Page 116 of Mated to the Wolves

“If we go, we do it smart.” Cadoc strokes the stubble on his chin

“What does that mean?” I peer at the grim faces

“We go in armed and cautious. No rushing head first into danger, Brat.” He pins me with his intense gaze.

“I don’t do that?—”

“You need to understand how important you are,” Bo adds.

“No more being careless.” Fell’s eyes darken with frustration and a hint of fear.

Cadoc stares me down. “If we tell you to run, you do it.”

“I have never been a coward, and I’m not about to start now.”

“You’re not equipped to deal with the things we might encounter.” Cadoc gentle condescending voice, makes the situation feel dire.

“Teach me then.” I won’t cower.

His eyebrows lift. “It’s hard work?—.”

“I’ve never been afraid of that.” I square my shoulders, holding his gaze.

“You’d have to curb that mouth to hear me during training.”

“Done.”

His lips twitch. I’m not backing down.

“We’ll start tomorrow. Tonight, you show me how well you can follow orders. Consider this your first lesson.”

I press my mouth shut. I walked right into the trap and he sprang it like a pro.

“Fine.”

“Let’s get suited up.” He narrows his gaze. “It’ll show you what you’re in for.”

He takes me to the training room. Shock steals my voice as I view the mats, body bags, and rows of weapons hanging against the wall. “This is a serious set up.”

“We’ve been busy setting up a training space since we moved in.”

I hear the pride in Cadoc’s voice.

We walk across the space, and I wonder what the hell I signed myself up for.

My body already aches in anticipation of the beating I’m about to take. This is nothing like my morning yoga classes and runs with my roommate.

“It’s not too late to change your mind.” Cadoc studies me.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Stubborn, Brat.” Cadoc laughs. The humor leaves his eyes. “Can you use a weapon?”

“I can shoot a gun, and I’m handy with a knife. A girl alone in the world has to protect herself.”

“Demonstrate.”

“Now?”

---