Chapter 2 MATE!
1578 Words
Natalia's Pov :
The desert was cold, the first rays of dawn had barely broken across the horizon when I left Emberclaw, the only home I had ever known. My heart was heavy, yet my step was light, each one taking me farther from the land I was risking everything to protect.
The scent of sand and stone faded behind me as the desert gave way to the open plains, stretching out towards the distant tower of Alpha Academy.
I was walking into enemy territory, a place where strength defined respect and failure meant exile or worse. .
Fear filled my heart as I moved forward, but I kept walking, letting the cool waves of the morning breeze take away all my worries. While I navigate and prepare my mind for the mission ahead of me.
It was a tough mental battle, I wasn't just leaving home, I was leaving behind who I was, my identity.
I left without telling anyone, only Nate knew I was leaving, and as I pressed forward I remembered the last words of Nate, the promises I made, and the pain of Angel's death still inscribed on my heart. Nate's words kept me going, he believed in me, even if I still doubted myself.
The morning stretched on, the sun rose, so did the weight of what I was about to do.
I used Nate's vail, the bitter taste of the syrup clung to my tongue. One drop a day would disguise my scent, allowing me to achieve my goal at the Academy without being caught, not even the powerful and smart wolves of the Alpha Academy could detect it.
But the potion was just a part of my disguise, the real disguise had to be my physical appearance. I wore the face of my Twin brother.
I had cut my hair the night before, it was one of the hardest decisions I made.
The feeling of brushing my fingers through the rough and unequal strands of hair, still shocked me.
I had jabbed it off with a kitchen knife, the sharp blade cutting through every strand of the girl I used to be.
Cutting my hair had been more difficult than I expected. I sat under the moon, with the cold breeze whistling in my ears and the fine dust brushing my skin.
Watch long strands of my hair fall down to the fall, knowing that I was not just shaving my hair but my identity and everything that made me Natalia.
I had dressed in Nate's clothes, the shirt so loose and the pants were worn out like a butchers outfit, if felt so strange and foreign against my skin. And looked weird on me.
Even after all this disguise, I felt like the outfit didn't change anything, and I would be caught the moment I am seen.
But I couldn't give up at this moment, I had gone too far for it, Alpha Academy was a male only training ground. I would, survive, live and fight amongst brutal men that could crush me with just a punch.
The Academy would never tolerate a female in the rank. And they could never know I am one.
Hours passed and finally, I could sight the Academy's gate. So huge and high that it seems to reach the sky.
I paused
Trying to take in the sight, there was a mixture of feelings running through my heart and thoughts that filled my brain.
For a minute I was blank, not out of admiration but out of cold and fear of the kind of wolves that were in the Academy. The Emberclaw wolves were nothing compared to those in the Alpha Academy.
Their bodies are hard like rock, and their physique so intimidating from years of training and their each movement was a display of power and strength.
I felt oppressed, at the realization that I wasn't half the size of these wolves. And I was about to dine with lions.
I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I am strong and capable regardless, I moved forward to the gate. The gate opened, revealing an extensive field with massive buildings, their roofs almost touching the sky.
Shivers ran down my spine at the realization. This was it, And I was at the point of no return.
Everything about this place felt intimidating, as if it was built for the strong and hard hearted. It definitely was not a place for women.
The air was stuffed with the scent of sweat and dirt, echoing sounds of growling was all I could hear.
I avoided eye contact with anyone , while I struggle to keep my steps steady. I needed to show bravery and hide my fear.
I measured my height with every wolf that passed me, it reminded me of how small I am.
Voices in my head telling me to turn back, but I did not hesitate to take steps forward.
I tugged my cap down low over my eyes, hoping it hid enough of my face to look like a boy.
I held my bag tight as I moved forward, I headed towards the central hall. In the middle of the room was a line when new recruits were registering so I joined the line.
The chatter was low, but very deep. Every wolf was sizing and looking around for threats of silently identifying who they'd fight with, I stood my ground and pushed my chest out, trying all means to look confident and ruthless as them.
But avoiding attention, so they don't see me as a threat and focus on me.
Eventually, a familiar voice pierced through my ear. And I stopped immediately.
"If it isn't Nate, Emberclaw's warrior. Who else would it be."
I immediately stiffened.
"I didn't have to see his face to recognize him."
Lorenzo
He was standing a few steps away from me, a smirk curling on his lips. Even dressed in the Academy's standard Red uniform, I could smell arrogance, his looks were filled with hate and disgust as it fixed on me.
I forced myself to stay calm, as sweat rolled down my face. My palm is all sweaty, he didn't know who I really was. He couldn't.
"Excuse me," I said, keeping my voice steady.
Lorenzo's smirk widens, "Wow, I must really commend you , you're fearless for an Emberclaw," he said. " I heard you weaklings don't last long here, maybe I should save the Academy the trouble and put you in your place now."
"You want to fight me?" I asked looking straight into his eyes.
Lorenzo chuckled, "I'll be disrespecting myself by stopping so low to fight with you, I would call it putting a weakling in his play."
My whole body is filled with fear, because I knew he would crush me in no time, I was no match for him.
"I didn't come here for you, so please stay out of my business." I said , pushing past him.
"Don't you dare walk away from me, you coward." Lorenzo growled
At this point the smirk was gone, all I could see was anger and pain in his eyes.
"You had better watch your back, because I'm definitely not letting go." Lorenzo said as he stepped back with an intimidating laugh.
"Run along, Nate," he said. Feed your eyes and enjoy your stay. It might not last long.
Finally my turn came. The attendant, a stiff-faced looking wolf with graying hair and daring eyes.
He slipped a piece of paper into my hand. "Room 12B," He said.
He stared at me for so long, his eyes filled with something that resembled pity.
"Good luck," he said.
I didn't ask why, I had a feeling it'll be something that'll scare me the more and that was the last thing I needed now.
The corridors were narrow with din light, the air was stuffed with the scent of sweat and metal. I knew I was walking into danger.
I counted my every step, looking at the doors of each room, looking as though they could barely contain the energy and aura of the wolves inside.
Finally I found room 12B, at the end of the hallway. I stood outside the door for a few minutes hoping and praying to the moon goddess to give me friendly and good roommates.
I squeezed the hand of my bag, I reminded myself of Nate's words. That gave me confidence to move in.
With a deep breath, I pushed the door.
The air was thick and soothing, carrying a scent I awoke my wolf, "Freya".
Two broad-shouldered figures stood in the centre of the room, shirtless, with sweaty and very attractive physique.
My mouth was open, but no words, I froze at the sight of these wolves.
The first had dark, piercing eyes that looked onto mine with intensity that stole my breath. The second leaned against the wall, his smirk shat, daring and attracting.
Freya, stirred again,her presence filling my mind with fire I couldn't quench.
Then like a bolt of lightning, the word struck me. "Mates."
Freya's presence surging to the surface , filling my mind with a single word. Mates.
The realisation hit me like a thunderclap, stealing the air from my lungs, I stumbled back Freya's voice howling in my ears.
"Mates."
"Mates."
The word echoed again, louder this time, the bond pulling at me with an intensity that left me breathless.
- Writer
