While I'd slept in some, I nearly shot out of bed the next morning, full of excited nerves shooting through me like live wires. I was nearly tipping over with excitement to begin combat training today, to learn how to move my body on the offensive, to become a weapon in protection of my pack. I had never thought about it before yesterday, the physical classes we took in our towns small high school were lacklustre and unenthusiastic. Our pack had resigned in the past decade to allow the elements to act as our main line of defence. Sage had always urged me to seek training once I turned 18, had always been teething at the bit to unleash the furious side of her and use her given talent, but I'd never given in. I had always perceived myself as a small meek girl, incapable of this level of power but in only one assessment I was shown my potential. I love a challenge. The clock read just after noon, meaning I had plenty of time to get ready for training and relax a bit. My mind

My mind was occupied all day with the information Mains and I had dug up, coupled with worry for his health. The coughing fits were getting more frequent and violent as time continued to pass, and I couldn't stop my brain from believing the worst. I pushed my worry aside as much as I could and focused my energy on preparing for the training session ahead of me. I dressed simply and warmly, a pair of striped leggings and a deep blue long sleeved athletic shirt, my usual uniform. I secured my hair in two thick braids, and pulled on my sneakers before beginning my new ritual run to the field. I drowned out the pounding thoughts of worry with the rush of blood pulsing through my body, focusing instead on each step and stride before me.Once I arrived at the field I claimed a seat on the bleachers and tried to engage in conversation with Torrance and Alex as they happily chattered about their day off and weekend plans. I kept zoning out into my own head, their voices be

I leaned my forehead on the cool window of Leona's SUV as it drove along the winding roads from our remote village towards the bustling city a little over three hours away. My mom, in the front seat, excitedly chatted with the Beta girls, learning about their old pack and lives before coming to Stay's landing. I took a long swig of the coffee we had stopped for before leaving town, the spicy sweet liquid gliding down my throat and waking me up from the inside out. "When was the last time you girls went shopping?" Leona asked, looking at me through the rear view mirror. "Oh gosh, it would have been just before the old Beta's wife passed. So what, at least three years, Theo?" my Mom answered, and I nodded in confirmation. "Three years?!" Torrance exclaimed, her voice shrill with shock and mock disgust, "what cruel and unusual punishment you've had to endure." Leona laughed as Torrance pawed at my hair, a pout on her face, "Don't worry, lik

I woke the next morning groggily, but alert. My heart and mind felt full after the previous day, and I thought back fondly on my excursion. Mom and Leona had become fast friends, bonding over parenting and fine wine, off in their own world as we sat and sipped in the Italian place Leona had chosen for dinner. Their warm laughter bubbled over the whole restaurant, joking about the perils of motherhood and raising teenage daughters. While Leona had Beta Gideon to aid her, she had performed a lot of the child rearing alone after he had assumed his position within the pack. They laughed and carried on over the perils of raising teenagers and the monotony of small town life. Our trek home had been filled with stories and laughter, making the long drive pass in what felt like only a few moments. I welcomed the new day, warmth echoing through my windows and the still, calm of the air around me. Training was set to resume tomorrow, and Mains was being treated again by Kip, so I

"It would have been her maiden name, of course, she inherited the house and started her career under it and kept it professionally. I don't know why I didn't catch it," Mains said, his face in awe, "it all makes so much sense now!""So you think your grandmother is behind the texts?" I asked, equally awestruck by our discovery. Mains nodded solemnly, his mind whisked away in memory. "She ignited my love of history. She tended to the archives before me, she taught me so much of what I know. I don't know why I didn't immediately peg this as her. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time remembering." He said, defeat laced thick in his words."I have the day off from training tomorrow. I can come over. Maybe there's more evidence in your personal family documents?" I posed, desperate for a reason to cheer him up and continue the chase. "You're right, kid, and hopefully the old photos will drum up some memory. Be over early."I agreed an