Traded To The Lycan King

Penny leads me away from the training pitch where I can hear the warriors yell and grunts as they spar. I look over my shoulder as it grows more distant and I frown to myself, confused. I know what it sounds li supposed to be training, why the hell are we going the opposite way?

My stomach churns and realization dawns. Maybe Merikh isn't ready for his pack to meet me yet. Perhaps he fears they will find me weak and unworthy, as I originally thought. Words are empty when there is r sure has done an awful lot of making it feel the opposite.

"So that's the training arena behind us," Penny says, as if she can read my mind. "You'll be in there once your leg heals. It's really only used for sparring with the uppers."

"I see," I mumble, my eyes scanning the surrounding area.

This pack is massive, less concise than I expected. The pack house, which is the only place I've actually been, is the closest to the water's edge, looking over it like a proud parent. The rest of the pack? Nearly well a lot like I've stepped into a fairytale village.

"This is what we call Old Town." She says, spinning with her arms out like it's a marvel even to her.

"So I assume there is a new town?" I ask, and she laughs.

"We have a more modern section, yes. But this...this is our slice of the past and it's really our senior

pack members' village. The hustle and bustle of city life is that way." she points to my right and I can see the way the buildings change and the sea of people.

"And so we are going....?"

"Ah. Yeah. Sorry. We are going to the lake." She grins.

"The lake?"

"Mmhmm, the first order of business is a gentle walk."

My brow is already sweating and my leg aching as we walk to the place I'm supposed to start my walk. How damn ironic that the walk there may kill me before I get the chance to start. "Okay." I try to remain positive. I mean, what kind of training did I expect with a bum leg, really?

I am so focused on my steps and reminding myself that I've had worse pain, worked harder when I felt way worse. I can do this.

When we get there, Penny spins to face me. She gives me an awkward fake curtsey with a wink and then flounces off, leaving me behind.

"Wait!" I call after her. "What the hell am I supposed to do now?"

She lifts her hands in a shrug as I frown at her back. Am I just supposed to wait here? Or start my walk on my

just find my way back to the

huff of air and turning

way would you like to go first?" I hear Merikh say from behind

shocked to see him.

"First?" I squeak out.

and though I feel stronger than I have in

entire day," He says, like the answer was so obvious. My eyes slide down to my throbbing leg and I muster

losing my balance for a moment

will try to turn. around and run. I push on for a little while; the pain creeping up my thigh and into my pelvis before my side aches and I realize not only is my injury pretty severe,

look at him and he tilts his head, looking me over from

assure him, but he

I punish for them." He steps forward and my eyes

sorry. It's a habit...I didn't mean to lie. I'm just used to having to work through my pain." I admit, as he watches me closely. Merikh sighs, his anger melting as he shakes

you feel pain, I want to know. I care about your well being. Have I not

"I'm sorry." I mutter.

honest.

whisper. "Walking

today." He says, passing me

deaf ears as I struggle to catch up with him as the dirt grows to sand and we trudge to the waterline. Merikh stands there, his eyes w "Take off your brace," he says, pointing to the contraption at

I quickly unlatch the buckles and velcro relying heavily on my other leg for

now what?" I

"Now you swim."

never even had a bath. But now he expects me to just... wade into the dark unknown and prove I can swim? What monsters lurk in the water that

him, then down at myself. "I don't think

I try to reason with him, but he simply smirks, only pointing at the water like he demands me to

as a jolt of pain travels up my leg

I'm certain he thinks I am. My bare feet toe the water and a shiver. runs through

trudges into the rips from my lips. The next thing I know I am scooped

water as I cling to his n*ck, not wanting to touch the frigid water with anything

and fear grips me. I am floating through the air,

best as I can, my legs tearing through the icy waves and my arms reach for anything to help me get my head above

a smug look and I go still. My feet hit the ground, my b*dy settling and going upright as I balance easily on my good leg and I find my center. My eyes find his not bothering to hide my "I almost drowned." I mutter, and he shakes