Destiny Wolf.

Elite training passes in a blur of spas, guiding others and simple exercises. We work on defensive tactics, things the warriors can share with the pack to minimise loses and fight back should we be attacked. Our training protocols are a constant strive for improvement since we were attacked all those years ago.

My mind is barely in it as I easily beat each partner who wants to spa, and begin to train others.

It had started rocky, my former classmates hesitant. I pushed past it, sharing the knowledge I have acquired with Aiden, things I had picked up myself over the years and what has worked for me when blocking attacks. The vibe around me changed quickly, Aurora sensing their growing respect. She was in her element, leading was always her path, it was me who never wanted the attention.

I ignore Serena, letting her do her own thing. I hear her insult me to others a few times but choose to pretend I can't hear. She is her own worst enemy, several people not responding to her digs, sighing as she pretends to be better than me. Everyone watched me beat her with ease in the trials, they know who they can learn the most from.

I am forcing my mind to stay focused, but it keeps drifting. Drifting to what comes after this. My session with Leon. Ethan had told him everything and he had apparently been researching for days. He had planned a one-on-one session with me after Elite training.

This has made me nervous the whole day. The thought of being alone with him. Training with him. It makes my heart race, which also makes me nervous. He is not someone I thought I would be opening up to, someone I thought I would have to at least try to trust. His boy toy ways in high school, his groupies following him down the halls. His smart-ass mouth in class, the way the teachers fawned over him. His high school experiences was the exact opposite to mine. We are exact opposites as people. I don't see how we are going to make a good team as we move forward, especially if he spends his time being a total flirt.

As the session wraps up Elite warrior Mathew calls me over. "Impressive work Armina, I'm happy to have you on the team" he states beaming. I smile. Mathew is a great wolf. Always kind and supportive but fierce in battle. Someone to look up too, someone who was very easily respected and trusted.

"Thank you" I smile. I feel his demeanour change as he nods to someone behind me. "Future Alpha Leon, it's good to see you" he states. Bowing as he walks away.

"You ready?" He asks. I slowly turn, taking in his dark eyes; chiseled cheek bones and crooked smile. "Sure" I respond. Trying to hide my nerves and project some form of confidence.

"We can do this at my place" he states. Starting to walk. "Why your place?" I ask, not wanting to follow. He stops walking. "I have a private gym in the basement of the pack house. It's soundproof, private and allows us to see what you can do" he explains. His eyes darken as he turns and moves closer to me. I try not to flinch as he moves dangerously close to me, invading my space.

"Are you scared to be alone with me?" He asks. His head tilting until his mouth is so close I feel his breathe on my face. "No" I state, stepping back. "Let's go" I start walking.

I don't say anything as we walk towards the pack house. I ignore the angry looks from every shewolf as we walk past. I know Leon is wanted, every girl dreaming of being his Luna. I'm not one. I wouldn't besake my future fated mate. The soul mate the moon goddess selects for us.

I ignore everyone until Serena steps in front of us. Leon stopping as I look past her. Pretending she isn't there. "What do you want Serena?" Leon says, his tone blunt. "What are you doing with her?" Leon ignores her. Grabbing my hand, he pulls me around her and smiles before we keep walking.

I pull my hand free. Noticing his face change. "I don't want people to get the wrong impression" I state. I sense his sadness, working to block it out as I continue walking.

As we walk into the gym in silence. He says nothing as he locks the door behind us. He surprises me as his arms suddenly reach around me, pushing me against the locked door, his body against mine as his face goes into the crook of my neck. Breathing me in as he asks "what impression might that be?" He asks. I struggle to breathe, feeling him so close has my body awaken to feelings I had never given much thought to. His mouth moves down, nipping at my neck in my sacred marking spot.

This snaps me out of it as I push him away sharply, sending him flying onto his ass. "Exactly that Leon" I spit angrily. "We are here to train, I will not betray my future mate" Aurora growls in my head. "This is a mistake" I state. Turning to unlock the door. "I'm sorry" Leon says softly. Standing, "Don't go, I'll help you" he says. He moves closer to me. "I should have known you're not like other girls, otherwise I wouldn't want you like this" I search his eyes. Seeing only truth.

"I'm not your mate" I repeat. "I know, I'm not that lucky" he says shaking his head. "A destiny wolf would never be my mate" he states sadly. "A what?" I ask, my breathing picking up. "A destiny wolf can only come from two royal blood lines. We thought them extinct considering we thought only one royal line remains" he explains.

The royal pack is the Wardolfs, a strong line of wolves in which only a few remain. There used to be the Belacoves and Hathaways but they were thought to be killed off many years ago in the war against the lycans.

"That can't be" I state shaking my head. "If I were royal I wouldn't have been left in an orphanage" my mind racing. "Or they needed to protect you" he says, his eyes full of sympathy. "A destiny wolf hasn't come about in over 100 years, a wolf with accelerated abilities as well as special skills. Some who could fly, move things with their minds, control others, the list is endless. There isn't a lot of information available as they were thought extinct, people stopped documenting". He smiles softly, "We've had one under our noses this whole time", he steps forward slowly "You're special Armina" he adds.

"I need time to think" I state. I need my shower. 'Aurora did you know?' I ask; 'I knew we were different, not like this though' 'If we are so special, why didn't someone come for us?' She asks sadly. I agree with her. We've always been different. Our parents must have known we'd be different. Why didn't they come back? If we are so special, why didn't they want us? The sadness taking both of us over.

"Hey, where is your mind?" Leon asks moving closer. He takes my hand gently but keeps his distance. "Why wouldn't my parents come back for me? I've had my wolf for years, they must know I can look after myself now" I choke back the tears. "Armina I hate to say it, but I don't think they'd still be alive" Leon says, pulling my hand closer to him gently until he has me in a hug.

I can't hold back my tears. Letting him hold me as I cry.

Once I finally stop he looks down at me, "Your abilities are controlled by emotion, only you can unlock them. Use my gym" he states. Handing me a key. "I will help whenever I can but this is something you will probably need to do alone" he states as I nod.

"Thank you" I almost whisper, he smiles. He moves to a backpack on the floor. Coming towards me with a book. "This is a history book from the ancient library of the Lycans, cost me a pretty penny a long time ago" he adds. "After you've read it; you decide what you want to do" I nod sadly taking in the old leatherbound book in my hand.

"Armina, has Aiden invited you to the summit?" He asks; I shake my head. The summit is a yearly meeting between packs. It is held at the lycan palace, the royal wolves in attendance as well. It is the only time every leader comes together, no violence allowed. Any other time these people would be near each other it would be war. Fighting. Death.

"It's too dangerous for me" I say, repeating what Aiden had told me each year. "You may be able to get some more answers though" he states. "You have strong senses, you may pick something up" he says simply. His hand cups my face as I try to stop any tears from escaping. I don't normally show emotion in front of anyone. Only Aiden.

"We leave on Sunday, if Aiden won't take you I can. As my guest" he states simply. "Guest?" I ask, knowing it wasn't that simple. "Date" he says, "That's what I'll say anyway, but I know it's not true. I won't disrespect your faith towards the mate bond. I swear it" I nod. A small smile escaping my lips. "Thank you Leon, I accept" looking down at the book. "You won't have time to read all of this by then, you'll need to find a dress" he states, I knew this, the summit is a formal occasion, with not showing effort a sign of disrepect to the lycans and royals.

"I know, but the next summit is a year away" he nods, "Thank you Leon; I need to go talk to Aiden" he nods again.

"My car will collect you at 7am, it's a 6 hour drive" I nod. I better get to the store, I sure as hell don't own anything passable, it's Friday now. I also need to try to explain to Aiden why I need to go. He won't like this.

39 hours.

We will finally have a chance at finding our family.