Web Novel
Rejection on the Full Moon (Rejection Series) Chapter 25
"Seriously, guys, it's only been an hour, and you're all out of breath. Ten kilometres should be a warm-up for Trackers." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the scene before me as I casually lean against the sturdy maple tree behind me. An hour ago, Dominic had called all of the Trackers and Trackers-in-training to the training field and introduced me to all of them as the Head Tracker candidate. At first, some questioned his decision to bring a rogue into the territory, but when he mentioned my name and the fact I owned Fire Heart Bakery and Gift Shop, they soon quieted down and gave me the respect of an Elite wolf.
Some wolves groan and fall to the ground as they try their hardest to catch their breath, while others start to puke whatever they had eaten for breakfast this morning. All I could say is how sad this sorry bunch of wolves looked with just a simple run that should have been a walk in the park for them. Clearly, this answered my question as to why a top pack couldn't catch me when looting their territory in the past.
"How is training going?" A deep voice catches my attention, and I turn to face Dominic, an easy-going grin on his face causing me to glare back at him. I call a water break for the Trackers, rolling my eyes as they cheer for a rest and start planning how to bring their stamina up. Before I start them with advanced training, these so-called "Trackers" need to up their stamina in human form then wolf form.
"They all suck. I normally do a loop around the forest in Neutral Territory that lasts about ten kilometres, and honestly, some are still showing up after falling way behind. I'm scared to see the shape of your Hunters with how bad your Trackers are." I watch as Dominic's face falls with my answer, his eyes scanning his Trackers guzzling water like it's the last drink they'll ever have, as some continue to lay on the ground, their breath finally evening out. I knew my words worry him with how furrowed his brow is and his gaze filled with thoughts swirling in them, but it is the truth. As an Alpha, Dominic needed to hear it, even if the truth is hard to handle. I leave him to his silence and turn to gaze at the group of wolves I agreed to train. It is clear that they needed a true Head Tracker who can bring out their potential.
"Well, how about training the Hunters as well?" My eyes widen in surprise as I turn to look at Dominic. A proud grin is spread across his face as his eyes sparkle with more hope. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him as I turn back to the Trackers, who were slowly readying themselves to get back to training. His idea seemed logical, though. For missions, Trackers and Hunters were paired up sometimes. Even during times of war between packs, the Hunters rely on Trackers to scout the area ahead and bring back a report to form a plan for victory. Maybe the Head Hunter and I could formulate a training schedule where all the wolves could learn from each other to improve the pack and their defences.
"First things first, the same rule applies. One month, then I let you know if I am staying." I catch Dominic jump from my sudden words. I knew that agreeing to this would make my weekends even busier, but something felt right to agree to this anyway.
"Of course, I understand." Dominic agrees quickly, a relieved expression on his face.
"And I'll make them focus on stamina first before anything else. This also includes you, Dominic DeValorse. The pack is only as strong as its weakest member, and you're the Alpha. You need to be the strongest." I add. Dominic's smile falls as he eyes me for a moment, checking if I was joking, but I guess he soon realizes that he too would be at the mercy of my training if he wants me to stick around. His eyes gloss over as Dominic looks into the distance, a look of seriousness crossing his face. I couldn't help but enjoy ogling at him for the moment when I realize he's linking someone. Soon, a group of wolves appear at the far end of the training field and makes its way towards our group. A wolf I remember all too well splits from the new arrivals rushes over to where Dominic and I stand.
"What's up, Dom? All we were told in the link is to be here." Christian the Beta asks as he turns to look at me for a brief moment.
"This is Amberle, the wolf I told you about. She agreed to train our Trackers for a month and possibly become our new Head Tracker. We were just discussing the shape of our Hunters and decided she would help train them as well. This also includes you and I, Christian." Dominic answers, filling in his Beta on our arrangements. I catch Christian eyeing me for a moment as he takes in my appearance, and a slight frown appears.
"How long have you been a Tracker?" He asks, crossing his arms over his chest. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his antics before answering. I explain to him that I shifted young and began training with my mother, the previous Head Tracker of my old pack, as well as training throughout the years I was left in Blue's care. This answer seems to be what he is looking for, as Christian just nods and welcomes me wholeheartedly. It was weird to know that the wolf I'm used to cursing at me when in wolf form is treating me with respect. Maybe no one knows I am Fire Foot yet.