Shocked to the Core #4
Bradford sighed, “No, you didn’t.” I asked, “Huh?” Bradford winced saying, “You said that out loud.” I groaned, “UGH! Why can’t I have internal thoughts? Let’s never focus on whatever I just said out loud… like ever.”
I waved my hands as if that would erase the moment that just happened. I changed the subject, “I worked ten times harder when I was kidnapped to be stronger, faster, and better trained than anyone else. After my wolf was suppressed... I tripled that effort.”
“I can easily take you down. I know without looking at your file that you do the bare minimum to get by as a Warrior. I’m betting the only reason you are here is because you have work in the gardens later. Or your dad made you come.” Bradford’s left eye twitched.
I laughed, “Ahh... so that’s what it is. Your dad made you come to train this early.” Bradford moved to attack, and I pinned him easily. I stood up warning, “Now, let this go. I’m better than you. You lost in less than ten seconds…and that’s a generous estimate.”
I turned around and felt him get up. I somewhat pleaded, “Don’t do it… just don’t do it. I was nice with my first pin… just… let me be nice and make a good impression here.” Gage snarled, “Bradford.” Uh oh. Bradford attacked anyway.
I heard several more growls and even saw Haley’s eyes narrow. I wondered when she’d popped in. Eric was already moving towards the ring with KJ, Chason, Fowler, and even Zane. Really? He was actively trying to make me cry. That was the takeaway. Freya snorted, “No, he wants to protect us.”
Gage linked me, “Take him down as hard you want. Abigail told me all about your skills. Do it. Bradford needs the lesson, and everyone already likes you. You don’t need to hold back here. That’s not what we are about, and that guy needs the lesson.”
I mean I was already going to do that. Permission was nice… and new though. Freya snickered. I simply turned and punched Bradford in the face and slammed him on the ground hard enough to break things.
A few people winced when they heard several things crack. I told Bradford, “One, no man with respect or honor continues a fight after they are pinned.” Several people clapped. I continued, “Two, no man with respect or honor comes for an opponent when their back is turned.”
I advised, “Learn some respect. You are not the first Warrior who thinks I’m some weak, wolf less chick who needs to be taken down a peg… and you won’t be the last. I mean what I say. I am an incredibly talented Warrior… and that’s not bragging.”
“Because I have statistical data as proof to back that statement up. I have skills you couldn’t dream of having because you are lazy and arrogant.
” Gage jumped in the ring beside me. I took a deep breath before saying, “When you heal, get back in here. I’ll help you improve your skills, but you have to want to put in the time and effort.
I think you could be great as a Warrior because you have the raw talent. You just don’t have the drive.”
I offered, “I can make you better, but I won’t if you don’t want to try. Take your whole life philosophy and throw it out. I know that’s hard, but it can be done. Educate yourself on the pack and how we really work. Come back to the gym and I will help you if that’s what you want.”
It wasn’t even the first time I made that offer. I’d made it many times in Black Path. It was surprisingly successful. Gage swiped his now shifted hand across Bradford’s chest. I told Toby, “See? I knew he would that.” Toby asked, “How?” Uhhh data.
Gage growled, “No Warrior attacks when someone’s back is turned in this Ring and you know that. You’re demoted back to a Warrior level five, and you’d better pray Alexander finds that to be enough. He could, and might, just kill you for this.”
Bradford’s dad came over to his son and took his hand. He looked disappointed in his son, but worried for him. I hummed, “I mean… that’s… not necessary. Bradley is just… learning. No… Bradley doesn’t work for him either.”
“The point is, he could learn and change. His mom… is easily a lost cause. She could go… I’m just saying. Bradford has a chance… he really needs a nickname… his name is so pretentious… the poor guy never had a shot with that name.” Gage shot me a look while KJ snickered.
I turned asking everyone here, “Who is done with their workout?” Five men raised their hands. I ordered, “Help Bradford’s dad get him to the hospital.” One snorted, “We should leave him there.” I tilted my head and gave him a second to change that response, but a few people nodded their head.
I disagreed, “No, you shouldn’t. He’s a fellow Warrior who was put in his place, but he is still your pack member. We help each other even when you think that someone got what they deserved. We help each other because we are a pack.”
“We defend this pack because we are Warriors. Part of being a Warrior is helping those in need. Bradford can’t walk and it would hurt him more to have his dad pick him up alone and carry him.
So, get that stretcher over there… pick him up and get him to Ethan…
I mean… the pack doctor… whose name I don’t know…
for reasons….like lack of introduction.” Gage snorted and several people laughed.
Freya said, “You are not pulling off not knowing people.” Ok… so I should’ve just stuck with Ethan’s name. Eric grinned at me. Haley was beaming and clapping her hands. The Warriors nodded at me and got a stretcher to put Bradford on.
No one even batted an eye that Haley didn’t offer to heal him. Eric broke the silence, “You do give one hell of a speech, Melanie McAlister.” I snorted, “I guess.” I faced the crowd, “Alright. Let's get back to work. If you want to spar with me... well, I’m already in here.”
Zane countered, “She’ll be there in a minute.” He grabbed me and took me into an office. I picked at my sleeve as he closed the door. I whispered, “Umm… Hi, Zane.” The former Male Lead Warrior stared at me for a second before engulfing me in a hug. Freya said, “He missed us.”
A cry bubbled up and I held him too tightly. I admitted, “I missed you…. so much… you never answered my letters… or emails… and now I know you didn’t get them…. but I…” Zane interrupted, “I emailed the fake you. I understand the hurt you feel because her brush offs and brisk replies hurt me.”
Zane continued, “I was so worried about you because we had to fight tooth and nail to get her to attend training, that she faked going to. I wrote you asking what happened and why you didn’t want to train.
I offered to come up there and put them in their place if they were being rude about you beating them. ”
I asked, “You did?” Freya said, “His wolf says they did.” Zane nodded, “I did, and I was worried you were lying about being bullied. Gods, we missed you in our pack. My mate cried wondering about it with me.” I cried while he held me.
I apologized, “I’m sorry I thought you ignored me… I just…” Zane cut me off, “No, you were a pup. I should’ve just gone up there to talk to them.” I whispered, “Were you compelled too?” The former Male Lead Warrior growled, “Yes.” I hugged him tighter. Zane had been like family, a cousin… kind of.
I stepped back and wiped my tears. I asked, “Do you come here a lot?” Zane answered, “Yes, the former Luna’s training program has us all rotating. You’ll see Tank here too. He’s…” I cut him off, “Alpha Sebastian’s Male Lead Warrior… I know. I mean… no I don’t.”
I tugged at my sleeve saying, “That would be weird… for me to know….because… I actually thought you were still the lead Warrior because Jason… had another job…that he didn’t have.
” Zane laughed, “Your brother technically pulls double duty. He does what other Beta’s in this pack do without the title. ”
I bobbed my head, “That’s good… I umm… how are Ziggy and Adeline?” Zane answered, “Furious. Adeline really missed you.” I’d protected them both. I hummed, “I saw Tank… he linked me… at the whole Alpha Theo’s fight.”
Zane said, “That was a rather impressive attack you mounted on Alpha Ezra’s packs and the rouges fighting. I won’t take up more of your time, but I want you to know something.” I asked, “What?” Zane answered, “It’s not blood, but you are family to me.” I teared up.
Zane continued, “If you ever want to tell me who hurt you, they die. If you ever need to talk, I’m here.
T gave me your number, and I know you know mine still.
It didn’t change. I love you, Ladybug. I’m so glad you’re home.
I’ll work out with you anytime whether I’m here or not.
It would be an honor to do so, as it always was.
” I hugged him again and we walked back out together.
I got into the ring and Fowler came in first. He was really good. I gave him a few pointers. Chason was next. They were both skilled. KJ was next and he definitely had skills. It wasn’t any wonder they were constantly around me. Xander must have assigned them to shadow me.
I coached several others through techniques. I could tell who the newer Warriors were versus the seasoned ones. When Xander stepped into the ring I could practically taste everyone’s anticipation. Freya purred, “Mate wants to spar.” Just like I’d always wanted and dreamed.
Zane linked, “Give him all you’ve got.” I smiled over at my former Male Lead Warrior. Xander almost got me a few times, but I managed to avoid being pinned at the last minute. Eric eventually called the fight. One day… I’d pin Xander… maybe… probably not, but it could be my goal.
Freya snickered, “We could pin him in bed anytime.” I told her, “That’s not what I meant.” Freya teased, “It’s what you should mean.” Horny wolf. Xander popped us to our room to shower together. Ummm that sounded dangerous… or cold... definitely both. My mate insisted it would be fine.