Dark Secrets

Yakov's Mistake Part 19

The sun was nearly setting as Tori ran through the woods. The last two days had been uneventful. Any testing was put on hold as Tori worked to come to terms with everything that had been kept from her. Tori had kept away from everyone except for Ken. She had spent a little time with her brother but that was all. The future queen had stayed away from her parents, potentials, and even the royal family. While many were concerned Ken and Warner had both assured everyone it was simply what she needed.

She ran around a corner and was surprised to see Ranger headed her way. He wore black athletic mesh shorts and a black t shirt. He was covered in sweat revealing he'd been running for either a really long time, running hard, or both.

"Tori!" He said openly shocked to see her. "Lady Tori," he said quickly correcting himself as he went to show her respect.

"Don't worry about it," she told him.

"I'm sorry, you're running earlier than normal," Ranger remarked. Tori looked at him questioningly. "I know I'm not on your A list. I've been running earlier or later so you wouldn't see me."

"Oh," Tori said. While she ran twice a day it hadn't actually occurred to her that others might run at times to avoid her. She knew they all worked out. As an enforcer you had to.

"I'll just..."

"Are you up for more?" Tori asked.

Ranger was tired but also hopeful hearing his sister's words. "I can go longer," he replied. If there was any chance to try and make things more pleasant with his sister he was willing to try.

"Good. Let's go."

"Lady Tori." Tori looked over to see Viktor's potential enforcers, Yakov and Harm.

"Heading out for your run as well?" Tori asked the two men. The two men nodded. "I just asked Ranger to join me and I see no reason why you can't as well." Tori knew Ranger had to be tired but wanted to see how he handled running with her now. The arrival of Viktor's wolves allowed for another test. How would his wolves do keeping up with her?

"We'd be delighted," Yakov said a little too pleased. Tori sensed the blonde wolf hoped to make himself look more capable than Ranger. She nodded and looked at brunette wolf. Unlike Yakov Harm didn't seem cocky.

"Let's go," Tori took off. Knowing that Yakov was viewing this as an opportunity to show up her half-brother she decided to mix things up a bit.

Tori started off running the trail as it was designated. Once she knew the men were comfortable however she abruptly darted off the trail and began taking them through her own personal obstacle course. She internally smiled knowing she'd caught Yakov and Harm off guard completely. Ranger however did not appear to be surprised.

Tori was notorious for quick moves and abrupt changes. She knew Ranger was tired but was impressed by his ability to keep up despite how exhausted he had to be. When the dark haired wolf didn't take it easy at all however she became a little concerned and decided a break was needed. She led the way up the side of the hill and toward a rocky hill side. There she slowed down and walking over to a tree she reached behind it and pulled out some cold water bottles.

She looked at the three men and immediately tossed the first water bottle to Ranger. "You need this more than anyone." Next she tossed a water bottle to Harm and then Yakov before taking one out for herself. She opened her water bottle and took a drink of water as she moved her legs back and forth. She almost laughed realizing Ranger was moving in the same way. Yakov and Harm were also moving in unison but different from them.