My Best Friends Mate

Chapter Thirty Two

I woke up gasping for air and pouring sweat. I looked at the clock that read 0500.
Ryan propped himself up on his shoulder half awake.
"another dream?"
"another nightmare" I said flatly.
I didn't want to get into it. This one had been different than the others. Whereas before I was in the middle of the chaos, this time it was like I was watching it all from the outside. Watching the people I love and the only family I had be murdered. Beta John and Emily were even in my dream and I watched them be murdered. I tried to get to them, clawing my way to where they were but it was as if some force that I couldn't see or feel was holding me stationary.
I leaned over and kissed Ryan on the cheek before standing.
"I think im going to grab breakfast at the packhouse"

Ryan grabbed my hand, pulling me on top of him. He stared at me for a moment and pushed my hair out of my face.

"you never eat at the packhouse.. you sure youre ok?"

"yeah, im ok. I could use some fresh air and im a little hungry anyways."

He nodded and leaned up to kiss me.
"Ill catch up with you in a little bit "

I kissed him back and said ok.
After getting dressed I jogged to the packhouse. I hadnt gone on a jog as a human in a while. Come to think of it, I haven't hit the mats in a while. I decided then that after grabbing a quick bite from the kitchen Id go to the training arena. Id have it all to myself before everyone else got there. Seeing Emily, who had been like a mom to me made me want to call her. I know they had been busy with the pack since Alpha Wyatt and Markus were visiting other packs.
Walking into the kitchen I smell the same croissants that made my mouth water the last time they were here. It was a different lady this time in the kitchen. Older, grey hair, short and a little heavy set. She looked at me and smiled extending the basket with the croissants.

"go ahead hun" her soft voice said

"thank you....??" not sure of her name

"Chef Betsy but you can just call me Betsy." and she giggled.

"thank you betsy" and I smiled.

"no problem dear" and she turned to finish preparing the rest of the packs breakfast.

With my croissant in one hand, I picked up my cell with the other. There were a few texts from John and Emily just telling me how things were going back home and that Alpha Wyatt would be making another visit soon. It had been a few days since I had made contact with anyone back home. It seems like I had been so caught up with Ryan, the constantly changing situation with Michael, and my newly arrived family member. I decided I'd tell Emily about Gabriel later. I breathed in the cool morning air and walked into the training arena. I could see the mats in the far back corner, the moonlight shining through the window and illuminating them and lined up by the mats were heavy bags. I wrapped my hands and made my way there. Breathing in deeply I delivered my first punch in the bag, followed by the next. Left, right, breathe. Left, right breath. Left, right, knee breathe. After about ten minutes of punches, jabs and a couple of round house kicks, I heard a door shut. The sun was just beginning to come up. It was still dark but you could see the orange, reds and purple in the back ground. I thought maybe it was one of the trainees arriving early but when I looked, I thought I saw Ryan. But it wasnt Ryan, it was Markus! I remembered back to the text message I received from Emily. I had been out of touch for a while.
He walked up behind the heavy bag, holding it in place, without saying a word and I continued delivering more jabs and a couple of side kicks and heel hook kicks. I stopped, stabilizing my breathing. It felt good to do this.

"Want a partner?" he asked
I thought about this for a moment. He appeared genuine and not cocky at all.

"Sure, why not" and I gave him an approving smile.