Zeus started his training by covering the area with his shield. June was impressed by how naturally he used his gifts.
She had seen it in action once at the Blood Race pack when he used it to protect them from the hailstones.
“Don’t just look.” Zeus said with his back facing her. “Get to work.”
June swallowed and focused her attention on her training. Together, they faced their respective training sessions, sharing a silent atmosphere safe for the grunts and fire bouts that showed up more times than she could count.
June fell to the ground breathing heavily after a long while of training. Zeus never stopped. She laid on the ground and watched him flex his gifts.
Zeus created all sorts of dangerous fires, some in the shape of a tornado, walls, mountains, and her personal favourite, water. Zeus unleashed his gifts so much to the point he was a living breathing fire disaster.
With all the rampage going on, it was impressive how he managed his gifts to the point that they remained enclosed in the training ground. The fires didn’t even hurt the grasses.
It seemed like a figment of imagination.
June savoured the sight and wondered. What in the world was she supposed to save him from? From all indications, the Alpha of the Nightshade pack was doing fine.
His gifts were strong enough to clear an entire army – so she heard.
What could a little, clueless and powerless girl do to save him and return to her world?
June returned to her intensive workout with Zeus which ate deep into the early hours of the morning. As a result, she couldn’t make it early to training the next day.
Tara was furious at the no-show but she held her tongue. She couldn’t get upset yet. It was of no use. She planned to deal with that sloth after her practice. Besides, the Alpha Grandmother had called for a meeting with the top females in the Nightshade pack.
“I know you are all so busy so I won’t take much of your time.” Georgina explained with a smile. “As you all know, the Alpha is in need of a bride.”
“The Alpha has given me the permission to set up a rigorous training competition which would produce three females that would be placed for his choosing at the mating ceremony.”
The ladies summoned wore gracious smiles. With the news, they all assessed themselves, ready to become the first Luna of the Nightshade pack. Tara wore a grim look.
She was the best female in the pack. It was an insult to compete with these women for a place that should have been rightfully hers. She was going to have a word with Mrs Georgina at the end of things.
“I want all of you to be in your best characters. Not only would the top three be given the opportunity to stand before Zeus as an option, but they would be given rooms in the Alpha’s house to spend some time with him before the ceremony.”
Georgina sent a suggestive wink and the ladies were excited. Living in the Alpha’s house was a dream unattainable to anyone who was not a direct member of Zeus’ family.
The only exception to that rule was if the Alpha specially invited you into his quarters.
Mrs Georgina was the only living family member in the Nightshade pack as far as they knew and it was impossible to gain approval from Zeus.
Either way, it was impossible to do.
“The selection would be based on your fighting skills, feminine abilities and knowledge of the Alpha. The first tournament will take place at the end of this week.” Georgina announced. “With the mating ceremony closer than ever, we need to be very swift with our selections.”
“I trust you would all give your best and may the best woman win.”
The ladies dispersed and Tara stayed behind to speak with Georgina. “Is there a problem?” The old woman asked with a smile.
“You promised.” Tara said, countenance glum.”You promised I would be the next Luna.” Her voice communicated her pain. “Why are we having a competition for a post that should be mine?”
“You have always allowed your emotions to get the best of you.” Georgina smiled. “If you are not careful, that might be your undoing.”
“Don’t speak to me like a child.” Tara said with a frown. “We had a deal. You promised to make me his bride. You both did.”
“And I will.” Geargina snapped. Gone was the old and kind woman they all knew her to be. “I will never go back on my word, Tara. Do not insult me.”
Tara held her breath. “You have been acting differently. Keeping me at an arm’s length. This was not the plan. Darren wouldn’t approve of this.”
“If you are so worked up about Darren, then you might as well return to him.” The old woman snapped. “Let’s see if you will live to tell the tale of how you betrayed Zeus.”
Georgina stepped in Tara’s face. “He would burn you to crisp without lifting his finger.”
“Oh really?” Tara was offended. “How do you think your dearest grandson would react if he knew that the only family he trusted tried to kill him?”
Georgina felt her breath seize.
“That’s right. Your ashes would be on the floor faster than my burnt body.”
“How dare you?” Georgina gritted.
“Don’t test me.” Tara said. “I have done my part. I became the strongest female and I even helped get things to this point. I should be Luna.”
“Besides, you need me to forward your sick plans. I am indispensable.” Tara remarked. “The earlier you understand that and do the needful, the better for us both.”
Tara stepped out of the area and headed to the training ground. June was with Zeus who personally trained her. The sight of Zeus so invested in another woman drove her to insanity.
“Sorry I’m late.” She said, announcing her presence.
June felt a wave of shame cover her at the sight of Tara. She immediately apologized. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. I had a long night and it translated to-”
“It’s alright.” Tara said in a high pitched voice. “It seems like I have disturbed the Alpha by making him train you.” She moved closer to Zeus. “I will take over from here.”
June nodded, “Thank you so much, Alpha. My teacher will take over from where you stopped.”
Truth be told, June was happy to have Tara back. Unlike Zeus, Tara knew when to stop. She had gotten used to Tara’s ways but Zeus was different.
He seemed to have an infinite amount of energy and proved that during their training the night before.
It was hell to say the least.
“Zeus.” He said, “Call me Zeus.”
Tara spoke immediately. “I am sorry for this little one’s mistake. I will train her appropriately in coming times,”
“I will be in charge of her training moving forward.” Zeus said to the shock of June.
“What?”
“The Alpha has a lot on his plate to train a female without a wolf.” Tara said in a modest manner. “You needn’t bother yourself on this, Alpha.”
“As the strongest female in the pack, I will do my best to ensure she is strong enough to hold her own.”
June nodded in agreement. She couldn’t see herself training with Zeus moving forward. She didn’t want to.
“I didn’t ask your opinion.” Zeus shut Tara down. “You train till noon.” He said to June and when she remained on her feet, his gaze narrowed in reprimand.
“Of course!” June returned to her training. This time around, she was given the task of building her arm strength.
Tara walked away bitter. Zeus ignored and reprimanded her a lot since the weak lady came into the picture. Zeus who was dedicated to training his men for battle was also training that weakling, a sharp contrast from the man he used to be.
With Augusta’s appearance, her beloved Alpha was doing things more and more outside his character. She needed to do something fast. She needed to make sure she secured her place as soon as possible.
Tara went straight to the female training area. She called one of her minions and whispered something into her ears. The young lady who was her pawn looked shocked at the words spoken and left immediately.
Within minutes, rumours spread in the NightShade pack about the newest intake. Unknown to June, things were about to take a different turn.