Filed To Story: Secret with Betas Daughter: Skylar Story Series
My dad says
“Where is Sky now?”
My mom sniffles out.
“Home probably, holed up in her room. She used a ton of energy last night. She’s fast as f*ck and has the endurance to back it up and then she shifted on the fly, mid run. Did any of you know she could shift?”
Mateo asks, he’s taken to running his hands so aggressively through his hair it’s standing completely up like a blonde Einstein. He glares at the adults who all look stunned except for my mom. Of course she knew about Sky shifting.
“We’ve been working on a fast shift. Females, especially ranked females and female warriors, tend to be targeted and a slow shift can get you killed. I didn’t know she could do it mid run though. That girl is something else.”
Mom finishes in a whisper and smiles for the first time since she entered dad’s office this morning. Beta Daniel just huffs. He will never see past his rage at losing his mate and it’s a shame, both of his kids are amazing.
We all go our separate ways after that. The guys and I try to figure out what we can do to fix the situation. Even my dad said we were finally’ starting to think like leaders. Have we really been that bad?
Skylar
I fell asleep quickly wearing Dakota’s shirt. His scent made me feel calm and relaxed. When I finally rolled over and looked at the clock it was after 2pm. I sat up quickly, I have never slept that long before without any nightmares waking me up. I actually felt really good, until I remembered why I had Kota’s shirt on in the first place, then the sadness took over me again. I moved to go get in the shower and started to feel antsy after not training for two days. So, once I was cleaned up, I changed into training gear and headed for the gym. Maybe lifting weights will burn off some of this energy. I took extra precautions leaving my house. I didn’t want to run into anyone. It was going to be exhausting avoiding all of them all of the time.
I made it to the gym and only a few people were here this afternoon. I put my headphones, phone and water bottle down on a bench and begin setting up my weights for a warm-up. I can’t help overhearing a couple of the guys talking about elite warrior training.
“Did you hear? There were so many applicants this year they are holding trials in each pack before they will accept anyone.”
A tall guy I recognize from advanced training says.
“Yeah, someone told me the Alpha King himself is going to come to some of the trials.”
Tall guy’s friend responds. “And they are letting juniors and seniors join the trials. I guess even if they don’t get chosen, they get seen by the recruiters and if you’re good enough, they will remember you the next year.
I feel my heart flutter. Maybe I won’t have as long as I thought. If I only have to make it through next year at school I can get out of here sooner than I thought. Elite warrior training is year round, and most attend while doing college courses. I just have to be good enough. My head and heart feels lighter, I have a renewed sense of purpose. Something finally just for me. I will have to talk to Luna Ava and her warriors at training this week
.
I blasted through my workout, not going too heavy since I was on my own, but I took all of my muscles to complete failure. I have to start pushing myself now. I need to be better, stronger. I have a year to get ready.
I got home around 6:30 and went straight to the kitchen to fuel back up. I didn’t have more than my protein shake before my workout, which was a mistake. I am starving and my grumbling stomach is agreeing with me. If I don’t eat, I’m going to be sore in the morning.
“Where have you been? We eat dinner at six.”
A growl comes from the table making me jump and turn around gripping the edge of the counter.
“Oh, sh*t!” I really wish people would stop that.
I look over to see my dad and Mateo sitting together at the kitchen table, plates half empty. They never eat in here. Mateo is looking at me, but his face is blank, like he’s trying to hide his emotions from me.
“You are never to be late for or miss a family dinner again. Do you understand?”
My dad growls out.
I look at him confused, I can’t even hide it. I have never been allowed to eat with them unless we had company. And as far as I can tell, there is or was no company. I took a look around the kitchen to make sure I didn’t miss anyone else in the room. “I don’t understand, sir.”
I have nothing better to say.
“You will join us from now on, 6pm every night, family dinner, that is an order.”
He’s talking to his plate now. He can’t even look at me when he’s giving me directions. My blood starts to boil.
This has to be Mateo’s doing after what I told him last night. I asked him not to try and fix things. I may want my dad to want me, but not by force. I can see in his eyes he’s only doing this for Mateo’s sake, not for me. To appease my brother, not because he suddenly feels affection for me. I take a deep breath to steady the anger that is now surging through me.
“Unfortunately, I have training every night during that time. I have had training during that time, seven days a week for the last two years. You have never wanted me to sit with you before and I don’t believe that you actually want me around now. So, no offense, sir, but I must decline your invitation. I will continue my regular schedule.”
I turn and walk out of the kitchen, my appetite long gone.
I hear the screech of chair legs and the unmistakable sound of my brother’s footsteps. I don’t slow for him this time though. It is taking all I have to not turn around and rip him a new a*shole. It’s been 12 hours and he’s already gone against what I asked of him and the guys.
“Shorty, wait.”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.