Running With Purpose Novels & Stories

Mary returned not long ago, and under the pretense of "needing time to adjust to the environment," she requested to stay in our home for a while. Felix agreed without hesitation, before I could even voice my opinion. "Her father was the last Beta, and he sacrificed his life to protect the pack. Caring for her is my duty," he said, his tone brooking no argument, as if taking her in were a matter of sacred obligation. I swallowed my protests whole.

“How about you let me have the debit card and let me go out by myself. In return, I will try my best to be in a real relationship with you.” Jesse looked up at her. She was looking at him intently. She really wanted to go out by herself. Why wasn’t she willing to go out with someone else if she wasn’t trying to run away? The debit card would allow him to see where she spent money at, but if she went out alone, she could easily return things and get cash for it. She would need cash to get a cab or a way into town so she could claim she was going out, but really be stockpiling the money.

"Welcome to us. When have we ever done anything the normal way?" "Never. And apparently we're not starting now." "See you Monday. We have a case to build." "See you Monday." I start my car, and for the first time in eight weeks, I feel something other than numbness or grief or uncertainty. I feel purpose. Not the hollow kind that comes from achievement. The real kind that comes from fighting for something bigger than yourself. Even if it destroys you in the process. Especially then.

It was purpose. It was mission—pure and unwavering.

As it propelled and shot out massive waves of orange ember, distorting the sky, the administrative head began his chant. There is nothing you are doing to progress. Did you come here for a reason? You wanted to learn spiritual arts for a purpose. That purpose is supposed to drive you towards achieving your goal, but now it seems like you want to suppress that purpose. And no progress can be made. I am giving you today to think about your purpose, once you finally figure out what it is you can come back here tonight and try it once more.”

I run from everything. But I'm done running.

“Now, run.” Without protest, Paul began to run. The clearing seemed endless, each turn a greater challenge than the last. His legs felt like lead, but he continued fueled by an internal flame of vengeance and resilience. He ran until his lungs burned, until his legs threatened to give out. But he didn’t stop. “Faster!” his father shouted. “You must be faster than the pain, faster than betrayal.”

Dad checks his Rolex, “Eight fifteen.” I nod, and pull myself to stand, “thanks dad, you’ve really helped.” “Glad to be of service.” I start running, pulling my clothes off with practiced confidence, jamming them into my mouth as I shift; feet and hands turn to paws as I touch ground, and off I run, full pelt. This is the first time I have shifted since before Jackson captured me and god damn it feels good to just run. But this time, I have a purpose. I have somewhere to be.

I said with determination in my voice, trying to fill the atmosphere with a sense of purpose and courage. We all nodded in agreement and set off together, a unified force determined to take on whatever lay ahead. I could feel a wave of energy radiating from us as we ran; although this situation was overwhelming and difficult for us to grasp, the fact that we weren't alone gave us the courage to continue.

I might sound like I was complaining about it, and in reality, I was. He chuckled and said, "You can. It's only the first day. Your body will adjust in a few days." "So I can't skip tomorrow's running?" He shook his head, indeed objecting to my protest. "Stamina is the core for training. You can't master self-defense without it." A heavy sigh escaped my lips. I should have known it was impossible to skip running since Zurin was so adamant about me being able to protect myself. "The good news is Lola will also accompany your running tomorrow. So you can talk while circling our territory."