Her Savior Alpha

Today was the second training session with Archer. We’d planned for the early morning again, and I was up and ready-to-go, eager to get started on honing my wolf skills. Downstairs, the house was empty. Breakfast was a peaceful affair, as I chewed my granola and milk as quickly as I could. I still had plenty of time, but I wanted to get started right away. After putting away my bowl, eyed the bowl of fruit, grabbing a couple of shiny red apples on the way out.

The morning air was cool and dewy, and the chill barely broke through my clothing; I was wearing rather risque black leggings and a violet zip-up sweater that hugged my form. My hair hit swung around in a long ebony braid as I walked. On my back, I carried my pack with basic necessities: any extra clothes and a water bottle. Marching through the grass, I beelined straight to the entrance of the woods where Archer and I agreed to meet: a clearing just past a few rows of pine trees. My legs couldn’t help but hurry along, nearly jogging. I breathed in the crisp, fresh air, wondering how it would feel rushing up my wolf nostrils as I raced.

Entering the woods, I thought about what the training would bring. While I deeply enjoyed sessions with Clive and had learned so much, Archer seemed to mysteriously have much insight about my situation. He promised that he would help me get strong enough to change into the wolf without passing out or losing control. I could only trust his words and do my part.

The trees opened up into a clearing of fluffy verdant grass speckled with white daffodils here and there. In the middle, a figure sat stretched out, leaning back on both arms. It was Archer’s lean body, dressed fitted black pants, tall brown hunting boots, and a form-fitting turtleneck sleeveless shirt that showed every inch of definition on his broad chest. As I neared, I noticed his eyes closed, his sharp, aristocratic face relaxed. Even though he made not a single move, I knew he was aware of me. His dark hair ruffled in the slight morning breeze. I stood there for a couple seconds, gazing down at him. I wondered when he’d acknowledge my presence, but I didn’t mind. He was quite nice to look at after all, I thought, with his long, thick lashes and high cheekbones and cupid’s bow. A tiny birthmark sit right under his eye, barely perceptible unless you were close enough. I sat down beside him, taking my bag from behind me to grab the apples. With a loud, obnoxious crunch, I dig into the juicy fruit. The sound did exactly what I’d hoped; Archer’s eyes fluttered open, pale gray eyes flickering to me instantly.

“What,” he began with a soft, eloquent voice. “Are you doing?”

I took another bite. “Apple?” I offered the second one instead of answering his question. It was pretty obvious after all.

He eyes the apple for a long moment as though I’d poisoned it. Then he sat up, reached over and grabbed it.

“What are you doing? That’s the real question,” I said, rotating my core around.

“Thanks for the apple,” he murmured, biting into it without the ferocity that I did. “If you must know, I was meditating.”

Curiously, I perked an eyebrow, leaning in. “Oh? Tell me more.”

He eyed my eagerness with amusement. “Instead of sparring, we’ll start on meditation so you can better connect to your wolf. If you’d come on time, you could have joined me.”

I pouted at the unfairness. “You act like I’m late! We agreed on this time, remember?”

“If you were more…ambitious…you would have made it here much earlier. After all, meditation is best done at the crack of dawn.”

“Ambitious!” It was clear that Archer was teasing me, but I still got heated. “Crack of dawn! Excuse me, but not all of us are boring or have nothing else to do like you. I personally have lots of beauty sleep to catch up on.”

I let the words slip out mainly as a joke, but Archer muttered, “You don’t need to, it’s working a little bit too well.”

I blushed at his words, finishing my apple with a vengeance. “Anyway, now I’m here so let’s get meditating! I’m in a hurry to get control over my wolf form, so whenever you’re ready.” My words came out muffled around the chewing.

Stifling a laugh, Archer finished his own apple and threw it aside, dusting his hands off. He moved directly across me, crossing his legs. I followed suit, mimicking his form. By the time we were both settled, our knees practically touched.

“Meditation is a lost werewolf art that has been practiced to get our mind in-tune with our bodies. The better control we have over our minds, the better, faster, and easier we can shift at will. Clearing the mind allows for better synchronization with our wolves too. We’ll be able to use our intuition better, as well as hear our wolf in everyday life. Makes sense?”

Hypnotized by every word, I nodded. I couldn’t wait to unlock better senses and control over my body in both forms.

He smiled fondly. “Alright, then. We’ll start by meditating for about a quarter of an hour first, and as you get used to it, we’ll go for longer.”

“What do I do exactly?”

“It’s simple. Just close your eyes, keep your posture relaxed but straight, and focus on the present. Avoid thinking of nothing, just take in the world through your senses. And of course, breathe, keeping it even and deep.”

I nodded slowly, trying to make sure I got all of his directions down. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Giving me a doubtful look, Archer reminded me, “When in doubt, focus. Don’t let your thoughts stray.”

“Got it, got it. Let’s start!” I was ready to get this going, and time was ticking.

With a chuckled, he acquiesced. “Alright, starting….now.”

His eyes were already slipping closed so I hurried to close mind as well. Darkness surrounded me as I started at the back of my eyelids. I relaxed my neck, shoulders, and back, making sure I still sat straight. I took in my first deep breath, letting air expand my lungs and diaphragm.

After a few minutes, I got restless. I tried to keep my knee from shaking. Was fifteen minutes up yet? I bit my lip, wondering if I was doing this right. Probably not. No, Vera, don’t let the thoughts stray!

I couldn’t help it. I opened a single eye into a slit -- only to found Archer looking straight at me a foot away with clear gray eyes wide open. “Uh, is the time up?”

“No,” he said, one corner of his lips picking up slightly.

“Hey, you cheated! You said focus, not focus on the other person’s face!” I pointed a finger at him accusatorily.

A small laugh rang out of him but he stifled it quickly. “C’mon, I think it’s time to practice shifting.”

***

It turned out practicing shifting also required more breathing. Two fingers pressed against my wrist, right on the artery.

“You’re nervous,” Archer observed, my wrist in his. We stood in the clearing now. “You need to start off some deep breaths to relax you’re body into the shifting state. If you’re too tense, it won’t work, and most of your energy will be going to everything but the transformation.’”

I let out a whoosh of breath. “Okay, that sounds inconvenient. But noted.”

I started doing deep breathing once more, this time eyes focused on Archer’s, waiting for his guidance. After a few moments, his nodded, his fingers still pressed on my wrist. “Good job, your heart rate is slowing down already. Now, I want you to call upon your wolf within you, surrendering but also commanding. It should be a combination of both.”

That part confused me. “Call on my wolf?”

“Yes, just close your eyes and seek the feeling of your wolf within you. It’s in there, there’s no doubt. You have to getting used to calling it to your service.”

“Interesting,” I mumbled. I closed my eyes and tried, barely feeling Archer gently let go of my wrist. I could hear my heart’s beat thud loudly in my chest, steady but wavering. I willed to follow my command and then imagined what lay deep within my core: my wolf. I tried to visualize it, but it was hard when it was a photocopy of my mother’s. I called out within my mind, “Oh wolf tied to my soul. I call upon you to aid me in improving my strength and control.”

Nothing. It was like talking to a dark, empty, echoing room. I poured my focus into that empty space. “Wolf within me. Please, heed my call!” My face squeezed in concentration; I was determined to get this right and meet my wolf. Seemingly from far away, I could feel hands on my shoulders, long slender calloused hands. Archer’s voice murmured gently to me, “Relax Vera, you can do this. Just keep breathing and relax.” I unwound my tense muscles and smoothed out my features. Deep breath in, out. Then, I tried again. “Oh, Wolf. Please, I beg of you. I want to meet you. Come to me.”

A slight rumbling started inside me, a warmth filling me. Then, a voice echoed within my mind: “I heed your call, little one.”

Before I knew it, a rush of air around me and a hot flash reverberated through my entire body. I could feel the shift coming on, but it wasn’t the same as the first; it wasn’t painful, except for a weird feeling in my bones and skin. It felt like becoming undone and remade simultaneously. The next thing I knew, I was at on all fours, and in my sight I could see my face ending in a snout. Every cell thrummed with an energy that I’d never, ever had before. The world was a whirlwind of vibrant colors; greens, blues, browns, and whites all popping out in a kaleidoscope of shades and details. My ears could pick up on scuffles and rustles from a mile away, I could tell. My tongue touched razor-sharp canines.

I had done it! I successfully shifted while remaining fully conscious in my wolf form.

Archer stood before me in absolute awe, grey eyes twinkling like a post-rain blue sky. Excitedly, I stepped neared to him, coming up to a bit over his waistline. At first, he remained frozen, taking me all in. Then, a smile broke out across his face. His hand landed on my head endearingly, and I reveled in his touch. “You did it, Vera. You’re absolutely stunning. I’m so proud of you.”

Those words were the last I heard before my sight left me and I felt my large body fall with a thump.

***

Shifting required so much effort and concentration, and even when I succeeded, I couldn’t hold it up long enough before fainting. It was humiliating to say the least. Archer remained supportive, promising that a deeper connection with my wolf was all I needed.

The sessions continued, and each time I went for longer on meditations. When I shifted, I could increase the time I had control over my body, and could make it for a run at times. Today, I headed to the same clearing as usual, determined to make progress. When I got there, I paused in my tracks, finding not only Archer but also someone else: Clive.

They seemed to be talking in hushed but argumentative tones, Clive using his hands to make his point while Archer stood leaning back with his arms crossed over his chest. To be honest, I hadn’t seen Clive lately, not because I refused trainings, but simply because of time. It turned out that becoming a wolf didn’t get me out of the unnecessary slew of chores. Not to mention Dane was not in the least forgiving towards me. In fact, he had racked up his fury, finding any chance to lay a bruise on me or give me a busy day of ridiculous orders. Seeing Clive in his golden glory put a smile on my face.

I walked over to them. “Hey, Clive! It’s so nice to see you here.”

They both turn to me, dismay in silver and butterscotch eyes. The smile slipped off my face. “Uh, is everything okay?”

Clive’s gaze softened. “Vera, it’s good to see you too. So good I almost forgot I hadn’t seen you in a week now.”

I scratched the back of my head sheepishly. “I’m really sorry Clive, I really wanted to train, but recently Dane really been on my back.”

Clive’s sharp eyes caught something on my raised arm. I was wearing a short sleeve shirt for once. Lightning fast, he shot out a grabbed my wrist gently, turning it around to see the large purple and green bruises mottling the flesh. “I can see that,” a flash of red-hot anger passed through his eyes. Archer also blinked at the sight, a cold, frozen look on his face. I shook my arm away from their attentions, moving it behind me. “So you’ve been training with this guy in the mornings?”

“It’s not like your little human training, it’s to improve her wolf shifting skills.”

“My little ‘human training’? Excuse me? I helped her get strong enough to defend herself.”

“Well, she graduated, so now she needs to get her wolf ready to fight.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I stepped between them, sensing the aggression rising. They continued to glare at each other. “Actually, Clive, it’s perfect that you’re here. I still want to improve my strength and combat in human form, so if you’re free mornings, we can come here and train together.” I clapped my hands at the great idea.

“Together?” They reiterated, one in disgust, the other in disbelief.

Soon after, we found ourselves seated crisscrossed in a triangle formation, meditating.

“Meditation?” Clive had snorted when Archer brought it up.

“Yes, a long-time werewolf tradition that only the most disciplined perform,” Archer shot back.

“Alright, I didn’t say anything,” Clive shrugged, sandy blonde hair glinting in the pale morning light.

Now, we all sat breathing in and out. Or at least, I was. I had gotten the hand of this meditation stuff after a few days, and was getting better at focusing immediately. I noticed that all my senses seemed to have been honed both during the meditation and throughout the day. Archer was really onto something.

But I didn’t think Clive was convinced. I kept hearing him trying to stifle his laughter. After a minute or so, I peeked an eye at Clive on my right. His eyes were squeezed shut, pale blonde lashes brushing the tops of his cheekbones. His lips twisted into a barely-held back grin. His shoulders shook with laughter. A glance at Archer told me he knew exactly what was going on. His dark, arched brows were deeply furrowed, created an angry crease between them. His jaw clenched so hard, I hoped his teeth were okay.

I couldn’t help it, I started giggling softly, bringing a hand up to hold it in.

Archer eyes snapped open, furious gray eyes zeroing in on Clive, who simply dissolved into laughter.

“We’re done meditating,” he snapped. “What do you have in mind, O Great Mentor?”

A grin still remained stuck on Clive’s face as he guided us to do some basic conditioning moves. After warming up, we climbed trees to do pull-ups on the strong, thick branches, several feet off the ground.

“As a wolf or human, it’s always good to be prepared,” Clive said, pulling himself up and down on his tree, his biceps tensing with every move.

From my perch on my branch, I noticed Archer rolling his eyes with a sigh before starting his own pull-ups. I wanted to observe first. I knew I was strong enough but I was a bit wary of exercising while hanging off a tree. Ready, I grabbed the rough exterior of the branch, palms facing me, and hung the rest of my body off. Then, I raised myself up until my chin was aligned with the branch. Up and down; it wasn’t too bad, except for the branch digging into my hands.

“You seem to be going a little faster there, Archer,” Clive called out, barely any exertion in his voice.

Archer seemed bored when he responded, “Maybe you’re just slow.”

“Oh? You want to go there? Let’s see who gives up first.”

“Are you calling me a coward, Great Mentor?”

“My name is Clive, Archie.”

The two began to move with faster, more pressured movements, pulling themselves up and down ferociously. Eventually, they got down to one hand.

“Uh, guys,” I said breathlessly, struggling with only a few. My sweat slicked hands were slipping.

Archer and Clive were lost in their little competition. Meanwhile, I was sure I would not make it to pull-up number twenty. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but --AH!” My still-soft hands couldn’t take the harsh grip, and suddenly, I was freefalling. It wasn’t a long distance down, but I screamed nonetheless.

“VERA!” I wasn’t sure who yelled or if both had called my name. I squeezed my eyes shut, ready to meet solid ground.

Instead, I fell into a strong pair of arms, one under my back and the other hooked under my knees. My breath left me, and my mind whirled around dizzily. Blinking, I looked at the sharp, pale jawline and perfect profile of Archer, who stared at me intensely. His dark strands fell messily in his face from the movement.

“Are you okay?” he spoke with such concern, my heart ached.

“Yes,” I breathed out. Letting me down carefully, Archer glared at Clive, who had also gotten on to the ground and seemed equally as worried, and a bit guilty.

“I think we’re all better off helping Vera with shifting,” Archer announced, and we were all in agreement about that.