Coming out of the shower, Blenda didn’t find Arthur in the room. She looked around expecting him to jump from the closet or from under the bed, but he was gone for real. She sat on the chair, eyeing the plate of food on the desk. She hovered her hand over it, steam tickled her palm. Guilt gnawed at her as she reached for the meat.

Why was I harsh with him?

Her stomach growled as the first piece touched her tongue. She rolled the chair closer to the desk, pulling the plate in front of her. The last time she ate was the unfortunate fish she captured from a river in this island. She was starving she ate like a savage, not leaving much of the bones. Which she discovered was a mistake when the trees started to dance calling her to catch the stars. Waking up the next day, Blenda collected what was left of the bones to use as a harmless weapon.

The meat melted in her mouth. Its lightly seasoned juice was rich with the deer's flavour.

With every bite, a sense of contentment made her muscles relax. There was a satisfaction in the feeling of being provided for. Her years in the Alps shaped her perception of emotions to what her wolf could understand.

A hand that gave her food and nursed her back to health was worthy of her trust and devotion. Yet she reciprocated that with ungratefulness.

Blenda stood from her seat. She washed her food down with a big gulp of water. She couldn’t stop imagining him like a kicked puppy, silver eyes dulled to a gloomy grey.

Why should I always be straightforward, offending people around me?
Emotions are complicated.

She growled as she walked towards the door with the intention of finding him and apologizing for her rudeness. Also, she didn’t thank him for taking care of her.

She growled, her father would be disappointed of her. He engrained in her the Kämpfer’s values from a young age. Taking kindness for granted was not one of them.

Midway through the corridor Arthur’s presence filled the space, with extended arms at his sides and a loud voice echoing along with their footsteps.

“My lovely mate, just in time for our date.”

“Artur, vielen dank (thank you very much) for everything you did, but I really can’t.”

“Yes, you can,” he said, brushing off her thanks. “Today’s a break.”

“Ja, but I don’t know what’d come next. I need to be prepared.”

“You’re more than prepared. Don’t stress. Aren’t you curious of what I prepared for our first date?”

“Nein, I mean Ja, but not in these circumstances.”

“Blenndaaa, come on. Just one hour. Is that too much to ask?”

“Fine. If you help me train. I’ll go in this date with you.”

“It’s a date then,” he said with cheeky grin.

He led her in the maze of corridors to a huge room. The sound of metal clacking against metal welcomed them as they opened the door. The sight that met her eyes as they roamed around made her body tingle with anticipation.

She walked through the lines of treadmills, greeting her comrades. Yesterday’s combats made them connect in a deep level. Everyone in this room landed punches and received others from each other.

“How’s your shoulder?” Blenda asked a man on a treadmill at her right.

He lifted a thumb up, patting his shoulder.
“Like new.”

She nodded, catching the man’s gaze traveling behind her. His eyes widened, a grin taking over his feature.

“Hi, Alpha Arthur.”

She looked at Arthur in question as he nodded to the man with a blank face she didn’t know he was capable of pulling.

Maybe he’s his alpha. Blenda thought as she kept walking.

With every greeting she reciprocated and every question she asked or answered, there was the same reaction from the people to the man behind her. Respect and adoration.

Perks of having a legendary father.

Unlike what she expected from him, Arthur didn’t bask in the attention. He was polite but distant. There was no trace of the playfulness he displayed around her.

“How are you, my queen?” Blenda smiled as she saw Kavya raining havoc on the punching bag in front of her.

Kavya laughed, panting. She stood, hugging the swaying bag. She said, “Good fight yesterday.”

“It was. You were a tornado. I didn’t know what hit me. You should teach me some of your moves.”

“I will, but you need to show me you knockout techniques. Girl, that's science.”

“Let me warm up, then I’ll catch up with you.”

Kavya didn’t answer. Her eyes were fixed on Arthur longer than what Blenda liked, then a large smile threatened to split Kavya's face in two, making Blenda’s eyes narrow at her.

“Oh my god. Alpha Arthur, what an honour.”

Blenda cracked her knuckles. Maybe I should show her that technique right now.

A growl left Blenda’s chest as she puffed her chest, taking a step in front of her mate.

Kavya’s eyes widened, her mouth forming an O. She raised her hands in surrender, backing away.

Blenda came to her senses at the sight of Kavya fidgeting with the wraps in her hands, avoiding looking at Arthur. Blenda spinned around, storming to the back of the room. She couldn’t help but look back at Kavya who mouthed. “He’s you’re mate?” with a gesture of explosion next to her head. Blenda’s eyes shot to Arthur who was rushing behind her with a mischievous grin.

He’s not going to drop this. I know.

Blenda growled and walked faster. When she arrived to a secluded corner, she stopped.

“Blenda bear, going around marking your territory, aren’t you?” He leaned against the wall. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Go away, artur.”

“What? You made me feel all fuzzy, Blenda bear.”

“Stop with the nickname, and let me warm up.”

“Everybody’s looking at you after the stand you pulled. I think we should leave and go on our date.”

People were indeed looking at them, but it was because of him giving her his attention.

“Back off Artur. People are looking.”

“Are you ashamed of me?”

“Wovon redest du?” (what are you talking about?)

“I’ve no idea what you are saying, but I totally agree.”

“Artur, I need to workout.”

His smile dropped and his eyes fogged for a second, mind linking. He looked at her as he straightened.

“Ok.” He nodded, hands in pockets, as he backed away.

“Ok?” Blenda squinted her eyes at the change in his demeanour.

“Ok. I’ll leave you be.”

He turned around and walked away.

“Ok, dann (ok, then).” Blenda shrugged, then she rolled her shoulders, warming her joints.

🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻

After about ten minutes, Blenda found Kavya on a bench, drinking from a metal bottle.
She sat beside her, resting her elbows on her knees.

“Sorry, for earlier. It just slipped.”

“I don't blame you, girl.” Kavya said screwing her bottle.

Blenda glared at her.

“Come on, Blenda. He’s an inspiration for all of us.”

Blenda’s brows knitted in confusion. She opened her mouth to ask, but a clapping brought everybody’s attention to the middle of the room. Arthur stood on top of a chair, a mic in hand.

“Everybody, we’re closing for the day. Grab your things and leave the room. You have ten minutes, counting from now.”

Groans and shouts of protest erupted from every corner. Blenda sprang from her seat, hands fisted. Her gaze followed him as he jumped from the chair, ignoring them all, then disappeared out of her field of view.

People bumped into her from every direction as they rushed towards the door.

“Can we go now?” She heard from somewhere behind her.

“Was hast du gemacht?” She said, spinning on her heels.

“Ich liebe dich, too,” he said messing up the sound of the ch.

“Was?” (what?) Blenda’s irritation grew with every word he said.

“I’ve no idea what’s this ‘was hast mach...mach...How do you do the snoring sound when you talk?” Arthur said, touching his throat.

Blenda extended her hand, mentioning to the half empty room. “Why did you do that?”

“Tsk, tsk.” He brushed next to her and went towards the exit. He took her hand in his, tugging at it when she didn’t move. Blenda’s eyes widened as she stumbled behind him, Kavya’s laughter ringing behind them.

“They asked me to clear the gym and I did just that.” Arthur said without looking back.

“You mean, this is not your idea?” She jogged to catch a glance at his face.

“I told you, I don’t understand when you speak German.” He power walked, pushing through the dispersing crowd.

“Artur, I’m speaking English.” She deadpanned, pulling him to stop.

“Good, me too. Oh, look a tower.” He pointed to a near circular building at the left corner. “Don’t you want to see what’s inside?”

Without waiting for her answer, he ran, pulling Blenda behind him. They entered the door and he locked it behind them.

“There, Nobody’ll know we’re here.”

Blenda crossed her arms, pressing her lips not to smile.

“You dragged me across the bailey in front of everyone...You’re subtle.”

“Is that sarcasm?” He pointed at her with a wide smile. “I’m rubbing on you,” he said, circling her and rubbing his back on her.

The caged laugh escaped her lips as she jumped towards the spiral steps.