Chapter 23- Training The Luna
Blackridge woke slowly the morning after the quarry battle.
A pale gray fog clung to the trees around the territory, drifting lazily between the tall pines as the first hints of sunrise began to filter through the branches. Normally the pack would still be quiet at this hour, with only patrol wolves moving through the outer lines.
But today was different.
War had arrived at Blackridge.
And the pack was preparing.
Emily stood alone in the training field before dawn, rolling her shoulders to loosen the stiffness that still clung to her muscles from the fight at the quarry.
Her body felt stronger this morning, though she wasn't sure if that was because of the silver wolf inside her or simply because adrenaline had finally faded.
Either way, she felt different.
Her wolf stirred restlessly beneath her skin, stretching like a creature waking from a long sleep.
"You're early."
Emily didn't turn around.
"I didn't sleep."
Jay's footsteps crunched softly across the dirt as he approached.
"That's becoming a habit."
Emily glanced over her shoulder.
"You fought Marcus Vale last night."
Jay shrugged slightly.
"I've fought worse."
"That's not comforting."
Jay stepped into the ring beside her.
The early light caught the faint scar across his jaw, a reminder of the battle from the night before. His expression was calm, but Emily could feel the tension humming through the bond between them.
Not fear.
Alertness.
Jay's wolf was awake too.
Emily crossed her arms.
"So what's the plan today?"
Jay gestured toward the training ring.
"We start with control."
Emily groaned.
"That again?"
"Yes."
"You're very repetitive for an Alpha."
Jay ignored the comment.
"You shifted fully last night."
Emily nodded.
"Yeah."
"That means your wolf is ready."
Emily tilted her head.
"Ready for what?"
Jay's gaze held hers.
"To learn."
She sighed.
"Why does that sound threatening?"
Jay stepped backward toward the center of the ring.
"Shift."
Emily blinked.
"Right now?"
"Yes."
She looked around.
Several warriors were already gathering along the edges of the training grounds. Word had clearly spread about the silver wolf who had fought at the quarry.
Great.
Audience.
Emily glared at Jay.
"You could have warned me people were watching."
Jay raised an eyebrow.
"You're a Luna."
"I've been here a week."
"Exactly."
She groaned again.
Then closed her eyes.
The shift came easier this time.
Her wolf rose quickly beneath her skin, silver energy rushing through her muscles like warm lightning. Bones cracked and reshaped, fur spreading across her body as her senses sharpened instantly.
When she opened her eyes again...
She stood in the ring as the silver wolf.
A murmur rippled through the watching warriors.
Jay shifted too.
The massive black wolf appeared in seconds.
He circled her slowly.
Emily's wolf lifted its head proudly.
She could feel the difference now.
Her body felt lighter.
Stronger.
Faster.
Jay lunged.
Emily reacted instantly.
Her wolf twisted aside, dodging the strike with surprising speed before snapping playfully toward his shoulder.
Jay stopped.
His wolf's golden eyes watched her carefully.
Better, his voice echoed through the bond.
Emily's tail flicked.
You're just saying that.
Jay lunged again.
This time faster.
Emily barely avoided the attack, skidding across the dirt before regaining her footing.
Her wolf snarled softly.
Jay circled her again.
Control your breathing.
Emily focused.
Slow.
Steady.
The silver energy that had surged wildly during the quarry battle now felt calmer.
More controlled.
Jay attacked again.
Emily leapt.
Her wolf moved faster than she expected.
She landed beside him instead of in front of him, twisting sharply before striking toward his shoulder.
Jay stopped again.
Approval flashed through the bond.
Emily's wolf wagged its tail slightly.
Don't get cocky, Jay warned.
Too late.
Emily charged.
Jay knocked her onto her back in two seconds.
The watching warriors burst out laughing.
Emily shifted back into human form instantly.
"That was unfair."
Jay shifted back too.
"You charged an Alpha head-on."
"I was excited."
"That's not strategy."
Emily stood up, brushing dirt from her clothes.
"Well excuse me for enjoying my new magical wolf powers."
Jay smirked faintly.
"Magical?"
"You know what I mean."
He gestured for her to shift again.
Emily groaned.
"Again?"
"Yes."
"Jay."
"Emily."
She rolled her eyes.
Then shifted again.
This time the silver wolf appeared faster.
Stronger.
Jay nodded slightly.
"Good."
They sparred for nearly an hour.
Each round lasted longer.
Emily learned quickly.
By the end of the session she was dodging Jay's attacks with far more confidence than she had at the start.
Rowan crossed the field toward them as Emily shifted back into human form again.
"That was impressive."
Emily wiped sweat from her forehead.
"Thank you."
Rowan looked at Jay.
"She's learning fast."
Jay nodded.
"Yes."
Emily smirked.
"I'm right here."
Before Rowan could respond, another scout sprinted into the training grounds.
"Alpha!"
Jay turned immediately.
"What is it?"
The scout was breathing hard.
"Moonfall."
Emily's stomach dropped.
"What about Moonfall?"
The scout swallowed.
"Bloodfang attacked again."
The training ground fell silent.
Jay's expression darkened.
"When?"
"An hour ago."
Emily's wolf surged violently inside her chest.
"My family is there."
Jay looked at her.
"Yes."
Emily's fists clenched.
"Then we're going."
Jay didn't hesitate.
"Yes."