A New Kind of Family #5
“Seriously? That’s a tough question. There’s really something to love about each country and its people,” he replied with a sigh. “But if I had to pick…I’d probably choose Norway.” “Why?”
“Something about standing on the edge of a cliff and looking out over a fjord as the sun rises in the distance,” he said wistfully.
“It’s a hard view to beat. I’ve been there a couple of times.
There’s a pack there that specializes in extreme cold weather training.
Another still lives like the packs did during the Viking Age. ”
“Wow, really? I bet that was incredible,” I said, unable to keep the envy out of my voice.
I’d never gotten to travel much of anywhere because Sunny was never allowed to go anywhere. Our father was always too worried about Dark Moon coming after her to let her venture far beyond our territory.
“It was. I’ve even traveled across northern Scandinavia with a pack of nomads that herd reindeer for a living. It was an amazing experience,” he replied, still apparently awestruck by the memory. “I never spent time with a pack that wasn’t bound by borders before.”
“I wish I could see it,” I replied, marveling at the way his eyes lit up when he spoke.
“I’ll take you there sometime,” he said softly, reaching over to brush my hair behind my ear.
***
We talked for another hour, our lunch finished long before Caelan ran out of stories. I ate every one of them up, mesmerized by his every word.
“Thank you for indulging me,” I said as I cleaned up. “I think I’ve kept you from your training long enough.”
“Nonsense. I’m always happy to get to spend some time with you,” he replied sincerely. “What do you have planned for the rest of the afternoon?”
“Nothing, really.” I shrugged. “I’m sure I’ll find something.” “Why don’t you stay and train with me?”
“You want me to stay?” I asked, a little surprised.
“Yeah. I think it could be fun,” he said, looking me up and down. “I’ve never got to see you in action. How about a little light sparring session?”
“I’m not really dressed for it,” I remarked, gesturing toward the little pink sundress I had worn for tea with his mother.
“You won’t always be dressed appropriately when an attack happens. But if you’re worried about it, we usually keep extra workout clothes in the gym,” he suggested, taking the basket from me and setting it aside.
He’s not wrong, and it could be fun. Maybe I could get him back a little for all the teasing he did during lunch. Give him a taste of his own medicine. “Are you sure that you’re up for this?” I pressed, kicking off my shoes and dropping into a defensive stance. “Don’t want you to get distracted.”
“Baby, I promise I’m prepared for whatever your father and Huxley can throw at me.” He winked, flexing his bicep and shooting me a cocky grin. Goddess, he is a fine wolf.
He mirrored my stance, his hands held loosely at his sides as he crouched. “Show me what you got, baby.”
I swung low, his knee effortlessly blocking my strike. I darted back as he parried my attack, dodging him just barely. He was fast, and after a few moves, I knew I was hopelessly outmatched. But I wasn’t going to give up so easily.
I went to strike again, but he was ready for me. He grabbed my wrist, spinning me around and trapping me against his body. His hard chest pressed against my back, his arms pinning me in place.
“You’re good, baby. I’ll give you that,” he whispered softly in my ear, his breath hot against my neck. “You’re fast, and you’ve got power. But you need to leverage your strengths more. Use all the advantages at your disposal. Get creative.”
“You mean like this?” I asked, my voice breathy as I pushed my ass back against his crotch.
He groaned, his arms tightening around me as I rubbed against him. I waited until his hands started to drift toward my hips before pivoting and throwing him over my shoulder. He landed on his feet, jumping back as I reassumed a defensive stance.
His brow arched in surprise, a playful smile crossing his lips. “Oh, so you want to play like that, huh? All right, baby. Let’s do it your way.”
Challenge Pending
SHADE
The day of the challenge with Thunder Moon had arrived, and I couldn’t untangle the knot of anxiety that had settled in my stomach.
I felt apprehensive, doing my best to hide it as Caelan and I shared breakfast together in my rooms before he left to prepare. I wouldn’t be able to see him again until just before the challenge tonight.
Honestly, I didn’t want him to fight at all. I was angry at my father for putting us in this position and just had a feeling that something was going to happen. There was this ominous charge in the air that made me nervous, but I wasn’t sure why. This wasn’t the fight I was truly worried about.
I paced in my room, certain that my father was up to something. I had to figure out how to protect Caelan from whatever he had in store.
Why couldn’t he just leave well enough alone? Is he that determined to keep me in my so-called place? I don’t even understand it. My father’s wanted me out of his life for so long that he told others I was dead. You’d think he’d be happy that I’m no longer his burden.
“Is there any way that we can stop this?” I asked Taffy, a frustrated sigh slipping past my lips. “I’d rather have to fight my father myself than risk Caelan getting hurt.”
“No, Shade,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “For the hundredth time, there’s no way to stop the challenge. Your father issued it, and Caelan accepted. He has to see it through. If we back out, then it will be seen as a forfeit, and your father can demand your return. Caelan knows what he’s doing.”
I knew she was right. If I tried to intervene, then it might come off as a sign of weakness for Caelan, and a weak alpha was a liability to his pack.
I’d realized after watching the wolves at Harvest Moon that my father’s grasp over his pack was tenuous at best. To be honest, I wasn’t sure why no one had challenged him yet. There were other more capable wolves at Thunder Moon, but my father somehow managed to stay in power.
The only real weapon he’d ever had at his disposal besides his alpha command had been me. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d used the threat of my abilities or my curse to force everyone into submission.
“The best thing you can do right now for Caelan is be there to support him,” Taffy continued. “When you see him before the fight, let him feel how much you believe in him. As your mate, if he knows you’re with him, he’ll fight harder because he knows what he stands to lose if he doesn’t win.”
I nodded, determined to make sure Caelan knew I had the utmost faith in him.
Tonight, I won’t let him see my fears. I’ll walk in there with my head held high so he knows how much I believe in him.
***
By the time the sun had set, we still had not heard from my father or his delegation. My anxiety doubled as Taffy and Oliver escorted me to the arena with a full procession of pack warriors following behind us.
What could he be planning?
It was traditionally accepted that those in attendance would wear dark colors. Their alpha was being challenged, and it was considered a somber occasion.
I was already filled with enough trepidation about tonight’s event to come dressed as if I were going to a funeral, and I wanted Caelan to be able to easily find me in the crowd. I wanted him to know I was there.
Heads turned as we walked up the pathway to the arena, eyes on me as I entered. I had double-checked with Taffy, ensuring that the dress code was not actually a set rule before I donned a long white dress that swept down to my ankles.
The airy fabric cinched at my waist before flaring out into a flowy skirt. I looked like a princess from some ancient land. Like I’d stepped right out of an old Grecian artwork. It felt appropriate as my eyes fell on the arena for the first time.
I had seen it from a distance, but since it was only used in exhibition-style events like this, I had no reason to visit it before today. The large, dirt-covered stadium looked like something out of a history book, a place where brave gladiators battled for freedom and glory.
There were no walls or fences, the rough circle in its center ringed by a series of torches. Their flickering flames cast an eerie glow over the space.
Several benches and a couple of old bleachers sat around the perimeter for spectators, and a small stage with several chairs rested at one end. That is where I would watch alongside Alpha Leal and Luna Maty.
I spotted Caelan at the far end of the arena, and I could hardly contain myself, ready to rush into his arms.
“Whoa there,” Taffy said, stopping me. “You can’t just step out there. That’s the battle arena.”
“Why not?” I whined, looking longingly toward Caelan. “The fight hasn’t started yet. My father hasn’t even bothered to show up.”
“It’s part of the rules,” Taffy hissed. “We have to escort you to him since you’re ‘the mate in question.’ Caelan is trying to prove he’s worthy of you. You can’t be alone with him until after the challenge.”
“That’s a stupid rule,” I huffed.
“You’re a lot feistier nowadays,” Taffy chuckled. “I like it, but you still have to obey tradition.”
Oh. She’s right. I didn’t back down like I normally would have, and I’m not bothered by it. It didn’t feel like I did anything wrong, like I could express myself without fear of repercussions. I like that. It makes me feel like I’m slowly becoming the Shade I was always meant to be.
“Can you take me to him?” I begged, not ashamed to show my neediness for my mate around Taffy.
“Just a second,” she chided. “Oliver has to get the warriors in place.”
“Warriors?” I asked, noticing the four wolves lining up behind me.
“Yes. You have to be surrounded while in the arena,” Taffy explained. “Two will walk behind you, one on either side, and Oliver and I will take the front.”
“Will I be able to touch him?” I asked, hoping I would at least be able to hug my mate.