Chapter 16: Chapter 16
The shrill of my alarm has cut my short amount of sleep off as my eyes glare at the machine beside me. Considering it’s been over two years and I still held onto the stupid alarm clock Blue gave me shows how valuable the object is at waking me up. With a groan I get started on turning the machine off before getting ready for the rough day awaiting me. Today I would be facing the wolves of Forest Paw and Dominic wants us to leave exactly at six o’clock – exactly one hour from now. With a burning desire to skin my friend’s hide for agreeing to this request I quickly shower and dress into my mother’s Tracker uniform. If they wanted the best of the best to train Forest Paw then I will dress as the best. Feeling as ready as I’ll ever be and needing maybe another ten hours of sleep I make my way down stairs, take the box of food to my car with my multiple suitcase and drive to the pack house.
“Hey Fire sleep well?” Dominic’s cheery voice fills my ears as I exit my mustang and direct an Omega that was walking by to take the box of food into the kitchen – stupid morning person.
“Why don’t you shove an icicle up your ass.” I grumble out accepting the large travel mug of coffee from Miles - who tries and fails at stifling his laughter – holds out to me while adjusting his own uniform, the one he inherited from his father. Dominic just rolls his eyes at me knowing that unless I’ve had a good eight hours of sleep or three cups of coffee in my system to expect a grouchy version of myself. I liked my sleep, and nothing has changed with how much sleep means to me since teenage me first discovered her love of sleeping in. The rest of our wolves soon assemble ready in their own pack issued uniforms looking like a perfect squadron in our pack army. Some are blurry eyed still needing a few more hours of sleep like myself, while other bounce around energetically. I repeat – stupid morning people.
We decided to car pool, making sure at least two wolves were in the car together to save on the cost of gas this trip will cause as well as to relieve the boredom of the six-hour drive through the long Canadian winter roads. Dominic calls shot gun in my car getting a grumble from Lease who wanted some girl time and me to once again glare at my friend. If he is going to wake me up early and on the highway to hell the least, he could do is drive there.
“It’s only for a short time Amber. We train, we get out and we will be home again.” Christian says quietly handing me a new large travel mug of coffee while Miles piles into his own car. It felt weird to say that I spent months tormenting Christian back when I first became a rogue and now he is here comforting me as one of my closest friends.
“I know Chris. I just hate returning back there. I made a vow the night I left that prevented Leo from finding his second chance mate. The pack probably hates me and it’s their hate that I fear will hurt our own pack.” My reply is quiet for only the two of us to hear. I can feel Dominic’s questioning gaze from the car, probably wondering what is taking us so long to head to our designated vehicles but I was reluctant to go. I knew that as part of my duty I would have to help ally packs, but Forest Paw is the one place that the thought of stepping into made my anxiety climb a few levels.
“Walk in like you own the place. You’re Fire Foot – the wolf who gave us hell. So use that hell fire and pay them back.” Chris playfully punches my shoulder getting a low chuckle from me. But Christian is right. I used to raid from Blood Moon like I owned the place and he reminded me that I needed to bring that confident wolf up now to conquer whatever waits for me from everyone I left behind. With a sigh I reluctantly step towards my mustang and enter the driver’s seat. Driving away from the place I call my true home I sigh and give Dominic a small smile.
The drive towards Forest Paw is slow going on the slick roads but the wintery scenes of the forest bring a gleaming smile to my face. I always loved the winter and being able to run around in wolf form most days. Dominic and I joke with the others in our link playing random road trip games; currently we are on ‘I Spy’
[I spy with my little eye something that is red.] Greg’s voice reverberates through our link causing everyone to grown.
[I swear to the Goddess Greg that if it is Amberle’s mustang I am kicking your ass.] Lease growls out causing Dominic and I to laugh. Lease and Greg have this love hate relationship I have learned since they were pups. The two of them grew up together and from what I’ve been told she was the only one who put up with Greg’s shit growing up. The game ends with Greg’s crappy attempt when he confirms that the guess was my mustang and a unanimous vote to grab something to eat. We stop at a café just off the high way and all fifty-four of us file in. Many of the humans in the area send us questioning gazes but we just stay to ourselves. The waitress is kind enough to take down our orders including the ones we will be taking with us on our road trip while many of us refill our travel mugs with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. I am just sinking my teeth into a delicious turkey club BLT when Christian decides to join me at the small table hidden away.
“How are you holding up Fire Foot?” His question causes me to laugh around a mouthful of food leading to me trying to gulp down hot chocolate in hopes of getting the stuck food down my throat.
“Better, but still unwilling.” I grumble out once I managed to clear my throat out. Glad for the company, Christian and I start talking about training ideas for Forest Paw. We wave over Miles and Dominic to join us once those two have procured food and drinks and I begin explaining the training that Forest Paw used to be drilled in; this included the torturous tasks that Abby used to have me perform under the suggestions of Mia and Zack. Speaking of Abby, Dominic informed us last night that she had stepped down to raise her pups causing the hope and curiosity of Zack having more children and me having more nieces and nephews. Maybe I could meet them this trip and try to talk to my brother about patching things up if we could. Abby stepping down also explained why the trackers were out of shape considering that that she-wolf is tougher than any Alpha I know. She would have every tracker in the pack running laps around the territory daily to keep up our speed and stamina.
After coming up with a few ideas, some namely being the ways I first trained the Blood Moon wolves, Dominic motions for everyone to grab their final orders of food and drinks before we all climb into our respective vehicles. We still have another hour of traveling before reaching Forest Paw territory
“You okay Amberle?” Dominic asks the closer my mustang nears the territory line of Forest Paw.
“Not really. I never thought I would step foot into this pack ever again if I am being honest.” I reply with, my gaze focused on the snow-covered forests. Dominic reaches one hand off the steering wheel to give my own a reassuring squeeze as silence covers the air between us. Not much can be said with how much I still dread this trip, but I had to do my job.
Taking a turn off the highway and onto a small dirt road we finally reach the Forest Paw pack line where a group of Hunters wait for our arrival.
“Alpha Dominic DeValorse I presume?” A wolf asks, his face coming into view just as Dominic finishes rolling down the window.
“Yes as well as my Head Tracker.” Dominic answers, motioning to where I sit beside him. The wolf at the window just nods, his eyes glazing over for a few moments before he allows us to enter. Chills run up my spine as the power of the magic border caresses my skin, reminding me that this was the place I was born. The thought of seeing wolves from my past has my mood dampening as I direct Dominic to the guest cabin that we will be staying in for the next few weeks. The three-story wood cabin soon comes into view after another hour of driving and each car parks in the lot beside it. Everyone soon rushes into the house getting ready to claim their ideal room with the rule of the third floor being left to Dominic, Miles, Christian and I. I chuckle with my pack mates’ pup-like antics while I haul my suitcases up the stairs and claim a room where the windows face the forest. I remember when this cabin was built. The old one had succumbed to a brutal snowstorm when I was eight. Blue had to wait until spring when all the snow melted away to bulldoze and rebuild a new guest cabin for visiting packs. It took the pack from March until October for this building to be completed and I remember spending hours in the pack kitchen helping the Omegas and the other she-wolves to make meals for those who volunteered to help build this cabin.
A knock on my door has me turning to see Dominic leaning against the frame with a grin on his face as I bustle about the room putting clothing away into the dressers and closet provided.
“All the wolves are settled in. Some of the mated pairs are taking the time in their own rooms to get a little closer if you know what I mean.” Dominic informs, causing me to chuckle as my friend walks into my room and throws himself onto my bed.
“They spent six hours, almost seven in a car together. There is going to be either a high sexual tension or high murder rate when mates are left alone in the cars to annoy each other.” I point out taking a seat next to Dominic and running my fingers through his hair. My friend sighs at my words knowing I am right. His eyes closing and a small growl of pleasure escapes his lips while my hands continue to play with his locks and my thoughts wonder to the plans for the next few days. For the next three weeks I would have to trains the new Head Tracker as well as the wolves while Miles trains the Head Hunter of Forest Paw. We would have to touch base and teach the two how to train and work together like the wolves at Blood Moon do if Forest Paw ever wants to be a formidable pack again. With a sigh I decide to check out the supplies left in the cabin for my pack and leave Dominic to relax on my bed for a moment.
Nodding to Miles who cuddles in bed with his mate through his open door I make my way down the two flights of stairs and into the large kitchen where I spot Lease taking inventory of the food in the pantry and fridge. I help the she-wolf out, jotting down what was given to us and deciding on what meals to make that my pack members will enjoy while the other wolves come and go, taking some form of snack with them as they explore the cabin.
With inventory jotted down and everything planed for the next three weeks I grab a protein bar from the basket Lease placed on the kitchen island and take a bite of the chewy goodness.
[Training in ten, everyone be outside in the field and ready to go.] I link the fifty-three wolves that are a part of our training group hearing a few groans. I chuckle at Lease who sticks her tongue out at me and mouths the words “you suck” as the blonde bounds out the door. I catch sight of Chris ushering wolves down the stairs and hear Dominic going room to room making sure to grab the stragglers from their rooms.
With the cabin now empty and all wolves outside I make my way out into the cold winter air and turn to look at my pack who are in the middle of stretching their muscles in preparation for training. They may hate my strict training, but they all had to be honest and agree that every one of them have grown stronger in the last year and half since I joined the pack. Joining the group, I lead a few into the stretches I prefer to perform, watching the younger wolves who were picked to gain experience on this trip come to follow me when the crunch of approaching footsteps in the snow catch my attention. There go my plans for a quick sparing session.
"Stand." I signal, watching my wolves leap to their feet and quickly form into five even lines behind Dominic, Christian, Miles, and me. The cold wind silently blows towards us, making us all shiver slightly. The scent of the winter forest surrounds us as well as carry the newcomer’s scent to where we all stand.
"It can't be, mom?" Its been years since I have last heard her voice. But that high pitched, nails on a chalk board could only belong to the main culprit of my torture that I went through for seven years of my life. I nod to Dominic who sends me a questioning glance, reassuring him that I could face the wolves whose scents are carried in on the wind towards me. I turn to face the group of wolves, a collection of gasps coming from each of their mouths while Dominic and Christian tense beside me.
“Hello sis, its been a while hasn’t it.” I state, nodding towards Blue who shakes his head with a grin in my direction. Dominic steps forward, moving to stand just in front of me – protecting me – as he takes in each wolf before us.
“Hi, I’m Alpha Dominic DeValorse. Behind me are my Beta Christian, my Head Hunter Miles and my Head Tracker Amberle whom you all already know.” I see the shock in Mia and Leo’s eyes as they openly stare at me.
“Amberle will be the one in charge of the training for the next three weeks and Miles will assist her.” Dominic continues, motioning for me to step forward. I remember Christian’s words and sashay towards Dominic like I own the lands of Forest Paw. I was no longer the wolf who left rejected from this pack. I am a leader, and I shouldn’t have to cower before the wolves before me. My eyes scan Axel, Blue, Leo, Zack and Mia for a moment and I realize that Mia and Zack Stand as far as possible from each other. Curiosity fills me but I quickly store the questions away to deal with for another time. I catch the look of parental pride emanating from Blue who gives me a wink. I rarely speak to him and all he knows is that I joined Blood Moon. I guess I have some explaining to do to my adoptive father.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Alpha Dominic. I am Leo Bloodsbain Alpha of Forest Paw.” Leo steps forward handing a manila folder to Dominic, his eyes never leaving my face as if expecting some form of reaction from me. A tinge of pain shoots through my heart but I keep the mask of indifference on my face. I refused to let the bastard who rejected me see any form of weakness. Dominic hands me the folder, his fingers grazing my own as I flip through the signed paperwork that we had faxed over last night for everyone before us to sign.
“Behind me are my Beta Zack, My Head Hunter Axel and my Head Tracker Mia as well as my father Blue, the former Alpha.” His eyes are off me as Leo continues to speak to Dominic giving me a chance to breathe. I hated being scrutinized by those I consider my enemy and take the time to look for the one part of the contract that states the Head Tracker will be under my command as I train said wolf to fulfill their duty. I couldn’t wait to get back at Mia and train her the way she had Abby train me. My eyes turn to take in the four wolves behind Leo, giving Blue a questioning glance as I motion to the paper work. He mouths the word “Later” to me and I nod in reply. I know Blue will explain to me what happened since I left better than Axel or Serena could.
Dominic and Leo continue their conversation about training with my name being slipped in every now and then. It is clear that Dominic put much emphasis on me training my old pack, it is his way of getting me some justice for what I went through and I would be lying if I said that it didn’t make the butterflies in my stomach flutter with his gesture.
[How you holding up?] Christian’s voice fills the link meant for Dominic, Christian, Miles and I and I turn to smile at my friend.
[Better than I thought I would. Kind of excited to kick their asses tomorrow.] I catch Dominic trying to hold in his laughter and Miles cough to disguise his own amusement. It was clear my friends were ready to make bets on who would get sent to the pack hospital first between Mia, Zack, and Leo. I go back to giving the paper work a final check before passing it to Christian to look through before turning to look at the wolves still standing at attention behind us to make sure they are okay. Getting a subtle nod from Lease I turn my attention back to Dominic and Leo, catching the latter with his eyes trained on me once again and causing me to suppress a shudder of discomfort. As if sensing my discomfort, Dominic ends the conversation with Leo and makes his way towards me, wrapping me in a hug and resting his head on top of mine. I smile with the feeling of safety that Dominic brings and relax into his chest.
“Since everything seems to be in order we will be heading back into the cabin. Fire here said she would teach some of us how to make her famous cheesecake.” Dominic states, his arms pulling me closer against him causing a slight growl to come from Leo at our proximity. Too bad, he had his chance and rejected me for not being “good enough” for him. Blue and Axel send daggers at Dominic and a questioning glance to me and I just chuckle before turning to look up at Dominic and poking his cheek.
“Of course. Just remember that you aren’t getting any chocolate until its done baking Ice.” I laugh out going along with the diversion Dominic created. But I knew he would want the actual cheesecake and would have to bake the dessert the moment we return to the guest cabin.
“Okay guys you heard Amber, get inside and get warmed up. We’re having cheesecakes tonight.” The group of wolves behind us soon break formation hooting and cheering at the realization that training is cancelled due to the arrival of the five Forest Paw wolves as well as the prospect of cheesecake tonight. My pack is hopeless when it comes to food, but they are loyal to each other. They are my family, and I couldn’t have asked for better wolves to count on. The group of Blood Moon wolves’ race towards the cabin as Dominic and I walk past the five from Forest Paw. Eyes burn into my skin and I know that Leo is watching my every move. I snuggle closer to Dominic’s side letting his calm presence wash over me.