The Alpha's Warrior Mate

Women Are Not Warriors

The view of the lake was incredible. It felt peaceful for the first time in a long time. A road to the left led to a neighborhood where lots of houses stood. It must be where most of the pack lived. A few hundred yards to the right were several large structures. A rock wall, ropes course leading towards a pillar in the middle. About fifty males were on the ground sparring in front of it. I walked towards them to watch their technique. They were good, solid warriors. A few tune ups and they would be even better. I watched the leader walking between the partners, correcting as he went. 

“Can I join in?” I asked as I reached the group.

“I’m sorry, but these training sessions are only for our main warriors. There’s a novice session on Tuesdays.”  He replied. Hell, I didn’t even know what today was to know when Tuesday’s session would be. 

“I was a warrior in my old pack. I can keep up," I insisted. 

The trainer eyed me carefully. I could tell he was seeing the fact that I was skin and bones and deciding if he wanted to let one of his warriors kill me today. 

“Just let me try and if not, I’ll leave you alone.” I challenged 

He rolled his eyes, “Nathaniel, come spar with our new... friend.” 

The boy that stood before me was a few years younger then me, maybe 20. I had watched him sparring earlier. When he went on the offensive, he left his non dominant side completely open. We had drawn a crowd as everyone tuned in to watch us spar. I looked down at my bare feet. I liked it better with no shoes, I could move quicker. The boy, Nathaniel, made the first move. I sidestepped his first punch and waited for his second. The next one came right after it and I ducked, hitting the ground with my hands in a push up position before I shifted my weight and swept his feet out from underneath him. He landed on his ass and I could tell he was angry when he popped up red in the face. 

“When you shift for your punch make sure your stance is wide, so that you’re not off balance” I said to him.

He shot another punch at me. I sidestepped it again. 

“Good!” Now don’t Telegraph your swings. I can tell where you’re coming from before you even move. 

He turned to kick and I blocked it, coming up to land a punch on his jaw. Even more red in the face, he turned to square up. Before I knew it, he had landed a punch to my cheek. 

“Nice job!” I spat blood out. He seemed relieved and looked towards his trainer for direction who stood with his mouth open wide. 

“He’s doing good, let him know not to leave his blind side open,” I almost jumped when my wolf added in her two cents. A low growl tore through the training grounds before we could continue as mint and pine filled my nostrils. 

“We’re in trouble now,” I said out loud to no one in particular. Ethan was in poor Nathaniel’s face in seconds. I stepped very carefully around him to interrupt. 

“I asked to spar, Nathaniel was volunteered. Everything is fine, Ethan.” Saying his name snapped him back to reality. 

“Everything is not fine!” He roared. “Females do not spar with warriors! They stay at the pack house where it is safe!” His hand jerked to point towards the house but it was too late. My own hands flew to cover my face as I flinched away from him. Too many nightmares of the Red Aspen Alpha brought forth that knee jerk response. 

His hand dropped to his side. “Please... just go back inside.” His voice sounded lost. 

I recovered quickly. Turning to Nathaniel I warmly said, “Thank you for sparring with me.” I nodded at the trainer before making my way back to the pack house trying to decide what kind of punishment I'd be receiving.