We brought three more warriors with us. More for training purposes than protection.
We started easy with a warm-up and drills. Slowly Praesul relaxed and I could feel her enjoying the training. It took her mind off our potential mate.
*I won't let you out if you're not on your best behavior.*
*Fine.* She rolled her eyes.
I knew I could take control at anytime but she still made me feel uneasy.
"Ready to phase?"
"Absolutely." A towel and change of clothes sat on the bench around the training arena.
I wasn't self conscious of my body. Hard work really paid off. My pack members averted their eyes as I stripped down to nothing. Within moments my light brown, almost blonde fur overshadowed Caelum. I could see my eyes reflected in his. A bright orange yellow, like the sun.
He didn't bother to take off his clothes. Without warning he shifted and attacked. Fabric shredding to pieces and falling to the ground.
*A surprise attack, really?* I joke in our mind link but I'm quickly swept off my feet.
Normally, I tower over Caelum as Alphas typically do, but he's fast and extremely strong. Kicking him off me, I roll to bring myself upright. I hesitate for a split moment and he's already bounding at me, full speed. I shift to my human form and do a summersault. Then I phase as I'm underneath him. His momentum didn't let him slow so my wolf knocks him clean off his feet. On his back, he waves his paw in surrender.
*Can't. Breathe.* He phases back to a human.
*Knocked the wind out of you huh?* He sat up laughing.
"That's a dirty trick." He wheezes, referring to my phasing from wolf to human and back.
*Look up challenge rules. It's completely legal.*
I can only mind link in wolf form. Communication is limited when you're a massive wolf.
Thankfully no one joined the 5 of us in the training room. We sparred one vs. two then one vs. three. I even blindfolded myself to heighten my senses during a one vs. two brawl.
They really didn't pull their punches. When I phased back, bruises and scrapes were all over my skin. I would heal overnight. Usually I healed within minutes but the magic drained Praesul's healing. If I was this successful half drained, I'd have to be a worthy opponent at full strength. Then again, I was sparring with warriors not Alphas.
"You have one hour before dinner. Remember it's a formal affair." Caelum smiles at me. "Have you thought about who should accompany you tonight?"
"I'm going alone." I clarify. "I have no mate therefore I am not required to bring anyone."
Praesul whimpered.
*What? Because I said we have no mate? You're really starting to annoy me...*
Once the words were out, I couldn't take them back. She pulled away, so far that I actually felt lonely.
Caelum nodded but looked worried.
"Need I remind you who just kicked your ass?"
At that we laugh and head back to our floor.
The shower is freezing but I jump in with no time to spare. I throw my hair in a sloppy bun so I don't wet the curls. Quickly, I rub my skin with an exfoliating scrub. Then I wash my face with my rose and charcoal bar. I hop out just as the water warms up.
Thankfully my curls held from the night before. The sweat from sparring made some fall looser than others. A quick touch up with a curling iron while applying make-up saved me time. I kept my look simple. Mascara and clear lip gloss. I picked a dark purple almost plum dress that was tight on my chest and waist then draped loosely to my knees. The bottom hung at various lengths reminding me of a faerie's garment. I had brought simple black heels to match. With quick and efficient fingers I undid my necklace from my neck. The chord it hung on expanded and contracted to accommodate for my wolf. I wouldn't need it tonight. I replaced the chord with the black velvet from the night before. Again it sat like a choker around my neck.
It took less than a minute, meaning the power didn't wear off. I could remove the necklace less than a minute and the magic would linger. If I placed it back on my neck within the time frame, it was as if nothing happened.
I glanced at myself in the mirror. My soft curls hung just below my breast. I almost forgot my jewelry! Carefully, I put on dangling black earrings with crescent moons shining brilliantly. It would have to suffice.
The gold ring I was given upon arrival still sat my index finger. It was out of place with my outfit. I kind of liked the contrast. My name and pack were engraved on the inside. The ring was how you challenged the other Alphas. You would have a member of your pack deliver it with your request to challenge. Well, I couldn't. Not until I had been challenged first.
My biggest worry is that no one would challenge me. Why challenge me at all? Dad had a four year streak where he didn't challenge anyone and no one challenged him. It was a peaceful time then. He didn't feel the need to do anything more than party with his fellow brotherhood of Alphas. This year tensions were high. Many clans were at odds with one another. I was interested to see how it all would pan out.