"Yeah, keep your arms up! I'm going to pick up the pace! You can call a break you know!"

Caleesi's encouraging words were drowned out by the pulsation in Khalia's ears. Ducking from a kick, her chest heaved. Lungs crackling with each deep inhale. Making a T with her hands, she fell to the ground. Tilting her head she panted, gazing at the azure sky, mesmerized by the cookie cutter landscape.

"No problem!" Caleesi huffed, wiping sweat from her brow.

Khalia watched her head toward a red cooler and pull out two waters. She winced when the teen tossed one onto her stomach. The sun beat down on the pair, adding to the exhaustive state they rest in. After Yvette's disturbing appearance yesterday, Diem had been adamant about self-defense. At least a few things to get her by.

Caleesi jumped at the opportunity when she heard, taking her to a rarely used training field. The grass was slightly overgrown, a black gravel track created the outline to the field. Various obstacles were placed but she found some to advance for her smoker lungs. Opting for hand-to-hand combat instead. Four grueling hours of it.

"So, what's it like? Finding out you gotta kill your Fated to become human again? I bet Parasita is devastated! I know I'd be devastated! That's the end of her too. Tragic. Some of us live our entire lives waiting to meet our other half."

Caleesi chugged a water then arched her brow at the thoughtful expression that covered Khalia's face. Quickly it was replaced with a solemn one.

"Have you met yours?"

"Me?"

"Who else Calee?" A smile graced her face at the nickname.

"No. When I do, you can bet your sweet ass that it'll be love at first sight! None of that woe is my love life."

" No matter what? Even if he kills those closest to you. Your love would flourish?"

"No. Matter. What."

Khalia rolled her eyes, chuckling nonetheless.

"Imma let that slide cause you're young and ya brain isn't developed yet."

Khalia twirled her finger next to her temple, causing the other to scoff.

"Pfft. I'm just saying, this girl in my class, Rona, met her Fated at a school game. Next day she shows up with tattoos saying, I'm his forever, F4L, Devin's Property."

"You think that's hot? Is that what's in nowadays? That a kink. Sounds kinky."

The two cackled, like witches over a good brew, unintentionally muffling the coming footsteps.

"Caleesi! Is this the training I taught you?"

Both women jolted and scrambled to their feet. Diem squinted at them, two permanent markers in his hands. Caleesi groaned and put her hands on her hips.

"We were! It's called a break."

"You think someone's going to take a break when they slit your throat?"

"If they have low stamina, yes."

It rolled so nonchalantly off the younger one's tongue Khalia erupted in a fit of laughter. Jerking his head, he sighed. Caleesi nodded and sauntered off to the side. Plopping on the sideline, she dug her phone out her pocket, getting lost in the screen.

Khalia arched a brow at Diem, eyeing his hands.

"Markers?"

A dark glint sparkled in his eyes. A wolf who spotted prey, slowly he stalked towards her. She bit her lip, stomach turning in knots while her heart raced.

"This is practice. You're not a killer, nor do you have any skills that resemble fighting."

"Hey! I've kicked some ass a time or two. Like my streak isn't high but it's up there."

Khalia backed away when he began circling her, closing the gap with full rotation. The grass crunched with each step, and she cringed at the sound of the crushing blades. Parasita growled at the familiarity.

"Then you'll have no problem killing me."

He lunged at her, and she jumped back with an annoyed expression. Still, her lips curled slightly upwards.

Freeing up one hand he reached into his waist band, tossing an object at her. Surprised, Khalia fumbled it a few times before catching it. Realizing its the blade from yesterday, she gave Diem a puzzled look.

Sleep came little last night, after he informed her of the price to regain her humanity. The thought of killing Theo brought a serene sense of joy, it brought fear. She lost 5 lbs. dwelling on it.

"What do you mean kill you?"

"Did I-"

"Boy not today."

He chuckled before continuing, "I know you've never been in this situation. Emotions will surface and you need to be able to handle them when the time comes. I need you to kill me. Don't try. It's his life or yours."

He pointed to his heart, then neck, " Strike here or there. Don't hesitate. I'll be using these. Each mark represents a stab. Less is better."

Leaving her no time to ready, he charged. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, and she scrambled to dodged. Unsheathing the dagger she gaped at the stoic man.

"Wait! Wait!"

Ignoring her shrill pleas Diem came again, clenching his jaw as he swung at her face. Seeing the fist fly and the person behind it, Khalia found herself rooted. When he was close enough to kiss his knuckles, she closed her eyes impulsively. Waiting for the solid impact and broken bones.

"Oh?"

A soft felt tip glided across her upper lip. The sharp smell of the marker made her eyes twitch and burned the back of her throat. Unleashing a fit of coughs, she rubbed her lips. Diem shook his head.

"Did you forget? These are weapons. Don't be afraid, I don't expect you to take me down in 5 seconds. I expect you to try though. I know Parasita wants another round. Redemption arc?"

A surge of excitement tickled her insides, and she watched Parasita's tail wag at the idea. Her ears soon twitched as a soft buzzing penetrated them. In the corner of her eyes Khalia could see golden speckles spark and fizzle in the air. Strange as it was, it lulled her into serenity.

"Let me out."

Parasita's demanding voice disrupted. Movement stirred her focus back to Diem who had resumed his stalking circle. She followed suit, matching his leisure pace and scoffing at the beats within.

"You think I trust you? Especially after what happened?"

"Trust? Your friends are dead because you trusted a stranger. A demon you call him. No-one forced your dumbass! You abandoned your life the moment you picked him over Marcus. The only demon here is you!"

Khalia's breath stilled when Diem swung. Doing a defensive dance she held him at bay, swinging the dagger erratically. Her eyes stung as she held back the hot tears.

Don't speak on them you fucking bitch.

"Pay attention!"

Khalia focused just as the marker tip slide across her throat.

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"Dead. You're dead."

Sighing, Diem threw the markers to the ground, stepping back from her. Her stomach churned while she watched him pacing to and fro. Bringing his hands up he cracked his knuckles.

"You're nervous?"

"Yes I'm nervous. Mavi said you have the be the one to kill Theo. Meaning I can't, not unless you want to stay a Lycan. You've never fought to the death. "

He said the last part while looking at the 30 or so marks he managed to get on her. She frowned, sheathing the dagger, and sauntering up to him.

"Try focusing with a whiny ass bully in your head! She's got me this close to me sprinting to the nearest bridge!"

Khalia kicked at a rock near her foot, startling when it whizzed by Diem's head and lodged into a nearby tree. He only sighed.

"You two need to work together. I know it's not ideal but if you ever want to become human again, you'll need her help."

"What about your Lycan? Is he a dick?" Khalia shuddered, a deep growl filling her mind.

"Dee? He's very composed. Swift, deadly, handsome. A true Lycan." Diem grinned at her eye roll.

"Awe, you sound like a proud father."

Caleesi snorted at the nonsensical joke, tapping away at her screen.

"New plan, run away. Although, you can't do that well either as we know, it's still better than what occurred here." Knitting his brows, he headed to the cooler.

Crossing her arms, Khalia huffed. The smirk on his face made her eye twitch, and she swore he riled her on purpose.

"Excuse me sir, I was training before you got here! Also, name one woman who wouldn't run away from naked strangers! I'm a damn good runner! If the terrain was right, you would have gotten smoked!"

She stood behind him, fingers digging into her hips and glowering while he took a swig from a water bottle.

"Overconfident and judgmental, how toxic."

Her eyes widened and his grin grew broad. Khalia stepped closer, getting in his face. His eyes lit up with tease.

"Judgmental? Does that sound logical? I'm far from toxic."

"If it wasn't logical..." Diem leaned down and her cheeks grew warm the longer he fixated on her. "Then why did you hit me with the fuck me eyes?"

At this, it was Caleesi's who gasped, the phone falling to the ground as she looked on at the two. One with a look of horror, the other a smug smile. The dagger fell to the ground with a thud.

"Wait what! Drastic change in topic here my guy! Please don't flatter yourself, that was because of Mavi! Nyla even said-"

Stepping back, her heart fluttered when he followed, shrinking the gap between them.

"Mavi wasn't there when you moved into the cabin Khalia. Nor when we walked down the mountain, nor when you were drooling over my clothes."

The swagger in his voice made her voice catch in her throat. She settled on another eye roll, this one not so successful.

"Told you. A cheap harlot. You think he can't smell smell your leaky faucet?" Parasita cooed, about to chuckle a rumble cut her off. The sensation tickled Khalia's spine and she quivered delightfully.

"Parasita, what about you? Face down ass up wasn't it? You even moved your tail for me."

A voice akin to Diems, though deep and gravely, chided. Parasita grumbled, "I tripped, we'll never end up in that position again Jaundice Goblin. And it was windy up there!"

Khalia watched Diem break out into a wide smile, and Dee, chuckled heartily. A brief image flitted through her mind of Diem's beast. The longer she gazed into his iris's the clearer he became. A lush brindled coat of fur, towering in stature. He stood on his hind legs, observing her with the same intensity. Even Parasita awed from the side.

"Listen, enough of this back-and-forth. There's a chance of us possibly dying, well, mainly you. Time will tell but-"

"Were you born with this much audacity?"

"Yes, so let me take you out on a date."

The silence over the field was deafening. Khalia heard Caleesi release a strange noise but she kept her focus on Diem. Blinking a few times to process his words.

"Date?"

"You heard me."

Stunned, she mulled his question over. It wasn't that the answer was difficult. The coveted glaze his eyes when he beamed at her, was already doing a number with her emotions. Mixed with the cocky, yet firm kindness he's given her, she'd regret saying no.

"Is that yes? You're doing it now, the fuck me eyes. Should I send Caleesi away?"

Scoffing, she shook her head before giving him a broad smile.

"I'd like that. The date part, not sexing in the field."

"Diem! That is so wrong! She has her Fated! That's called being a triflin' motherfucker! A homewrecker!" Caleesi jumped up, marching between the two she pushed them apart with her arms.

"Mind your business Lees, go with your friends. Anyway, how about tonight? I got a divine Elk recipe."

"Uhm, I can pencil you in between fearing for my life and running for my life."

Chuckling, he beamed at her, until a rustle caught their attention in the tree line. A glint of worn purple emerged, followed by the rest of the unwanted guest. The relaxed aura they had built crumbled, and tension climbed its way to the top.

"Well, I'm not surprised to see you still with this filthy mongrel. Your depravity knows no boundaries. Watch yourself Diem, you'll surely catch fleas." Chase derided, sneering as he came forward.

Khalia's eyes narrowed and her lip curled, flexing her hand, the nails extended. The nauseating odor of sulfur whipped in the air.

"Fleas? Ya wrinkly long-necked bastard! you've been giving me shit since I got here! Focus on the job you're going to lose, worrying about me! Pathetic excuse for skin! I bet your wife fucks around and that's if anyone wants to touch your genitals!"

Stepping to the elder she snarled when Diem took her wrist and pulled her back. The look he gave her made her press her lips together, but her eyes remained squinted and callous. Bending over Diem picked up the dagger, tossing it between his hands in his hands, he walked up to the Beta.

Chase peeked at the blade and Diem before removing his hands from behind his back. Diem flashed the man a sunny grin, his eyes taking an inky hue. Caleesi furrowed her brows, and she walked towards Kahlia. She noticed the younger going ham on her bottom lip.

"What do you want Chase?"

"Ah, that's Beta Chase, Diem. Quite out of character for you to not use formalities. This Kirma has been here less than a week and she's already tainted you? That's not a good Diem. As a pack member, I'm truly concerned about Caleesi and your involvement with that...female."

"Answer my question Chase or I'll assume you came to train."

His voice was clipped, leaving no room to beat around the bush. They stood feet apart. Each word drifted to her ear like a quieted song. She hated to admit the growing fondness for her heightened senses. Chase smirked, raising his hands in faux surrender.

"Calm yourself, no need to mark your territory. Whatever happened to Tati? Anyway, I'm merely here on request of Luna Nyla and Alpha Gian. They ask that you train the new recruits today asap and meet them both later in the day. With a new Alpha close its best we are prepared."

Time passed slowly until Diem gave him a slight nod. Returning it, Chase landed his scornful look on Khalia. Before he could utter another insult, a burning sensation tickled his throat. Brown strands were in his peripheral and a harsh growl vibrated his ear. The blade drew a line of blood as Diem pressed it deeper into the wrinkled flesh. A sizzling sound rose between them.

"I'll kill you where you fucking stand Beta Chase."

Another aroma. This one made her stomach growl. It was sweet and tantalizing. Inhaling Khalia's eyes closed.

"...My apologies Diem. I'll be sure to keep the truth to myself."

The men glowered at each other, then separated with Chase wiping the blood from his neck. Diem turned to Khalia and took her hand, pulling her from the others.

"I have to go but I should be done early. You can get ready in my bedroom since we'll end up there after."

"Wow, that's cheeky. Besides that, Tati? Was she your latest rendezvous?" She wanted to snort at the drastic change in his demeanor.

"A spoiled brat Lycan who's name you will never be spoken. Drop it. I'll give you a ride back. Let's go." Diem cringed.

"What about Caleesi?" Khalia peeked over her shoulder at the young girl gathering her things.

"She'll be fine. Beta Chase knows that she's my sister. We've already spoken about that. Come on."

The small smile that took over his face let her know he whooped his ass a time or two. Whistling, Khalia waved erratically at the girl then followed Diem.

*~*~*

Chase cleared his throat, catching Caleesi's attention. Reaching into his robe he pulled out an envelope.

"This is for you Omega. From Luna Nyla. Seems your persistence paid off."

He gave Caleesi a sly smile and watched her hesitantly take the package. Careful not to alert to girl of his wandering eyes.

"You've grown into a lovely breed Caleesi. Your heat is coming soon? It'll be hard to keep the boys away."

"T-thank you Beta Chase."

Ripping it open she pulled out the tan paper, a red seal stamped on the bottom. Concerned eyes raked over the words but soon the concern evaporated. Her eyes brightened, along with her smile.

"Is this real? I can leave for today?"

"It is Omega. Make the best of it. Be sure to bring one companion with you. The Kirm-Khalia might be a good fit. Seeing as she's familiar with the festivities going on in Whistling. If I were you, I'd hurry on."

The giddiness Caleesi felt couldn't be contained. Running around she gathered her things, before sprinting off to her car. An emptiness fell over the training field as Chase stood there, observing the fleeing girl.

The smile he held vanished, and darkness overtook his eyes. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone. Before it did a full ring a frantic voice filled the tiny speaker.

"What is it you want Beta Chase!"

"Manners Beta Tomas. I heard Whistling has a new Alpha."

In the crackling static he heard screams and moaning in the background. Alongside a cold voice speaking revolting wickedness.

"Y-yes. He is a better leader than Michael ever was."

"Ahh, afraid to speak your mind? This new Alpha, Theo, is it? I believe something of his wandered into Cruel-Mane territory."

A long pause went over the line, causing him to suck his teeth. The shuffling of feet filled his ear, and Tomas addressed another. A roar went through the phone.

"I don't give a fuck who you are! What do you know about what's mine?"

The seedy roughness in the voice made Chase produce a Cheshire grin. He liked this Alpha.

"Khalia Schaffer, 25, dark hair, big brown eyes, and newly changed Kirma."

"Since you're not in my presence I take it you've heard of me. Honored, but I don't have time for your games."

"You misunderstand me Alpha Theo. I want nothing more but to recognize a new Alpha to Whistling Dominion. Cruel-Mane graciously extends our welcome. Your Fated, arrived in our territory 5 days ago. She's been a pleasant guest, but she hankers for her mate."

A deep chuckle resounded, and Chase felt his hairs stand on end.

He sounds like a devil.

"Did she now?"

"Indeed, she'll be downtown, human festivities you know, with an Omega of ours. A gift, for our new Alpha and Luna."

"What's your name? It's been a while since I've spoken to someone as execrable as I."

"Beta Chase, a pleasure speaking with you Alpha Theo. I'd make haste if I were you. Seems she's taken a liking to our General."

"Of course a lousy Beta. Anyone in that pack touches what's mine-"

Hanging up, Chase raked his hand through his thinning silver hair. Looking over the field, the scent of chaotic emotions still lingered. He growled when the odd human scent hit his nostrils.

"Your vile illness on this pack ends today, Kirma."