The Gift chronicles novel Chapter 1

Book 1 Chapter 32

Alpha Cain was true to his word; I woke up alone and freezing in the morning, despite having woken up in the middle of the night to wrap myself in the pelt with the comforter on top. I would have to speak with him about turning the freaking heat on.

Cain had left my phone on the side table, and I turned it on, noticing that I had a text from him that he sent a few hours ago. I was ashamed of myself. I always used to pride myself on waking up early and taking charge of the day, but lately, days had been kicking my ass and I slept more frequently. Perhaps Cain would be willing to wake up earlier to train with me before he went out and did his Alpha duties. I have to admit, the idea of sparring with him excited my bloodlust and I.

It had been far too long since I killed, and my hand twitched in eagerness at the idea of ripping a rogue's heart out of their chest with my bare hand.

I got dressed, opting for black leggings (obviously), a long sleeve black t—shirt that fit snuggly, and black running shoes. Black truly is the most beautiful shade. So empty, yet filled to the brim with promises and mystery. Also, who doesn't look good in black?

Next, I pulled my silvery hair into a low ponytail, ignoring the little side tendrils framing my face that were too short to make it into the ponytail. Despite how putting my hair up showcased my semi—ear, I much preferred it to having my hair down. You never knew when you needed to kick someone's ass, and my hair was too long to deal with it whipping around during combat, especially since it was so windy outside now.

Thank god the scar on my eye matches my outfit, I thought wryly as I looked at my reflection. In a way, I sort of liked the way the scar made my whole eye turn white. It looked sort of freaky. I knew if I saw someone with an eye like that, I would think twice before stabbing them. At least I hoped that's how my scar would be perceived by others.

To throw the oh—so—fashionable ensemble together, I threw on my cloak. I left the mask in the drawer where he hides my cloak and mask. I didn't foresee any reason why I would need to hide the majority of my face, as everyone in the pack had already seen all of me. I knew that soon enough, it would be too cold outside for just my black cloak. I cringed at the idea of having to wear a snow jacket.

I treaded down the stairs, hearing noises stemming from the kitchen. Sure enough, Delta Carter was rummaging in a wooden drawer, making the pots and pans clatter loudly.

Have you no respect for people's sleeping time? I teased Carter through the mindlink.

He jumped, "Holy shi— I mean hello, Luna. I'm sorry for waking you up." He looked apologetic and remorseful.

I laughed. I was just teasing, it's fine, I was already awake. What are you looking for?

"I'm trying to find a good pan to use to make pancakes. I thought maybe you'd want breakfast before exploring the territory," Carter explained.

I narrowed my eyes skeptically. You thought I would want breakfast, or Alpha Cain told you to make sure I eat?

Carter looked down guiltily, his silence confirming what I already knew.

Don't worry about cooking, I'll just eat an apple and we can be on our way, I told him, already reaching for one.

"Ah— about that. Alpha Cain told me you might say that, and he told me to tell you that you weren't leaving the house until you ate something other than a piece of fruit," Carter apologetically smiled, nervously waiting for me to fight him on this.

I rolled my eyes. Your alpha is annoying, I complained.

"Our alpha," Carter corrected me, catalyzing yet another eye roll.

Our alpha is annoying and gets on my last nerve, I amended my statement, and got a pain to start making eggs for Carter and myself.

He cleared his throat nervously. "I—uh—well.. I'm glad you didn't leave him after the whipping. Everyone thought you would reject him after... you know."

I didn't look up from my cooking, not wanting to get too involved in this conversation. He proved himself to me by punishing me so severely. I didn't think he was strong enough. I was wrong. You are lucky to have such a strict Alpha. It bodes well for the pack's safety.

"Many pack members are quite impressed by how you tolerated the whippings. It has not been done before, much less by a female. Most believe that you are worthy of the Blood Luna title," Carter proudly spoke, letting me know he was one of those people.