His Reluctant Luna novel Chapter 68

One good thing which had ensued during those troublesome days, when Regina threatened us, was the regular training. Lucian made me get up early every morning to train with him and his betas in the gym. That habit had remained. Compulsory training was part of the pack rule now, irrespective of gender.

Whenever I trained with Lucian, I would usually limp out of the gym, sore from all the times that I got pinned down by him. Me being his mate did not prevent me from getting as rigorous training as the rest of the pack.

Wolves, respect strength and are instinctively inclined to submit to someone stronger than themselves. Hence, Alphas need to maintain their strength. Lucian was such an exacting taskmaster, he sparred with me himself. And he never held his punches.

I loved the challenge and enjoyed it. The sex between Lucian and me was hotter after our training sessions. We would shower together and squeeze in a wild and satisfying romp in the shower after each training session. We would then have breakfast together, either by ourselves at home or with the pack. He typically accompanied me to my workplace if his schedule allowed it.

There were hurdles, especially with the new members. Gregory's pack was pretty backwards in this regard, and despite all this time, we were having a hard time integrating them into the Crimson Shadow pack. Their youngsters had never gone to a regular school, as education was never a priority with Gregory. Moreover, some of his top betas and supporters had fled when Lucian took over his pack. We had no idea if they joined some other pack or turned rogue. As long as they were not a direct threat to us, Lucian wasn't bothered.

As the Luna, it was my duty to ensure that all the females above 14 joined the training, even if they were weak.

"Is there a problem? Why aren't you training ?" I asked as I reached a group of girls huddled in the gym.

"Madam Luna, it's nothing. We were just......"

"Just?" I raised an eyebrow.

The girl fumbled.

"Madam Luna, our friend Lucy, she wasn't allowed to join the training. We were just talking about her."

"Not allowed? Who didn't allow it?" I asked puzzled.

"Her parents, in our old pack, girls didn't train. It was considered disgraceful." The girls said.

I shook my head and folded my arms," what is your name?"

"I am Betty," the girl replied, looking a bit scared.

"What do you think about it, Betty? Do you like training with the pack?"

"Yes, we love it. We feel strong, and our wolves love it. They feel thrilled when we exercise with the pack." Betty replied.

"Good to know that. I will talk to Lucy's parents. Now go back to your training."

A few hours later, I was standing in front of a modest-sized house near the western boundary of the pack land. This is where most of the previous Black Stone pack resided.

"Alice, I still feel you shouldn't have come here. You could have just sent one of the betas. They have to follow the pack rules." Katherine said.

Katherine and Rain usually accompanied me, they were my unofficial Betas. I had yet to choose my Betas. After Savannah's betrayal, I needed someone trustworthy. No one talked about her. They skirted her topic completely, especially around Lucian. He seemed to get irritated whenever Savannah was mentioned.

"I know, but I want to listen to them and understand their reasons. Simply, giving commands and expecting the pack to obey it blindly, it's unfair." I replied.

Katherine stared at me puzzled. She had trouble understanding the human side of things. Wolves were used to obeying their Alphas no matter what.

I rang the doorbell. A middle-aged woman opened the door, and she looked baffled on beholding me.

"Madam Luna!" She exclaimed.

"May I come in?" I asked pleasantly.

"Of course," she replied and moved away from the doorway.

The house smelled of cinnamon and sugar, she seemed to be baking something good in the oven. It also appeared to be teeming with juveniles, I could scent them and hear them whispering from the above floors, and behind the walls. A little girl's head popped out from behind her mother as she gestured me to have a seat.

"How many children do you have?" asked casually.

"I have 9 daughters, madam Luna." She replied.

"Wow! They must be quite a handful." I replied, still reeling by her answer. Nine daughters! She must be fond of kids! I thought.

"Hello madam Luna," a huge middle-aged man arrived, he was her mate, I assumed.