The Alpha Can’t Sense His Mate

CALLA’S POV

I hadn’t seen Cole since he tried to rape me.

I was going crazy in my chambers, waiting for his next action. His punishment for my refusal to give in to him and my hurting him with my powers but he didn’t come.

I didn’t know what was worse – getting punished for my acts or waiting for a punishment that wasn’t forthcoming. In the usual Cole manner, by now, I ought to see something that would point to consequences for my action but this time, there was nothing.

I was getting treated better. More food than I could have asked for, more clothes, jewellery, you name them. Cole went above and beyond to spoil me despite not appearing in front of me for the past three days.

Was this his way of mentally torturing me? If it was, then it was working. I couldn’t even sleep without the nightmare of him appearing in front of me and trying to kill me. I needed out of this torment.

My door opened and Scar stepped in. I couldn’t contain my joy – Finally, someone who could feed me on what was happening outside my chambers.

I got up and met her halfway. “Scarlett.” I greeted her, and she replied with a bow.

“Luna.”

I made to correct her playfully but the look in her eyes made me swallow my words. Something was off with her but I couldn’t quite understand.

“Are you alright?” I asked. I felt concerned at the dark aura around her. Was she angry?

“We need to go.” She disregarded my question and urged me out of the room. “The Alpha has requested your presence in the training ground.”

I froze at the mention of Cole’s name. What was he up to?

“Why?” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop it.

“My guess would be to train.” Her tone was sarcastic. I felt stupid.

I nodded my head and silently followed her. It was clear she wasn’t in the mood and the last thing I needed was to get another person angry.

Scar led us past our usual training ground, and I felt confused. “Where are we going?”

“Somewhere with better soil and air.” Came the reply from Scarlett.

Why did that sound like something rehearsed? Something Cole would say.

I was right. We got to a piece of land which looked like a farm and Cole stood with a lady that felt so familiar. Where did I see her?

Cole’s eyes found me immediately and they stopped their conversation and headed towards us. We met them halfway. My eyes were on Cole, as was his. I didn’t know what I expected, but it was not this.

“My Calla,” He smiled, taking me into his hands. “How I’ve missed you.” he cooed, patting my head afterwards. “Did you miss me, love?” He asked but I couldn’t speak.

I felt the stiffness of his arms when he hugged me. Gone was the sense of entitlement and boldness he used to have when he hugged me. If you asked me, I’d say he was sceptical of me – Testing the waters and giving me space.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

I wasn’t used to that, but I can as well get used to it.

“Yes,” I replied when the atmosphere became tense. “Scar said we were training here?” I said, hoping to get out of the limelight.

“Yes!” He answered, tapping his head. The woman beside him cleared her throat and his eyes slightly widened. “My bad! This is Athaliah Montreal.” He introduced her to me, and a light shone in his eyes. “She would be in charge of your training moving forward.” He announced and I nearly coughed up blood.

“What?” I said with widened eyes that flickered to Scarlett who stood a few steps away with an aloof look. “I thought Scarlett was in charge of my training?”

“Yes, my love.” Came the coercive voice of Cole. “She was and will still be your trainer. However, I believe you are sufficient in controlling your powers.” His eyes bore an evil glint. “Athaliah will teach you how to turn your body into a weapon. Who knows, maybe this could be what would bring your werewolf side to light.”

I fought the urge to scream I was not a werewolf. This was rubbish. Was this his way of punishing me? I can’t believe he came up with such a ridiculous excuse. I was barely able to control my powers – everyone knew that.

What was this foolery?

“It’s an honour to meet with you Luna.” I didn’t miss the snide in her tone.

Athaliah stretched out her arm for a handshake which I honoured, sporting a fake smile. “The honour is mine,” I replied.

“Excellent! Since that’s settled, I will leave you all to it.” Cole announced. “Scar,” He called, “A word.”

With that, I was left in the hands of another woman I knew nothing about. I couldn’t help the way I felt about her.

“Today, we will go through the basis.” She started and I nodded, letting her speak. “I will have to apologise because, for this part of the training, things may get a bit intense,” she warned and I swallowed.

“I understand pain is the price to be strong.” I didn’t know where my boldness came from or what I was saying but I continued. “Do what you have to do.”

I didn’t miss the slight curve of her brows. I took her by surprise. Good.

Athaliah led us to the midst of the farm and I couldn’t wrap my head on why this was an ideal place for physical training. I didn’t like the idea of things getting out of hand and the crops dying but I reeled it in.

“Hit me.” She ordered and I was confused. “I need to see how much strength you have in your wrist. Let’s see what we are working with. Give it everything you’ve got.” She commanded, entering trainer mode.

I nodded, it wouldn’t hurt to try. I was curious about how I’d do it. I gathered all the strength I could find and tried to hit her. The key word being tried. Athaliah caught me without breaking a sweat and with a punch, sent me flying down on the grass, groaning in pain.

Her eyes were traitorous and she squatted by me while I groaned in pain on the floor. “First lesson. Your offence is only as good as your defence.” Her eyes sparked with excitement and my mind flashed back to a similar scene, on a farm, with her smiling cruelly at me.

Shocked, I blinked, unable to believe my eyes. She must have noticed my change because a smirk plastered on her face as she helped me up.

A thousand thoughts were running through my mind. Who was she? Where did I meet her? Did she know me?

“Next,” Athaliah began but I stopped her.

“I’m sorry. Have we met before?”