Unbreakable

Training

    Walking to the packhouse was more of a challenge than expected. I didn't realize that the winding path never had a flat moment headed up to the packhouse while we were driving. We were on an incline the whole walk and I was trying to brace myself for another round of embarrassment when I couldn't shift and showed up out of breathe and sweaty before training. Tate hasn't even broken a sweat as he looks around and grimaces at the lack of coverage. "Where are we supposed to run here?" He linked me. That was the first thing on his mind, where to let his wolf out and release all of these new emotions. I glanced around and shrugged with a sad look on my face. I knew that it was important to him. As we drew closer I took a deep breathe and Tate gave me a slap on the back. 

    Alpha Ryan greeted us in a grey hoodie and pants, a simple black mountain in the middle of his torso. It wasn't meant to be form fitting but I ogled his frame as we approached. His short brown hair was slightly rough but his eyes were vibrant blue that only stood out more against the circles under his eyes. I noticed the 5 o'clock shadow and I felt Alina grow interested. Wait. Is this how she feels or how I feel. I stop myself and remember the night before. As if the affirmation was needed out saunters Halie in a matching outfit. I feel a little ember of hatred towards Ryan and avert my eyes, Alina begins to whine and becomes quiet.

    "Alright everyone, line up by rank". Alpha Ryan Chimes. The warriors in our pack didn't fight for position. The warriors trained as equals under the Beta. Tate gives me a shove forward and then one more to the left as if telling me to stand in front of everyone. Alpha Ryan is clearly not amused as a couple chuckles come from behind me and his eyes showed he was fighting his wolf. Was he mad that Tate touched me or I am supposed to be the answer here?

    Before he could get mad I decided to speak up. "We are not ranked, Alpha. I am Beta Female. Our warriors have always been treated as equal and all pushed to reach the best of their abilities." Those who weren't directly behind me began to shuffle closer as if standing in unity.  I felt a small surge of pride I am sure was mostly Alina. These people hated me, but they're on my side here? Not sure how I feel about that.  

    "Well this is new" Alpha Ryan gave a terse chuckle and cleared his throat "You will all spend the first hour running the packhouse gates. Then you will come to the gym and move from weight station to station. Test your limits. We will be watching you. You will all be placed in a sparring tournament together to see where you rank. Physical to take place at noon and wolf form will follow at 2p.m.. You may have been equals in your old pack, but some of you ARE better than the others and will excel with further training and responsibly." Halie reached over and gave him a kiss on the cheek and looked directly at me. I am not sure what she saw because the smirk didn't last and she averted her eyes downward almost immediately. Ryan gave me a somewhat sideways stare before dismissing us with a wave of his hand. Tate came over and linked me. "You are down right terrifying right now" and as if he had slapped me in the face I looked at him, he was keeping his eyes down, "Why?"

    I know I am mad but I've never been able to come across as intimidating, let alone terrifying. 

"Your Aura. You are still making me want to submit". I looked back confused and saw my pack members all staring downwards. I took a deep breath and tried to shake the burning anger that came from that she-wolfs hands on MY mate. Ugh. Breathe. Breathe. Tate rubbed my back and I looked to the rest of the warriors that still remained in submission, "Let's get this over with everyone". Tate looked at me and went wide eyed for a moment and then turned without another word. 

        Scary. I could get used to the idea of not being pushed around anymore. "Are you okay Alina?"

-"Mine."

"I'm sorry Alina. I wish he was. He was supposed to be. But keep in mind all he has done and continues to do."

    She whines and I can feel her frustration as my feet hit the stone and dirt along the packhouse gates as we run. My mind is lost in the burn in my legs that's somehow fueling me rather than making me beg to stop. Tate is still keeping his distance but throws glances my way every so often. The run lasted longer than I could usually handle and I was happy to head to the gym and work on anything but my cardio. "Lets show all these lucky men what they're missing" Tate chimes in through mindlink. "I know i'm strong Tate but I'm-" Not you little miss Luna to be, MeEEeee, I am the yummiest thing this gym will ever see." He winked and I about cried trying not to laugh out loud as we reach the first station. His cocky expression diminished into an annoyed, narrow eyed glare that was covered partially by the drooping of his sweaty dark curly hair over his right eye.