Kingdom of Wolves - Page 87

“Training with you, bestie, it’s going to be awesome.”

“Well, you’ll have your wolf, so you’ll be training bothways, and I’ll tell Ebony to go careful with Arrow.”

“Who’s Arrow?”

“Your wolf. Ebony told me your wolf is called Arrow. Shesaid he’s a mischief maker like you too.” Giggling when I see Poppa Lykos rollhis eyes.

“Arrow. Wow, that’s a cool name. I can’t wait to meet him.”It’s easy to see the excitement on Brod’s face and I think he’s going to be ahand full for a while.

“I’m staying with training you both until I’m satisfied youhave learned all I can teach you. The mess with the Blood Pearl Pack shouldnever have happened. I’m angry about it, but not with you Tatiana, it’s notyour doing. It was a breach of trust, and Alpha Aurora has gone down in all ourestimations due to it as well.” Drake looks at Poppa Lykos. “You know that Icame here for peace, and to be left alone. I am happy to train Tatiana and youBrod, you are going to be a good warrior for the town or a pack if you decideto join one.”

Brod’s chest sticks out and his chin raises a few inches,and I struggle to hold back the giggle. Poppa Lykos is amused also, holdingback his laughter.

“I need you to know Tatiana, that no matter what you decideI’ll always be here for you. If you create a pack from the town, I’ll be thefirst to take the knee to be a pack member. You are a strong, kind, and fairperson and I can’t see you being anything but a great Alpha or even Luna. I’llalways support you, and I’ll always protect you. I give you my oath.” Drakelooks me in the eye the whole time he is speaking, and it has a lump in mythroat and tears in my eyes. I don’t hesitate to step forward and wrap my armsaround him, hugging him strongly.

Stepping back, I’m taken by surprise when Drake runs afinger down my cheek and gives me a warm smile. One I’ve never seen cross hisface before, and then he barks. “Okay, twenty around the paddock. Start byjogging for two laps, then speed up each lap after. MOVE IT!”

I jump back in surprise and when Brod pokes my side helaughs. “Come on, bestie, let’s get to it.”

For the next ninety minutes, we are put through our pacesand harder than ever before. I’m not sure if Brod’s wolf is nearer to thesurface than I imagined, but he is faster than he had been, and his eyes keepflickering.

“That’s enough for today. Go clean up and have an easyevening. Brod, you get home and see your parents. I’m sure they are coming overhere tomorrow with you for your first shift. Spend some time with them beforeyou become more.” Drake wraps an arm around Brod’s neck and squeezes himmurmuring into his ear. “If you find your mate, make sure you treat her right.”

Brod pretends to gag, and I giggle. I know that he isn’tinterested in finding a mate, especially when he’s sixteen. We’ve had a fewdiscussions about mates and how we feel about finding them. I’d always thoughta mate would be a good thing, but after all that happened with the BlackshadowPack and watching how some mates were treated I’m not in a hurry to find mine,and if he’s someone I know who’s horrid, I’ll not think twice about rejectingthem either.

After I’ve cleaned up and walked into the kitchen, myeyebrows lift when I see Flint sitting at the kitchen table. He smiles at me.“Hi Tatiana, how are you?”

“I’m very well, thank you.” Ebony jumps in the back of mymind, yelling out.

Mate, I can smell mate.

‘Oh no, not again,’ frowning at Ebony.

“Can I ask where you’ve come from, please? Because Ebonytells me she can scent our mate around you.”

“I’ve been to the Blackshadow Pack, but also home to theshifter council. I’m not sure where your mate would be, Tatiana. I’m sorry. I’mnot sure how I could narrow it down for you.” Flint frowns in thought, but I’mnot as eager to know as Ebony, especially if my mate is in the BlackshadowPack.

“It’s okay, thank you. I’m not ready to find a mate at themoment. I have enough to consider and think about.”

“Are you ready to visit the Eclipse pack?”

“I don’t mind going to them. The Alpha has shown me respectand has been protective. I’d like to meet some of the pack and see how the Lunaspends her days.”

“Okay. I’ll arrange that and get it passed by the towncouncil. Then you’ll be able to spend the two weeks with them, as you did withSpirit Walker Pack.”

“Get yourself off to bed now, Tati.” Momma Akela says as shesteps over to me and kisses my forehead.

I smile at Flint and hug Momma Akela, and Poppa Lykos beforegoing upstairs and getting ready for bed. Tomorrow is going to be a big day,I’m sure, and if Brod thinks he’s going to get his wolf just after midnight,I’m sure he’ll come rushing here to get me out of bed. With that in mind, Iquickly settle down in bed and close my eyes.

The door flies open and bangs against the wall, and I shootout of bed, tripping over the bedcover and falling on my ass. Gasping, I lookat the door and see Brod sweating and panting, before shouting.

“Come on, bestie, we’ve got to get to the paddock. Arrow iscoming.” Before I can respond he’s out the door and storming down the stairs.

Not waiting to put day clothes on, I rush downstairs in mypajamas and out to the paddock. Brod is standing in the middle of the paddock,and I can see him sweating and panting, and his muscles are jumping. Ebonyspeaks quietly to me.

Let me speak to Arrow. I can help him come out withoutcausing Brod much pain.

‘Okay but bring him out easily.’ I turn to Brod’s parentsand give them a reassuring smile.