Chapter 11
After taking my nap, I woke up feeling both excited and nervous. I had training before dinner with my uncle, the King’s Beta. My father had always insisted on my training, even before I got my wolf. He believed I needed to learn how to fight and defend myself, and I took that seriously. Now that I was going to have a sibling, I felt an even greater sense of responsibility. I wanted to be able to teach the little one how to fight when the time came.
I put on my training gear and made my way to the training grounds. As I approached, Uncle Lewis greeted me with a warm smile. He always had a way of making me feel at ease, even when he was teasing me.
“Well, well, Astrid,” he said with a playful grin. “Maybe after today’s training, you’ll get a little taller.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “We will see about that. We can start now,"
He laughed heartily, clearly enjoying my spirit. “I like the motivation. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
We started with our usual warm-up routine: running laps around the training field, followed by stretches. My body felt more agile and stronger than ever, but I had to remind myself to hold back. I couldn’t let Uncle Lewis suspect that I had already gotten my wolf.
As we moved on to sparring, I focused on keeping my movements controlled and precise. Uncle Lewis showed me a new combination of moves: a series of punches, followed by a low kick, and ending with a spinning back fist. I followed his instructions, and to my surprise, it all felt incredibly easy.
“Nice form, Astrid,” he said, nodding in approval. “Let’s see if you can keep that up when you’re under pressure.”
We started sparring, and I had to work hard to suppress my wolf. My instincts were sharper, and my reflexes were faster. When Uncle Lewis threw a punch, I dodged it effortlessly and countered with a quick jab. He looked surprised but didn’t comment, continuing to push me harder.
At one point, he tripped me, and I almost growled in frustration. I managed to control myself just in time, but it was difficult. My wolf was eager to take over, to show its strength, but I couldn’t let that happen.
“Nice recovery,” Uncle Lewis said, helping me up. “You’re getting stronger.”
I smiled, trying to act casual. “Thanks, Uncle Lewis. I’ve been practicing.”
We continued sparring, and I could tell he was impressed with my progress. My movements were quicker, and I felt more powerful. But I had to keep reminding myself to hold back, to fight as the old me. It was exhausting, both physically and mentally.
After a particularly intense round, Uncle Lewis called for a break. We sat down on the edge of the training field, catching our breath.
“You’ve definitely gotten stronger, Astrid,” he said, looking at me thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t be surprised if your wolf comes out soon. You’re already stronger than before.”
I nodded, trying to hide my nerves. “I hope so. I’m ready for it.”
He smiled and patted my shoulder. “You’re doing great. Just keep up the hard work.”
We finished our break and went back to training. Uncle Lewis showed me some new defensive moves, and I focused on mastering them. Blocking punches and kicks felt almost natural now, and I had to consciously slow down to make it look like I was still learning.
“Excellent, Astrid,” Uncle Lewis said, nodding approvingly. “You’ve got a real talent for this.”
“Thanks, Uncle,” I replied, feeling a mix of pride and anxiety. “I’m trying my best.”
As the training session came to an end, I felt a sense of relief. I had managed to get through it without revealing my wolf, but it had been challenging. My wolf was eager to break free, to show its true strength, but I couldn’t let that happen. Not yet.
“Well, that’s it for today,” Uncle Lewis said, wiping sweat from his brow. “You did great, Astrid. Keep it up.”
“Thanks, Uncle Lewis,” I said, giving him a hug. “I will.”
As I walked back to the house, I felt a mix of emotions. I was proud of how far I’d come, but I knew I had to be careful. Suppressing my wolf during training had been harder than I’d anticipated, and I couldn’t let my guard down.
I made my way to my room and flopped onto my bed, exhausted. The excitement of my transformation was still there, but now I understood the responsibility that came with it. I had to be cautious and smart about how I handled my new abilities.
Dinner was unusually pleasant tonight, mostly because Alpha Jeremiah wasn’t there. I didn’t bother asking where he had gone; I was just relieved to enjoy my meal in peace. The atmosphere was relaxed, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe without being on edge.
After dinner, I decided to step outside. The full moon was out, and there was something so peaceful and fulfilling about feeling its light on my skin. It was almost magical, like it was calling to me, soothing my very soul. Standing there, bathed in moonlight, I felt a sense of healing and tranquility wash over me.
Of course, that moment of peace was short-lived. I could feel him approaching, his presence clearer now than ever before. His woodsy, rainforest scent filled the air, making my heart race. I closed my eyes for a second, bracing myself for whatever he had to say. Alpha Jeremiah always had something to say.
He stood beside me, his presence both comforting and overwhelming. “I can feel your wolf, Astrid,” he said softly, but with a hint of challenge in his voice. “How long are you planning on hiding it?”
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied, my voice steady. I had to deny it. I couldn’t let him know how much he affected me or that he was right.
Jeremiah moved closer, his hand reaching up to grab my neck. The contact sent a shock through me, and I growled involuntarily, unable to suppress my wolf any longer. He smiled at me, a knowing, triumphant smile.
“You can’t hide it forever, Astrid,” he said, his voice low and almost seductive.
He released me and walked away, leaving me standing there, heart pounding and breath shaky. He knew. He definitely knew. But what was he up to?
I stood there for a few more moments, trying to calm myself. The moonlight that had felt so soothing moments ago now seemed to mock me. Jeremiah’s words echoed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was planning something.