“Good morning, Alyce darling.” Faith hugged me tightly.
Jake wrapped me into a hug and lifted me off my feet, causing me to squeal in surprise and laugh. He set me back on my feet, kissing the top of my head. “You look like you’re adjusting well.”
“I am, thank you.” I smiled up at him and he mirrored it, “How are you two enjoying your new space? Is everything working out ok?” I really wanted them to feel comfortable in their new home and pack.
“It’s wonderful Alyce, really. Stop fretting.” Faith smiled reassuringly.
“Good. Be sure to let me know if you need anything. Promise me. You two have taken care of me for years. Now I get to take care of you, even if only in some small way by comparison.”
“Nonsense. You’re the daughter we always wanted. We’re family.” Jake’s tone implied that was the end of that. I just smiled.
Tristan pulled me into his side and kissed my temple. “And I couldn’t be more grateful for the wonderful family you have.”
“We have.” Faith corrected him. This just made me smile more as it reminded me of Tristan correcting me previously about his inner circle, being our inner circle.
My thoughts began to wander, thinking about what had led me to this point in my life, to the people in my life. Mat, Faith, Jake, who had become my family when I was just a child. Tristan, Kami, Ivy and Daemon, who were the family I should have had long ago but was happy to have now. Brandon, Vincent, and Cedric, quickly becoming the brothers and uncle that I never knew I needed.
Finally there was Rian, a truly unexpected addition, but one I could not be happier about. He and Tristan were the best surprises life had ever thrown at me. Of course there was Aramyth as well, not just part of me, but the inner strength I drew on to get through everything. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to call mine.
I was drawn out of my inner thoughts by someone shaking my shoulder, “Aly? Aly! Are you ok?” Kami, Brandon and Vincent had joined us at some point while I was zoned out in thought.
Kami was shaking me gently, Tristan and Mat in front of me, trying to snap me out of it. Vincent was there as well, he, Jake and Faith looked very concerned about my lack of awareness. Cedric and Brandon didn’t seem to know what to do, but were there and ready to help if needed.
I smiled at them all. “Yes, sorry. I was just lost in my thoughts, wandering through my own head for a bit. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“As long as you’re ok, Half-Pint.” Tristan cupped my face in his hands, shifting my attention to him fully as he searched my eyes and face for a moment before seeming to decide that I was ok.
“I am. I promise.”
“Don’t scare us like that Aly.” Mat scolded.
“I said I was sorry, Mattie.” I scowled at him a little, but I knew he was just worried about me.
“Alright, let’s get training started. Are you still up for it, Alyce?” Victor asked, as he ushered the rest of the group towards the other waiting pack members.
“Oh absolutely. Mattie owes me a sparring match and Cedric owes me an extra lap this morning.” I grinned, quite pleased with myself this morning.
“Taskmaster.” Mat mumbled as he passed me and followed Victor and the others. Cedric just winked at me as he walked with Mat.
I laughed, flashing Cedric a smile, “Eventually you’ll stop with that ridiculous nickname.”
“Not even if it kills me.” Mat smirked.
“I can arrange that Mattie.”
“I would consider it a personal favor if you didn’t, Alyce.” Cedric chuckled, knowing I would never.
“Well, how can I turn that down?”
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
We reached the rest of the pack members waiting for training and Jake, Cedric and Victor headed to the front. The three of them had started leading training together. Jake would take some of the more advanced fighters and pair them with Faith, himself or sometimes me to push them to be even better. Cedric would take the mid level members and rotate through sparring with them to teach them new things with someone they didn’t know as well as their packmates and Victor worked with the younger and newer trainees while supervising it all.
Training ran later than normal, but we had also gotten a bit of a late start and we waited on Cedric to do his extra lap while Mat and I sparred. As usual, I won, but he made me work for it harder than I had needed to in a long time.
“That extra power boost is working for you Mattie.” We were sitting on the grass, waiting for Cedric. Well, the boys were sitting. I was sprawled out on it catching my breath.
“Good, it’ll let me push to improve further without feeling like I’m trying to kill myself.” Mat grinned knowing he made me work for it.
“Are you alright Half-Pint?” Tristan looked only slightly concerned that I was needing to catch my breath more than usual.
I smiled over at him, “Yes, I’m ok. I promise. Just need some food and some more water. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to push that hard with Mattie. It’s good for both of us.”
“Cedric should be finished any time now, and then we can all go get some food.” Mat noted.
Kami and Brandon walked over, both plopping down with us. Kami sprawled over me dramatically. “Brandon is trying to kill me, Aly. Also, did someone say food?”
I let out an ‘Oof!’ as she sprawled over me and then laughed, “Well, then you try and kill him right back, and yes. We’re just waiting on Cedric.”
“Isn’t he usually one of the first ones done on the run?” Brandon asked.
“Yes, but he had that extra lap to do, remember?” Tristan reminded him.
“Oh, yeah. I was a little more focused and Alyce’s random zone out I guess. It didn’t stick.”
“That’s fair.” Mat chuckled.
“Now, what is this about Brandon trying to kill you, Kami?” I lifted my head, looking at her.
“I am not trying to kill her! I just suggested she move into the advanced training group…” He was quick to protest.
“You mean she’s not already?” I was a bit shocked, she was a hell of a fighter.
Kami gave a sheepish grin and shook her head. “See, he’s trying to kill me.”
“I might have to agree with him on this one, Kami. The advanced group would be a better spot for you for training.”
“Aly! You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am! If you join the advanced group he’s no longer trying to kill you. Someone else is. Win-win!” I knew damn well that wasn’t what either of them ment, but I wanted to see if I could get a rise out of them.
Brandon stiffened slightly, before catching himself and forcing his muscles to relax. I gave him a brief, knowing look before blanking my face.
Kami was laughing at my logic, “Aly, that’s not what I meant!”
“I know, but new sparring partners are good for you.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll start the advanced group next week.” She gave in, and I could see Brandon stiffen up again, but only because I was looking for it.
“And I can try to kill you instead of Brandon.” I laughed at her and grinned inwardly as Brandon once again relaxed.
I glanced at Tristan as Cedric finally emerged from his extra lap and headed for us. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he had seen Brandon’s reactions as well and knew exactly what I was thinking.
“Oh man.. That extra lap is killer.” Cedric huffed as he reached us.
“Always is.” Tristan grinned.
Mat stood up to greet Cedric, kissing him softly as the rest of us stood up as well. “Let’s go get some breakfast, you’ll feel better. Aly too.”
“Mat made her work for it today.” Tristan chuckled at Cedric’s perplexed expression to Mat’s comment on me.
“Boys are trying to kill everyone today.” Kami rolled her eyes, but you could hear the laughter in her tone.
“I give up…” Brandon threw his hands in the air and then grabbed Kami, throwing her over his shoulder. “If I’m going to be accused of it, I might as well do it… Maybe a cold dip in the lake…”
“Brandon Devon James!” Kami squealed and gasped at the same time, “Don’t you dare!” She was flailing her legs, and pounding her fists on his back in protest, trying to get away from his grasp. He just tightened his grasp on her, laughing as he ran ahead of us.
We all laughed, and I wiggled my fingers at her in a goodbye wave. “See you later!”
“Aly!”
“Don’t forget a towel!” Mat yelled after them.
We heard Brandon cackling and Kami still protesting as they disappeared. “Do you suppose he’ll actually drop her in the lake?” I pondered
“Oh I doubt it. I’m sure we’ll see them at the dining hall when we get there.” Tristan smiled and kissed the top of my head.
“If I had to make an educated guess, I would say those two are likely mates…” Cedric mused, putting his arm around Mat.
“Half-Pint said the same thing. I happen to agree.” Tristan grinned.
“Come on, they’ll catch up to us, or vis-a-versa.”
The rest of us headed for the dining hall, stomachs growling and curiosity peaked to see what would become of Brandon and Kami, both in the moment now and later down the road after she came of age.