“What are you here for?”“Just wondering if you might have some ideas. What gifts do you think a man would appreciate? I already got him shoes and shirts. I’m off to buy him a bracelet.”Her mom’s look of surprise didn’t bother her. She’s starting to get used to seeing that expression on people’s faces.“Hmm, I’m not sure. I’m not the type to buy things for your father. I just cook him food I knew he would enjoy.”Polly groaned. “That’s already part of my plan, but he’s a much better cook than me.”“Well, I trained him and I haven’t exactly trained you.”Her lip twitched. Was that an invitation?“Fine. Can we do Saturday mornings?” That’s her only available period.“Of course. You should bring your own supplies, though. Jared did.”“Okay. I can do that.”Her mom smiled, feeling proud of her daughter. “You’ve changed.”That statement made her a little uncomfortable. “Is that a good thing?”“Of course, it is. You’ve got yourself a good man. Remember that.”Well, she can agree to that. “
Jared grunted upon hearing his comment, whereas Polly blushed.“Don’t tease her.” He warned his brother, who took it seriously.“How about we all sit first? I’m not sure how long the conversation will be.” He invited them further inside and they sat down. Jared wrapped an arm around his mate’s waist.“We were relieved when we learned you finally came here. Father sent a message to Alpha Clyde. He asked to be informed as soon as you showed up. You made us worried when you didn’t after so many months. We thought for sure that you will immediately come here to see your mate.”Jared sighed and told him what he did.“Father was glad to hear that you found a place here. You should understand. It wasn’t easy for him to make that decision. He still hoped that you would turn your life around and we’re glad to hear that you’re thriving here.”Jared chose not to say anything this time. What could he say?James decided to continue after a few minutes of silence. “Father’s health hasn’t been good.
“It’s okay. I think I need you to goad me a little. I feel like I don’t mind seeing my father. I just don’t want to see the rest of the pack.”“It’s the rest of the pack you have an issue with?”“Yes. They didn’t want me.”“Whereas James and your father remain to be your family, no matter what.”“Yes.”Polly was relieved. They were actually on the same page. They understood each other well. When he kissed her, she didn’t resist.Jared felt that James said it right. He’s a lucky bastard that she changed her mind about him.He did write a letter after only a week, and he made her check it. She didn’t feel like changing anything on it, though. Its tone was just as he was. His father would be assured that he, in fact, wrote it. So, they sent it.Jared didn’t think he would feel nervous about receiving a reply to it. What if his father won’t? Fuck. Now he felt like he shouldn’t have sent a letter. Polly was amused by his restlessness. He was acting like a child and sure, it looked a little
One time, there was this incident during monthly evaluations.Polly was done with her matches, winning two. Whereas Jared remained the popular choice to be challenged. His name was also included in the random draws for the third match. It was a new option. If you don’t want to directly challenge a mentor, you can opt to challenge a random mentor.It was already mid-afternoon and Jared has just finished a match. He didn’t bother leaving the match area, though. Who knows if the next one would also challenge him?He raised an eyebrow when the next participant turned out to be Ren. The young man chose the random draw and Jared still waited. He would have dumb luck if he’s still chosen at this point and in such manner. Frankly, he’s already tired.Lo and behold, it was his name on the piece of paper. He exhaled as he contemplated. Should he withdraw? When he glanced towards Polly, he found her looking at Ren instead and with a worried look on her face. Seeing that, he made his decision.He
Overall, his treatment of Ren did improve and the rest of the team didn’t dare to comment on it. One time, when they turned to Polly with questioning gazes, she simply placed a finger on her lips, gesturing for them to be quiet about it. She told Jared when they went home, and his expression was a mix of horror and embarrassment.“I know Leo. He would have teased the two of you if he had the chance, and I thought you wouldn’t like to hear what he’ll come up with.”“Damn. Thanks for sparing me that experience.” He groaned, having been around Leo enough to know what kind of jokes he come up with.Polly tiptoed and planted a kiss on his cheek when they reached the front of their house. He raised an eyebrow. She didn’t even wait for them to get in?“What?”“One of these days, I’m going to kiss you in front of many people.”She actually considered it and has one request. “Just a peck.”He chuckled and was glad she’s becoming more comfortable with it. It’s such a normal thing between mates.
He raised an eyebrow when she finally aired her thoughts. She simply glanced at him before grabbing a pot and turning the stove on.“It’s the truth. If Alpha Clyde gave me authority over a few men, I fear I would treat them the way I did when I was in Blood Moon.”“But you could treat them differently. You know better now.”He shook his head. “I don’t think so. You might think I have loosened up because of how I treat my current trainees. They’re young, inexperienced and needing guidance. I don’t treat them the way I would actual warriors who are tasked to protect the pack. I’ll have higher expectations, and I’ll put them through harsher trainings.”“Can’t you just treat them like you treat young trainees, though?”He shook his head. “I can’t do that. That would be taking my tasks lightly and not seriously. It might lead to grievous consequences and that’s not something I want.”She sighed. Alright. She won’t push it. She understands him.“Sometimes, I wonder what your childhood is li
They continued to work together and they were given three new trainees.“How come? Only two of you completed it.” Jared wasn’t complaining, just curious.“There are more youngsters nowadays. Hana, Leo and Gareth are from the same batch. They would all complete the program next year.”“Alright. Introduce yourselves.”Her lip twitched and smiled at the newbies. Her mate looked intimidating, but the shock factor was helpful in the long run. She hoped they wouldn’t be too soft. She would prefer obedient trainees, who wouldn’t ask too many questions. Hmm. Okay, she’ll allow questions. She’d been there, so she understands. They had to learn. She suddenly remembered her first day of training. She was plenty stupid and doesn’t know much.“New trainees have a different schedule during their first year. You have classes to attend two days a week. The rest of the weekdays, you need to show up here and learn some basics.”“When do they join the others? To spar?” Jared asked her.“That would depen
“Going to the city, of course. Maybe we can stay at a hotel. I’ll ravage you, then.”“What else have we not done in the city?”“There’s still a lot of things you haven’t seen. You’ll be surprised. I promise to show you things you’ve never experienced before.”She took a deep breath as he enveloped her in his arms and started caressing her back. “Fine. I believe you.”Even before they left the territory, he already presented her with some sweets and a bouquet of fresh flowers. She was prepared this time, having bought several gifts for him, too. Heck, there’s not much they use their money on so gifting each other was the norm.They enjoyed themselves and Polly became somewhat wistful. When she found out that he’s her mate, she never had thought that they would live simpler lives. But here they are. She’s very thankful.More months passed and they had an incident one night. The men, including Jared, were called to their assigned positions. It wasn’t exactly an attack, but when the prowl