Hidden

Chapter 5

"Helios, I one hundred percent promise you this is an awful idea," I gulped as he pulled me by my arm into the big open field.

"Oh stop being a baby, Mari. I told you I'd help you train. Today's your lucky day," he grinned, stopping once we were in the center.

"In the training field?" I wanted to scream, but I only managed a hushed hiss," Literally anyone can see us out here."

"Alpha's gone, the Elders are tucked at home after 7, and anyone else wouldn't even think of coming here after spending nearly 10 hours a day rigorously training."

I looked at the lights of the distant pack house. He had a point. It was never really active around here other than the high wolves after dark. I was always tempted to come over here and test the equipment, but I never had the guts. Even now, some of me still felt this was way too risky. As if sensing my worries, Helios placed his hand on my arm, drawing my attention back to him.

"If anything happens, I'll take the blame for it, okay?" he assured, squeezing my arm slightly.

I shook my head," You know it doesn't work like that."

"But it would, Mari, I swear. No one would dare argue with me," Helios stated, his tone of voice changed to one of authority.

"Okay," I caved, shutting my eyes briefly to ease my nerves.

For once I was curious about Helios' rank. He sounded very sure of himself and it was rare to see someone so casual with our Alpha. Usually, only family regarded him that way.

Helios' face lit up immediately at my response. He backed slightly away from me, widening his stance. A smirk grew on his face as he met my eye with a playful glint in his. I matched his expression, finally letting the stress flee my mind.

"Show me what you got, princess."

I studied his position, deciding I should do the same. I didn't have any fighting experience other than the heated quarrels I had with my siblings from time to time. Mainly, Millie and I. She was the most annoying growing up and to this day, sometimes I just want to strangle her.

Not sure what to do, I wait for Helios to make the first move. I knew if I charged right at him, I'd only end up on my ass. My only offensive tactic was tackling him and judging from his size only, I would only be giving him a bear hug. He did kinda resemble a bear, actually. Sometimes his body hair looked like a full bush of-

In a mere instant, I was flipped over his shoulder, crashing brutally on my back with a humph. I glared at the man towering above me with a mischievous glint, my foot itching to kick him in the balls.

"You could have been more gentle!" I groaned, my butt stinging from the impact.

He crossed his arms," If a rogue was attacking you, would he be more gentle? Or would he tear your flesh with his claws and rip your throat out?"

"Is that a trick question?," I winced, letting him pull me to my feet.

He stared at me with a dumb look, shaking his head.

"You're worse than I thought."

"Hey!" I slapped his arm, satisfied when he started to rub it.

"I never said it wasn't fixable," he protested, holding his hands up in surrender. "I'll have you war ready in no time."

We sparred until dawn. My arms and legs felt like they would fall off by the time we were done. I could barely defend his nonstop attacks much less land any of my own. He was going easy on me, yet everything appeared so fast. I had a lot of work ahead of me, but I wanted to grow stronger for my mate. I would push as hard as I could so I wouldn't be a liability to him.