Memory of Fire

Fired Up

{Alex}

Pacing the space in the suite, I keep going over the entire night with her, with Alora. She was so small and oddly independent. Her curly red hair accents her bright green eyes and pale, creamy skin perfectly. The way that black dress fit her body in all the right ways. She was addictive, and I'm not sure what to do. After years of being closed off to my feelings and every want other than to keep my pack safe. My wolf is chomping at the bit to get back to his mate, and I was anxious to return home.

As I grabbed a bottle of scotch and a glass, my beta and gamma walked through the door, stomping around and laughing like drunken idiots.

"You guys were out late. How did the meeting go?" I ask casually, sitting on the couch and watching their expressions.

"Oh, um, it went well I think." Dawson slurred.

"You think?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Um, Alpha, I can't remember right now. We are plastered." Sean chuckled as he fell onto the bed.

"Too bad. Start packing. We're leaving. You have half an hour." I said as I finished my drink and left the suite. Time to talk to the Alpha and figure out what those two said to him.

With a sigh, I got into my car and pulled out of the small parking lot and towards the packhouse. Should I also bring up the fact that I want to take my mate home with me? What did she have to 'wrap up' anyway? What is keeping her from me other than the obvious?

{Alora}

Instead of dwelling on the things that have happened in the last 24 hours, I went to training. I needed to get my feelings out the only way I know how, sparring. I was early and lifted in the gym first, and now I'm about to take out my latest victim for the third time since switching partners. We rotate every 25 minutes. At this point, the only thing giving me satisfaction is sparring the guys. It felt like I was fighting, and winning, the challenging people. I do not want to think right now. As i throw my heel into this guy's face, i can hear bones crack, and he dropped to the ground gripping his face.

"Jesus Christ Al! What was that for!" I didn't even realize i was sparring with James, Karmen's friend.

"Oh goddess James, I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking, are you okay?" I helped him up as our training officer came over.

"Alora, what happened?" Daniel, the head warrior, asked.

"Sir, I wasn't thinking, I had gotten lost in my own thoughts." I lowered my head, feeling truly awful.

"Go home Alora. If you can't stay focused, you can't be here." He said simply and walked away.

With a sigh, I walk over to the bench holding my training bag and bottle of water. Daniel was right, I can't focus and that can get people hurt. Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I started walking home. What am I going to do about my mate? What would happen if I went with him?

"If you give in and just accept the bond, you could be happy. You know that I wouldn't let him hurt you and neither would Apex." Pru said with a hint of anger.

"Are you...angry with me?" I asked in confusion. What did I do?

"Yeah, I'm angry that you are asking questions instead of just having faith, Alora." She said in a huff.

"What is so wrong about wanting to know facts?" I asked as I crossed the street, walking up to my front door. Pru didn't answer me, she retreated to the back of my mind. If I could just find a way to understand him...

Getting frustrated with my thoughts, I throw my bag over my shoulders and leave my house. A run will help me calm down. When I get to the end of my street i break out into a sprint, angry at everything.

"Al? Where are you?" Mom mind linked me as i made it to the edge of the woods.

"Going to the woods. I got kicked from training today and need to burn some things off." I told her then blocked her, and everyone else out. I do not want to think right now, I just want to run.

Since Pru was pissed at me, I figured it would just be me running, so I tucked my bag away in a fallen tree and turned around, taking off at full speed. I jumped over branches and bushes, feeling my heart racing at an amazing pace. The trees around me rush by, a distant blur as I pass a small pond. When I can't take the burning ache anymore, I stop and put my hands on my knees, catching my breath. Looking up, I took in my surroundings, the sun had gone down, and the birds had quieted, leaving only the chirping of the crickets. I could smell the forests' thick mossy scent so much better now that the sun was down. If I hadn't grown up in this forest I would be lost, but just looking at the way the trees sit, I can tell that I am only a ten-minute walk away from where I left my bag. With a successful grin, I walk towards my bag, taking a sip of water once I pull it out of the tree. Pulling my hair out its restraint, it falls down my back, i head out of the woods and back in the direction of my house.

Spending most of the day running carefree in the forest was exactly what I had needed. I felt so at ease that I didn't jump when a black car had pulled up in front of me. Seeing as I ignored the entire pack for almost a full day, I'm not really surprised. When the window of the passenger side rolls down, I am instantly surprised by the angry Alpha staring at me.

"Seriously Alora." he said gruffly.

"What can I do for you, Alpha?" I said with a raised eyebrow.