"Do humans really think that we change that way?" I asked, scratching the back of my head. I just finished watching Teen Wolf with Khai, and I had no idea why they felt wolves had altered so drastically.
He laughed. "Funny, I had the same impression the first time I saw this show. "
My lips curled into a smile while I relaxed my body into his arms. Khai looked down at me and gently stroked my hair. "This show, for sure, grows on you though. I guess I'll have to continue watching this when I get home."
Khai frowned and playfully glared at me. "That's outright betrayal, Lilith. We started this show together, so we must end it together as well."
"Are you asking me to watch this with you again?" I replied, trying to match his humor.
Khai grinned and extended his hands towards mine. "Consider this my formal invitation for a second date, Ms. Asteria Lilith Leuruna."
I rolled my eyes and started to chuckle. He is just too adorable. I've been getting comfortable with him since earlier and he has been consistent in making me laugh since our night started. Khai has honestly exceeded my expectations and it makes me feel even more regretful that I am mated with the wrong man.
I accepted the handshake he was offering and firmly shook his hands. "Consider this my approval, Mr. Khai Palmer Cillian. See you on our next date?" I could not help but beam in excitement.
I knew that I said that I was going to stop leading him on and dragging him to my problem with Eligor earlier, but it also felt unfair for me to deprive myself of happiness just because of a rogue. I'm not about to put my chances of finding love in jeopardy for the sake of our relationship since Eligor clearly doesn't deserve it.
"Your genuine smile is your best accessory, Lilith," Khai commented, gazing down at my lips. I blushed at his compliment and turned away hesitantly. He noticed and simply touched my hair softly.
"You don't have to get nervous around me, Lilith. I'm not going to make a move on you unless you're comfortable." He whispered.
My heart fluttered at his words. It felt so comforting that Khai was not forcing me into anything. It's the bare minimum, but with Eligor and his impetuous behavior toward me, I finally felt like I was getting the treatment that I deserved. He never actually asked me whether I was comfortable when he was touching and kissing me. He just always saw the mate bond as my approval.
"You're an absolute gentleman, Khai. Anyone would be so lucky to have you." I muttered.
Khai smiled in amusement and held my hands. "Then consider yourself lucky, Lilith. You already have me."
…
"Just spill the tea, Lilith! How was your date with the Alpha? Did you guys kiss yet?!" Willow excitedly asked.
I immediately got out of bed and grabbed my towel to get ready for today's training. Willow had already managed to annoy me within the five minutes that I was awake. She has been asking about my date with Khai and I could almost mistake her for being my father for being too nosy. It was almost as if she'd marry me off to him if she had the chance.
"It was great, Willow. But we're training the young wolves today, I don't think I can go into detail right now." I replied, hurrying over to the bathroom.
Willow just snickered and held her hands to her chest. "I bet Alpha Khai was very romantic last night. You're so lucky that he likes you, Lilith! He has caught the attention of half of the she-wolves in our pack!" She exclaimed.
My ears perked up at her last remark. I knew that Khai was adored by a lot of wolves all over the forest, but I didn't know that he was also popular among the Leurunas.
"Did you just say half our she-wolves, Willow?" I replied, finally paying attention.
"The Alpha often hangs out in our territory, Lilith. Of course, he'd be popular! A lot of wolves were probably jealous last night. They would literally kill to be in your stead."
I bit my lower lips and scratched the back of my head. "Why didn't you tell me in advance, Willow? I could have met with him in secret if you had told me. The last thing I'd want right now is for those she-wolves to talk behind my back."
Willow rolled her eyes. "You don't have to worry about them, Lilith. You're the sole heiress of the Leurunas. There's nothing that they could do to hurt you."
"They could always go against my inauguration if the majority of them unite, Willow. Being the Alpha's daughter doesn't always guarantee you a position." I replied.
Since I am the only daughter of Alpha Declan, I have always been assumed to be the next leader of the Leurunas. It didn't matter if I ended up being a feeble, stupid, and untrustworthy wolf. My father would still have his way and make me the Luna. It's also one of the reasons why I never really felt comfortable relying only on my blood. I knew in my heart that in order to defend the pack, I had to establish my suitability for the position. If I believed differently, I doubt that I would be willing to serve as the Luna of the Leurunas.
"They probably wouldn't stoop that low, Lilith. I don't think they'd betray you over a man." She reassured me.
My forehead almost creased in disagreement.
Oh, they will. Only one appearance of me and Eligor together would be enough for my own pack and father to turn against me. Literally, that rogue is the cause of each and every one of my problems. He's like an infestation that, despite my best efforts, I can never get rid of.
I plastered a smile on my lips and just nodded. "I guess we'll just have to see how they treat me today, Willow. Are you ready yet?"
…
The warmth of the sun hit the bare skin on my back as soon as I and Willow reached the training ground of the Leurunas. The young wolves were already there, lining up and preparing themselves.
I clapped my hands to attract their attention. "Greetings, young wolves. You will receive instructions from me and Willow in Atticus' stead today. Please understand if the training goes differently. Willow and I will be training you outside of the field."
As predicted, the confused whispers started to surface right away. These young wolves have received their training thus far inside the safety of our territory, and last night the Alpha gave me the order to take them outside and let them engage in combat with any rogues that may be present. It is only then will we be able to assess if any improvements have been made since the new training system was implemented.
It wasn't long before a female wolf raised her hand.
"Yes?" I acknowledged.
"How about the wolves that aren't ready to face the rogues yet, Heiress? We might end up dying in the woods! Will you take responsibility if something does happen to us?" She asked, panicking.
Her question did not fail to stir the opinions of the young wolves standing before the both of us. I could even hear Willow muttering under her breath, and cursing their cowardness.
"The whole point of this training is to give you a slight taste of what we might encounter, young wolf. Your cowardice would do more damage than good to the pack. And yes, I would take responsibility. That's non-debatable." I replied sternly.
If I want them to follow and obey my instructions, all that I need to be is strict. I've watched them negotiate training regimens with Atticus since he's very kind towards the kids.
"What about our parents, Heiress? We haven't asked for their consent yet!" Another wolf exclaimed.
Willow scoffed and crossed her arms. "Do you truly believe that we would train you outside without your parents' permission? Last week, The Alpha invited your entire family to a meeting. They've consented to letting you train away from our boundaries. Be content with the fact that you will learn outside of the Leurunas. It wouldn't hurt to know what you're up against before going into a war."
I nodded in agreement. Willow is right. There's nothing better than knowing your enemies before striding into combat. Not everyone is given this opportunity, especially since only wolves like us have encountered rogues before. Young wolves within the range of twelve to seventeen years old are never really exposed to these types of opponents until they are of age. It's time to quit sheltering them and instead place them in the real world.
The muttering eventually ceased and I felt like they were ready to start when the wolves realized that our choice could no longer be disputed. My eyes quickly shifted to Willow and we quietly came to an agreement to finally start the training.
As the next leader of the pack, I took the lead and started guiding them out of our boundaries. I could hear a low surge of complaints as soon as we walked past the walls of the Leurunas.
"They're so spoiled, Lilith. At that age, we were already fending off some violent outlaws. Why are they complaining when they are starting so late?" Willow whispered.
I broke into a laugh. "It was different when we started, Willow. Let's just try and understand them. We can't really blame them since the Alpha has sheltered them so much that going out of boundaries seems too scary for them."
She rolled her eyes. "That shouldn't be an excuse, Lilith. I can't help but hear their complaints as we walk. It's irritating."
I just shrugged my shoulders and kept on walking. It wasn't hard to understand where Willow was coming from, since I also couldn't keep their complaints outside of my head. One thing about wolves is that our hearing, aside from our sight and sense of smell, is heightened. The wolves in our rear have been whining and speaking to one another, well aware that Willow and I can hear them. Anyone in our place would also lose their patience.
"I can't believe that we're doing this, Kayla. The rogues are terrifying creatures! Why are they drawing us to them on purpose? This is literally betrayal!" Another voice complained.
Willow glared at the back, while I couldn't help but ponder. If letting them fight a rogue is already a betrayal in their opinion, then my mate bond with Eligor would probably be beyond that. My pack will surely vote against me and have me exiled by the Alpha. I'm shivering even just at the thought.
"Omg! What was that?!" A female voice suddenly exclaimed. My thoughts came to a halt as I smelt the familiar odor of a rogue. There are just three of them present. This shouldn't be difficult. We are a group of fifteen. Unless these rogues are really powerful, losing to three would be embarrassing.
I faced the group and raised my hand to shut their voices up. The wolves looked nervous but they immediately quieted down at my signal.
"There are three rogues around the perimeter. Prepare yourself and launch an attack as soon as they emerge. Remember, every fight is not one wolf's alone. Cover your friend's backs and help each other as a pack. I have faith in you, Leurunas." I commanded, putting the pack link into use. It's good to know that the few times I've accessed the pack link to communicate with our wolves have truly been helpful.
I watched as their looks of fright changed into ones of strength and resolve as they heard my voice. They're finally waking up to their senses. They're finally ready to put their skills to the test.
Make me proud, wolves.