The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

ITHRA

I haven’t received a word since the training two days ago.

When Azriel informed me of our training session this morning, I didn’t know how to feel about it. When we passed the training grounds, I got concerned.

“Where are we going?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

Azriel turned back, “You will not be training with the others today.”

I couldn’t grasp the meaning behind his words, and I felt my guard build up. “What do you mean?”

“The Alpha has instructed you will be training at a different spot moving forward.” His tone clipped.

I didn’t like the sound of that, “Where is he? Will he be present?” I find myself asking.

There was no way I was training without Zadok. If they wanted to kill me, then he should have the decency to do it himself.

“Not that it is your concern, but he will join us shortly.” He answered.

Without waiting for a response, he took a route I knew too well. He entered the farm, but I remained rooted to my spot.

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“Beta Azriel.” A feminine voice greeted, “Good to see you again.”

I saw Athaliah, and my guard tripled. I couldn’t see Zadok in sight. Was this a set-up?

Azriel soon noticed I wasn’t following him. He turned around and saw me rooted to my spot. His gaze alternated between me and Athaliah, and a look of understanding crossed his face.

“Athaliah will be joining us in training moving forward.” He informed me, “She will-”

“No.” My tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. “There is no way in hell I will be training with her.”

Athaliah wore a sober look. However, her eyes held an amused glint.

“I am sorry for everything I did to you, Ithra.” She said, “Believe it or not, I have paid dearly for my actions against you during my time of ignorance.”

“Athaliah has been reinstated as one of your trainers. She is the best female warrior, and I believe she will be able-”

I didn’t wait to hear Azriel finish his statement, “The alpha said he will oversee my training. Unless he shows up here, there will be no training for me.”

Now he was pissed, “The alpha will join us in a moment, Ithra. We don’t have time for useless arguments.”

“Alpha..”

Zadok walked past me. The smell of mint and earth filled my nostrils.

“I see the training is yet to take off.” He remarked, looking through the farm.

Athaliah got on her knee. Azriel bowed his head.

“We were about to take off before your arrival,” Azriel said,

Zadok finally acknowledged me, “I heard you say you were not going to train unless I was present?” He stated.

I swallowed, suddenly at a loss for words.

“What is there for me to see?” His eyes went through my form. “It will be an eyesore watching you in your current state.”

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, “Whatever made you think I cared what you thought of me?” I fired back, and I heard snarls from Azriel.

“Watch your tongue,” Zadok was oddly calm, “Athaliah will handle your training until you are ready to be trained by me. She is the best female warrior and is more suited for the job to make you stronger.”

I held in a breath, “What if I refuse?”

“You can’t,” Zadok spoke like it was general knowledge. “Rest assured that she will not be doing anything funny.” He finally acknowledged Athaliah’s kneeling state, “I don’t know if I should be impressed or surprised you are still alive.”

“I am very sorry for my actions, Alpha. I promise not to disappoint your faith in me this time around.” I rolled my eyes at Athaliah’s blatant attempt to kiss Zadok’s ass. “Had you not given me this opportunity, I would have been rogue’s meat.” She added,

“I see…”

Zadok walked back to me, and in a whisper, he said, “This will be the last time you disrespect the Beta of this pack. You are to obey and regard his words as you would me.” His eyes turned grave. “Failure will make you have yourself to blame.”

After that, he straightened up, and took a few steps away from me, “I shall be back.” He said to no one in particular, and I saw Azriel nod.

Zadok left the Farm, leaving me with Athaliah, who got up with a triumphal smile.

Azriel cleared his throat and finally started. “Last time, I noticed you need much work on your fist game. Thankfully, Athaliah here is the best at that.” Queue in a smile from Athaliah. “I will let her do what she knows best.”

Athaliah moved forward, standing tall and holding a bitchy smile. I knew I was in for trouble with her appearance. She shared a look with Azriel, and my thoughts are confirmed.

“I’ll be around.” Azriel disappeared into the farm, and I made a mental note to check out the greenhouse. But first, I needed to survive.

My body turned rigid as I got into a stance. Other than the fact I got disgraced at the last training, I learned a few tricks, which I planned to deploy if it came to that.

“Today, we will be working on your offence, using our fists, of course.” She said, “I want you to understand that you are a part of this pack, and everything I do in this training is what it is. Training.”

I swallowed, then nodded, “I’m ready.”

“Good.” She remarked with an evil glint in her eyes, “But first, let’s see just how far you can go.”

I didn’t have enough time to process the implications of her words. The next thing I knew, I was thrown back by a solid punch in the face that left me shattered and bleeding.

“First lesson, in a fist fight, your offence must be as good as your defence.”She said with a smirk.