Chapter 2

It isn't fair. He did it to purposely throw me off. I frown just as he charges and his shoulder clips mine because my side step is slow.

"That's cheating. You mind-linked me before charging," I complain, climbing back to my feet. Dad places a hand on his chest, faking the hurt.

"I would do no such thing." He squawks. Then he charges but this time I'm ready. I duck, sticking my leg out and his ankle catches on mine making him stumble. He leans back against the elastic, bouncing back towards me and as he swings his arm out to catch my chest, I lean backwards so I'm almost doing the crab. When I straighten, Dad wraps his arms around my upper arms, holding me to his chest. I am hesitant to do it but it's training.

"You said I shouldn't go easy, right?" I look to Lewis and Charles, who both nod. "Just checking," so I won't get in trouble. I swing my head back, connecting to a nose. The arms slip slightly so I go forward, lifting my legs to kick my dad's chest. He falls onto his back with an 'oomph' and I go to my feet again. "You're nose hurts, you know that?" I rub the back of my head and another laugh rings as Dad gets to his feet. "Still want to go on?"

"You may be my daughter but I'm not giving in that easy, sweetheart." He assures me and we are fighting again. I eventually get him on the floor, his leg twisted around mine and me pressing it down. If I wanted to, I could press down, applying more pressure and causing his leg to snap. If he was an enemy, I would.

"3...2...1!" I let Dad go and he sighs in relief. He did well. I stand to my feet with sweat now beaded along my hairline.

"Nicely done for an old timer, Dad." I offer him my hand, which he gratefully takes but as soon as he stands up, he wraps an arm around my shoulders, sticking a leg out and twisting me over his leg. I collapse onto my back, coughing uncomfortably. "Ouch."

"That's just for being you, sweetie." He coos, leaving me in the centre of the arena as he ducks out.

"Cheater," I croak out for everyone to hear. I then sit up but my body stills; there's a smell coming from the wall in front of me. It's a smell I've smelt too many times before, haunts my memories and boils anger inside me.

Red Blood.

I rocket to my feet, eyes burning into the wall. I've been waiting to fight some of them. A growl comes from my throat, echoing through the hall.

"C? What's wrong?" Dad's joking voice is gone as he turns to me. He knows when something is wrong and everyone can sense his unease as he steps up to me. He shouldn't be uneasy but he always is when I'm like this. I don't answer but when the smell leaves, I straighten again.

"Nothing. I thought I smelt something," I answer, turning out the building and out into the fresh air. Even out here the smell is surrounding me. There has to be something out here. "I'm going the long way home. I'll meet you there for dinner." I don't wait to hear his answer as I take off back the way I had come, this time with the border on my right. I know I smelt Red Blood so why can't I smell them now or even sense them?

It takes me half an hour and to my disappointment, there was nothing. It's been two months since the last Red Blood attack and I can feel it in my stomach that they're coming and soon. I step inside just as the oven goes off.

"How was the run?" Dad asks as I come into the kitchen. I know he doesn't believe me when I say that I thought I smelt Red Blood.

"I know they were here. I'd never forget that stench," I spit, growling at the back of my throat. I push it down, not wanting to cause another argument. I've been arguing with Dad and Luke for days about Red Blood attacking and they just tell me not to worry. But it's my job. "Sorry. What's for dinner?"

"Whatever I make." Luke ducks into the kitchen, bending his 6'2" frame to fit because he's huge. We get the tall gene from Dad and I get the rest from Mom. Luke has the same brown hair as me but Dad's green eyes.

"I'll not be having anything then; I want to live until I'm an old wolf like Dad," I say cheekily receiving a smack to the head from Dad and a growl from my brother before Dad leaves to go upstairs to his study. It's unusual for an Alpha's office to not be on the bottom floor but he wanted to have his office near our rooms in case something happens.

"I'm not that bad. Trust me; I'm not going to poison you." He walks into the kitchen, bashing things about. "Now, where's the cheese?"

"Try the fridge, idiot." I smirk when he grunts in annoyance, taking my advice. "Where's my little puppy?" I'm answered with two arms wrapping around my waist as my baby sister stands behind me giggling. She's eleven but she's still a baby to me. "There you are!"

"Hey, Cecy! I was worried about you when you didn't come home with Dad." She says, pouting as she pulls away.

"I know, Pup, but I was out on a run. In fact, I'm really sweaty so I need to have a shower." I kiss her head before reaching to ruffle Luke's hair. I'm the only one he allows to do that despite the fact he still hates it. "Save me a plate."

"I'm tempted not to." He replies angrily, still not happy with me.

"Baby," I mutter under my breath.

"I heard that," Luke says, glaring at me.

"I wish you were still deaf," I snap, pushing away from the kitchen and towards the doorway.

"Bitch." He calls to my back and I turn to him, pouting.

"Don't be mean to your little sister, Luke." I stick out my bottom lip, faking the tears that are coming. "And Tessa is in the room." He rolls his eyes, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Fine. You win." He grumbles and I wink at him. "Get the other two down here."

"Sir, yes sir!" I mock salute before running up the stairs. "Alec! Sam! Luke needs you," but no sooner have I reached the floor, they stampede out their rooms and towards me. Despite being the older of the two, Sam acts like the youngest.