking cockily.
“Well, Owen, I’m the boss here, and unless you want me to put on Disney songs for the rest of the session, I would listen because I swear, everyone will want to kill you after listening to Let it Go on repeat for the next hour or so.”
“It would make this training what it is, a joke,” he muttered.
“Want to spar against me, Owen? Maybe I’ll show you I am not here to play,” I said coldly, my eyes flashing.
He clenched his jaw, but it was clear he wasn’t stupid enough to challenge me. Everyone knew this position didn’t come easily. I had gone through my training and proved myself for this post. Taylor stepped forward, and I gave him a curt nod.
“Let’s see what you got, you fucking wuss,” Owen muttered tauntingly.
I got this, Raven, Taylor’s voice came through the link just when I paused.
Well, break his damn nose before I do it, I said. Regardless of the outcome of the sparring, he was going to get punished for his attitude.
I walked through the ranks, making small changes to posture and giving some input and advice as I went. I had just reached the front when Owen’s irritating voice reached me.
“Come on, faggot, show me what you got.”
That was my fucking snapping point. I spun around, breaking into a run, my eyes blazing as I raised my fist, punching him across the face, not caring when he hit the ground and rolled over several times before he came to a stop.
Everyone was staring at me. Blood dripped from my fist, and my eyes blazed.
My chest was thumping wildly, and my anger was raging around me as I stormed towards the man who was coughing up blood.
“I will not tolerate homophobic shits,” I growled, raising my fist, ready to punch him once more, when Taylor walked over.
“Hey… it’s fine,” he said.
It’s nothing new for him.
“It isn’t fine,” I hissed, shoving Owen back to the ground.
It is. He just has issues, Taylor said through the link.
It may not have bothered him, but it sure bothered me. Taylor was one of the nicest guys I knew growing up, and I could not believe him being gay was the issue here.
“I want fifty laps around the pack grounds, and if I see you flunking, I swear I will take this to the Alpha,” I said coldly, turning away just when he spoke.
“Wow, it seems like someone can’t control their temper tantrums,” he muttered.
Oh boy, you asked for it now.
Spinning around, I was about to punch him when someone grabbed my arm and yanked me back. The rush of sparks that coursed through me told me who it was before their scent even registered. He pulled me back, punching Owen across the face and knocking him out cold.
“Whoa…” Taylor muttered.
The group fell silent, and, oh, I was so mad.
“I will not tolerate disrespect,” Liam growled, glaring at the mass of warriors.
“I was handling that,” I said quietly, doing my best not to lose my shit because I swear by Selene and the power of her moon that I was this close to snapping!
He looked at me sharply, as if he was not expecting me to say that.
What did he want? Me to thank him and gush over his heroic move?
No, I don’t think so. “If you are done, Alpha. Can I carry on?”
He frowned, turning to me. I glared at him before his gaze dipped to my lips.
Not bothering to say anything, he stormed off.
I shook my head. This was not over because as much as I didn’t want to see him more than necessary, I needed to make it clear that I was not going to allow him to get up in my business.
Oh, Blue Eyes, you are so done for!