The Son of Red Fang by Diana Sockriter novel Chapter 367

Chapter 367

I stop and stand in the middle of the sparring ring in the center of the training annex. I turn to find Cole staring at us, perplexed by our conversation and Pat’s ability to tell me afterwards that he’s reassigning some of the omegas to a different task.

“All of our omegas are very fluid. They all learn what the expectations are in each area that they help in. Majority will learn to work together in the kitchen, setting up and breaking down the dining and banquet halls, cleaning the pack house, cleaning the training annex daily, sanitizing the annex weekly and the stocking of the general supplies that we use in the pack house and dorms. The newest, adult omegas that have chosen not to go to college and learn a trade start their learning in the pack house.”

“There are three that have picked up what needs to be done quickly so moving them to the annex for a few hours tomorrow won’t be an issue.” Patrick finishes explaining.

Although I don’t feel it was necessary to go into such detail I’m hoping that giving him insight as to how I run my pack might make the decision to stay a little easier.

He’s slowed his pace quite a bit. Looking slowly around the large empty building and several times back at the locked door.

“I didn’t bring you here to hurt you.” I speak casually but fail to reassure him.

“You…. you….” He hangs his head low as he struggles to find his voice.

“It’s okay, Cole. I know bringing you here in the middle of a major panic attack isn’t quite as soothing but the rambling that Julie had you do gave me an idea. You said a couple times that you wanted to hit but you’re not allowed to. I want to change that. I am giving you permission, in a controlled manner, to hit me.” (1)

I can hear him draw in a sharp breath without letting it go. His eyes become wide wi to understand what it is I’m asking him to do.

ear, unable

“Come, Cole. I’d like you to come stand with Patrick while I go to the closet and get the protective equipment we train in.”

I wait until he starts moving towards the ring before leaving for the closet.

Not wanting to take too much time donning the full array of protective equipment we use, I settle for chest, head and arm protection while also grabbing the hand held pads for him to hit and a pair of gloves for him if he wants them. By the time I exit the equipment closet he has made his way to the ring but has resumed his/pacing.

I stand a few feet from Patrick when I drop the load I’m carrying to the floor hanging on to my

Chapter 367

custom fitted chest pads. The noise from the dropped equipment causes Cole to stop and turn midway down the mat. Despite his panicked pacing, his overall demeanor remains calm, but I know it’s all an act. His squeezing hands and fearful eyes is all I need to tell me that the panic is still raging within him.

He watches as I flip the padded vest over my head, securing it tightly to my body with the Velcro straps on the sides. Next, I slip my arms through the sleeves of the arm pads poking my thumb through the hole at the end.

“This is going to be a hand spar only, so I’m willing to let you choose. I brought gloves out if you want them or you can go raw as the gloves won’t protect you from jamming your wrist if you throw a bad hit.” I explain calmly.

He nods his recognition of my comment as I slip my padded helmet onto my head.

“Come towards me Cole. Come to the center.”

I encourage as I point to where I want him. His hesitation and stiff body screams his discomfort and uncertainty with what’s about to happen.

“Everything is okay. There will be no penalties for this, it is my idea after all.”

“That has never stopped him.”

He whispers his fear causing me to pause and simply observe him for a moment.

“I’m not your father. I will never do what he’s done.”

I finally catch the young man’s attention but he doesn’t react the way I was hoping. Instead of giving him confidence in participating in this spar he only shows me shame in thinking I was the same as his tormentor.

“Come, Cole. Have you ever used padding of any type during your training with Mr.

He slowly starts walking towards me, shaking his head as he does.

“None at all?”

level

kins?”

I inquire as only the highest level of my warriors are allowed to spar completely raw and that is under strict rules and guidance to prevent injuries.

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