Haunted Heart

Training

    Morning came too quickly in Angela’s opinion. The sun was just beginning to rise as she climbed from her bed and began to ready herself for a day of training. Anxious for what was to come, she made quick work of picking out a set of exercise clothes in deep green and tennis shoes. She tied back her fire red hair and exited her room, not surprised in the least to see Zander already waiting for her. 

    “It’s a pity you have to tie it up” he said nonchalantly as they walked “hair that color really should be left free.” Angela stopped for a moment, not sure how best to respond to such a comment. Though she had considered him very attractive since the day they met, she hadn’t thought much of it given the whirlwind she had been going through. Choosing to let the comment ride Angela continued walking.

    “Will there be anyone else training with us today?” She asked, breaking the awkward silence. “No, since we are just beginning to test your skills and hidden abilities we will train alone. As we discover what you can and cannot do I may employ some of my more trusted shifters to help.” 

    As they reached the training room Zander held the door open and Angela walked in, a bit in shock of the facilities. A huge space filled with every type of equipment you can think of, along with a pool and rock wall. Angela turned to find Zander watching her. The look on his face making her wonder what he happen to be thinking. Not wanting to make things too awkward Angela smiled and said “lets get started”. 

*Zanders POV*  

    He woke with the sun and readied himself for the day he would have with Angela. It will be so interesting to see what she can really do. A smile graced his lips, the thought of he making him happier than he had been in some time. She had such fire. She intrigued and fascinated him. Zander quickly shook the thought from his mind and walked down the hall to meet with Angela. 

    As soon as he made it to her room the door open and outputs she came. Her flaming hair tied back form her face, her pale skin complimented by the deep green outfit she wore. Temporarily stunned Zander could only stand and stare. Why couldn’t he keep his composure around this women? Before he could stop himself Zander’s thoughts flowed from his mouth, “its a pity you have to tie it up, hair that color should be left free.” He mentally slapped his forehead for the remark and hoped she wouldn’t take offense by it. To his relief she didn’t and they proceeded to the training facilities. As he opened the door and guided Angela in he was again struck by her presence. Her look of surprise and a little bit of awe had him stopping in his tracks. Though she may think otherwise he could read her face like a book. At these small moments when she was caught off guard and the sadness left her eyes, she was even more enchanting. 

    “We will begin with a simple shift and then work on exploring your other abilities.” The look he received was one of worry and thoroughly confused him. “What’s wrong?” Zander asked in a soft voice. “I haven’t shifted in years” she replied, “I don’t even know if I still can”. 

    A look of shock passed over Zander’s face as he watched her. How could she have gone so long without letting her bear out? “Okay, I’m glad we are starting from the ground up then, it may be more difficult than you remember but I need you to try” Zander said while holder her hand reassuringly. 

    Taking a deep breathe Angela stepped away from Zander and around a partition set up to the right of the door. After removing all of her clothes Angela got down on all fours and slowly began to relax her muscles and call forward her bear. She shook violently and though her bones popped and snapped, the process went well. Once she had changed she stepped around the barrier and walked towards Zander, her bear giving his hand a quick sniff to assure he was safe.

    “Are you okay?” He asked, he had never heard of someone not shifting for such a stretch of time. “Are you hurting in any way?” Angela in her bear form gave a small nod.

    “Okay now the real tests begin” Zander replied.