Chapter two - That's my dad

Chapter two - That's my dad

[REN]

"Move!" Beta Zane yelled out of the top of his lungs.

Thankfully, he didn't yell at me, as I already ran full 10 miles before the rest of the trainees crossed 5 miles checkpoint line.

Not to brag, but extra training has given me a lot of perks; I've become faster, stronger, and my senses became sharper.

"Raven, I'm impressed by your results. Keep going this way, and you might become a top warrior,", our Beta spoke, while smiling at me.

I nodded in approval and flashed a little smile at him, taking the water bottle, he was handing me. The thing is, I don't feel comfortable around other wolves, well, of course, except for Nate and Beta Zane. I don't like talking at all. But I do speak to our Beta on rare occasions, as he is the only father figure I've known. At least the only one I can remember.

"So, cupcake," he trailed off casually, keeping his gaze glued on everyone who still hasn't finished their warmups.

"Dad?" I smiled and kept observing other warriors still running, some walking breathless. Yes, I do call him dad, he never had children on his own, so he always has seen me as his pup. He is tall, around 6'2, weirdly his eyes and hairdo match mine, so a lot of people assume that he is my father. He is strong yet gentle and caring when it comes to me. That's my dad, no matter what everyone else thinks or says, and I'm proud of being a part of his life. He has his own house on pack territory, and I lived there with him until I turned 11 and had my first shift. I never had this beautiful experience other wolves have. I should have shifted on my 16th birthday, full moon, in the middle of cheering pack members, but I can't change a thing anymore. My first shift was during an attack, someone tried to take over our pack, I don't remember much, all I remember was my defense instincts kicking in, and suddenly everything turned red, I was in a lot of pain. Then it went black, and I woke up in a packs hospital. Dad said it was a blood bath, so he was happy about me being completely clueless, but that doesn't mean that other pack members didn't tell me some details about my, so-called, "raged killing spree."

"Your birthday is coming up, is there possibly something special my cupcake would wish for?", he spoke, as he sat down next to me, gently placing his arm around my shoulders.

"Maybe a new training uniform?" I guessed. There isn't anything I'd need; I have more than enough already, more than some other wolves I know. I do consider myself lucky.

"Modest, as always. Well, we shall think of something, right? Maybe we should go out together?" he kept guessing for what I'd wish for a while. He sure does act like a real father. If only you'd know how happy I am to be around him. I would wish for every pup to have a caring parent as my dad is. I mean, he's not my real dad, yet the only one I have and honestly the best one ever.

"Dad?" I cut him off from constant mumbling about my birthday plans and brought him back to reality.

"What is it, sweetheart?" the smile disappeared from his face and worry soon replaced his excitement.

"Nate wants me to go out with him. You know, like a party. Can I go? I ..." I was about to give him hints to say that I can't, so I could stay at home and train a little more, as he cut me off.

"Sure thing, sweetie, make sure that you won't find your mate there. I'm not ready to let you go yet. My little girl is growing up so fast", he sighed and pouted while speaking.

"Hm? Mate?", at this point, I'm more than confused, the Hell is mate?

"No, no, no, I can't talk to you about that. Just forget that I even mentioned that word", dad quickly dodged my question and stood up, once again yelling at everyone.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not stupid. I don't know what precisely a mate is. My life pretty much has been built around training, should I even bother about such small things? On the other hand, I've heard a lot of females from our pack, talking about mates and some weird ritual, where males need to chase after females. It doesn't sound right to me. My survival instincts kick in way too strong for me to let someone chase after me. If that ever happens to me, I'd neutralize the threat. Then again, why doesn't dad talk about such things? Maybe it is essential, and he's just hiding it? I zoned out for what seems to be at least 10 minutes.

"It's a crime!" an over-dramatic voice spoke behind me, bringing me out of my thoughts, right back to reality.

"Huh?".

"You might be mistaken for a child because of that naivety of yours," Nate giggled as he sat down, right next to me.

"Ha, ha, so funny," I pouted and acted as if he has hurt me.

He laughed gently and hugged me. Gosh, I love his hugs; they're so warm and comforting.

"Beta said that we are free to leave, and he's excited for his little girl to go out with her friend," Nate suddenly grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the packhouse.

"Have a fun night, cupcake," I heard dad yelling from behind.

"Fun isn't the right word," I mind-linked him and added as much sarcasm as I could. He laughed from behind us and carried on with training new warriors. Hopefully, the night will end, before something goes wrong. Who am I kidding? Everything goes wrong after Nate has had his tequila shots.