Chapter 14: Training Adelie

Adelie

My morning routine was as predictable as the sunrise. Helen, punctual as ever, would bring my breakfast at eight sharp.

A knock echoed through the room. “Come in,” I called out. Helen appeared, but her hands were empty, devoid of the usual breakfast tray.

“Breakfast is ready downstairs. Alpha and Jasmin are waiting,” she informed me before disappearing.

Wait, Alpha and Jasmin? Was Alpha feeling guilty about yesterday? I hadn’t seen Jasmin around, I assumed Alpha had sent her away.

I didn’t dawdle. I knew better than to keep Alpha waiting. Training started at eight-thirty sharp, and he hated tardiness.

Kairos

Guilt gnawed at me. I’d hurt Adelie, and it was eating me alive. I vowed to be better, to be the mate she deserved. But I didn’t know how.

We were waiting for Adelie. Jasmin was prattling on about something I couldn’t care less about. “I heard another pack is coming in a few days to train?” she asked.

“Yes,” I replied curtly. I didn’t care for Jasmin. She’d said some unforgivable things about my parents. She claimed they deserved their fate for aiding Mia in her destructive plans.

I couldn’t fathom why they’d betrayed me, but they didn’t deserve death. They were my family. Now, Fala was all I had left.

As for the incoming pack, I assumed they were unaware of Adelie. Otherwise, they’d surely have questions.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Adelie appeared, clad in one of her flowing dresses. I’d always admired her style, and understanding her nymph nature made it all the more fitting.

Nymphs were known for their kindness, their care, their politeness. They were protectors of nature. In every tale I’d heard, nymphs were depicted in long, flowing dresses, a symbol of their femininity and beauty.

Adelie was the epitome of a nymph’s beauty. “Good morning, Alpha. Jasmin,” she greeted us, her gaze flitting between us. She looked healthier today, her energy levels seemed restored.

“Please, have a seat,” I offered, gesturing to the spot next to me, opposite Jasmin. She offered a small smile and took her seat.

She moved with an ease that belied the pain I knew she was in. I, on the other hand, was struggling to hide my discomfort.

“You look lovely today, Adelie,” Jasmin complimented, earning a warm smile from Adelie. I yearned to be the one to make her smile like that, but I didn’t know how. Did she despise me? I hoped not.

“But you’ll need to change into something more suitable. Helen will bring your training clothes,” Jasmin added, causing Adelie to look at her in surprise.

“Training?” Adelie echoed, her brows furrowing.

“Absolutely. We need to start as soon as possible,” Jasmin declared.

I felt compelled to intervene. “Only if you’re feeling up to it, after the healing,” I added. But before Adelie could respond, Jasmin interjected.

“She’s perfectly fine. She’s strong, and waiting won’t ease the pain. Training shouldn’t exacerbate it either.”

I gritted my teeth. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak unless spoken to,” I retorted.

Jasmin calmly sipped her tea, taking her time. I knew she had a retort ready, she always did.

“Your Alpha tone doesn’t intimidate me,” she finally said. I let it slide, choosing instead to look at Adelie for her response.

“I’m okay, Alpha. The pain’s still there, but Jasmin’s right. I should train,” she said, avoiding my gaze. She turned to Jasmin, “But who’s going to train me? You’re not dressed for it.” Adelie pointed out Jasmin’s emerald green pantsuit.

Jasmin laughed as if Adelie had just cracked a joke. “Sweetheart, I’ll be training you. But there’s nothing I can demonstrate. You’ll have to do it all yourself.” Adelie looked down at her plate, but I caught the smile on her face. She was eager to train.

I recalled my first training session. The ache in my bones was what drove me, pushing me to my limits. I trained to be the best Alpha, but I still fell short. As an Alpha and as a mate.

I glanced at Adelie, glad she was here. More than glad, I loved it. But the guilt was a constant companion. I’d hurt her and didn’t know how to make it right. I left my food untouched and stormed out of the dining room.

I headed straight for the training ground. Nathan was the only one there, which didn’t surprise me. He always trained harder than anyone else. He was one of my best fighters. “Alpha, you’re early,” he greeted.

“True, but I think I’ll take it easy today,” I replied. My wound was still tender, and pushing myself wouldn’t help.

“Guess I’m without an opponent today then,” Nathan chuckled. “Honestly, Alpha, you should take the day off. Go home and rest.”

He had a point. I didn’t have the energy or the motivation to train today. “I would, but Luna Adelie is training today,” I told him. Nathan looked at me, intrigued.

“With Jasmin Barnes?” He asked, and I nodded.

“You want to watch her train?” He asked.

“I want to see what she’s capable of,” I replied. I wanted to see her potential. I believed she had a good heart, but I needed to know more.

“Nathan,” I called after him. “What’s the pack saying about her abilities?”

“Only good things, Alpha. You have nothing to worry about. She’s shown that she cares for us. That’s all that matters.”

So, I was the only one with doubts...

It was already 8:40 a.m. Everyone was training, but Adelie was nowhere in sight. I hoped Jasmin hadn’t changed the training location. I’d instructed her to train here with the rest of us.

After a while, I saw them approaching. Jasmin looked the same, but Adelie was different. It took my breath away.

Her hair was braided, with a few loose strands hanging down. She wore tight black pants and a black leather jacket that hugged her figure.

Adelie was fully clothed, but I felt like she was exposed to every other male. She even had black boots on. She looked like a warrior, not the fragile girl I’d met in the forest.

They didn’t come near me or the others, so I walked up to them. “Jasmin, Adelie,” I greeted.

“Alpha, what a pleasure,” Jasmin replied, her tone mocking. “But we’re short on time, so we should get started,” she said, turning to Adelie.

Adelie glanced at me, but quickly looked away. I decided to step back and observe from a distance.

Adelie

I wasn’t comfortable in these clothes, but Jasmin said to feel like a warrior, I had to look like one. That it was okay to feel out of place sometimes.

The thing is, I didn’t want to be a warrior... I just wanted to protect everyone.

Alpha didn't show up for training today. I figured it was due to his injury, or maybe he was just keeping tabs on me. My feelings for him had shifted, I couldn't pinpoint exactly how, but they were different after I asked him to reject me.

“Adelie, I want to see what you're capable of,” she demanded, crossing her arms and waiting for me to act. But it wasn't that simple.

“I don’t know how. What exactly do you want to see?” I questioned.

Jasmin retreated to where Alpha was standing. “I don’t know what you can do,” she admitted.

“But you said you’d train me,” I said, confused.

“I’m here to unlock your power. There’s no one else like you, which is why I need you to show me,” she insisted, standing there as if I was about to make a groundbreaking discovery.

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. How can you ask her to do something when you don’t even know what it is?” Alpha challenged her.

“Well, excuse me, but it’s not like I encounter the offspring of Death and a nymph every day. That’s why I need to see even a hint of what she can do,” she retorted, turning to face Alpha.

Their loud argument was drawing attention from the others.

“She doesn’t know how. Why can’t you understand that?” Alpha’s voice was laced with anger.

Jasmin furrowed her brows. “No! You’re the one who doesn’t understand anything because you’re just an unworthy werewolf,” she shot back, causing Alpha’s face to redden.

“You think I’m an unworthy werewolf?” he asked, his voice seething with rage, but Jasmin seemed unfazed.

“No! Not just you. I think every werewolf is a creature that doesn’t contribute much to anyone,” she said, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Can you both maybe...” I tried to intervene, but Alpha cut me off.

“Adelie is a werewolf too,” he shouted. “Do you think she’s unworthy too?” It looked like Alpha was on the verge of exploding.

I moved closer to them. “I don’t think it’s...” I tried to speak again, but Jasmin beat me to it, completely ignoring my presence.

“She’s barely a werewolf and barely human, and that’s why I know what’s best for her and how she should do things,” Jasmin argued.

I positioned myself between them, but they both sidestepped me.

“You don’t know what’s best for her. If she needs training, I don’t think you’re fit to be her so-called coach,” Alpha retorted.

This triggered a barrage of insults from Jasmin, and Alpha retaliated in kind.

I glanced around and noticed that everyone was now watching us. Everyone except Alpha and Jasmin, who were too busy pointing fingers and shouting at each other.

Suddenly, Jasmin extended her hand, and a bright ball of flame burst into existence above it. My eyes widened at the sight of the dangerous magic.

Was she going to hurt Alpha?

Alpha growled, and I could see him beginning to shift. The Night Walker pack’s guards moved forward, hands on their weapons.

This was bad. They were going to fight!

I had to stop them, but how? My mind was racing.

Their words grew increasingly harsh. Suddenly, Jasmin and Alpha charged at each other! Jasmin raised her flaming hand high, and Alpha’s claw descended toward her.

Without thinking, I dashed between them.

And then the ground exploded beneath me.