"She's creepy, isn't she?"
Ethan's question distracted Jodie from the unnerving memory of Viola's scrutiny. They were halfway down the path Ingrid had led her through earlier in the day, but Viola's presence could still be felt. The woman had been staring in a way that made Jodie feel exposed. Caught was the word. It was strange because Esmeralda didn't know about her gift of foresight until she was ready to share. But this Viola person knew. Jodie could feel it in her bones.
"I mean, what was that about?" Ethan continued with a frown. "Why was she staring at you like that?"
She glanced up at him through her lashes, startled. "Like how?"
"I don't know," he shrugged. "It was a full-on glare, and then a terrible smirk."
"Right," Jodie nodded. "But I don't know, isn't she always like that?"
He looked to be contemplating what to say, and, truthfully, she didn't expect much. Seers were almost always avoided in wolf packs, as the wolves only sought after them for portions or fortune-telling. However, if Viola looked at everyone like that, then maybe things weren't as serious as she envisaged. Perhaps the freak moment coincided with her vision, and there was nothing to worry about.
Much to Jodie's dismay, his head shook. "I don't think so, but that's by the way. Before her intrusion, I was telling you that I've been assigned to escort you around the packlands till the alpha decides it's no longer necessary."
"When would that be?" She eyed him, irritated by yet another situation. "And why is this necessary? I understand the need for an escort till I'm able to find my way around, but that's not what this is, is it?"
"First, I was restricted to the den for days," she continued heatedly. "And even then, there was always someone shadowing me. Is this how the Phoenix Pack treats their guests?"
"We rarely have any."
"Oh, colour me surprised," she deadpanned. "No one would appreciate being treated like a prisoner."
"You're the Alpha's guest, not a prisoner. And I hope you understand that I'm only following orders," he replied gruffly. "I don't have the answer to your questions, but I can only promise to be good company. We have to get back quickly."
Her cheeks flamed as he moved a few steps ahead of her, stamping an end to the conversation. They'd started off on a good note, and even if he knew more than he was letting on but would rather die than spill it, she didn't want to jeopardise a possible friendship as she was now stuck with him. Their walk continued in silence till she picked up some strange grunts and noises from the opposite direction and stopped.
She glanced up at Ethan, but she already had his attention. He read the confusion in her face and said, "It's from the training ground, or arena, as the Alpha calls it. Pack warriors and some eager members grind out there all day."
"Oh, really?" an idea dropped to her head. "I haven't really seen much of the pack. Could we maybe pass by?"
He hesitated, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't know; Alpha said to get you to The Den."
"And I'll be at The Den after I get a glimpse of the training grounds. Please? I promise it will be quick. There will be no trouble."
"I'm sorry, the alpha is waiting to have a word with you."
"Oh, so now he wants to talk," she sighed. "The time we've wasted debating about this is enough to sneak in and out. It would be quick."
Ethan was wary but eventually nodded. They'd just had a little disagreement, and he didn't wish to offend her further. "Alright, but we need to be quick."
"Yes, thank you!"
They turned left, walking towards the noise until Jodie's eyes widened as they arrived. It was a large expanse of field, littered with several weapons and werewolves. It was magnificent. She spotted Ingrid almost immediately, taking on two female werewolves in a fist fight. Her feet were firmly planted on the ground, and each blow delivered was swift and precise. Whenever a hit was landed, a little group of ecstatic werewolves cheered behind her. Jodie turned to ask Ethan something, but the question died at the sight of a bright smile on his face. He was like a proud father, watching his daughter's victory in a game. Only in this case was she well aware that their relationship, if they don't have one already, will be a romantic one. Jodie was almost certain the initial urgency to do his alpha's bidding was gone. Her eyes roamed to the other people on the field, recognising Kyle and a few other people who'd been at The Den since she arrived. Kyle was sparring with another wolf, his strength and skill evident in every strike. Jodie was in awe of it and everything on the field. She would give anything to fight like that.
"This is amazing," she whispered.
Ethan snapped out of his momentary daze and urged her back. "Alright, we need to get going before Ares notices you."
Kyle smelt her before he even saw her. Her maddening scent hit his nostrils the second she entered the field. His eyes found her at the edge, standing beside Ethan, looking starstruck, and he immediately strode over to the pair, his expression serious.
"You absolute moron, the alpha will have your head for this!" he barked at Ethan.
"Wait, no, it's all me. I begged him to let us pass here." Jodie rushed.
"I'm sorry, Beta. She just wanted to see some of the pack," Ethan explained quickly, tugging her slightly by the arm. "We were just about leaving."
As if sensing him, Kyle glanced up at one of the windows in The Den, pleased to find Ares watching the exchange from his office. Knowing his alpha and how much he hated the lineage of the young lady beside Ethan, he was most certain Ethan would be severely dealt with for bringing her here.
"Oh, look," Kyle tipped his head towards the window. "The alpha's aware of your stupidity, Ethan."
By now, the attention of several pack members was drawn to the scene. Jodie seized her chance and stepped forward.
"Why did your Alpha restrict my movements and then send me off to a lady nobody likes?" she challenged, her voice charged with determination. "I would love to meet other pack members and train. If I'm not accepted, I'll leave."
"You're not a member of this pack; there will be no accepting you." Kyle glared at her like she was nothing more than a nuisance.
"Then I'll leave right now."
He looked her dead in the eye and replied frostily. "I dare you, go on your merry way."
"Woah, woah, calm down." Ingrid stepped in, placing a hand on Kyle's arm. "Ethan, please take her with you."
"No, what's really going on, Ingrid?" Jodie shrugged out of his grip.
"Nothing," Ingrid forced a smile. "I promise, it's nothing. And I'm sure you can train with us; Kyle here was just overreacting."
"Ares will decide that, not you." He countered.
"I'm sure he agrees with me!" she glanced up at her brother's window and repeated. "Jodie will train with me tomorrow. I, and Ethan will be in charge of it."
From where she stood, Jodie could see his jaw clenched as a fleeting moment passed between him and his sister. Then, his fleeting gaze landed on her momentarily before he stepped away from the window.
"See?" Ingrid flashed her a shaky smile. "You can train with us."