Wolf

Chapter 8

Kris, Tao, and Chanyeol looked up as Luhan and I came back together. Kris’ eyes narrowed at the wolf, but I slightly shook my head. I had taken care of it…somewhat. Chanyeol bounced up to me with a goofy smile on his face.

“Don’t tell anyone,” he whispered in my ear. I felt him press something into my hand. When I looked down, I laughed out loud. He’d given me a stick to throw for him.

“Goofball,” I said, mussing his hair. Kris was giving me a very pointed look. I was confused. Is he trying to communicate with some telepathic-wolf voodoo? I looked down at his hand that was patting the space next to him. I sat down beside him, and Chanyeol sat in front of me, facing me.

“How did it go?” Kris murmured softly.

“Fine,” I answered. “I took care of it.” I nudged him. “Hey, among your pack, who is the best fighter?”

He blinked. “I am.”

I rolled my eyes. “Besides you.”

“Tao is. Why do you ask?”

I shrugged. “I’m...” I sighed. “I want to learn how to fight.”

“No,” Kris said immediately. “I will not allow it. They take fighting too seriously and will hurt you.”

“I’m a fast learner,” I urged. “If you think they will hurt me, why don’t you teach me?”

“I will not.”

I scowled and grabbed Kris’ ear, pinching it. “Come with me.”

He growled, baring his teeth. He couldn’t do anything, though. I tugged him along until we had reached a fair distance from the den. When I finally released his ear, he bristled at me. His eyes were red.

“Don’t ever do that again,” he growled at me.

“Now you see how I was able to deal with Luhan,” I mused. I put my hands on my hips and glowered at him. “You are alpha, yes?”

“Of course.” Modest, I am not.

I pointed to myself. “You say I am your mate, and therefore, alpha female.”

“Of course.”

“How will they accept me if you treat me like some bruised flower?” I asked. “I need to show them that I am capable of doing these things even though I am human. They will see me only as a weak human girl if you don’t teach me how to fight and keep protecting me.”

“Why this all of the sudden?” He asked. “Why do you suddenly want to learn how to fight?” His eyes narrowed. “Did Luhan…did he challenge you?”

“No,” I lied firmly.

His eyes bored into mine. “Are you telling the truth?”

“Yes.” He was moving forward, and I hadn’t realized it until his face was inches from mine. Eep.

He tilted his head like a dog. “I don’t like it. The idea of you fighting.” His serious expression faded to a softer one. “You’re right, though. It will be easier for them to accept you if they see you do something like that.”

“So.” I met his eyes. “Will you get Tao to teach me?”

“No.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up his hand and laid one finger on my lips. I froze. He leaned forward until his nose was almost touching my cheek. “I will teach you. I am the best fighter in the pack. You will be second only to me.”

“Who knows?” I mumbled from beneath his hand. “Maybe I will surpass you, alpha.”

“Are you challenging me?”