Punching bag

I swung my leg high. Feeling the satisfying crack of my shin hitting Tyler’s rib.

He grunted at the pain that was surging through his ribs and lungs, causing a big breath to escape his lips.

He countered with a swift jab to my ribs. His jabs were filled with strength, causing my side to explode with pain.

But I ignored it. I took a few steps back and circled him, my eyes fixed on him like a predator its prey.

The training grounds were rumbling with the sounds of clashing bodies and shouted instructions.

The scent of sweat and blood mingled in the air as everyone was fighting as if though they truly were on a battlefield.

Drawing blood wasn’t against the rules. But we couldn’t kill for obvious reasons.

The afternoon sun casts long shadows, highlighting the grit and determination carved in every face that’s training today.

Including me.

But today was different.

Today, my strikes were precise, my movements swift and sharp.

As anger and frustration fueled every punch and every kick.

Today is my eighteenth birthday.

\And along with it came the ability to find one’s mate.

Something that has changed my entire world and existence. Because I realized exactly who it was.

Xander is my mate.

The realization had hit me like a truck.

Even now, the faint scent of him lingered in my nostrils.

Bergamot, lavender, black pepper, a mix I never knew could be so intoxicating.

So addictive.

He wasn’t eighteen yet.

But the bond had already started to form a mere whisper of what was to come.

My wolf was so happy to smell him. To find out. She was still howling in my head, begging me to go to him.

I couldn’t believe that my wolf was already so attached to him.

I couldn’t even imagine the day that he turned eighteen and the bond would snap in-place.

But I’m not ready to be Luna.

I turned on my heel. Aiming a roundhouse kick at Tyler’s head.

He ducked, barely avoiding the blow. He lunged forward, pinning me to the ground.

We wrestle, muscles straining. Fighting to gain the upper hand.

Tyler was strong. But today, I was stronger.

Today, I had something I was fueled by anger and hatred for myself.

For not being worth it. For not being ready for Xander.

I had always had a crush on him, but the fact of being together I had dismissed years ago.

He was the alphas heir and me well, barely even an omega in the eyes of 80 percent of this pack.

With a surge of energy, I twisted out of his grip. Getting back onto my feet.

Whilst tyler is still trying to find his footing, I deliver a hard blow to his sternum.

Tyler stumbled back, gasping for breath.

I didn’t give up. I pressed forward, unleashing a lot of blows that left him dazed and confused.

“Enough!” Tyler wheezed, holding his hands up in surrender. “You win, Dawn. You finally beat me.”

I stepped back, taking the win.

My chest heaving, but fierce satisfaction settling in my chest.

Ive done it. I have finally beaten Tyler, the Gamma’s son, and his heir.

But the victory felt meaningless.

Completely overshadowed by the confusion inside me.

Why Xander of everyone?

As I stood there deep in thought and catching my breath.

I noticed Amanda walking past the training grounds.

Her eyes locked onto mine.

A smug smile sitting comfortably on her face.

She strutted over.

Her existence was a dark cloud on an otherwise beautiful and clear day.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the pack’s favorite punching bag,” Amanda taunted.

Loud enough for everyone to hear.

Her voice sounded sweet, but it dripped with malice.

I clenched my fists, digging my fingernails into my palm.

Trying to stay calm.

Ignoring Amanda was like trying to ignore a thorn in your sole.

Something proven impossible.

She had been my personal torturer since 1ste grade because of my father’s betrayal.

Since he had tried to destroy the pack and take their Luna.

His death had not pardoned me of his betrayal in their eyes.

I was like the devil’s daughter. Everyone just waiting for me to make a mistake.

To lash out or to destroy the pack and follow in his footsteps.

“What’s the matter, Dawn? Cat got your tongue?”

Amanda taunted. Her eyes gleaming with malicious delight.

“Why don’t we have a go, hmm? …Or are you too scared?”

I knew what she was doing. She wanted to humiliate me.

To remind them all of my place within the pack.

I couldn’t afford another to prove everyone right by losing my temper.

My emotions were too raw. Too close to the surface.

I only needed to let off steam.

Not get drawn into one of Amanda’s games.

“Not today, Amanda,” I said, trying to sound steady. My heart was racing.

“I’m done here. I was just on my way home.”

“Oh, come on,” she mocked, stepping closer.

“fight!”

“fight!”

“fight!”

The cheers from the onlookers stung. But I forced myself to stay calm.

Tyler, still catching his breath. Watched us worry flooding his eyes.

“Amanda, this isn’t necessary,” he said, but his words fell on deaf ears.

“Let’s see what you’ve got,” Amanda said, her smirk widening.

I sighed. If a fight was what she wanted, I would give it to her.

But I wouldn’t fight back. Not today.

The moment I agreed, Amanda lunged at me.

Her blows were fast, but when they landed, they were weak.

Ive had worse. But I didn’t resist.

Each punch, each kick, I took without retaliation.

The slight pain was a welcome distraction.

Finally, Amanda stepped back, panting heavily. Her eyes were wide with surprise.

“Well, that was easier than I thought, if its so easy to beat the top in this class, maybe id join and teach you all a lesson.

” She sneered with unwavering confidence. “Maybe I should even take Tyler’s ranking. We need a strong gamma. ”

She turned and strutted away. Feeling absolutely no remorse.

Leaving my ego more bruised than my body. Tyler hurried over, concern dancing over his face.

“Why did you let her do that?” he asked, helping me to my feet.

I shrugged, avoiding his gaze.

“I only needed to let off steam.Not cause more drama. That is the last thing I need. Besides, what difference does it make?”

Tyler frowned, clearly not happy with my answer. I brushed past him.

I need to escape the prying eyes and words filled with judgment.

I needed space, and the only place that offered any piece of peace was the woods.

I Shifted into my wolf and ran.

My feet pounding against the earth.

Each step was a desperate attempt to outrun the confusion and fear that felt like it was consuming me.

The trees blurred around me, the cool air flowing through my fur.

Xander is my mate. The thought kept repeating itself in my mind.

How could this be?

I wasn’t ready. I don’t want the responsibility of being Luna.

Besides, the pack would never accept me.

Not with my father’s shadow weighing down on me.

As I ran, the thoughts of my father kept flooding in.

I was just a baby when he passed away.

But the scars of his actions shaped me into who I am today.

But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t seem to shake his legacy.

Finally, I came to a stop, falling against the tree.

My breath was ragged gasps at this point.

My body failing from exhaustion.

I closed my eyes, leaning my head against the rough textured bark.

The woods were my safety net giving me enough silence to think.

Here, I could pretend, if only for a moment, that everything was okay.

That I wasn’t bound by fate to a future I don’t want.

Tears glazed my eyes, and I let them fall. For once, I allowed myself to be vulnerable.

To feel the weight of my fears and doubts. But even in my moment of weakness.

A part of me knew I couldn’t run forever.

I would have to face Xander at some point. I would then have to face the pack if he didn’t reject me.

And i would have to let all the fears that’s weighing down on me go.

I would have to prove that I’m not my father’s daughter.