5. Training

*Jades POV*

Once I was in the training grounds, I noticed Julian wasn’t there yet. That actually worked out for me though, it would give time to clear my head from this strange feeling I am getting. I start off with some stretches and I make sure to clear my head and just focus on breathing. This has always been a great way for me to clear my mind and get me focused. Then I decide to run a couple of laps just to get the blood flowing. Once I am finished, I see Julian make his way towards me.

“Good morning Jade, I imagined you would beat me here.”, he says with a smile. I look up at him, “well I like to have a good warm up before training, besides, by doing so I won't have to warm up with the others giving me a chance to pay close attention to them and make sure they are not slacking off.” He looks at me with suspicion, “right, and this has nothing to do with you loving to see others suffering while training, I saw how you trained Mia when she wanted to improve her skills.” I roll my eyes. “I do not like others feel like they are suffering while I train them. I just take training seriously and like to help when I see areas that need improvement. I am just strict. Julian these wolves train to fight because as werewolves we are always at risk to be targeted for an attack. If I can help a wolf with being able to fight and annihilate any threat it comes upon, I have succeeded in my goal.”

He stares intently at me looking directly into my eyes; he was giving me almost a look of admiration. I started to feel uncomfortable under his gaze. “Uh, Julian, are you okay? Why are you looking at me like that?” He clears his throat. “Sorry, it's just that I never thought that your way of thinking about training was so similar to mine. I always admired how you put others before yourself and always help whenever you can.” I smile, “Well, thank you alpha I appreciate the praises.”

I then changed the subject, “So, what are the plans for the trainings today?” He sighs. “Well for the advanced training we are going to work on using our senses more in battle, since they already know how to fight, we just have to work on the finer details. For regular training we will demonstrate different way to bring down opponents and give you and I are going to give them a sparing example. I smirk. “Alpha are you sure you want to spar with me? I mean do you really want a girl to be taken down by a girl in front of your students? He smirks back at me. “We will see about that; you and I have never sparred before. You might have taken the other males down but remember, I am an Alpha. He said that last part close to my ear and I felt his breath hitting my skin. That made a chill run down my body. I felt uneasy and back away right away. I say, “we should probably start getting and the equipment we need out. "I make my way to the storage are close to the training grounds. He just laughs at my reaction but follows me to help me.

A short while later the advanced class arrives at the training grounds. This is probably the easiest class to train because they are all good fighters already. It is just a matter of enhancing their skills for battle. One of the things out pack does is blind fold one of the opponents while sparring. This focuses them on using other senses instead of just what they see; primarily focusing on hearing and smell. This helps our warriors against hidden attacks. This is a method introduced by Emilio, which he learned from his training with the royal pack. Julian and I would go around and correct or give advice on things we found could be improved by the students.

The advanced class soon came to an end and now it was time to continue with the regular training session for the younger werewolves. They all made their way on to the field, Jade spotted Mia with the group walking their way. Mia and Jade nodded at each other as a greeting since training was a serious matter in the pack. Julian greeted the new class and advised the class that I would be joining them to help with their training. Since this class was mostly werewolves around my age, they all knew who I was. I also have beat all of them in sparring, but then again, I have also beat all werewolves in the advanced class as well. Hence the reason why I train with all high-ranking wolves.

Julian started “Alright class today we are going to continue to practice taking down your opponent. Just remember to block attacks, keep an eye on their next move use momentum to your advantage, find a way to knock them off their feet, and avoid distractions. You can use any fighting style you are more comfortable with. Choose a partner. Let's begin!” All of them reply at the same time “Yes, Alpha”

Julian and I make our way around the students we observe and watch their technique and also make sure to correct any mistake in their posture. We also go around and give them tips on easier ways they could go about taking down their opponent. I was watching two guys sparring one I have seen around the pack his name is Tom and he is an average fighter and his partner is someone I have not seen before; I think he might be a new pack member. I notice his moves are sloppy and in no way strategizes his movement. I walk up to them and greet them. Tom nods at me knowing who I am, I nod back at him. I them settle my attention to the other guy. “What is your name?” He responds. “Paul.” I can tell by his attitude that he thinks he is better than anyone around him. I say in a serious tone “Paul you need to work on guessing you opponents attack and strategize your moves based on your opponent. Study your opponent before deciding your move. Don’t attack without thinking.” Het rolls his eye and scoffs, “I really don’t take tips from little girls especially when it comes to fighting.” I say in a professional tone, Gender and size mean nothing Paul, if you go in fighting blindly anyone can take you down.” He responds, “So you think you can take me down?” I see that the others are stopping their sparring and start to stare at us. I also notice Julian about to come up to us to put this guy in his place but I put my hand up to stop him. I smirk. “I know I can take you down and I will prove it to you right now.” He laughs, “you want me to fight with a girl, no way!” I respond, “What are you scared to get beat by a female?” My challenge seems to anger him and he suddenly puffs put, “Bring it on!” I take my stance and notice that he is blindly going to attack me like he was doing before. I am able to dodge his attack. I then punch him right on the jaw. I smile when I see the surprise in his face when he feels the strength in my punch. Paul ends up getting even angrier and notice he is going to try and punch me; I grab his arm and pull him towards me and onto the ground using his momentum against him. I then hold him down and say, “Now, I could do this all day but I would get really bored. This was simply too easy; I suggest you listen to my advice if you want to improve. You have nothing to brag about when it comes to fighting.” I get up and start patting myself off to get the grass out of my clothes. When I see that Paul got up, I stretched my arm out for a handshake, that is something I do with all people I spar with. He accepts my hand shake and I see Julian walk up to us. He looks serious and says, “Paul respect goes a long way, Jade here is assisting me for a reason. She is the best warrior here and is going to be our head warrior. You need to listen to her if she gives you any advice.” Paul looks down at the ground “Yes, Alpha.” Paul makes his way back to his sparring partner. Julian then turns to me and says, “I heard you say that was too easy for you.” I respond, “well it’s the truth I am use to sparring with all the high- rankers and you know it is fun to fight with someone that actually gives more of a challenge.” He nods. “Well, this class is almost over. How about we start on that sparring challenge I told you we would do?”