Little Red

Chapter 10

The next day, I decide to integrate my weapons into my training.  It's obvious Derrick will not have me doing anything rigorous, besides the "starter."  And my training with Samuel is nothing more than an excuse to hurt myself by trying to hit him.  I have a sneaking suspicion he's actually pure brick.

I get ready this morning with a newfound vigor.  I push all thoughts of my mate and homesickness aside as I lay out my weapons on my bed.  

"Rule #9, accept and keep moving."  

I never understood this rule until just now.  I'm not sure this is the situation Eli had in mind, but it works.  Today is a brand new day, and another chance for me to carve out my place in this pack.

Hmmm....so many options to choose from.

I think I'll start out with what I know, my daggers.  I am most familiar with them.  I tuck them into their sheaths.  I begin to pack up my other tools, when my trusty boot knife glints in the morning light.

On second thought, better to be safe than sorry.  

How long until the pack learns who I am?  Will they be accepting?

I have to prepare for the alternative.

I sheath it into my boot carefully.  The throwing stars call my name as well, but I decide I have enough silver on me at the moment.  Perhaps the only pro of not having a wolf, was the ineffectiveness of silver.  Currently, it may be my only advantage.

Samuel's rapt knock on my door alerts me that it's time to head out.  I'm not much of a breakfast person.  I used to be, but Eli's daily 5 am runs quickly ruined that.  

Shaking my head at those stomach churning memories, I start towards the door with a bright smile.

At the last minute, I grab my cloak to hide my little "surprises" from Samuel.  My weapons were specially designed, so no one will detect what I'm carrying until I draw blood.  The red garment settles satisfyingly around my shoulders, and it still smells like home.

To say Samuel is surprised at my bright mood would be an understatement.  In fact, the look on his face is priceless.

"Um, hello." 

He sounds so uncertain, I can't help but laugh whole-heartedly.

It's not until we're out the front door, on the way to the training field, that he calls me out on my smile.

"What are you up to?"  He asks suspiciously, dark eyes regarding me.

I put on my best innocent, doe-eyed expression as I peer up at him.

"What?  Why do you think I'm up to something?"  I ask casually.  "I'm simply enjoying the sunshine."

He looks at me for awhile longer before turning away with a sigh.

"Never mind." 

I look the other way to hide my smirk.

The rest of the journey is silent.  All around us, birds chirp excitedly to each other high in the trees.  I wonder what the view is like up there...being under Samuel's smothering eye doesn't allow me much time to explore, but I vow to get up there one day.

As soon as we step foot on the training field, I know my time in sweet obscurity has come to an end.  All eyes are on Samuel and I as we walk to the other end of the field.  Well let's be honest, no one is paying any attention to Samuel, they're all too concerned with watching me.  Suddenly, I'm glad I wore my cloak today.  I pull the hood up. 

Whispers erupt around the field as we continue on, making my jaw clench involuntarily.  Samuel growls lowly at their words and stares.

I attempt to ignore the bits and pieces that float towards me.