10.
1069 Words
"Are they trying to kill us" Gatlin spoke between heavy breaths as they ran yet again another lap. Arro, as usual, trailed behind the rest to keep alongside Gatlin as she pushed herself to run. The exercise was repetitive and all she could feel was Onyx's irritated gaze following her movements they hadn't spoken since he left her room. This had been the regular for almost a week now, early start lap after lap training all day it wasn't as hard as her first few days but Gatlin practically collapsed from exhaustion onto her bed each night.
"This is what happens when you have too much fun around here, they push harder to keep you in line" Arro smirked his long legs easily keeping pace beside her.
"Alright! Enough!" one of the trainers Callum called causing everyone to stop mid-run "since you all enjoyed sleeping outside earlier this week how about you let out your animal half. We are going to be hiking in wolf form and then camping out for the next two days. So go pack a bag and get ready" he ordered. It wasn't a big deal for them to change into their wolves but if they were hiking they would be relying on nothing but instinct. Gatlin couldn't help but hide a smile threatening to make its way across her face. This wasn't something worrying and hard for her they picked something just a part of her day-to-day life.
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In their wolf forms, there were mixes of colours greys and browns amongst them was Gatlin she wasn't a large wolf but an interesting smokey gunmetal grey in colour though the main ones to stand out were Arro who stood tall with a luxurious fluffy coat that looked like he had just rolled around in soot, while Onyx was almost pure white which made his eyes that were practically pitch black stand out. After they had all gathered on the field Onyx let out a howl and they all began their trek with their bags hanging from their mouths. Gatlin didn't know how long the walk would be for but she would be happier if their training was out amongst nature even as they walked she took in every sight and smell, every plant was getting categorised in her mind to keep up to date with her studies and her general love for nature. Her snout twitched at each new smell as they continued to walk for hours, stopping occasionally to drink some water whenever they found a spot to do so otherwise it was quiet, serene and though Gatlin never really travelled with others so she was understanding on how it felt to travel with a pack in all her enjoyment she hadn't even noticed everyone had stopped and Onyx and Callum were in their human forms and dressed. She didn't notice until hearing the sound of Onyx’s voice.
”Alright everyone, you're going to spend the next two days alone out here. So go off find a spot to set up camp and...” Onyx turned his gaze to the sky slowly filling with grey clouds ”hope it doesn't rain. Let's move out” he ordered and all the wolves began to separate around the area. Gatlin happily trailed off along her path perhaps it was odd but she liked the thought of being out alone camping. She always enjoyed being amongst nature and frankly being away from Onyx would be good despite his sudden distance his gaze was constantly following her.
In a small clearing, Gatlin stopped to observe the area before dropping down her backpack and changing into her human form. She released a content breath in the quiet hearing nothing but the birds chirping and if she listened closely she could hear the trickling of a creek so she knew there was water not far if she was thirsty. Gatlin unzipped her large backpack and pulled out some clothes a simple hooded jumper, jeans and the necklace from her father before she continued to explore the area kneeling to examine plants she came across and proudly knowing each name but her enjoyment of solitude was short-lived when a c***k of a tree branch was heard behind her. Gatlin stiffened before pushing herself to glance over her shoulder only to be faced with nothing but another snap that almost made her jump and she couldn't help but curse herself for being so easily startled.
”Guess this spot is taken” the gruff sound of Jaxon’s voice caught her off guard.
”Guess so” she carelessly shrugged ”guess you should keep looking” he chuckled at her response.
”You know you never told me why you are here? I mean you don't exactly seem like you want to become a warrior for the pack” Jaxon’s eyes seemed to examine her as though trying to figure her out.
“Do you want to be a warrior?” Gatlin asked getting to her feet and finally turning to face the large man.
“Me? Nah... I’m hoping to become Beta when Huntly officially takes over” Jaxon explained beginning to step closer to the shorter girl. His eyes still trailing over her form.
“So you want to become the Beta here?” She curiously asked.
“I do...” he gave a firm nod finally stopping directly in front of her. He was such a large man his entire frame could completely cover her own “‘now you know my reason are you going to tell me yours?”
“Why are you so curious? Haven’t you ever heard curiosity killed the cat?” She teased while Jaxon simply smirked.
“Lucky I’m a werewolf then huh?” A playfulness had taken its place in the depths of his dark brown eyes. They both glanced up hearing a voice call out in the distance.
“Make sure you have a shelter set up” Onyx instructed. He wasn’t far but it was lucky their hearing was exceptional.
“Well looks like I better get going. See you in two days Gatlin Pryce” a smile curled on his lips before stepping passed her but she couldn’t help but smile in return.
“See you then Jaxon Marks” she replied to his disappearing figure leaving her alone once again to set begin setting up her campsite.
- Writer
