Forest eyes look up at me and the first thing I notice is the glassy sheen to them. Was Marcus crying? He doesn’t look like the type who cries. He seems more the type to mock a man for crying and telling them to ‘stop acting like a girl.’ “Is everything okay in here?” I ask softly. “Yeah, everything is fine,” Marcus says quickly getting to his feet. My eyes have a mind of their own and quickly rake themselves over his body and I know they can hear the way my heart picked up a little because Marcus is smirking, and Jasper looks smug. I calm myself and get my heart back into a steady rhythm noting Marcus’s surprise. “I said we’d talk later and now it’s later. So I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a walk?” I ask. Marcus opens his mouth to speak but Jasper beats him to it. “Marcus would love to go for a walk with you,” he says cheerfully. I chuckle. “Surely your Beta can speak for himself, Jazz,” I tease, again noting Marcus’ sur

Once everyone had finished their laps and removed their weights, we all gathered at the obstacle course. On the way, I pick up my water canister and take a long sip of the cooling water, which tastes bitter for some reason. Did I not wash the canister? Oops. I put the bottle down and join everyone, eager to see what Tyson has set up. He has something under a cloth, but I can’t make out what it is. “So, how does this work?” Jasper asks coming up beside me. “A year back Tyson’s father, Gamma James, began implementing obstacle courses to better test and push our reflexes. The results proved beneficial, so it became a regular part of training. Recently James began introducing courses that tested and trained our senses. Tyson and I loved this, so we decided to mix it into regular training,” I explain to him. He smiles listening intently. “That’s absolutely brilliant. Wish I’d thought of that. No hard feelings if I steal your ideas,” he teases with a wink.

Training today went great until it wasn’t great anymore. I was trying to have fun having Eric beside me for training, but it wasn’t easy. We’ve been talking about him moving to this pack since I’m the Beta here and so I wanted him to see how he feels about our training routine. I could see he was having fun and that made me happy. At first, I was beyond shocked to get fated to a man, even though I’ve always known I was attracted to men and women. I’ve always known I was bisexual, I just never wanted to tell anyone. Stupid of me. I should have known my friends would have had my back. Still, I didn’t know what to make of Eric, but as soon as we were together everything clicked. He’s perfect for me in every way and I’ve never been happier. That being said, it’s hard to bask in happiness when my best friend is in pain. Once again Amelia’s animai has publicly disrespected her. He treats her like crap, and it makes me want to rip his Gods damn head off. Amelia is the sweet

We walk through the doors and only now see the state of the packhouse. The packhouse has an open and inviting layout decorated in rich reds and golds, with the staircase against the wall to the right, leading up into a U-shape landing on the second floor that looks down into the first. The main entrance has several seating areas scattered on the left in front of the adjoining doors to the dining hall and then various hallways that lead off to different rooms around the packhouse.Walking in is usually calming, but now it looks like a crime scene. There’s blood everywhere staining the tanned wood floors and carpets. There are broken vases and picture frames scattered all over the floor and a large dent in the wall above the staircase where Amelia threw Chris into it. The staff have been instructed to leave it for now until we get things sorted out.We each go to our respective suites and get cleaned up and dressed. Eric, Evalyn, and Mei are in the Alpha suite with Aunt Fleur and Grandma

Once I get the all-clear from Doctor Richard, I get changed into some pyjama pants and a pyjama tank top that mum brought from my room. Then before I can comprehend what’s going on my dad has scooped me up into his arms. I immediately nuzzle into him and breathe in his familiar scent and take in his body heat. Under better circumstances, my animai would be here and his touch and presence would alleviate the aches and fatigue raging against my body, but I’m not that lucky, however, this works fine too, and I know my dad needs this too. I can feel the stress all over him. I know being able to hold and take care of his pup will make him and his wolf feel better. It’s just a natural instinct for us and it comforts me to know my parents will always be there for me no matter what. I really got lucky having them as parents. Dad carries me to the packhouse with mum walking beside us, her eyes always darting to me to make sure I’m okay. As soon as we step into the packhouse m