He opened the car boot and brought out the equipment. He came along with a dumbbell, battle ropes, a stop-watch, a whistle and jump ropes.He hung the whistle around his neck and held the timer to his chest. “You see that tree with the markings over there?” He said pointing at a tree five hundred metres away “you are going to run there and back. I want to check out your speed.”I stretch out my muscles and feel the adrenaline rush. My heart starts to race in anticipation. At the sound of the whistle, I take off running.I run a minute slower than I would in my wolf form, but I manage to impress him with the time.“You did better than I expected” he said, his demeanor towards me changing. “You were better than most of the guys I train. Since your speed is good, we will be focusing on your other aspects”“Such as?” I asked, eager to learn more.“Your strength, agility, core training, stance and self defence” he listed off his fingers “let's start with the core training. We’ll use runnin

Ares PovI woke up with a small yawn and stretch my limbs. The thought of last night comes rushing back and I squeal like a girl into my pillow, his pillows. “We kissed” I said out loud“I know, I saw” Athena replies in my mind“It was great” I sigh dreamily“It was” she saidI felt positive today. I have training with Carlton later today. I whistle a tune as I get ready. Bouncing lightly in my feet. I still have a few hours before Carlton comes to pick me up.*Knock knock“Who's it?” I asked, turning to face the door like I could see through it.“Madison and Isabelle” Madison answeredI open the door for them. “What's up?”“How was it?” “How was what?” I asked confused“Oh you know…” Isabelle said, wiggling her eyebrows at me. I wonder if they know.“My training with Carlton?” I asked. Though I'm not afraid of everyone knowing I'm Jason's mate, I just don't want to go around announcing it just yet. “Yes. What's your opinion of him?” Madison said, bouncing on the bed.“He's okay.

“Sure. Let me just drop off the dishes first” he answered after a moment of silence. He returned a few minutes later. That night, we cuddled to sleep and it was the best sleep I had had in a while. I planned for it to remain that way. No more taking my time.I woke up and looked around for him, wondering when he had left. I turned to the bedside table and saw a note and breakfast. It read,'Good morning beautiful, I'm sorry I had to leave early. A rogue wolf was caught passing out at the border last night. I need to know who she is and why she's here. I'll make it up to you, I promise. Make sure you eat before you meet with Josh.'“Even in a hurry, he still made breakfast for us” Athena sighed dreamily. “You should stop being so hard on him and complete the mate bond”“I know. I intend to.”“Do it fast before someone snatches him away or he gets tired of waiting for us” her words invokes my hidden insecurities. She was right. He could wake up one day and decide he doesn't want to wait

Ares Pov“You mean your ex-mate?!” Jason questioned. I'm about to answer when Josh joins in too. “You didn't tell me about your ex-mate” he accused“I didn't tell you ‘cause there's nothing you can do about it” I answered. “And yes, Jason” “Wait. Wait. Let me get this straight” Hayley interrupts us “your ex-mate is looking for you and he doesn't mind killing people to get to you?”“I guess”. “There's actually something I could have done about it. I could have tracked him down and taught him a lesson” Josh said and I just knew he was serious.“But it wouldn't change a thing.” I said. “I'm expected to be by your side and protect you. Finding him would have been worth it” he said. “It's okay Josh.” I offer him a smile.“I'm not letting anything happen to you” Jason said, kissing the side of my head. “I know” I lock eyes with him.“I'm going to put you under extreme surveillance because you are Josh's mate.” Jason said to Hayley. “Alpha!” Josh whispers. “The standard procedure is to lock

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you” all the guests sang to Cole and Madison.“Blow out your candles and make a wish so we can eat the cake already!” someome from the crowd shouted eliciting a laugh from the rest of us.They do and cheers ring out. They both step down from the podium. Isabelle, I and some pack guys walk over to Madison.“Happy birthday” I said and gave her the gift I prepared with Jason's help. “Thank you for coming, Ares,” she said, giving me a side hug.“Since you are eighteen now, how about we hang out?” one of the guys said to her. “You too, Ares,” another stranger said to me.Before I could reply, I saw Madison go still and sniff the air twice. We both turn in the same direction to find Luke and Jason heading in our direction.They part and make way for them. “Happy birthday mate,” Luke said to Madison, smirking. I never knew he could smile. “T-thank you. H-how?” She stuttered while Jason moved to m