Homecoming!
1400 Words
Aaron went on for days about how awesome my wolf was and how he couldn't wait for me to start training. Matthew said as soon as I felt comfortable enough to start on the basics, he would be sure to be free to teach me. I was so excited. I have been hitting the gym for weeks now, and finally feel like I am strong enough physically to give the guys a good fight. Sparing is not meant to be taken too seriously, but I had to admit to myself I really was trying to prove that I wasn't a slave still. It has been 3 months now since I came back home and 2 months since I got my wolf. Everyone has been so amazing to me since I got here. Everyone I meet has a smile and a "How's your day?" all the time, so why do I still feel so badly about myself? Why do I still have that nagging voice in my head telling me I am nothing? I had no answer to that question. The only thing I did know was that I was going to shut that voice up for good today.
I went into the kitchen to find some breakfast before I asked Matthew to meet me on the training grounds. When I got there, I was instantly pulled into the biggest hug I have ever gotten in my life and I didn't even see the person who was hugging me. "Good Morning Sunshine!" It was Aunt Lana. "Morning Aunt Lana." "I hear you may be ready to start training today." "Yup." I beamed with pride in myself. I was now able to bench press 250 lbs, which, for a wolf, that is nothing. We can apparently lift cars and use them for exercise equipment if we work hard and build ourselves up enough. "Would you like me to come watch?" " I would love that. Thank you." " I will see you out there then. Oh, by the way, there is a stack of special pancakes for you. Your mother and I used to love them when we were children and I hope you will too." I looked over at the table and, sure enough, a stack of pancakes sat waiting for me. I inhaled the delicious aroma and my eyes widened. "Are those bananas foster pancakes?" "They sure are sweetheart," said Matthew. "Your Aunt and I came down early to surprise you with them." "Thank you so much, what's the occasion?" "We are throwing you a welcome home party in 3 days, and we wanted to start celebrating early with you before you become too busy with friends and training for us to do these kinds of things." " You guys really are amazing. Thank you for everything. " Aunt Lana guided me to my place and gestured for me to dig in and enjoy myself. I did so as she gave Matthew a cup of coffee and made herself a cup of tea. From the smell of it, she chose Earl Grey today. I finished my meal and took my dishes to the sink and rinsed them. Then I looked at Matthew and nodded to him and gestured to the training grounds. " Care to join me outside Uncle? " "Is today the day then? " "Today's the day."
We grabbed 2 bottles of water each and a small hand towel to wipe the sweat off us and headed out the back door. The training grounds used to be a tennis court but was converted when my Uncle bought the property. He kept the high chain link fences and reinforced them with two by fours. This was to make sure none of the pups got hurt playing while others were training. Good plan in my mind.
Once inside the fences, we began stretching. After a half hour, we began the real training. We circled each other and tried to find openings in each other's defenses. Aya was guiding me from the back of my mind, telling me what to look out for and when to strike. I landed a jab to his ribs that almost knocked the wind out of him. Notice how I said almost, Matthew quickly recovered and swept my feet out from under me. I got back up as his heel nearly hit me square in the middle of my chest. I jumped backwards, flipping over once in the air and landing gracefully on the ground. It gave me more room to move and think. But Matthew wasn't letting up that easily. He got a running start and jumped up over my head and landed behind me. Before I knew it, he had me by the throat. "Lesson One, Never let your opponent get behind you." A crowd had gathered to watch as Matthew and I spared, exchanging blows and dodging each other's attacks. It reminded me of a dance in a way. Our bodies moved so smoothly and elegantly that it was truly beautiful. An hour went by and boy were we tired. I collapsed on the ground, reaching for my water bottle and taking a long drink from it. " I can't believe how much you have prepared for this," said Matthew as he sat on the ground next to me. " Thank you so much for taking time to teach me Uncle. It really means a lot to me." " Anytime sweetie. We will always do our best to be there for you when you need us. " With that last statement, Aunt Lana came out carrying a basket and a blanket. " Looks like your Aunt prepared a picnic. Let's go get some lunch. " "You got it. Race you to her," I said, laughing as I took off. " Hey! That's cheating!" yelled Matthew as he dashed to catch up. I reached Aunt Lana first, and she laughed at Matthew when he got to us breathing hard from running. "She's quick Lana. That's good. I think your speed and your size are going to be your greatest advantage in a fight. Most wolves are large and bulky, especially if they are an Alpha. Since your wolf is smaller, you can move faster and can maneuver better." "I agree. Your mother was one of our best warriors. She was the Gamma of our pack. She did so much to keep us all safe." "I wish I could have known her better, hell or even remember what she looks like." " Every time you look in the mirror you see your mother. You are the spitting image of Mercia. She was your height with a similar build. She was fierce when she needed to be and the most compassionate person I have ever known. I know you will find your place here, and you will be just as, if not more amazing than she was. You made both of your parents proud today in training." "Thank you Uncle, I needed to hear that very much. I have spent so much of my life not knowing who or what I was. It was terrifying, but somehow I managed to make it through. I have always pushed myself to be the best I can be. I was amazed at how my body just knew what to do. And Aya coaching me and helping me was amazing. I am so happy she is my wolf. I can't wait to learn how to fight in wolf form. " We will work on that after you have mastered fighting in your human form. You need to fully be aware of what you are capable of before we start training as wolves." "Yes uncle. I will work hard. I promise." " Good. Now I think its time for a movie on the couch. What do you think Lana?" " Sounds good my love." We spent the rest of the afternoon in the game room with Aaron and a few others watching movies. So far, this is the best homecoming I could have asked for. I couldn't wait for the party. I was nervous too, but way more excited. In three days I would meet the rest of the pack that lived away from the pack house and also several other packs that had agreed to come and celebrate with us. This was going to be one hell of a party.
- Writer
