Alpha Cain was true to his word; I woke up alone and freezing in the morning, despite having woken up in the middle of the night to wrap myself in the pelt with the comforter on top. I would have to speak with him about turning the freaking heat on.

Cain had left my phone on the side table, and I turned it on, noticing that I had a text from him that he sent a few hours ago. I was ashamed of myself. I always used to pride myself on waking up early and taking charge of the day, but lately, days had been kicking my ass and I slept more frequently. Perhaps Cain would be willing to wake up earlier to train with me before he went out and did his Alpha duties. I have to admit, the idea of sparring with him excited my bloodlust and I.

It had been far too long since I killed, and my hand twitched in eagerness at the idea of ripping a rogue's heart out of their chest with my bare hand.

I got dressed, opting for black leggings (obviously), a long sleeve black t-shirt that fit snuggly, and black running shoes. Black truly is the most beautiful shade. So empty, yet filled to the brim with promises and mystery. Also, who doesn't look good in black?

Next, I pulled my silvery hair into a low ponytail, ignoring the little side tendrils framing my face that were too short to make it into the ponytail. Despite how putting my hair up showcased my semi-ear, I much preferred it to having my hair down. You never knew when you needed to kick someone's ass, and my hair was too long to deal with it whipping around during combat, especially since it was so windy outside now.

Thank god the scar on my eye matches my outfit, I thought wryly as I looked at my reflection. In a way, I sort of liked the way the scar made my whole eye turn white. It looked sort of freaky. I knew if I saw someone with an eye like that, I would think twice before stabbing them. At least I hoped that's how my scar would be perceived by others.

To throw the oh-so-fashionable ensemble together, I threw on my cloak. I left the mask in the drawer where he hides my cloak and mask. I didn't foresee any reason why I would need to hide the majority of my face, as everyone in the pack had already seen all of me. I knew that soon enough, it would be too cold outside for just my black cloak. I cringed at the idea of having to wear a snow jacket.

I treaded down the stairs, hearing noises stemming from the kitchen. Sure enough, Delta Carter was rummaging in a wooden drawer, making the pots and pans clatter loudly.

Have you no respect for people's sleeping time? I teased Carter through the mindlink.

He jumped, "Holy shi- I mean hello, Luna. I'm sorry for waking you up." He looked apologetic and remorseful.

I laughed. I was just teasing, it's fine, I was already awake. What are you looking for?

"I'm trying to find a good pan to use to make pancakes. I thought maybe you'd want breakfast before exploring the territory," Carter explained.

I narrowed my eyes skeptically. You thought I would want breakfast, or Alpha Cain told you to make sure I eat?

Carter looked down guiltily, his silence confirming what I already knew.

Don't worry about cooking, I'll just eat an apple and we can be on our way, I told him, already reaching for one.

"Ah- about that. Alpha Cain told me you might say that, and he told me to tell you that you weren't leaving the house until you ate something other than a piece of fruit," Carter apologetically smiled, nervously waiting for me to fight him on this.

I rolled my eyes. Your alpha is annoying, I complained.

"Our alpha," Carter corrected me, catalyzing yet another eye roll.

Our alpha is annoying and gets on my last nerve, I amended my statement, and got a pain to start making eggs for Carter and myself.

He cleared his throat nervously. "I-uh-well.. I'm glad you didn't leave him after the whipping. Everyone thought you would reject him after... you know."

I didn't look up from my cooking, not wanting to get too involved in this conversation. He proved himself to me by punishing me so severely. I didn't think he was strong enough. I was wrong. You are lucky to have such a strict Alpha. It bodes well for the pack's safety.

"Many pack members are quite impressed by how you tolerated the whippings. It has not been done before, much less by a female. Most believe that you are worthy of the Blood Luna title," Carter proudly spoke, letting me know he was one of those people.

Most? I questioned, though I wasn't entirely shocked.

Carter fidgeted with his shirt as he spoke. For a Delta, he sure was a nervous little guy. "There are a few who, um, wish you were less... extreme. They think the Alpha wants someone more... docile."

I shrugged, unbothered. Perhaps he does.

"How can you say that when he has been enamored with you since you got here? He only tries so hard to get you back after you escape because he can't bear to be without you. You should have seen him when you were at Alpha Thane's territory and while you were comatose. It was a scary time for the pack. If you saw how feral his wolf was when you were gone, you would never doubt his feelings for you," Carter insisted, completely believing every word he was saying.

I plated the eggs, opting not to respond. As much as I hated to admit it, Carter had a point, Cain did care about me on some level. The only issue was, I was positive it was his wolf that wanted me, and if it was up to Cain alone, he would have chosen a more meek and submissive female, who wouldn't challenge him at every turn.

We ate in silence, until we were finished and I washed the dishes. "Where do you want to go first, Luna?" Carter asked. "Your other escort should be here any minute."

"Speak of the devil, and she shall appear!" A grandiose voice called out theatrically. I swiveled my head, positive that I had heard that voice before.

Gwen? I mindlinked both her and Carter, so he could hear our exchanges.

"That's my name, sweetheart, wear it out or don't, it's your choice," She said noncommittally, the wild grin on her face making her radiate chaotic energy. The fiery redhead gave Carter a noogie, making him scowl at her and half-heartedly swing an arm out at her, which she nimbly dodged.

The last time I saw you, you ran out of the cell crying and screaming, I reminded her, unsure of why she was so energetic.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. Alpha's orders to manipulate you and all. And in my defense, I thought you were serious! You play a psychotic killer very believably!" She whined, defending her meltdown.

I laughed. Maybe that's because I am a psychotic killer, I suggested, although she didn't quite understand the level of truth that statement held.

She shrugged and grabbed my arm, linking hers with mine. I was shocked by the brazen physical contact. Usually people were far too scared to touch me. Especially people who I just met. "In that case, we will definitely be besties," Gwen's impish smile returned, promising a day full of mischief. I usually didn't make friends so easily, correction, I usually didn't make friends at all, but something about Gwen's chaotic energy and passion for devilry was incredibly infectious.

"Another female prone to mischievous misconduct and insolence? This was a match made in Heaven," Carter spoke, his tone full of amusement.

I grinned wickedly, and Gwen playfully corrected, "Or Hell," which made my smile even wider. Screw love soulmates, this girl was my friend soulmate.

Carter groaned loudly realizing what a mistake it was for Alpha Cain to pair Gwen with me. "This is going to be a long day," Gwen and I laughed at his pain. "I'll ask again, Luna, since Lucifer over here interrupted the first time. Where do you want to go first?"

Training grounds, I answered immediately, then added on as an afterthought, And don't call me Luna. Please just call me Ares, both of you.

Carter looked far more uncomfortable with what I said than Gwen. If anything, Gwen looked even more excited. "Lun- err- Ares," Carter began, and I could tell I wouldn't like what he was about to say. "I do not think Alpha Cain would be pleased with that..." His voice trailed off, letting me know that he knew for a fact it was a bad idea.

I shrugged. It's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission. Plus, he told me I could go anywhere in his territory as long as I was escorted. Last time I checked, the training grounds were on his land and I have not one, but two escorts. I left out that technically, Cain told me I wasn't allowed to train unless it was with him.

"She's got you there, buckaroo," Gwen smirked in victory. I could tell she wanted to go as badly as I did, although I suspected she knew I was up to some kind of trouble, and wanted to encourage it. I like this girl. I didn't understand why Cain would put me with another me, knowing I alone was more than a handful.

Carter sighed heavily, closing his eyes for a few seconds. "Sorry, just had to pray really quick to the Moon Goddess that when Alpha Cain finds out I allowed this, he doesn't make my head enter a long term relationship with the rest of my body."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

We walked to the training grounds, and I was thankful that I was much stronger than I was yesterday. My legs had gotten used to the sensation of walking, even though I could tell I lost muscle while being hooked up to the IV drip.

Along the way, Gwen and I chatted while Carter shook his head in disbelief at most of the cheeky and insubordinate things we said. When Gwen called me a "bad ass motherfuckin bitch" for taking so many lashes, Carter almost passed out from her lack of respect towards her Luna. I, on the other hand, laughed, and slightly blushed, feeling pleased that she was impressed by me.

We reached the training grounds, which was architecturally very similar to the Red Crescent one. It was a huge, open arena, with mats scattered around disorderly among the hard ground that lined the arena.

To my surprise, there were many wolves sparing in both skin and fur sides; and doing various training activities, such as weightlifting as well as endurance building exercises.

I frowned. Where are all of the weapons? I asked Gwen and Carter.

They both looked confused, but Carter answered. "We don't really use weapons that much. We have a small section of the arena dedicated to weapon handling, but isn't not stressed as much in training."

I was displeased with this information, and planned on bringing it up to Alpha Cain later, after he gets done yelling at me for going in the first place. Wolves should always know how to wield weapons. Red Crescent pack members certainly knew how to use them, and use them effectively, thanks to my training. Should a more advanced pack fight them in battle, I was worried that their brute strength may not exceed the power of weapons.

"Will you teach me how to throw knives?" Gwen asked excitedly, and our chaperone groaned.

"Gwendolyn, that hardly seems like an Alpha-approved activity..." Carter scolded her.

I glared at him. If you didn't notice, Carter, the Alpha isn't here right now, but your almost-Luna is, making me the highest ranked person here. Therefore, if I want to throw knives then we're throwing knives, dammit! My voice leaked out dominance.

Carter blinked at me in shock, and Gwen laughed proudly. "Damn, Ares. You sounded just like an Alpha."

"You're right, Luna. If you want to throw knives, it's what we'll do," Carter sounded defeated.

Why are you so much more paranoid and less energetic around me than you were the first time you babysat me? I asked him, not understanding his change in attitude.

"No reason," Carter quickly changed the conversation, and gave Gwen a warning glance when she opened her mouth.

Whatever, I would get to the bottom of it eventually. It wasn't a matter of if, but when.

Now, how about you escort us to the targets? I requested of Carter. He nodded, and we started walking across the arena, ignoring curious stares from the pack members who were not engaged in combat.

"Luna," A familiar voice said, and a large body blocked our path. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Gamma Axel asked, his voice rich with curiosity.

Just came with my escorts, I emphasized the last word in case he thought about mind linking Cain. To check out the training scene. Your pack is very skilled at fighting in wolf form, I complimented him, and he glowed under my praise, until his visage switched to one of duress.

"As humbled as I am to hear that from such an esteemed warrior such as yourself, I am under direct orders from the Alpha not to let you train," His voice held an edge.

That is no problem, I assured the anxious Gamma. I am not training, merely demonstrating.

His eyes narrowed. "With all do respect, Luna,"

I interrupted him. Ares.

"With all due respect, Ares," He corrected himself, "I think we both know that the Alpha will not differentiate between the two, and as much as I would enjoy to see the legendary former Gamma of Red Crescent give us a demonstration, I enjoy my life much more," He joked, but I could hear the undercurrent of seriousness under his jovial tone.

It is my first day of freedom, and I intend on enjoying it as much as I can. Please step out of my way under your own free will, or I will forcibly make sure you are out of my way, I threatened him, even though I knew I wouldn't seriously injure him.

He ground his teeth, and hesitated before taking any action. "Out of respect for you, Luna, I am going to warn you right now that I have to call the Alpha and let him know you're here. Despite you bravely taking my punishment, I am still on thin ice with him."

I nodded, understanding why he had to do it, I just wish he didn't need to. At least give us a 5 minute head start before you mindlink him, I requested. I wouldn't force him to, but I would certainly say it was in his best interest to oblige.

The Gamma nodded stiffly, and stepped out of our way begrudgingly.

"That was freaking awesome!" Gwen squealed and did a little victory dance. "Where have you been all my life?!" I laughed as we continued to let Carter guide us to the targets.

Better than just a wooden target with rings painted on it, there were human cut outs we could use. I grinned wickedly, my heart racing in excitement. It had been far too long since I had thrown a knife.

I summoned two daggers, handing one to an elated Gwen, and offering one to Carter, but he declined, nervously looking around, waiting for Alpha Cain to pop out.

The important thing about knife throwing is to make the movement fluid. Don't think of the knife as a weapon you want to get rid of, but rather an extension of yourself that is sliding off of you, I told Gwen, who nodded, ever the eager beaver.

These knives are blade-heavy, which means you want to throw them using the handle. For handle-heavy knives, you'd want to grip the blade, but we'll work on that another time, I promised her. There would be another time, I'd make sure of it.

Hold the knife like so, I demonstrated and adjusted her fingers. Keep the knife horizontal to the target, and when you follow through, make sure you throw hard. Knives can't be gently thrown, they are a weapon of brute force. Don't hold back.

Then, I put all of the steps together, and demonstrated the proper way to throw a knife. The blade sank into the eye of the target dummy.

Gwen cheered for me, and then lined up in front of her own dummy. She copied all of the steps I did, and the blade hit the target in the shoulder.

Not bad, grasshopper, I mock bowed to her, and she did the same to me as we laughed. I needed this. Already, I felt much better.

Let's keep throwing. I doubt we have much longer until the Po Po breaks this party up, I pouted.

I summoned two more knives, and we continued throwing until the front of the dummies were completely impaled by knives. Gwen's throws were too weak for most of the knives to stay embedded in the dummy like mine did, but her aim showed potential.

I went to go turn the dummy around so I could use the back as a target, and noticed that we had attracted a small crowd of curious wolves, watching us throw the knives. I ignored them, positive that roping anyone else into Gwen and my fun would just cause more people to get punished.

I offered another dagger to Gwen, but she refused. "I'd rather watch and learn from the master," She teased, and mockingly bowed again, which I returned after laughing. We already had our own inside jokes.

I dropped the dagger Gwen rejected to the ground, and instead summoned a throwing star. These puppies are way more fun if you want to torture the person you're aiming at, I told Gwen devilishly, and even Carter smiled slightly at my good mood.

I kept throwing star after star, not hesitating in between throws, and summoning one right after another. I could imagine not having my Gift. It was far too precious and far too fun.

"I think 'not training' means something entirely different to you," A harsh, admonishing tone that I had gotten quite accustomed to spoke the words I was dreading hearing.

I turned around to the source, smiling innocently as I met his eyes that were both simultaneously cold and ruthless, whilst still burning intensely with rage.

Hello, mate.

This is by far my favorite chapter, even though it's the longest. What's your favorite chapter so far and why?

Huge thank you to @ACarradine and everyone else who has been leaving supportive comments/ voting. You all rock my world!