Little Red

Chapter 35

I decided to come down to the training field after my meeting with Demitri and Samuel this morning.  Samuel dropped me off on his way to Blood Moon, but not without warning me about the dangers of what could happen and reminding me to be careful.  I pushed aside my worries to wish him a safe trip, and passed along a message to Eli and the others.  

I was looking forward to a sense of normalcy with Theo and Shauna. And they did not disappoint. Noticing my sullen mood, Theo immediately begins telling me the story of his disastrous first attempt to impress a girl when he was a young pup. Of course, Shauna inserts her own witty commentary, which leads to a story that could rival even Myles' best. 

I laugh at Theo's story.  

"Is that really how it happened?"  I ask, turning to an amused Shauna.

"It gets better and better each time he tells it."  She sighs wistfully. 

"Oh Goddess!"  I laugh, trying to pull myself together.  

Derek's voice breaks up our party.  

"Gather around!"  He calls.

All of the wolves in the area move closer to him. 

"Great.  You know what's first..."  He trails off as his eyes glaze over from a mind-link.  

A few wolves turn to each other questioningly and start whispering, and I roll my eyes at their immaturity.  I continue watching Derek, wondering if this is has anything to do with the battle preparations.  His brow furrows for a moment before smoothing out professionally.  Then, his eyes clear and he claps to gain our attention once again.  

"Alright!  You can continue conversing for now, Alpha will be down shortly with an announcement for us!"  He says, gazing over at the crowd.  

His eyes hesitate on me, and I nod imperceptibly in reassurance to him.  He flashes his large, characteristic smile in return. 

"Do you know what this is about?"  Shauna asks, eyeing me suspiciously.  

I nod.

"Yes, but you'll both find out soon."  

I feel bad for not telling them, but I don't even know where to begin.  Back home, Myles was the only person I told everything to, and I do mean everything.  But it was easy because he was also in the loop about pack business as a high-ranked warrior.  Now that I'm Luna, I don't know how much I should share.  

Anyone could be a spy.

They eye me warily for a moment before Theo begins another story.  However, I only half-heartedly listen this time, eager for Demitri to get here.  Ever since the moment we shared in bed this morning, I can't stop thinking about him.  It must be the bond.  The more time we spend together, the stronger our connection grows.  I've always heard that the process was quick, but I didn't expect it would grow so fast.

Soon enough, I feel his presence.  His power radiates across the field as he emerges from the tree line.  The good humor we shared hours ago with Samuel is forgotten.  His expression is blank and his eyes are unreadable.

Every head turns toward him and people bow as he passes by, showing respect for their Alpha.  I swell with pride when I see the admiration in their eyes.  A well-loved Alpha is the sign of a strong pack.

When he reaches our training group, all conversations halt.  He doesn't pause as he makes his way to where Derek is standing, although he sends me a cheeky wink that makes me smile.  The two male wolves turn their backs to us and speak quietly.  Although I try, I can't hear what they say.  It only lasts a few seconds before they turn around again, and Demitri addresses the waiting crowd of warriors.