The Gift chronicles novel Chapter 1

Book 1 Chapter 36

Despite my opposition to being Luna when I first arrived at Blood Moon, after spending time with Cain learning about his Alpha duties, I realized that it actually would be kind of fun. I knew Lunas typically weren't involved in any of the decision making or battle strategizing, but Cain was willing to make an exception for me, unable to doubt my prowess when it came to war. My former position as Gamma certainly came in handy. I can't imagine Cain would have let me be involved if I didn't already have experience.

I grabbed the fur pelt I slept with every night off of the bed and wrapped it around me. "Do you want to be carried?" Cain asked hopefully.

I shook my head no, I want to warm up my legs before training.

Cain looked disappointed by my response, but didn't press the matter. We left the pack house after Cain forced me to eat an apple. I hadn't been taking my daily dose of wolfsbane, not wanting to compromise my immune system so close after my poisoning.

We stepped into the wintery outside as wind violently shook the surrounding trees as we headed to the training center. Cain was right. The winter was no joke in Blood Lake. Snow covered everything in sight, and temperatures at night often went below zero. Werewolves were more resistant to the cold than humans, but I wasn't as resistant as Cain or other Blood Lake members, who grew up in these harsh winters.

I shivered as we trudged through the snow, even noticing it lightly snowing as we walked. Suddenly, my skin started feeling warmer, as I were sitting next to a fire.

How did you do that? I asked Cain, knowing he was responsible.

Cain smirked, "I don't only just start fires. I can make things warmer too. Do you remember when I, ah, escorted you from Red Crescent to Blood Lake and you burnt your hand on the car handle when you tried making a run for it?"

I snorted, Escorted is not the word I would use for what happened, Alpha.

Cain chucked. "It would have been a more pleasant experience if you weren't so resistant." I rolled my eyes. I certainly put up quite the fight. I wondered if other Alphas have similar problems with their mates.

Finally, we reached the training center and I whined when Cain walked me inside. I felt like I was being dropped off at kindergarten by my parents. "Don't worry, pup. I'll leave as soon as I make sure you're situated and talk to Gamma Axel."

If he called me pup in front of the pack, we would have serious problems, regardless of the loving undertone beneath his words. He had continued to use the affectionate nickname, and eventually I stopped complaining about it.

A few wolves were already warming up individually, but for the most part we were early. I handed my pelt to Cain once we were inside, not wanting to carry it. There are a lot of things I hate about Cain, but at least he always carries shit when I don't want to.

We approached Axel, who was beating the shit out of a punching bag. Since werewolves were stronger than the average person, the punching bags were often reinforced with stronger materials than just a cloth bag.

Axel also had a penchant for not wearing shirts, his muscular back glistening with sweat as he continued throwing powerful punches. Despite having a mate, even I could appreciate the attractiveness of this male. It had been far too long since I had sex, and I could feel too much pent—up energy. I nearly jumped Cain last night when he got out of the shower with a towel slung lowly on his hips. My wolf was incredibly frustrated.

Cain growled lowly at me, "Watch yourself, pup. I won't hesitate to take you on the floor in front of all of these people." My eyes widened. I wouldn't put it past him to do that, and in this moment, I don't think I would have stopped him if he tried. A girl has needs, you know?

Axel heard Cain's voice, and turned around at the sound. He smiled and greeted us, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"She is allowed to fight males, but do not let the injuries get too out of hand," Cain commanded, and Axel nodded. "I won't hesitate to kill you if she is mortally wounded on your watch, Axel." Again, Axel nodded. I didn't doubt Cain's threat.