The Blade

Chapter Twenty - Damien

Damien

“How are the warriors?” Damien asked.

                “Restless. They train daily but I think the suspense of not knowing is getting to them,” Colten responded.

                “They aren’t alone,” Damien grumbled. It had been over a month of waiting since they had found out about the Blade-vampire alliance. It was clear the attack could spring into action at anytime, most likely sooner than later. The last batch of warriors had come in the night before for a grand total of sixteen thousand wolves. Damien had been pleased with the turnout, but space turned out to be an issue. The alpha had to temporarily take over other people’s property to house all the volunteers. Emelia had forced him to offer more food or money to any human who helped him. They were told it was just a precaution, though Damien knew not one of them believed his words.

                “How is your family?” The beta asked. A few days prior, Damien’s parents and sister had flown to the safe house, which was isolated in Northeast Canada.

                “Fine. Cold, but fine overall,” Damien muttered. The stress was getting to him and he knew the only person who could help tame his nerves was Emelia, but he had barely seen her lately. Before Faye departed, Emelia spent most of her free time with her. After she left, his little mate threw herself into training – so much in fact, Damien had to drag her out of the gym some nights.

                “And your mate?” Colten pried.

                “Determined to win,” Damien settled for a vague answer, deciding it would be better not to have Colten know too much about his love life.

                “I saw her beating the shit out of a punching bag two days ago. She’s really improved,” the alpha’s chest swelled with pride at his beta’s words. Though Colten was too playful at times, Damien respected his opinions as a wolf of high stature and as a friend.

                “I know. She’s focused on winning this war,” he smirked, thinking about Emelia in a sports bra, sweating.

                “Why don’t you go relieve her from herself? You both need a break and I can handle everything for you for the rest of the day,” Colten offered. Damien wanted to ask if there was a catch, but he held back his pondering.

                “Are you sure?”

                “Yes, you need it, Damien,” Colten pressed. There was nothing but genuine generosity in the beta’s eyes and Damien stood, giving him a thankful smile and rushing out the door.

                Emelia was in the gym, as expected. She was seated on the mat, stretched forward to touch her toes.

                “Here for a rematch?” her head tossed to the side causing their eyes to meet.

                “No, no. I’m here to make you take a break. You’re more toned than you were when I first met you, I don’t think one afternoon off would kill you,” Damien stepped closer to her, taking her hand and helping her to stand.

                “Well, I suppose not. If I didn’t train today, though, I would have to be doing something that is worth my time,” Emelia joked, reaching for her water bottle and chugging down a gulp.

                “I was thinking I could show you the theatre room. We could watch any movie you would like to. I’ll order food to be brought to us and we can spend the afternoon there,” Damien knew she would say yes, or at least, he deeply hoped he knew.