That’s easy enough.
I glance over at the treadmill. “At what speed?”
“From me, in the forest.” He steps forward.
“What?” The thought of returning to the forest ratches up my anxiety.
“In the forest. Try not to get caught,” He repeats.
My stomach knots.
Bo opens the doors that lead outside. “Better take the head start, Princess. His legs are longer than yours.”
Kirk gives me a reassuring nod. “You’ve got this,” He mouths.
Taking control of the fear, I set off, sprinting down the center of the room and out the back door. Life doesn’t happen behind four walls and the outdoors are a wolf’s true home.
I won’t let my attacker ruin that for me. My feet pound over the ground. Scanning the forest, I look for openings.
Branches brush against my skin. I weave my way through narrow spaces. I need to be smart, not just fast.
Zig Zagging, I listen for Cadoc’s heavier footfalls. Sticks crack. He barrels after me. Dread rises. I shove it back down.
I have to remain clear-headed to survive. This is practice, next time might not be. I head deeper into the trees. The light coming through the thick canopy overhead flickers the tighter they grow together.
The temperature drops and the silence overwhelms me. He’s gone from chasing to hunting. Heart in my throat, I seek places to hide. I’m in the open right now.
Straining to hear any movement, I slow down, my brain working overtime.
I run for the large pine, kneeling to scramble beneath the undergrowth. Halfway in, a hand wraps around my ankle and I scream.
“Don’t panic. Think through it. Where am I vulnerable?” Cadoc instructs me. Bracing my hands on the prickly bed of green needles, I bring my other foot toward his face. He bats it away.
“Good. Where else?” He tugs and I roll my body, swinging a leg toward his stomach.
“Where else?”
He’s a drill sergeant pushing me toward my limits.
Sweaty, shaking, and mentally tapped, I’m pulled from beneath the branches with my heart in my throat.
“You did good.”
“Only because you talked me through it.” I slam a fist onto the ground, disgusted with my lackluster response.
“Practice makes perfect. The idea is to let muscle memory take over. You got back on the horse today. Take that win.”
Swiping at my eyes, I hold my breath to drown the sob trying to escape.
“Yesterday was fucked up and frightening. Admitting it doesn’t make you weak. There are things that still keep me up at night.” He squeezes my shoulder. “You did well.”
I latch onto his praise, using it to combat the negative voices tearing me down. This is a new side of the world I grew up in.
“Let’s go get you started on strength training. Then we’ll feed you and talk strategy.”
Helping me up, he wraps an arm around my shoulder. Guiding us back the way we came, I force myself to examine the place that brought all the inadequacies to the forefront.
Reviewing the area, I see places for enemies to hide where once there was only beauty. Things will never be the same. I’ve already been touched and changed by the violence and evil seeking to rule over me.
Grateful for the mission keeping my mind busy, I study the passing scenery. Cadoc and the others ran drills with me until my body gave out.
Then they fed me a high protein meal, let me soak, and prepare for this mystery visit.
I look at Bo trying to glean information from his stoic face. “Are you going to tell us what we’re walking into?”
“Calista is mercurial. It’s better to experience her firsthand.”
We leave the main road and travel down a winding private path that speaks to wealth.
I lean forward. “Are you being obtuse on purpose?”
“Think highly of yourself, don’t you Princess? Not everything I do is connected to you.”
“Just most,” Fell adds.
I snicker. Bo flashes an irritated look.
