Page 4 of Wilde Beta

He wondered where Janie was going to put her cousin. Most of the rooms were full. They needed them until more houses were built. It seemed there was a room just off the swimming pool that was some kind of office. It was unused even though it had a bathroom with it. They would have to get furniture to turn it into a bedroom, but it would work well. The other pack would not know where to find Mel if they breached the house.

The chlorine and other chemicals would erase the scent they would generally track. They wouldn't expect Mel to be there since it wasn't a floor with guest rooms.

Adam carried Mel's bags to her room after they arrived. When they finished, he escorted her to the kitchen, where food was waiting. It was time to discuss what was going to happen.

“Everyone, sit down, and we will eat," Trev directed. “We also have some things to discuss.” Once they began to eat, Trev started to talk. “Janie was taught to hide and even to fight a little bit by Damon and Tyne. Were you taught any of this?”

“No, I was in Chicago. I intended to get training later, but it never happened," Mel admitted.

“It will happen now. Learning to protect yourself is important, not only now, but later because sometimes the real assholes even go after mated white wolves," Trev observed. "Janie will help you learn to hide,

and Adam will help you learn self-defense.”

“You want him to teach me how to fight?” Mel asked, shocked.

“You need to learn, and Adam's the best to teach you," Trev offered.

Adam felt better because he would teach her to fight. He would be doing something to help his mate. He would also have the chance to be up close and personal with her. It could help her see that he wasn't so bad. She might even develop feelings for him. He already felt so much for her that it was hard to believe she didn't care at all. It was his chance. He just knew it.

It was hard to understand Mel, but he had to try. How could they ever have a relationship without mutual understanding? They would have to find common ground. Adam knew Trev and Janie didn't think he listened to them when they gave their advice, but he did.

“Janie, when do you want to start working with Mel?” Trev asked.

“In the morning would be best," she replied.

“Adam, are you ready for a training session with Mel?” Trev wandered.

“Yes, I'm ready right now if she is, Adam agreed.

He just knew it would be an excellent opportunity. He would show his mate the great fighter and teacher he was. Maybe that would change their relationship, and she would begin to care for him.

There was a gym on the lower level. It wasn't huge, but it was plenty big enough. It even had an area taped off in a square for training. Adam and Mel took their positions.

Adam never saw it coming. Mel moved close to him, did a leg sweep, and knocked him on his ass.

That wasn't the way it was supposed to work. Why hadn't Trev told him she had already had some training? Suddenly, Adam was embarrassed.

When he got up, he was a little more careful. During round two of their sparing, he got Mel in a hold she could not escape. Then, he began showing her different ways to break free. He also mentioned she could bite her attacker but warned that he didn't want her to do that when they were practicing. Hopefully, she would listen. Love bites would be one thing, but being bitten hard to break free would not be enjoyable.

They worked for at least an hour before stopping. Adam could see Mel was tired. She needed to get into better condition, or any attacker would easily take her.

“Thank you for working with me," Mel offered.

“It was my right and my pleasure. You have to realize that I would do anything for you," Adam admitted.

“I was raised human. I don't have the same feelings about having a fated mate. I've also watched my cousins struggle to develop relationships with their mates. They went through a lot. I don't want to do that. I know that's not what you want to hear, but that's how I feel," Mel explained.

“You would give up a lifetime of happiness because you fear the work it takes to be mated?” Adam asked.

He didn't understand. A wolf would do anything to be with their fated one. They would give up anything and risk everything. How could she feel the opposite? She was a wolf, too, now. Didn't her wolf tell her they should be together forever? Was her wolf defective? Was that even possible? Adam watched as his fated mate walked away. At least she wasn't going far, and he had time to try to change her mind.

Trev promised to help and said everyone would also help. Adam was afraid he would need all of them to change her mind.

It was time to go to bed and rest. Even though Mel refused to let him stay with her, he planned to change to his wolf and sleep in front of her door. No one would get to her without going through him first. If they found her, they might try, but he would fight to the death for the one that was his. Adam waited until he was sure Mel was asleep, then went to her door and lay in front of it. His wolf would sleep with one eye open, and no one would get past him. The floor was hard and cold, but that was the sacrifice he would make for her. His sleep was not particularly restful, and he couldn't believe it was already morning. The door opened, and she came out, surprised to see him.

“Tell me you didn't sleep there all night?” Mel questioned.

“Well, if that is what you want me to say," Adam responded.

---