ROWAN
“Move your feet forward, that way you will have more balance when you move to attack your opponent.”
From my position in the stall, I watch as Louis directs some of the younger wolves in training.
They are all runts of their former packs, abandoned because of their weakness but in the past two weeks if being taught by Louis they have come so far.
Blossomed really.
He is such a great teacher, it impresses me.
Patient and kind, firm and gentle.
He doesn’t ridicule them for their mistakes, but actually looks at why they are making the mistakes and helps in correcting them.
A far cry from how Dominik used to train his own wolves.
Dominik, again.
Ever since that night, when I had seen that wolf, he has been popping into my head.
It is beyond maddening.
I shake the thoughts of him out of my head as I focus on Louis, this time on the way his muscles flex while demonstrating a technique
“You are drooling.”
“What?!” I snap out as I slap my hand over my mouth only to discover nothing.
I turn to my side to send an annoyed glare at Lisa.
“What is your problem?” I demand.
“Nothing. Just felt like looking for trouble. Also, you are being very obvious in your ogling.”
“I am not ogling,” I deny.
“Yes you are. Everyone sees it. Even Louis. Why do you think he is flexing his muscles even more than necessary.”
“I… uh, you- shut up.”
“Oh, look at that. You are blushing.”
“I hate you.”
“Love you more,” she retorts before popping a chip into her mouth. “I take it the courting is going well?”
“Courting? What courting?”
“You and Louis.”
“We are not courting. We are just going on dates,” I reply.
“I am pretty sure he is courting you. How many dates have you two been on?”
“Four,” I answer without hesitation.
Damn it.
“Four. Impressive. How has it been?”
“Luke you don’t know,” I snark.
“I don’t, actually. Rina and I have both decided to give you your privacy and let you have fun, willing to wait until you are ready to talk to us,” she explains.
“And how has that been for you?”
“It has been torture. Please, feed me with all the deets.”
“There is nothing to tell. We have just been getting to know each other.”
“Hmm. Where have you gone? For your dates?”
“Well, you know about the first date, the movies. The second was a picnic at the park, watching humans be weird and also being the center of their attention. The third was a quiet dinner in a cozy restaurant. While the last was a couples spa day in the resort.”
“Oooh, spa. Does that mean you two saw your naked selves?” She asks with a delighted grin.
“Actually, no. He was the perfect gentleman and he didn’t look.”
“Did you?” She asks with a smirk
“Just a peep. Or two. Ok, y more than two. A lot. I think he noticed.”
“Of course, he did. He is a man. They notice stuff like that, the only difference is that he is also a gentleman. He is perfect.”
“I know right,” I say with a worried sigh as I glance at him again. This time, he is teaching the wolves how to punch.
“What is wrong?” She asks. “I thought being perfect was a good thing.”
“It is! It is just… he is too perfect. No one can be this perfect. It worries me, and I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“You still feel like there is something more?” She asks as she glances at him.
“Yes,” I answer. “I know, I know that he has not done anything to arouse anyone’s suspicion but I can’t shake the feeling off. My instincts tell me not to believe him, not to lose my wit, but it’s hard. And now, I feel like I am being pulled into two different directions.”
“Sure. Maybe we could-”
“Hello, ladies.”
Louis’s voice cuts her off and we both look over to see him walking towards us.
“Hi, Louis,” Lisa calls with a smile.
“Hey, Lisa. I don’t suppose you two would like to have a go on the training field?”
“Nah,” I answer. “I am quite comfy where I am.”
“Are you sure? I can show you a few moves. Nothing strenuous, but effective to counter an enemy’s attack.”
“Maybe some other time,” I reply. “Why don’t we do something more relaxing? Say, an indoor game?”
“Fine. We can try the training out as our next date.”
“You want to train me for a date?” I ask with a sardonic twist of my lips.
“Why not? It is a healthy way to get to know each other, not to talk less of the other benefits.”
“What benefits?” I wonder.
“You, me, up close. Sweaty and breathy with adrenaline pumping in our veins. It could be fun.”
“You have a dirty, dirty mind, Louis,” I reply with a smile.
“Only for you.”
“Oh, wow,” Lisa remarks as she eyes us both. “You two are disgusting. It is cute. But disgusting. I don’t like it.”
“Well, that is entirely your problem,” I retort. “You can leave if you want to.”
“What-”
“Guia!”
As one, we all turn towards the running wolf and watch as he arrives panting, his eyes alight with excitement
“What is it, Gaines?” I ask, once he has caught his breath.
“We caught a trespasser,” he says. “He was trying to sneak in through the eastern woods. Tobias and Genny are holding him hostage.”
“Really?” I ask with surprise as I get to my feet and begin walking in said direction. Lisa as well as Louis join me too. “Have they questioned him?”
“Yes. He said he was looking for a pack member. I told him no one of that name was here.”
“What name did he give?”
“Louisa Kane.”