“Just one,” he says. “I will make sure to introduce you, Luna.” He eyes me curiously. “I am intrigued now,” he pauses. “Forest is a good kid,” he tells me. “My words to him are harsh because I know that. Ever since you arrived, it looks like he is stepping up.” Once more, he eyes me, and this time his gaze is much sharper, boring itself into me. “Whoever you are, Luna Rose,“ he pauses, as if he is stopping himself from saying my full name, “make sure to reach out to me if you need me. If your goal is to support Forest and the pack, I will have your back.”
Now that came unexpectedly. All of it. I did not expect to meet an elder. Forest made a passing comment yesterday that the elders here don’t have as much to say as in other packs. I wanted to research the matter more, but it seems like fate made me meet one of them early.
And even better, a very direct, honest man who strives to help the pack members.
Plus, he knows who I am.
He didn’t say anything, but he does know; I am sure of it.
“Well then,” I turn to Griffin, who just stares at me, equal parts confused and curious. “Lead me to the warriors. I have a few questions concerning the safety matters of the pack.”
“They aren’t up to date,” he says dryly.
“I know,” I say. “Which is why I want to hear from those who are affected by it the most. Being on guard duty or patrol has to be a nightmare.”
“It is,” Griffin says. “They keep complaining about it all the time.”
“Perfect,” I say. “Lead the way, Griffin.”
Not even ten minutes later, we are at the training area of the advanced warriors. The new schedule has already been implemented, since Forest didn’t want to waste any time. Martin is in the middle of training when we arrive, and I stop to watch him for a couple of minutes. He is serious and calm, but by what I can see, he is well-trained and knows what he is talking about.
“He is not bad,” I mutter.
“I hate to admit it,” Griffin says quietly. “But he reallyisgood.”
I smile. “Don’t pretend like you don’t like him.”
“Oh, it’s just a dose of healthy rivalry,” he chuckles. “Should I make our presence known?”
“How long until their break?”
He gazes at his watch. “Ten minutes.”
“Then we’ll wait,” I say. “I’d hate to disrupt them if their break is so close.”
Griffin and I keep watching them for a while. The warriors aren’t bad. There is room for improvement, but there is also a whole lot of potential, and they are motivated, very obviously so. “Are they so into it because Martin is training them, or is it always that way?”
“They usually train well,” Griffin explains. “But having the future beta train them has really boosted their confidence. It’s similar to the elites. We had a training session with them yesterday.”
“The one Forest was holding?”
“Yes. After we moved his stuff to the new office, we had a training session. Martin and I are in the group, too. Andthe warriors were noticeably more motivated with the new schedule.”
I nod contentedly. “It will only get better from here on,” I say. “I wonder how Forest is when he trains,” I hear myself say all of a sudden. “He must be good.”
Griffin grins. “Are you interested, Luna?”
Against my intention, I feel my cheeks flush a little. “Well, I guess, a little bit.”
“He is easily the strongest. You need to come and watch him train sometime. He would be happy.”
Would he be? We are allies, and I guess we are becoming fast friends due to bonding over our trauma, but I can’t help noticing that Forest is a genuinely kind man. He has many exceptional qualities. If he had been my mate instead of Jordan, my life would have been so much better. Forest would have never abused me; he would have never locked me in or shunned me. It’s just not the man he is.
I sigh inwardly. What good are these thoughts doing me? I promised Forest to help him get revenge and to help him take over his pack, and he promised he would get back at Jordan for me. We have a deal. I had better not get used to the situation.
“Hey, guys!” Griffin yells the moment Martin announces the break. “We have a guest.” He grins. “And it’s not me.”
Martin’s eyes widen when he sees me. “Luna!”
