I wasn't staring 21
665 Words
Chapter 21
Ava POV
After getting dressed in a pair of black leggings, a gray tank top, and my running shoes, I tied my hair into a high ponytail before heading outside. The morning air was cool and crisp.
The pack was already coming to life. Warriors were jogging through the training grounds while others sparred in pairs. A few pack members waved as I passed, and I smiled back. Grill was already waiting for me in the center of the field.
He had changed into black athletic pants and a fitted T-shirt that hugged every muscle on his body. I had to admit… My mate was incredibly handsome. When he caught me staring, a smirk spread across his face.
"Enjoying the view?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I wasn't staring."
"Liar."
I rolled my eyes. "You wish."
He chuckled before his expression turned serious. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
Without another word, he blew a whistle hanging around his neck.
Within seconds, nearly fifty warriors gathered around us. I blinked in surprise.
"So... this isn't going to be private?"
Grill shook his head. "No."
He turned to face the warriors. "As most of you already know, Ava is my mate."
Several warriors smiled and nodded. "Starting today, she'll be training with all of you."
One of the older warriors stepped forward. "Alpha, are we treating her differently because she's the future Luna?"
Grill's answer came immediately. "No."
He looked directly at me. "Out here, there are no special privileges."
"If you fall...You get back up. If you lose...You learn. If you make mistakes...You correct them."
His eyes never left mine. "I won't go easy on you."
I smiled. "I wouldn't want you to."
A grin spread across his face. "Good answer."
Chris stepped forward, stretching his shoulders. "So what's first?"
Grill pointed toward the trail that disappeared into the forest. "Ten-mile run."
I nearly choked. "Ten miles?"
He looked at me innocently. "Problem?"
"I've never run ten miles before."
He folded his arms. "Then today will be your first."
Several warriors laughed. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I've decided I don't like you very much right now."
He laughed. "You'll survive."
Chris leaned over and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear. "If she throws up, don't let it hit your shoes, Alpha."
The entire training field burst into laughter. Even I couldn't help smiling. "Very funny."
Grill pointed toward the trail again. "Move out!"
The warriors took off running. I followed behind them, trying to keep pace. The first mile wasn't bad. The second was manageable.
By the fourth… I was questioning every decision I'd ever made. By the sixth… My legs burned. By the eighth… Breathing felt impossible. Grill stayed beside me the entire time.
"You can do this."
"I hate you."
"No, you don't."
"I really do."
He laughed. "Keep running."
Finally...We crossed the finish line. The second I stopped running, I bent over with my hands on my knees, gasping for air. "I... can't... breathe..."
Chris walked past carrying a bottle of water. "You'll live."
I glared at him. "I hope you step on a Lego."
The warriors burst into laughter again. Chris looked horrified.
"That's harsh."
Grill handed me a bottle of water. "You finished."
"I barely survived."
"But you didn't quit."
I looked at him. He smiled proudly. "That's what matters."
His words warmed my heart more than I wanted to admit. Maybe...
Just maybe...I really was beginning to fall in love with him. Before I could enjoy the moment, a young warrior came sprinting toward us, breathing hard.
"Alpha!"
Grill's smile disappeared instantly. "What is it?"
"The border patrol just sent word."
My stomach dropped. "They found someone watching the pack from the tree line."
Silence fell over the training grounds. The young warrior swallowed.
"And..."
"They disappeared before we could catch them."
Grill's jaw tightened as his eyes instinctively found mine.
Neither of us had to say it aloud. Someone had already started watching us.
- Writer
