Born in Fire

Chapter Fourteen

*Kalama*

I heard the whoosh of air, as Neal’s fist flew pass my left ear. Weeks ago, that would have been my face. I had realized on the first day that training with the Gamma of the Green Grove Pack was no easy feat. During these sessions, I was not the mate of Alpha Caspian. I was not Luna. Here, I was just another Warrior. My body had been beaten, bruised, and broken just as any Warriors’ and in all honesty, I was grateful for it, although, Caspian had not been thrilled to see the swelling and bruises. The first week had been the hardest. Training started with a ten-mile run, that had left me vomiting by the end and so sore I could barely lift my arms. It was easier now, and I had no problems keeping up with Neal.

I danced out of the way a second time, dropping low, and coming back up with a jab of my own. Neal caught the blow, using my forward momentum to send me up and over his shoulder. The air gushed out of my lungs, as I landed on my back with a bone jarring crash. I laid there, gasping for air, as Neal rushed me. His foot slammed down on the empty floor where my head had been. I rolled out of the way again, my lungs burning still. I rushed to get back on my feet. I wasn’t quick enough as his foot connected with my stomach. The newly found air in my lungs, whooshed out and I was left gasping as he grabbed the back of my neck, pressing my face into the matted floor. He held me there for a moment, before letting go, allowing me to roll onto my back. He held out a hand. I gripped it, letting him pull me to my feet. He grinned, “That round was good. You landed some hits that time.” I rolled my eyes, knowing none of my hits had hurt him. I was sure I would have new bruises after that landing, though. He handed me a water bottle. I took it gratefully, taking a large gulp, before patting my face with a towel. “So, Luna Ceremony?” I nodded. Caspian would be announcing my Luna Ceremony at breakfast today. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Neal checked the clock on the far wall of the room, “We still have a few hours before breakfast. Let’s work on your fire.”

I groaned. This was my least favorite part of training. All I needed to do was light a candle and then extinguish it, but my fire was so unpredictable and never seemed to do what I wanted it to. It also left me more exhausted than any of the physical training. In the past weeks, all I had managed to do was set a chair on fire and singe Neal’s pants. He grabbed the fire extinguisher from its place by the door. “Alright, sit.” Grumbling, I did, crossing my legs under me and rested my hands on my legs, palms up. He sat the candle on a metal crate and stepped behind me. I took a deep breath and another. The ticking of the clock seemed to echo through the room. “You’re stalling.” I sighed,

“Alright. Alright.” I took another deep breath, releasing it slowly and closed my eyes. Focusing on the warmth inside my mind, I followed it, delving deep inside myself, until I came to the raging flames. Calling to the flame was like calling to my wolf, Ash, but getting the flame to do what I wanted was a different story. I stretched out a hand, picturing a small ball of flame in the palm of my hand. Holding onto the image, I opened my eyes, looking at my hands, nothing.

“Try again.” I did, still nothing. It went like that for the last several hours, leaving me defeated and mostly frustrated. At seven o’clock, Neal ended the session, giving me a hour to shower and get ready for breakfast. I thanked Neal and headed out, my legs aching with each step to the third floor. The room was quiet. I made my way to the bathroom, stripping clothes from my sweat soaked body as I went. I turned the shower on and stepped under the spray, quickly washed, dressed, and headed downstairs to the dining hall. Caspian had called the entire pack this morning, so the dining hall was packed full of over a hundred members. I got in line with the others, letting the Kitchen Omegas fill my plate with French toast, bacon, ham, and scrambled eggs. I found Caspian sitting with John and Julie and Neal at the head of the room. John stood, “Allow me, Luna.” he said, pulling my chair out. I smiled, taking my seat next to Caspian.

“Thank you, Beta John.” Caspian arched his eyebrow as he looked at my full plate. I mind-linked him,

“What? Training makes me hungry.” His laugh rumbled through my mind, making me smile, as I dug into my plate. Breakfast was quiet, although I could feel the eyes of the other members, as they snuck glances at our table. Once everyone had finished and the Omegas had cleared the table, Caspian stood from his seat. The room immediately went quiet as the members eyes focused on their Alpha.

“Green Grove Pack.” Caspian said, his voice filling the room. “As you know, I have found my true mate, sworn to me by the Moon Goddess.” He motioned to me. I stood, meeting each member in the eye, smiling. Caspian continued, “Your acceptance of my mate, Kalama Edwards as your Luna has filled me with pride, as well as made my mate welcomed. As such, Kalama Edwards has agreed to become a full member of this Pack and swear her allegiance as Luna to the Green Grove Pack.” Howls filled the room as the members clapped. Caspian let the cheers go on for a moment, before silencing them with a raise of his hand. “Now, Luna Kalama and Beta Julie, as well as your lead Omega, Nani, have gone to great lengths in organizing the Luna Ceremony and we are happy to announce that it will take place this Saturday evening.” More howls and claps filled the room. Caspian smiled at me, lightly kissing my cheek, as I stepped up and raised my hands for silence. The room went quiet for me, just as it had for Caspian, their eyes focused on me. I took a deep breath, my smile widening.

“Before you are dismissed, I want to thank you all. I have not always been accepted and the fact that you have… Well, I cannot tell you what it means to me. Thank you.” I picked up my glass of orange juice and raised it. “To the Green Grove Pack.” Cheers erupted through the room, with chants of Green Grove, as other raised their glasses. The noise was overturned by a loud growl. Heads turned as Delilah rushed from her seat to the middle of room.

“You can’t do this.” she yelled, her gazed on Caspian. Caspian crossed his arms. A growl bobbing in his throat.

“Mind your tone, Scout Delilah.”

“No!” Gasps sounded around the room. “You think, you can just bring in some b***h and expect everyone to bow down? You will not toss me aside.” Caspian must have mind-linked John and Neal because they both moved to grab her. She fought, screaming. “I challenge her.” John and Neal released her. Her eyes locked onto mine. “I, Delilah Richard, challenge, Luna Kalama Edwards, for the rank of Luna of the Green Grove Pack.” My breath caught in my lungs and all I could hear was the roar of the fire in my head. I met her gaze. Her eyes were filled with anger, hatred, and jealously. Ash’s growl rumbled through my body. The silence of the room seemed to echo, and I realized everyone was watching me. I let a breath out, trying to keep the fire inside. I could feel its flames licking at the walls of my mind, looking for an escape.

“They’re waiting.” Ash snarled. I could feel Caspian’s eyes on me, could almost taste his worry. I knew there was only one thing I could do,

“I, Kalama Edwards, except your challenge.” For a split second, surprise flashed across her face. She quickly recovered, squaring her shoulders.

“One hour. The training fields.” Ash growled again. I squared my own shoulders.

“Very well.” I left the table, walking into the hall. The dining hall doors shut behind me and I broke into a run, taking the stairs two at a time. The fire roared and flames sparked along my fingertips. I rushed inside the bedroom and into the bathroom, slamming the bathroom door behind me and turned the shower on as high as it allowed, nearly diving under the spray as I lost the battle with the fire. The flames quickly died as the water hit me, making my skin sizzle and smoke. Tears streamed down my cheeks, mixing with the water. I sat on the shower floor, hugging my knees.

I wasn’t sure how long I sat there. The cold water had long soaked into my skin, making me shiver. Ash seemed to pace back and forth in my head. “There’s no way I can beat her, Ash.” Her growl echoed through my mind.

“You can and you will. This is your pack, Kalama. Are you really going to give up before you even have a chance?”

“But…” She cut me off, snapping,

“No!” Her tone surprised me. Ash had been my only friend for years and my salvation against Evan. “You are strong, Kalama. Stronger than you know, and that strength has brought you here, to this pack, to Caspian. This is where you belong. Where we belong.” A tear rolled down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away. Ash was right. Caspian was my one true mate, sworn to me by the Moon Goddess and this was my pack. I wiped my face, brushing my wet hair away from my face, and stood. I would not give this up, not my mate and not my pack. I turned the water off. The whole pack would be there. I had to find a way to control my fire. As per the rules of the Challenge, I could not speak to any pack members. I striped away my wet clothes and dried myself. As I changed into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top, I remembered what my mother had said about ingesting plants like yucca or yarrow. I glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table. I had to be on the training fields in thirty minutes. I threw my hair into a ponytail and quickly left the room, jogging down to the kitchens. The kitchen Omegas were busy cleaning up the breakfast dishes. I tried to ignore their stares. Stares that rested on the scars on my arms and shoulders. Nani gave a low growl. A warning to mind their business and continue working. They did not have to be told twice. I looked at Nani, giving her a nod of thanks. She bowed her head in response. I went to the storeroom in the back of the kitchen, scanning the shelves. After a few minutes I finally found a small jar of yarrow flakes. I looked at the jar, unsure how much was enough. I took a breath, opening my mouth and shaking some onto my tongue. It was pleasantly sweet, with a rather surprisingly, bitter after taste. I shook a little bit more into my mouth, hoping it was enough and grabbed a bottle of water from another shelf. I took a mouth full, swishing it around to wash away the bitterness. I whispered a prayer to the Moon Goddess and made my way to the training fields.

Many pack members already lined the outside edges of the training field. My eyes instantly found Caspian among the crowd. His eyes met mine and I could feel his touch on the edge of my mind. I gave him a small smile, hoping it would tell him that I was okay and began the stretches that Neal had taught me. Delilah arrived with only a few minutes to spare. I ignored her glare, continuing my stretches. Caspian soon stepped into the middle of the fight zone. Delilah and I stepped up to either side of him. I met her glare with my own. Caspian raised his arms for quite and immediately got it. I let his voice wash over me, calming me as I studied Delilah. She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, her foot impatiently tapping the ground. “Delilah Richard has challenged Kalama Edwards for the rank of Luna. The winner of this challenge will be Luna of this pack, as well as my chosen mate. The fate of this challenge’s loser shall be decided by its winner.” He looked between us. “This will be strictly hand-to-hand combat. No one shall interfere.” His gaze landed on me as he said, “Good luck.” He stepped back to the edge of the field. A horn blew.

It didn’t take long for me to realize how impatient of a fighter Delilah was. Almost immediately after the horn blew, she came in with a series of attacks. She was fast and much more skilled than I was. Many of her blows landed and I was soon back pedaling, disparate to get away, to get some space. I ducked out of the way, as she aimed a blow at my face, coming up with a blow of my own. The blow landed, making her head snap back hard enough, that she backed off. Sweat rolled down my body. A cut above my eyebrow oozed, getting in my eyes. I ignored it, watching Delilah. I could see the anger in her eyes. I had not gone down as quickly as she thought I would. However, I could feel my body giving out, exhausted by Delilah’s constant stream of attacks. She didn’t stay away for long, coming in hard and fast. I wasn’t fast enough, as her fist connected with my mouth, making me taste blood. Another blow connected with my stomach. I doubled over, dry heaving. Her knee came up, smashing into my face. I felt the bones in my nose give, blood gushed, and I saw stars. Dazed from the blow, I could not avoid her as her weight hit me. I was driven into the dirt, dust flying up, gagging me. Delilah was on top of me, her fist connecting with my head and face again and again. Darkness threatened. She dragged me to my feet, throwing me to the other side of the field. I landed face first. Her foot drove into my stomach. “Pathetic.” I heard her growl, as she drove her foot in my stomach again. “Killing you would be merciful.” I had no time to respond as her foot connected with my face. I saw stars again, the darkness threatened to take me. I felt her weight on me, her hands around my throat. She squeezed, cutting my air off. I clawed at her hands, bucking, and fighting to get her off. She squeezed harder, and I slipped a little into that darkness. Her voice cut through the haste. “He’s mine you b***h. Do you hear me?” I opened my eyes, looking past her. Caspian’s blue eyes met mine and I thought how peaceful those blue depths were. Her voice was in my ear. “I’m going to kill you and then I’m going to f**k him.” I meet her eyes, a cool rage coming over me, and I screamed,

“Mine!” I could feel the flame, white hot in my veins, but the yarrow flakes held firm. I heard myself scream again as I dug my fingers into her eyes. She let a scream of pain and let go of my throat to cover her eyes. Gasping for air, I brought my head up as hard as I could manage, slamming into her face. I felt bone give and felt the warmth of blood. I wasn’t sure how, but we both managed to get to our feet. I didn’t give her the chance to recover, as I threw myself onto her. Dust flew as we hit the ground. I continued to scream as I brought my fist down again and again. Her blood splattered from a clearly broken nose. How dare she threaten to take what was mine. Ash howled, her anger mixing with my own rage. I slammed her head into the ground once, twice. I should kill her. The thought stopped me in my tracks, my fist reared back, ready to strike. I looked down at Delilah. Her broken face was smeared with blood, matting her hair. The fight suddenly rushed out of me, and I dropped my arm. I would not kill her.

I stood. She didn’t move. I looked at the crowd, finding Caspian. His eyes were filled with pride. I ran to him, jumping into his arms. He caught me easily. His mouth meeting mine in a kiss that left me hot and needing more. I could feel everyone on the field watching, but I didn’t care as Caspian’s warm tongue danced against mine. Needing air, I broke the kiss, burying my face into his neck and inhaled his fresh, rainfall scent. After a moment, he sat me down on my feet. His mouth close to my ear. “You’re not done yet, Love.” I looked at him, blood from my face and clothes had smeared on him. I took a breath and nodded. I turned and walked over to where Delilah lay, motionless, the ground under her head was red with blood. Her chest rose and fell, and I found myself thankful that I had stopped in time. I looked at the crowd, meeting each member in the eye one by one. They were quick to bow their heads. I took a breath, addressing them.

“I, Kalama Edwards, have defeated the challenger!” Cheers erupted. I rose my arms, “Should anyone else wish to challenge me?” I paused, again meeting their eyes. No one met my gaze. “I am your Luna!” A loud and steady cheer of Luna Kalama began. “Ben. Jackson.” They both stepped forward. I pointed to Delilah, who had started to groan. “Take her to the Hospital Wing. Do not let her out of your sight. I want to know the minute she can stand again.”

“Yes, Luna.” they said, moving to pick her up. I watched as they carried her back to the house. I motioned for two more Warriors to step forward.

“Remove her things from the barracks and take them to one of the cabins on the outskirts.” Once they were out of sight, I looked at everyone else, taking Caspian by the hand.

“Now, return to your work.” Cheers followed us up to the house.

*Caspian*

I watched as an assistant carefully cleaned and bandaged the cuts on Kalama’s face and hands. Bruises were already starting to form under her left eye and forehead. Her bottom lip was swollen and the gash above her right eyebrow would need stitches. “Please remove your shirt, Luna.” The assistant said. Her hands were slow and gentle as they roamed over my mate’s ribs. Bruises had formed here as well, and I wasn’t surprised when the assistant said there were at least two broken ribs. Kalama winced at the touch, sucking in a sharp breath. Even though it hurt to see her in pain, I could not help the feeling of extreme pride and relief. I never doubted that my mate would win. Although, the panic I had felt when Delilah put her hands around her throat had nearly consumed me. It had taken every bit of self-control I had to not run out onto the field and stop the fight. Then her eyes had met mine and I saw Delilah lean down and whisper something. I had to hold back my surprise when those eyes suddenly seemed to burst into flame. Her ear-splitting scream still rung in my head.

The assistant left the room to retrieve the items needed to stitch the gash. I reached from my chair next to the bed and put my hand on her knee, giving it a squeeze. She smiled. The assistant came back, making short work of numbing the gash and stitching it back up. “You are free to go, Luna. The stitches will dissolve on their own and your ribs will begin to heal once you have shift.” Kalama nodded.

“Thank you. Is there any word on the challenger?” The assistant shook her head.

“No, Luna. Dr. Barker is still with her.” She nodded, thanking the assistant again, and followed me out of the Hospital Wing. I put my arm around her as we walked down the hall. She leaned into me, her shoulders slumping. We made our way to the bathroom in our room. I ran her a bath as she slowly took off her blood-stained clothes. I heard the breaking of bones as they lengthened and changed position to take the wolf form and then again, a moment later as she took human form. I helped her into the water, letting her soak while I grabbed her soap. She reached for and I pulled it away, shaking my head,

“Let me, Love.” She gave me a small smile and leaned back against the tub. I sat down behind her, squeezing some soap into my hand and began slowly kneading it into her scalp. Once I was done with her hair, I moved on to her body, making sure to cover every inch of her well-muscled body. She groaned as my hands glided up her legs and I felt my length stiffen. Quit it. I told myself. Not what she needs. I caught her look as her voice floated in my mind,

“But I want…” I smiled,

“I know. But first, sleep and food.” I heard her stomach growl and I laughed. She grumbled,

“Fine.” Her cheeks red. I helped her out of the tub, grabbing a towel, and slowly patting her dry. The shift had set her broken ribs, just as the assistant said, although her skin was still purple with bruises. Thankfully, wolves were quick to heal. The bruises and cuts would look better by tomorrow and the ribs in a couple of days. She left the bathroom, going into her closet to get dressed. I put her soap away and gathered the towels and clothes, putting them down the laundry chute to be washed. A knock sounded at the door, and I went to open it. Nani and two other Omegas, Jenny and Marcus, came in, pushing carts of food and drink.

“I thought the Luna may want an early dinner.” said Nani.

“Thank you, Nani.” She bowed her head. I watched as they unloaded a platter of fried chicken, a bowl of potatoes and gravy, and corn on the cob, as well as the chips and dip from the Crescent Wolf Pack cook onto the coffee table. Marcus sat down a plate of brownies, still warm from the oven and a pitcher of sweet tea with two glasses. Kalama came out of her closet, having changed into grey checkered sweatpants and a white t-shirt. Nani and the Omegas bowed their heads as she came over.

“It smells great, Nani. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Luna.” The Omegas grabbed the carts, bowing their heads as they left the room. Nani followed. “Oh, and Luna. Good job, it’s about time someone put that b***h in her place.” Kalama covered her mouth with her hand, failing to control her laugh. I smiled.

“Thank you, Nani.” Nani bowed her head again, and followed the Omegas, closing the door behind her. Kalama wasted no time piling food onto her plate. I poured her a glass of sweet tea and filled my own plate. We ate in silence.

*Kalama*

After my third plate, fourth brownie, second glass of sweet tea, and most of the chips and dip, I sat my plate on the coffee table and leaned back in my chair, sighing. Caspian chuckled. I cracked my eyes open, peeking at him through my eyelashes. “Are you judging your Luna?” He put his hands up, smiling.

“Of course not.” He chuckled again. I grinned, sitting up in my chair.

“Good, cause if this is going to be a regular thing, I’m going to need a lot of Nani’s brownies.” He laughed. It’s sound sent a warm shiver down my spine, forming a ball that rested between my legs. I stood, keeping my gaze level with his. His eyes traveled the length of my body, and the smell of his arousal filled my senses. He watched as I slowly closed the space between us, slipping out of my shirt and pants to reveal the matching red bra and panties I wore. Lust filled his eyes. His hands gripped my hips as I straddled his lap. His already hardened length pressed against me. I searched his blue eyes. “Are there any other jealous exes I should be aware of?” He let out a long breath,

“Honestly?” I arched an eyebrow, running my fingers down his neck, a crooked smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Many.” I c****d my head, “but none of them compare to you, my Luna.” It was my turn to chuckle,

“Good answer.” I smiled, capturing his mouth with my own. His hands trailed down my back. His tongue running along my bottom lip. I happily gave him access, my fingers tangling in his hair. I pressed myself against him. He broke the kiss. His lips and tongue trailed down my neck down to where his mark sat. His teeth nipped it, making me groan. He continued, slowly kissing, and tasting down to the curve of my breasts. He unclipped my bra with a quick snap of his fingers. He pulled it off, throwing it behind him, before capturing a n****e in his mouth. I leaned my head back, enjoying the feel of his mouth on my bare skin. He teased with his tongue for a moment before moving to the other. My body tensed, as his hand glided down between my legs, sliding my underwear to the side, and slipping a finger into my wetness. I let out another groan, rocking back and forth, as his finger stroked me. I moaned, feeling the climax building.