SEPTEMBER

Mika woke up feeling something tossed at her. " Rise and shine instructor. Can't have our newest trainer late on her first day." He mused.

She grumbled and sat up slowly. She looked at the heap of clothes. She had a feeling they would fit her to a tee. She smiled. In a way she was excited, but she was really nervous as well.

" I'll meet you downstairs Mika. Hurry so we can get a small breakfast before we head out. " he called leaving her alone.

She pulled herself out of bed, went to the bathroom, splashed water over her face, and changed. She was right. The tank top had thick straps that clung to her shoulders. It was deep grey with Moonwater written on the back. The pants were fitting, but flexible.

She smiled at how silly it seemed. They would rip these to shreds if they shifted in them. She pulled her hair up in a ponytail, and ran out of the room to meet with Jayce downstairs in the kitchen.

He smiled seeing her enter the kitchen. Jayce tossed her an apple and a bottle of juice. " Excellent. Eat on the way. Let's go. We can't keep them waiting, and don't worry I'll be there with you. " he placed his hand on her back and walked her towards the door.

They both walked through the town for a while. Literally on the other side of town sat the gyms and training equipment. She had no clue the training grounds were so far away from the house. A stadium type building with an open middle came into veiw. She took in the open middle. A simple worn looking dirt track. Good. A normal high school track wouldn't do justice for wolf paws. Hurdles and obstacles were everywhere. Training dummies were battered and bloody.

Mika felt like hyperventilating. Some pack members were already sparing while other warmed up. The group of kids were training separately with a different instructor.

Jayce chuckled. " It might be a little intimidating, but it isn't to uptight. We won't be hard on you. I promise. " he gave her a reassuring squeeze. He walked her down to the field. Jayce started stretching as well, and noticed that while she was stretching she was watching him. He smirked.

Maybe he liked the attention from her.

Maybe he started to show off.

Maybe she blushed.

Eventually they stood. The pack followed, and Jayce nodded to her. Goddess he literally just threw her into it. She gulped. " ... O-okay.. so. Speed. Speed is easy to learn. If you aren't fast, at least a little, then you have bad form. " she shrugged earning a few glares.

" Hahaha. Bad form? You are supposed to be the fast Luna we've heard about right? Care to show us?" A little cocky teenager said. He had a lazy smirk across his face and she was happy to wipe it off.

She sighed and shrugged to the show off. " I guess I can. Don't whine to me when you lose. " She ducked away behind the small platform to the right. After stripping she padded out as a creamy wolf. She lined up next to her challenger.

Jayce stepped out in front of them. He looked amused by this little race. He motioned for them to go. Mika let the boy go, and lowered herself to the ground. She made sure people saw her stance before she pushed off the ground with such power that she left a small chunk of dirt missing.

She went around obstacles, leapt over hurdles, and slid right under the boy as she continued to run. Without missing a beat she bound over the next few dummies, bouncing on the last few once more as she landed softly. She pushed on, the boy far behind her. The girls were cheering for her, and laughing with some of the pack.

They had done a half lap around the track before she stopped. She had made her point. She sat down waiting on him to catch up. He was out of breath, panting hard as he slid down to the cool earth with a thud. She nudged him up and motioned over to the group. The boy over did it trying to keep pace with her. He had to find his own pace.

She padded over, and changed again before coming back out. " So.. anyone else?" She hadn't broken a sweat. They looked at her proud and surprised. She smiled a little. " I want to see how you take off. I'll help each of you get a comfortable position to star running from. " she instructed.

The run was exhilarating, and left her confident. Her adrenaline gave her a little more of a boost. Jayce eyed her happily. It was as if he expected this to be a good job for her. At least she wasn't a house wife. Not yet anyway. Even when she decided to settle with him in that life, she wouldn't truly be a full house wife. Mika wouldn't be able to handle being cooped up like that.

Each person started to shift in groups of ten. Jayce and Sike were in her first group. " Stay low while running. Lean into curves. No hurdles or obstacles right now. Just down the straight part and back." She watched them all take off. " Honestly Jayce..you might have the worst posture of all. " she muttered softly. The first group came back, and stopped waiting on her.

She crossed her arms for a minute and then smiled. " So.. I'll start with you Jayce. " she said softly. Mika bent down, and went to work. " Haunches need to be higher.. back legs should be like this..." she moved him as she spoke. " Chest down, almost touching the ground. " she noticed the others following her, trying to do the same. " Head straight, level with your chest. " she backed away. " Go on. Test it out. "

He shook his head grumbling when he got back to her. He regretted skipping out on his old man's training. Sure he was an asshole, but he really should have trained more than he did. Mika was right. His form was terrible. He made up for it with strength, but still.

She smiled a little. " You'll get used to it. Were you faster? " the wolf nodded, " Good. Go rest. I have to help the others. " She said as she stood. " After I help with postures we'll run together. Watch everyone. Learn how I jump, how I dodge... it will be easy, and we'll do it together. " she noticed Jayce's pout. " Don't worry. You know I love you. They need help. " he kind of nodded, and went to lay down to watch her.

"She's a natural" Koy said softly.

"She is.." He agreed.

She took to this better than he thought she would. She was right about their posture. It was off. He felt better when she helped him. He didn't like her touching everyone though. Low growls continued up until she started to stretch. He lifted his head off his paws.

He took notice of how her group, her friends and family, just continued to stretch. They didn't need the same help. Oddly enough he envied them. They trained all their lives like this. It was second nature to them.

"Alright. Let's run! If you can keep up with me excellent! If not stay behind with Jayce. "Mika checked to make sure he was alright with it, and he nodded his approval. She trotted over to him, ducking behind the stage. Mika jumped up next to him, standing with pride.

Jayce stood slowly, and stretched before nuzzling her and giving her a wolfie grin. She swatted him playfully with her tail and they went together to the front of the pack. Mika and Jayce lead them running. Mika took the ones who were ready through the obstacles and dummies.

It was a small group: the new hunters, and some of the boarder guards. A few others ventured through them with her. She didn't know them though. Jayce lead the others around and kept going.

His group stopped for a break. He was alright with that. Right now he wanted to watch her. Mika was amazing. She was so nimble and always seemed to be on her toes. Some of the wolves were able to keep up with her easily. Her friends and family of course, and some of his boarder guards. The others landed a few jumps or pounces, but lagged slightly. Either way it was impressive.

As they rounded the track near them again he mind linked everyone, " We are joining for a while. We should all practice it. They've watched for a while. Let's put it to practice. "

Mika nodded, and continued as he ran next to her. She giggled. Jayce collided right into a dummy before shaking it off. He grumbled and huffed trying hard to remember form. It went on for hours. Before they took a break.

~~~~

" This place is a ghost town. What the hell did Jayce do to it? There isn't even a gauntlet anymore? " The boy huffed. Okay, so he wasn't a boy. Far from it. He was a grown werewolf who had just turned of age to participate in the run next year. The troubling thing was that he had to participate in the run next year. He didn't want to.

Jayce had never found his mate.. It had been around seven years since he started the run. Lucky bastard didn't have to do it anymore. He huffed entering the stadium. " He's probably the only one training. Everyone else must be locked away inside.. bunch of cowards... " he sighed. This town was in the gutter...

He stopped in his tracks, and tilted his head. What was that? It sounded like a female yipping at something? Other yips answered her. Another bark. Barks answered. Yip yip bark howl. The same pattern resonated back from a lot of wolves. " The fuck is he doing?" The boy asked shoving his hands into his pockets. He hadn't ever really heard of a pack using wolf sounds as communication. It was ingenious, but confusing. How did they know what it meant?

The track came to view, and he watched a beautiful creamy wolf doing laps, literally, around everyone. Once she caught up she would help stragglers, nudge the ones losing focus, and even playfully kicked Jayce. Jayce in return grabbed her tail to trip her up, pinned her down, and licked her until she started to squirm.

"Well, I'll be damned. The mighty, heartless, warrior found a mate?"

Jayce jumped over Mika, and wouldn't let her up. He seemed to link to everyone that practice was done for the day. People dispersed and started gathering their clothes. He helped Mika up, motioning to the locker rooms.

She nodded, and went to shower off the dirt and change. She wished she had know about them. It would have been nice to change there, but that would have been a lot of extra running back and forth.

Jayce went over, shifting on way and grabbing some spare clothes. " Axton. You know how dangerous it is to just cross into territories like this!. Especially unannounced. " he scolded. " I heard you talking rather loudly. Where is your common sense?"

"Awe whats got your panties in a bunch?" Axton pouted playfully. " I've never had to announce coming to see one of my best friends. " he flipped his hair out of his deep brown eyes.

Axton was a pretty angelic kid. His hair was sandy blonde and shaggy. It hung down by his cheeks, and he liked it that way. He had freckles over his nose, and a scar running down his perfect cheek. Those baby blue eyes could melt anyone. He was short for a guy, just about 5'2. Still, he acted like a spoiled kid with a dirty mind and a heart of gold. Unless you were trespassing or a rouge. Then he was a ruthless fighter and sometimes killer. Guess who he learned from?

Yep, Jayce.

Jayce sighed looking at the angelic kid. " I can't stay mad at you.... God your like a damn angel whose horns hold its halo in place. " he crossed his arms ove his chest before shaking his head.

Axton laughed, " I know. So, why do I have to tip toe now?"

" Rouges in the area. Part of Mika's pack is now with us. "

"Which pack was that? These rouges are getting out of hand. I needed a break, so far I've welcomed strays from the Ruby pack, Trancefall pack, and Sageman pack. Everyone of them have fallen. Same calling card. Burn the village and its inhabitants alive, leave the Alphas recognizable. All Northern to Mid state packs." he muttered leaning on the rail his head in his hand.

" Crystalleaf in the far south. Same calling card. " he felt uneasy about this. " The rouges are working together.."

Axton nodded. " Indeed it seems like it. I have a feeling a certain hardass is their leader. I'm not sending my wolves out to spy. Not around him. " he shuddered.

Jayve frowned, "Wh-" he stopped in time to catch her mouth watering scent. How flowers were mouth watering he didn't know. He just knew Axton had a hunch about who was behind the attacks.

Mika came walking out. Her hair was still dry, but Jayce could see some spare drops of water clinging to her skin. His thoughts didn't go south though. Not when they had a serious problem on their hands. " Mika, this is Axton. He is the alpha of the Clovertide pack. Axton, don't hit on her. I'll mess up that pretty little face. "

Acton chuckled, " Nice to meet a girl who could tame this rougeish guy. We've been friends since we were kids. " he gave her a hug purposely just to mess with Jayce. He might have slipped a hand don onto her butt. He didn't expect her to retaliate. She slapped the back of his head, pushed him back, and took his legs out from under him.

" Dont grab my ass either. " she muttered before offering her hand to help him up.

He gave a nervous chuckled messing with his head. " Quite the girl you found..." he said as he took her hand embarrassed to have to. Yet, he'd better swallow his pride. " Fast to from what I caught of your training. " he smiled. She didn't. Ouch. She was immune to his charm. " Your a keeper. Been slapping him into shape?"

"Trying.. but we both have taught each other things. " she blushed looking at Jayce longingly.

Axton wanted to act childish, but he couldn't help but admire them. He sighed. " I... came for a different reason. I want to talk about it as well, but for now.. she needs to be briefed. I think she would be a good strategist in the matter being from the Southern territories. We should call a meeting of alphas. The elders would only resort to violence and ruin everything. "

Jayce nodded, " I agree. She can be a help... but I don't know if I want her in danger. " he gnawed on his cheek.

" Looks to me like she can handle herself Jayce. She out does you jumping around like that. And did she slide under some of your warriors? She has defense down. I imagine she could easily evade capture. At least for a while. " Axton shrugged a little.

Jayce looked annoyed, " Maybe she is a little too good. " he said backing her into a wall. " To everyone but me. I know how to get under her skin. You should know that we are each others weakness Axton. That is how mates work. " He ran a finger down her arm and kissed her neck causing a small gasp.

Axton watched as the girl went from strong and confident to a nervous mess and bundle of nerves. He scoffed softly. " Only if you make her. "

" If he wasn't here.. I'd be lost. I would try to get back to him, but even that can be a downfall Alpha Axton. Lead a pack into the lion's mouth so to speak. Irrationality. It is dangerous. " she warned gathering herself. " Now stop being an asshole Jayce.. let's go eat and talk. Catch me up. "

He nodded. "I've already mind linked the chef. We'll have food waiting in our room. Axton, come eat with us, and we'll catch her up on the current situation and come up with a plan. "

Mika frowned she wanted to feed them. She was beginning to love cooking as a hobby. " Jayce.. can I help the chef? " she asked a pout on her cheeks. She chewed on her lip gently to get under his skin.

Jayce sighed softly. " Lips Mika. Lips... " he grumbled. " Of course. I'll look forward to it, and talk with Axton for a while. "

"About time.. I'm starving. " he muttered standing. He smiled, and linked arms with Mika, leading her back to the pack house. She giggled at Jayce's dumbfounded face, and motioned for him to follow. "What,the big bad alpha won't hold my hand as well?" He asked sticking his tongue out at him.

" If you were anyone else... I would have your head on the wall. Maybe I shouldn't let you eat instead? That'd kill you. " he said catching up to them. " Just keep your hands off my Luna. " he muttered with a growl. He knew that wasn't going to happen though. It never worked threatening him. Ever. He was impervious to charm or threats.

They went seperate ways once back inside. Mika went to the kitchen still in her training clothes. The chef sent her to the room to change. She let out a string of profanities as she stomped away. She heard Axton laugh from Jayce's office, and Jayce himself chuckled.

"You are going to love the way she cooks. The chef is waiting on her I bet. He is teaching her. Its absolutely amazing how well she does. Her chicken parmesan is delicious. The steak dinners are mouth watering. Her spaghetti is even good, and I normally hate it. "

" Ugh stop talking! I'm starving. Do you know how long the trip here is?" He grumbled and whined.

Jayce smiled, " I'm starving to. We've been training since early this morning. We didn't stop for lunch, just took some small breaks. I didn't realize how late it was. "

" That girl is amazing. It takes a lot of practice and talent to do what she does. "

" Yeah.. it does. But, I dont really want her in this mess Axton." He said running a hand through his hair making it look like a black sexy mess.

He rolled his eyes, " Jayce. She could be a huge asset. Not only in planning, but helping other packs. "

" No other packs would accept help willingly from a Luna. You know how close minded most of the cocky pompous ass old alphas are. I was one of them before I met her. Actually even after I met her. " he laughed a little. " She is my champion idiot. I respect her, and honestly she is more fit to rule this pack than I am. "

" How so?" He caught the boys attention now. Axton leaned in resting his elbows on his knees and hands together.

" Mika took down a rouge coming after me. " he responded.

" So? Lots of wolves take rouges down. What's special about that. " the kid shrugged a little.

Jayce leaned over his desk with a huge grin. " Well, since you so graciously asked... It was her first kill. " Again his friend went to talk, but he held his hand up, " And, she tackled it in human form. Girl can shift as fast as an alpha. She killed it pretty quickly though. Ruthlessly, and somehow she escaped with just a bite to her leg and a few scratches. The bite scared. I'm proud of that; it is her first little trophie. "

Axton knew he was probably bug eyed. It isn't everyday a female wolf can kill a rouge on her own. Especially in the manner Jayce just told him about. " Tha hell? She a beta's daughter? An alpha's? "

Jayce shook his head. " Nope. Not unless she's been hiding it. Her father and mother are hunters. Strong ones, and he took one temporary alpha title when he lead his group here. But, that power wouldn't have transferred to her. He wasn't a beta in the pack either officially. Maybe a back up, and trusted. " he shrugged softly.

" You lucky bastard. She isn't cliché at all, she is beautiful, she likes to cook, she's a hell of a fighter, a speed demon... that is one badass girl to match a badass guy.." he leaned back putting his hand behind his head as his golden locks fell over his eyes.

Jayce smirked. " Whayever angel boy. You know.. the huntress girls will all be in the run next year~ "

" Jayce.. don't go there right now. " he sighed looking exhausted.

" Just saying. One of them could be your mate. I had a total of nine girls and five boys plus her parents join yesterday. All of the girls are of age by next year. My boys have taken to them well, but only a few have found mates so far. By a few I mean about six. So we have three potential unmated girls for the run. The rest of the females that were of age in my pack.. ran. " he grew silent.

" You had to. It was pack law." He offered to comfort him.

Jayce hit his desk, " No I didn't! Mika made me see that. I am alpha! I don't give a damn what those geezers have to say about it, I can change a damn law if I want to. So many girls could have been saved. Mated happily. My father made me a fucking monster to follow in his footsteps. For a while I did. " he growled.

" Calm down Jayce. You'll have her running in here to see why your so angry. She can feel it. She is marked. "

He sighed softly and laid his head on the cool surface of his desk. " I just have so many regrets. My own pack was on the verge of dying out. The town is decrepit. People were leaving left and right when I was gone. I let Sike take care of literally everything. What kind of an alpha was i?"

" A shitty one."

Jayce growled. Koy growled inside. They both knew it was true though. He was. " Shut up...."

" But, you are looking like a damn good one now. " The boy shrugged.

_______

They sat in silence on the floor around the fireplace. Their food was next to them, and they were enjoying a delicious chicken dish. Something Italian that Jayce nor Axton could remember. They were to busy scarfing it down in between briefing her on the rouges. The patterns through the villages, the people, and packs falling one by one like flies.

She sighed softly wrapping her mind around it. " So.. in a way I'm a representative for Crystalleaf? "

Jayce shook his head, " No.. I'm thinking about adding a second beta. Head of the Hunters. I know Sean doesn't have beta blood, but he would do well. Plus it would be nice not to have to put more work on mine or Sike's shoulders. Sean would oversee the hunts, train hunters, and help with food storage. Sike and Sean would be over food really. " he sat back a little.

" Don't think I'm taking something from you. While you are from Crystalleaf, you just won't be representing it. You will be on the council. You, me, Axton, Jason, Ricardo, and Carter are the alpha figures around here. Only Ricardo has a mate, and I'm not sure he would want her involved in it. From what I hear she is a little skiddish and shy. I don't know if they share the same view as I do on lunas attending either."

" Axton is right about you though. You have a good head, you sort of think now, and always with a level head. But more than that, we think you should train them on their turfs. Help them defend their villages and packs from the rouges a little bit better. I don't like it, but it would help. We have to do all we can to make it as hard as possible for rouges to get in. Other pack alphas will be coming since it was all the way down south with the same calling card. This is a war call, and it isn't just with certain packs. It is a war on all packs. "

She took a deep breath, eating a little before she said anything. She didn't know how to take it. She felt nervous just thinking about training with other wolves.. her pack was one thing, she was comfortable with them. Others. She felt the ridicule already.

Axton spoke up, " Jayce would have to stay here.. but I would come with you. I would behave. You both have my word. My pack is pretty much self efficient. My beta helps a lot. Your safety is his top concern, and mine as well. So I would be happy to look out for you. He's right, the packs need fine tuning. You have a gift for it. If he wouldn't mind since I'm next door, we'll start there. Each week we could move to a new pack. "

" I don't like it. Not one bit. " he sighed angrily, " But, rouges are threatening the structure that holds us together as families. They'll drive us to extinction if nothing is done. I guess I dont have a choice... I trust Axton.. and I'll have Sike go as well. Between the two of them you shouldn't have issues. Hopefully. "

______

She bit her lip and then chewed on it nervously. He grabbed her chin and forced her face to him before locking lips with her roughly growling. " My lips... remember what they do to me.. this isn't the best time to tempt me Love. " he whispered. She giggled and started to laugh little.

"Sorry... I'm just nervous. I... I can do it. With them behind me I can do it. With morale support I can do it, but wouldn't my father be a better choice? And, when is the meeting going to happen? " she asked.

Jayce answered the first question himself, " No. He would be a new beta. He needs training, and isn't as strong as Sike. Plus, Sike had a beta pull. He demands respect. " Jayce and Axton exchanged glances, " Two days. " they said together about council.

She looked between them, "You sure you two aren't brothers?" She asked with a giggle.

They smirked, " We could be. But no. " Jayce answered leaning on her. He yawned. " Go get a bath ready for us. We'll go to bed after. "

She smirked a little, " Should I get something else ready to? You've been tempted so much recently you've had little restraint. " she teased.

He chuckled darkly a rumble in his chest, " Careful what you ask for Love.." his wolf growled with delight. " Oh, and you have a dr. Appointment tomorrow. Birth control. " he said simply as she stood.

Her cheeks went flushed red. " ... okay.. " she couldn't say anything. She was lost for words. He had found a way to embarrass her and turn her tease back on her at the same time. She went off towards the bathroom when an idea struck her. She stripped her shirt off in front of both him and Axton, and dropped it of the floor.

Axton dropped his fork on his plate. Clearly surprised and staring intently. He stared for a moment before realizing that Jayce was angrily watching him. Or rather Koy was. He chuckled, " I think she won. " he pointed towards the bathroom door.

" For now.. until I make her scream my name. " he chuckled the rumble growing.

" Face it, if she were in a swimming suit, I'd see the same thing."

" That would be different. She did this on purpose to rile me up, and it worked. " he grinned. " You might hear her tonight. " he added his grin growing into a sadistic smirk.

Axton shook his head. " Some things don't change huh? Still hot headed as ever. "

"She does things to my head even I don't understand. But, i love it. " he finished his plate, and stood. Axton did the same. " I'll take you to your room. " he said showing his friend down the hall. They chatted softly about small things. Catching up a little before he left him there, and went back to his where his little temptress was waiting.

Axton chuckled. " I wish I had a mate. Maybe the run won't be so bad. " he sighed and went off to get ready for bed himself. The blondenhad just settled in, and got incredibly comfortable when he heard a loud bang and heavy snap. It was followed up by her rather attractive moans. Axton stared at the wall. He was at least two rooms away from their bathroom. He guessed Jayce wasn't lying.

He laughed at the start they gave him. Axton had nearly tripped over his feet when he jumped. " Dear God he's going to have to carry her tomorrow. " he said settling into bed again. " One day I just hope I'm that lucky. "

~~~~~~~

Jayce chuckled at Mika. " Stay awake Love, we haven't taken our bath yet. " he whispered causing her to moan again. " Sorry I was so rough. I couldn't help it... we both wanted it. You tempted me.. I kinda snapped. Just like counter.." He couldn't help bit laugh.

She nodded, " I can't disagree... I'm just so tired.. I already was. You asked for it though.. " She whined softly. " I'm sorry Jayce..

He held her close, " I know. I am to. Come on.. lets get you cleaned up Mika. I'll help as much as I can. " he smiled lovingly at her soft whine.

" You to.. " she muttered trying to scold him.

He just smiled. " Okay mom. " he yelped at her smack. That still stung. It was something he probably wouldn't ever get used to.

Once he was in she stole her chance to help him wash. She lathered his entire body, not missing an inch. He leaned against her, both resting and deeply enjoying it. They slid down into the warm bath, and she rinsed his shoulders. Her nails started to scrub his head, and it felt unbelievably amazing.

He groaned softly. " You have a way with your hands.. sewing, cooking, or just this.. you have a way with them. " he nuzzled into her bare abdomen and wrapped his arms around her waist.

She smiled, and continued to dote on him. " Just don't fall asleep.. come on rinse your hair. " she ordered softly.

He nodded obliging her request, and slipped under the water. He came came up only to make her be still. " Your turn babe. " he said his voice still husky from earlier. Jayce was gentle as he washed her, massaging her sore legs, and let's face it her sore everything. Training could be a bitch... and so could he. Tonight, mainly him. He took solace in the fact that he could male her melt from his embrace.

Jayce stopped, and just held her for a moment. Her shoulders were tense as well, and he took his time to massage them before diving into her lush hair. He smiled. This was therapeutic to him. She enjoyed it as well, closing her eyes and leaning into his chest. He rinsed her hair himself slowly. " I think we should skip soaking. We were both ready to sleep standing." He chuckled in a whisper.

She nodded, and let him get out. She watched him closely, marveling at what she thought was a perfect being in front of her. Then he helped her out. Wrapping her in a towel, and himself as well. Jayce led her to the bedroom again.

She dried herself, and he slipped into some sweats for the night. Jayce's jet black locks dripping lazily onto his back before he quickly ran a towel over them. Mika giggled watching him. She couldn't ask for a better person, now that he wasn't being an ass, to be her mate.

He took over on her hair. It normally dried quickly anyway, and all he had to do was brush it for a while. She yawned and started to nod off. " Such a cute Little Star. " he pulled her down and tucked her away in his arms.

They both fell asleep quickly. What a day it had been. The days were just going to get tougher though. A few troubling thoughts that stayed glued in his mind. He was going to have to call a meeting of all the younger alphas. He was going to have to let her go for a while... Jayce worried about the rouges, and what they would do if they caught her.