The Gift chronicles novel Chapter 1

Book 1 Chapter 33

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We walked to the training grounds, and I was thankful that I was much stronger than I was yesterday. My legs had gotten used to the sensation of walking, even though I could tell I lost muscle while being hooked up to the IV drip.

Along the way, Gwen and I chatted while Carter shook his head in disbelief at most of the cheeky and insubordinate things we said. When Gwen called me a "bad ass motherfuckin bitch" for taking so many lashes, Carter almost passed out from her lack of respect towards her Luna. I, on the other hand, laughed, and slightly blushed, feeling pleased that she was impressed by me.

We reached the training grounds, which was architecturally very similar to the Red Crescent one. It was a huge, open arena, with mats scattered around disorderly among the hard ground that lined the arena.

To my surprise, there were many wolves sparing in both skin and fur sides; and doing various training activities, such as weightlifting as well as endurance building exercises.

I frowned. Where are all of the weapons? I asked Gwen and Carter.

They both looked confused, but Carter answered. "We don't really use weapons that much. We have a small section of the arena dedicated to weapon handling, but isn't not stressed as much in training."

I was displeased with this information, and planned on bringing it up to Alpha Cain later, after he gets done yelling at me for going in the first place. Wolves should always know how to wield weapons. Red Crescent pack members certainly knew how to use them, and use them effectively, thanks to my training. Should a more advanced pack fight them in battle, I was worried that their brute strength may not exceed the power of weapons.

"Will you teach me how to throw knives?" Gwen asked excitedly, and our chaperone groaned.

"Gwendolyn, that hardly seems like an Alpha—approved activity..." Carter scolded her.

I glared at him. If you didn't notice, Carter, the Alpha isn't here right now, but your almost—Luna is, making me the highest ranked person here. Therefore, if I want to throw knives then we're throwing knives, dammit! My voice leaked out dominance.

Carter blinked at me in shock, and Gwen laughed proudly. "Damn, Ares. You sounded just like an Alpha."

"You're right, Luna. If you want to throw knives, it's what we'll do," Carter sounded defeated.

Why are you so much more paranoid and less energetic around me than you were the first time you babysat me? I asked him, not understanding his change in attitude.

"No reason," Carter quickly changed the conversation, and gave Gwen a warning glance when she opened her mouth.

Whatever, I would get to the bottom of it eventually. It wasn't a matter of if, but when.

Now, how about you escort us to the targets? I requested of Carter. He nodded, and we started walking across the arena, ignoring curious stares from the pack members who were not engaged in combat.

"Luna," A familiar voice said, and a large body blocked our path. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Gamma Axel asked, his voice rich with curiosity.

Just came with my escorts, I emphasized the last word in case he thought about mind linking Cain. To check out the training scene. Your pack is very skilled at fighting in wolf form, I complimented him, and he glowed under my praise, until his visage switched to one of duress.

"As humbled as I am to hear that from such an esteemed warrior such as yourself, I am under direct orders from the Alpha not to let you train," His voice held an edge.

That is no problem, I assured the anxious Gamma. I am not training, merely demonstrating.

His eyes narrowed. "With all do respect, Luna,"

I interrupted him. Ares.