The Packless Wolf

Chapter 13

Reika waited out in the field by the packhouse. It was a few days after the joining ceremony and now that everyone was settled in, she was instructed to find out everyone’s fighting ability. The Blue Ridge pack taught everyone to fight. Most packs did not, it was usually only men who were taught. As she walked along the line of the 12 new members, she attempted to not look menacing, but felt she might have failed as the omegas looked terrified.

“I am Reika McDaniels, and if you haven’t guessed by now, I am Alpha Eric’s daughter,” Reika introduced herself, stopping in the middle of the group. “Now, I’m aware most packs don’t teach everyone to fight, but you are equals in our pack, and we believe no one should be left defenseless. I was tasked with assessing your strength and assigning you to your training group. So, who would like-“ Reika was cut off by snickering. Reika snapped her head towards sound. “And what is so funny,” she questioned, raising an eyebrow?

“How is a woman going to determine our fighting levels,” the wolf asked. “I was the best fighter in my pack. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Ah, yes. Your name is Chris, and you are from the Bloodmoon Pack. You will find our pack does not share the same values.” Reika replied. “Thank you for being the first volunteer,” she smirked. “Now shift,” she commanded. Within seconds her shoes, shorts and tank top were next to her. The Bloodmoon Pack where natorious for their backwards ideas. Only shifter men only fought.

Her bones cracked and readjusted as her wolf appeared. A small scream escaped Sonya’s mouth and a couple of gasps were heard as a few of the members took a step back. Reika didn’t blame them at all. Conri was a terrifying site. His fur was all black with dark green eyes. He stood over 6 feet. Fear quickly flashed through the warrior who mocked her eyes, but just as quickly, it was replaced with discontentment. Reika smiled, well she hoped she did. She never really knew if it came across as a smile or something else, as she watched the warrior undress and shift into a large grey wolf with yellow eyes. The grey wolf looked at her like she was his prey.

Soon he will learn how wrong he is, Conri said to Reika.

Reika lunged at Chris. Conri’s laughed echoed inside Reika’s consciences as Chris took a step back. Landing, Reika bit Chris’s front paw and pulled, an action causing Chris too to miss her neck. She continued to bite at his shoulders. Chris jumped back. Crouching, they circled each other. They both lunged. The force of Reika’s lunge forced Chris on his back. She held him down by the throat. Chris tried to push Reika off with his legs. She leaned her chest down, pinning him. Retrieving all the information she needed, Reika let go and backed up. Chris jumped up starting to lunge. Enough! Conri bellowed through the mink link. Chris stopping just in front of her.

Reika shifted back. She turned to the new pack members. “Ok, who’s next,” she asked, raising an eyebrow with a glint in her eyes?

Before anyone could volunteer Chris lunged at her again. Reika turned quickly and using both her hands she grabbed his snout and held it shut. Chris struggled to break free, a muffled growl attempting escape. Her eyes turned dark green as Conri took over. An aura radiated off her. “I said enough,” Conri commanded. Defeat washed over Chris as he slowly shifted back to his human form.

With eyes back to a lighter green, Reika smiled at the group. “So, who’s next?”

One by one the shifters sparred with Reika. Each time losing, but with the assessments done she knew which training each would be assigned. Her only question was what to do with Chris. While he was strong, he didn’t listen. She was sure it had to do with her being a female and that would be a problem. She quickly got dressed. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Jasper walking up.

“Ok omegas. Do any of you have any type of training?”

Chris laughed. “Like they have any training?”

Reika eyed him.

One of the male omega’s timidly raised his hand. “I have some, my sister could shift and taught me.”

“Oh good, you’ll be first then,” Reika declared with a lift in her voice. The omega’s eyes widened with fear. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy and I won't be in my wolf form.”

“Oh, that’s what that smell is,” Chris announced, waving his hand in front of his face. “I don’t understand why your pack is even allowing them to be here.”

Reika felt Conri’s anger flare. Your pack! Did you hear that!

Conri, calm down. He’ll learn. Reika pleaded. Her eyes shifted between light green and dark green as she fought for control.

“Maybe if you weren’t so lenient you wouldn’t have lost your luna.” Chris continued.

“I would watch what you say,” Reika warned, her dark green eyes narrowing.

“Why, I'm not afaind him," Chris waved his hand in the direction of Jasper. "You should just hang him up. Rogues cannot-“

Reika had closed the distance and grabbed his ear pulling it down. “I told you to watch what you say,” Conri’s voice echoed through Reika. “You are now a part of the pack,” they continued, their aura washing over them. “You will treat our guest with respect, and you will treat your fellow pack mates with respect, and you will not harm either. Do…you…understand?”

“Yes,” Chris replied obediently, showing his neck in submission.

“Good.” Conri and Reika said. “Now, are you ready?” They said, talking to the omega.

The omega stood there struck with fear.

Jasper we should fight with her, Cyfrin said.

This isn’t for us. Jasper replied

This is why we are mated. Conri is strong and typical of any alpha wolf only thinks with violence. But he’s not stronger than us and we will be able to give him the outlet needed without accidently killing anyone.

Fine, Jasper sighed

“I would like a chance to spar with you,” Cyfrin said through Jasper taking a step forward. He could hear the omega let go of a breath of relief.

With a speck of joy for the opprotunity and anger at Jasper for not joining the pack Conri replied, “This is only for those in the pack.”

“Pleeease, I think it’ll be fun,” Cyfrin begged teasingly, silver eyes glistened with joy.

“Those who’ve already tested, you’re free to go. Those who have not, be back in an hour,” Conri said, taking the bait.