The Gift chronicles

Chapter 32

Book 1 Chapter 32

Alpha Cain was true to his word; I woke up alone and freezing in the morning, despite having woken up

in the middle of the night to wrap myself in the pelt with the comforter on top. I would have to speak

with him about turning the freaking heat on.

Cain had left my phone on the side table, and I turned it on, noticing that I had a text from him that he

sent a few hours ago. I was ashamed of myself. I always used to pride myself on waking up early and

taking charge of the day, but lately, days had been kicking my ass and I slept more frequently. Perhaps

Cain would be willing to wake up earlier to train with me before he went out and did his Alpha duties. I

have to admit, the idea of sparring with him excited my bloodlust and I.

It had been far too long since I killed, and my hand twitched in eagerness at the idea of ripping a

rogue's heart out of their chest with my bare hand.

I got dressed, opting for black leggings (obviously), a long sleeve black t—shirt that fit snuggly, and

black running shoes. Black truly is the most beautiful shade. So empty, yet filled to the brim with

promises and mystery. Also, who doesn't look good in black?

Next, I pulled my silvery hair into a low ponytail, ignoring the little side tendrils framing my face that

were too short to make it into the ponytail. Despite how putting my hair up showcased my semi—ear, I

much preferred it to having my hair down. You never knew when you needed to kick someone's ass,

and my hair was too long to deal with it whipping around during combat, especially since it was so

windy outside now.

Thank god the scar on my eye matches my outfit, I thought wryly as I looked at my reflection. In a way,

I sort of liked the way the scar made my whole eye turn white. It looked sort of freaky. I knew if I saw

someone with an eye like that, I would think twice before stabbing them. At least I hoped that's how my

scar would be perceived by others.

To throw the oh—so—fashionable ensemble together, I threw on my cloak. I left the mask in the drawer

where he hides my cloak and mask. I didn't foresee any reason why I would need to hide the majority

of my face, as everyone in the pack had already seen all of me. I knew that soon enough, it would be

too cold outside for just my black cloak. I cringed at the idea of having to wear a snow jacket.

I treaded down the stairs, hearing noises stemming from the kitchen. Sure enough, Delta Carter was

rummaging in a wooden drawer, making the pots and pans clatter loudly.

Have you no respect for people's sleeping time? I teased Carter through the mindlink.

He jumped, "Holy shi— I mean hello, Luna. I'm sorry for waking you up." He looked apologetic and

remorseful.

I laughed. I was just teasing, it's fine, I was already awake. What are you looking for?

"I'm trying to find a good pan to use to make pancakes. I thought maybe you'd want breakfast before

exploring the territory," Carter explained.

I narrowed my eyes skeptically. You thought I would want breakfast, or Alpha Cain told you to make

sure I eat?

Carter looked down guiltily, his silence confirming what I already knew.

Don't worry about cooking, I'll just eat an apple and we can be on our way, I told him, already reaching

for one.

"Ah— about that. Alpha Cain told me you might say that, and he told me to tell you that you weren't

leaving the house until you ate something other than a piece of fruit," Carter apologetically smiled,

nervously waiting for me to fight him on this.

I rolled my eyes. Your alpha is annoying, I complained.

"Our alpha," Carter corrected me, catalyzing yet another eye roll.

Our alpha is annoying and gets on my last nerve, I amended my statement, and got a pain to start

making eggs for Carter and myself.

He cleared his throat nervously. "I—uh—well.. I'm glad you didn't leave him after the whipping.

Everyone thought you would reject him after... you know."

I didn't look up from my cooking, not wanting to get too involved in this conversation. He proved himself

to me by punishing me so severely. I didn't think he was strong enough. I was wrong. You are lucky to

have such a strict Alpha. It bodes well for the pack's safety.

"Many pack members are quite impressed by how you tolerated the whippings. It has not been done

before, much less by a female. Most believe that you are worthy of the Blood Luna title," Carter proudly

spoke, letting me know he was one of those people.

Most? I questioned, though I wasn't entirely shocked.

Carter fidgeted with his shirt as he spoke. For a Delta, he sure was a nervous little guy. "There are a

few who, um, wish you were less... extreme. They think the Alpha wants someone more... docile."

I shrugged, unbothered. Perhaps he does.

"How can you say that when he has been enamored with you since you got here? He only tries so hard

to get you back after you escape because he can't bear to be without you. You should have seen him

when you were at Alpha Thane's territory and while you were comatose. It was a scary time for the

pack. If you saw how feral his wolf was when you were gone, you would never doubt his feelings for

you," Carter insisted, completely believing every word he was saying.

I plated the eggs, opting not to respond. As much as I hated to admit it, Carter had a point, Cain did

care about me on some level. The only issue was, I was positive it was his wolf that wanted me, and if

it was up to Cain alone, he would have chosen a more meek and submissive female, who wouldn't

challenge him at every turn.

We ate in silence, until we were finished and I washed the dishes. "Where do you want to go first,

Luna?" Carter asked. "Your other escort should be here any minute."

"Speak of the devil, and she shall appear!" A grandiose voice called out theatrically. I swiveled my

head, positive that I had heard that voice before.

Gwen? I mindlinked both her and Carter, so he could hear our exchanges.

"That's my name, sweetheart, wear it out or don't, it's your choice," She said noncommittally, the wild

grin on her face making her radiate chaotic energy. The fiery redhead gave Carter a noogie, making

him scowl at her and half—heartedly swing an arm out at her, which she nimbly dodged.

The last time I saw you, you ran out of the cell crying and screaming, I reminded her, unsure of why

she was so energetic.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. Alpha's orders to manipulate you and all. And in my defense, I thought you

were serious! You play a psychotic killer very believably!" She whined, defending her meltdown.

I laughed. Maybe that's because I am a psychotic killer, I suggested, although she didn't quite

understand the level of truth that statement held.

She shrugged and grabbed my arm, linking hers with mine. I was shocked by the brazen physical

contact. Usually people were far too scared to touch me. Especially people who I just met. "In that

case, we will definitely be besties," Gwen's impish smile returned, promising a day full of mischief. I

usually didn't make friends so easily, correction, I usually didn't make friends at all, but something about

Gwen's chaotic energy and passion for devilry was incredibly infectious.

"Another female prone to mischievous misconduct and insolence? This was a match made in Heaven,"

Carter spoke, his tone full of amusement.

I grinned wickedly, and Gwen playfully corrected, "Or Hell," which made my smile even wider. Screw

love soulmates, this girl was my friend soulmate.

Carter groaned loudly realizing what a mistake it was for Alpha Cain to pair Gwen with me. "This is

going to be a long day," Gwen and I laughed at his pain. "I'll ask again, Luna, since Lucifer over here

interrupted the first time. Where do you want to go first?"

Training grounds, I answered immediately, then added on as an afterthought, And don't call me Luna.

Please just call me Ares, both of you.

Carter looked far more uncomfortable with what I said than Gwen. If anything, Gwen looked even more

excited. "Lun— err— Ares," Carter began, and I could tell I wouldn't like what he was about to say. "I do

not think Alpha Cain would be pleased with that..." His voice trailed off, letting me know that he knew

for a fact it was a bad idea.

I shrugged. It's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission. Plus, he told me I could go anywhere

in his territory as long as I was escorted. Last time I checked, the training grounds were on his land and Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

I have not one, but two escorts. I left out that technically, Cain told me I wasn't allowed to train unless it

was with him.

"She's got you there, buckaroo," Gwen smirked in victory. I could tell she wanted to go as badly as I

did, although I suspected she knew I was up to some kind of trouble, and wanted to encourage it. I like

this girl. I didn't understand why Cain would put me with another me, knowing I alone was more than a

handful.

Carter sighed heavily, closing his eyes for a few seconds. "Sorry, just had to pray really quick to the

Moon Goddess that when Alpha Cain finds out I allowed this, he doesn't make my head enter a long

term relationship with the rest of my body."