Chapter 19: Chapter 0019

463 words

<html><head></head><body>Athena I dropped to the floor instantly. What in the world was that thing? My body refused to look again. A sudden knock on the door made me jump. “Athena. It’s me. You can open up.” Alpha Alexander’s voice came from the hallway. I stayed silent, staring at the door as the handle jiggled. I didn't want to move. I didn't want to leave my corner. Thank goddess for the bolt lock. “Athena, I know you saw. The creature has been handled. It's dead. There's no reason to be afraid.” Pushing up from the floor, I glanced out the window. All the Wolves were gone. So was the monster.  I began moving chairs out of the way. Slowly, I slid the lock back. Alexander pushed through the gap. He forced the remaining chairs aside effortlessly. His crimson eyes scanned the office. He didn’t mention the barricade. I was starting to understand—those chairs were like pillows to him. He’d pulled on a pair of grey shorts after shifting back. They hung low on his hips, accentuating every muscle.  I looked away, heat rushing to my cheeks. “What… what was that?” I muttered, desperate to change the subject. “We don’t know.” “Y—you don’t?” It shocked me that Alpha Alexander didn’t have an answer. He shook his head. “I’ve seen many things. Nothing like that.” “You killed it?” “It attacked pack members. We had no choice.” “It had a head… like a Wolf,” I mumbled. “I know.”  “But the body… it looked almost human. Except for the hair. The size.” “I know. But it’s over. You don’t need to worry.” Not worry? That thing would haunt my thoughts until it had a name. But I could tell he was done discussing it. “Moonshine will have to wait,” he said, repositioning the chairs. “Did you really think these would stop someone?” I shrugged. At that moment, yes, I really did. “It might be time to enroll you in training.” “Training?”  “Most kids learn combat in school. You didn’t. I’d feel better if you could defend yourself.” “You want me to train with the pack?” He turned to face me. “Not with the pack. Not yet. Their senses are sharper. They’re faster. It wouldn’t be fair. You’ll train with me.” “With you?” I stammered. He was a powerful Alpha. I stood no chance. “I have better control than anyone here. If you land a hit, I won’t retaliate.” My stomach twisted. I’d spent years flinching at raised hands. How did he expect to train me? “Now?” I asked. “In a few days. I want that scar fully healed first. I won’t send you back to the hospital.” My hand drifted to my stomach, feeling the raised line beneath the fabric. “Does it hurt?” He was watching me closely.  </body></html>