Page 34 of The Baby Contract

"It's okay. Try again."

Aspen looked around us as she rubbed her feet into the dirt. "Don't worry about anyone else." I soothed. "No one can see you but me."

I sat down on a log, rubbing my belly gently as I did so. "Okay, right." Aspen shook her head as she took a big deep breath. "I can do this."

"You can- "I narrowed my eyes, studying her stance. "Now, take your sword and position it over your shoulder the in position."

Aspen nodded, doing as I said. "Good. Now, adjust your feet one slightly in front of the other."

She did as I said, looking at me for approval. "That's it. Now, the last thing- "I pointed towards a large oak tree. "Imagine that's your opponent and go for it."

Aspen's eyes narrowed on the tree. "Okay- "she huffed. "I can do this."

I watched in silence as she narrowed her eyes to meet the spot marked to hit the tree. She took a long, deep breath before going for the first strike. She stumbled forward on the last step, missing the spot.

"Ugh!" she yelled, throwing her head up. "I just can't get it!"

"Your sword was positioned better this time; you just need to practice the steps," I said, urging her to try again.

Aspen did as I said, focusing more on the steps this time and losing control of her sword in the process. "Dang it!"

Aspen tried a few more times. She was determined but had somehow come out short every time. She needed more power, balance, and to get out of her head.

I stood carefully as I looked towards the training grounds through the trees. Her class had started to flood into the training field, each carrying their shield and sword. Their laughter carried in the woods, echoing throughout the trees.

It obviously bothered Aspen, her face turning red as she turned to look back at the hundreds of wolves she would, in a few moments, be fighting in front of. Her palms became sweaty as she wrapped them around the sword.

Something needed to be done, and fast. "Oh, goddess, Millie-"she shook her head anxiously. "This is going to be the most embarrassing moment of my life!"

"Everyone is going to laugh at me-"she cried, looking at her training group in the distance. "I can already hear the poor excuse for the Alpha's sister, the Stormblade weakling."

"No one will ever want to be my mate!"

My heart was stung at her words. "Aspen- "I gripped her shoulder lightly. "Give me your sword."

Aspen's eyes popped open in surprise. "What? Millie, no. Theo will kill me if I- "

"Aspen- "I said again. "I'm just a maid, remember? What am I going to do?"

I held out my hand again, this time Aspen wearily putting it in my hands. "Goddess, just be careful, Millie." She looked down at my pregnant tummy.

"Watch me- "I gripped the sword, taking a deep breath as I felt it in my hands. It had been a long time since I was able to use a weapon of this caliber.

In the fights, we weren't allowed any of our own weapons, it was hand-to-hand combat only. And at the Eclipse pack, even when I was training when Mom and Dad were alive, we never had fancy, heavy, silver swords like the ones here at Stormblade.

I waved Aspen to step away as I dug my feet in the dirt. I focused on the tree as I carefully calculating the target.

I took a deep breath, emptying my mind, if even for a moment, to focus on the enemy ahead. Right now, the rest of the world does not exist.

That's when I pushed forward, a new pulsing heat moving through my veins as I locked in on the target. I swung the sword with a swift momentum, stabbing the sword straight into the wood.

"Holy crap, Millie!" Aspen was awed, her mouth wide open. "That was killer! Maid my ass!"

I stared at the sword, now stuck deep in the heart of the target. A perfect swing. I gripped it before forcefully pulling it out and handing it back to Aspen.

"Now, try again," I ushered, shoving her gently to the place where I started. "Clear your mind of all the thoughts that weigh you down."

Aspen nodded before rolling her shoulders back and charging toward the tree. This time, stabbing the sword into the same exact spot I had just jabbed it.

"Yes!" I cheered, "That's it!"

Aspen broke into a bright smile as she looked at it. "Alright, class, today is testing day. Get into pairs!" Alpha Stormblade's loud, commanding voice echoed, grabbing our attention.

His voice sent shivers down my spine. It was loud, demanding, and in full Alpha mode. I stole a look over my shoulder, something deep inside of me eager to see him again.

He was in the middle of the training grounds, his body decorated in full white gold armor from head to toe. His hair was a bit messy, and his beard a little overgrown.

He looked different today. But I couldn't put my finger on what it was.

"I better go- "Aspen panicked. "Wish me luck."

I grabbed Aspen's shoulder gently before pulling her into a hug. "You can do this. You are stronger than you think. I believe in you."

Aspen nodded sweetly before taking off toward her class. I sat back down on the log, positioning myself behind a tree where I couldn't be seen as I watched her run to be with her class.

"There you are, Lu- "Boris erupted, running up to me with his usual charming smile. "-Millie."

I looked up as Boris approached, quickly sitting down beside me on the log. "What are you doing out here?" Boris looked at his watch. "Shouldn't you be having dinner? Ingrid told me you left with Aspen."

I didn't take my eyes off her, nervous to see what was about to happen. "Yeah, I'll eat in a minute."

Boris looked out to find where my gaze was. "Ah, I see- "he breathed sadly. "You're worried about Aspen, aren't you?"

"Poor thing, she isn't that great of a fighter." Boris shook his head. "Considering she's Alpha blood and all."

I sighed, a small smile creeping up on my lips. "I think she's going to be just fine."

Boris rubbed his hand on my back. "Of course you do. You believe in all of our pack members."

I snapped my head to look at him curiously, not realizing how he came to that conclusion. "Okay, I want the first pair up here ready to fight." Alpha Stormblade boomed.

Hundreds of wolves in the large grassy field spread out in a large circle, making a place in the middle for all to watch.

Alpha Stormblade stood in the middle, surveying all his trainees. "Listen up!" he clapped. "The rules are simple. You will fight with your partner and your partner only. There will be no rough housing or illegal hits. The sword only gets aimed at your partner's armor, not their flesh."

"Yes, Alpha!" A large round of wolves yelled in response.

"If you tap out, you lose." He continued, stepping back as he called up the first pair. "Axel and Mikey, you are up first."

My heart dropped into my stomach as the two teenage boys emerged from the circle, each decorated in armor that protected their chests. One of them I recognized right away.

The teenage boy that I thought about hurting to run away that day.

I suddenly felt guilty when I saw him again, innocent, young, and full of life. "Do you both agree to the rules of the fight?"

"Yes, Alpha."

Alpha Stormblade nodded as they both got into a stance, digging their feet into the dirt. "You got it coming, Axel." Mikey teased, narrowing his eyes at his opponent. "This should be easy."

Axel laughed, positing his sword. "You are going to eat those words, man. Just wait."

"Three, two, one, go!"

I held my breath as we watched them go at each other, eager to get the first jab in. Mikey was pretty fast and was able to dodge a few of Axel's more powerful moves. When it came to ability, they both had it and seemed to be on the same level.

Mikey was able to get one hit in on Axel's armor as he moved to position his sword. That invited Axel closer, this time, his face full of readiness.

Axel was able to get Mikey off balance with a hit to his chest that sent him flying backward. Everyone gasped as Axel stood over Mikey, quickly taking dominance over him and leaving him no room to move.

Mikey threw his head back in defeat, pounding his fist into the dirt. "Damn it!"

Alpha Stormblade whistled, signaling the end of the fight. "The winner of the first round will be Axel." He declared, sending the group into a loud cheer.

Axel extended his hand to his friend, helping him off the ground and back into the crowd. "Okay, next pair, come on up!"

Mikey looked embarrassed as he joined the rest of his friends in the circle. Each of them patted him on the back, encouraging him. "Way to make me look weak in front of the Alpha, bro." Mikey joked, brushing off the dirt from his shoulders.

Axel laughed. "One of us had to win, and it just turned out to be the better one."

Boris and I watched intently from the distance as we watched a few more pairs come up and fight, each giving their all to make the best impression in front of their Alpha.

"They all want to be warriors one day- "Boris noted from beside me. "They are all in training. Making the best impression is essential to get picked for the job."

"How many of them will get chosen?" I asked curiously. I felt like I could have overstepped with Boris. I mean, he was the Beta, but he seemed happy to answer my questions about the Stormblade pack.

Boris lit up at my question. "Hopefully, most of them. It all depends on their skill level and where we could use them the most. If they don't fit what we currently need at Stormblade, we assign them to other duties in the pack."

"Hm-"I nodded. "That's always good when you have enough wolves."

"Not like Eclipse, huh?" Boris probed.

I sighed. "Definitely not. We couldn't even come close to this big of an army."

Boris smiled, proudly staring out at the trainees. "One of the best things about this pack. We are strong in numbers."

I rubbed my belly. "One day, will the babies be training like this, too?" I asked, a wave of protectiveness washing over me as I thought about my babies fighting in such a way.

I had to remind myself that they were not fighting in the ring, where it was a fight with no rules, but these were their pack members. Their friends and family.

"Of course- "Boris looked down at my belly. "When they are old enough, they will start training in their class and with their father at home."

I took a deep breath as I imagined my children being leaders of this pack. I felt a sense of pride and joy, knowing that one day they would be twice as powerful as Alpha Orion and the rest of Eclipse, where their mom had come from.

They wouldn't be impoverished, starving, or in a pack where they were abused. Instead, they would grow up with love, attention, and anything they wanted at the snap of their fingers.

I felt comforted knowing I would be leaving them in a good place.

Boris touched my hand softly, breaking me out of my thoughts. "You will never have to face the hardship you had in the past again. The babies will never even have to think about experiencing it."

I met Boris' eyes, finding them full of certainty. "I'm glad to know that the babies will always be taken care of here." I rubbed my tummy. "That makes me feel a lot better. Especially knowing you'll be around to keep an eye out."

Boris's face lit up. "I'm so pleased that you think so highly of me."

Alpha Stormblade continued to call up the pairs as time went on. "You knowww-" Boris trailed. "The Alpha has quite the eye for you. It seems that he's warmed up over these last few months."

I chuckled. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Boris was this way; he was his Beta and best friend. Even though he had protected me, he would always be looking out for his Alpha as well.

I stayed silent, shaking my head. "He was quite distraught when you two came home- "Boris continued. "He was quite worried about how you felt towards him."

I scoffed. "Alpha Stormblade?" I questioned in disbelief. "Why would he, of all wolves, worry about what I thought?"

"He needs your approval, Millie." Boris's lip quivered into a smile. "More than you know."

I looked at Boris like he was crazy. He, on the other hand, looked quite smug. "Yeah, right." I scoffed, shaking my head. "Why would he care what a maid thinks of him? He's Alpha Stormblade, for crying out loud."

Boris looked pleased. "I'm sure he is pleased that you think so highly of him." His face lit up with a goofy smile. "You know, I love that you can be so open to me, Millie."

"Okay-"I held my hand up. "Now, you are being weird." I pushed his shoulder playfully. "With all due respect, Beta Darkmoon."

"You don't call me that, Mills." Boris shook his head. "Always Boris. You are above m-"

"I mean- "he cleared his throat. "I feel like our relationship is above the titles."

"Okay, more weird." I trailed, moving my eyes back to the training group. Boris was being odd today. I mean, he was always playful, but today, it felt different.

"Next pair, Serenity and Aspen!"

Alpha Stormblade called Aspen and another girl similar to her size up into the circle. The loud chatters, gossip, and heavy breathing started as the Alpha's sister entered the middle of the circle to fight.

"Okay, okay- "Alpha Stormblade waved to the crowd. "Everyone, calm down."

"Do you both agree to the rules?" Alpha asked, looking between them both.

"Yes."

Aspen's hand shook slightly as she sized up her opponent. I could tell Alpha was nervous for his sister. I saw him pause for a moment as Aspen dug her feet in the dirt and rolled her shoulders back.

I could tell he was contemplating something as silence consumed the audience. Was he thinking of taking her out of the fight?

Aspen, seeming to know what he was thinking, put her sword in position, just as I had taught her, seeming to give Alpha the answer he was looking for.

He wearily backed up as he intently watched Aspen and her opponent. "Three, two, one- "

"Go!"

Serenity immediately locked in on Aspen, being swift at getting the first jab in. She jumped around, a smile creeping up on her features. She thought this was going to be an easy way to impress her Alpha.

And, the faster she could win, the better impression she would make.

Serenity was quick as she extended her sword toward Aspen. The whole crowd stayed in absolute silence as they looked on, anxious about their next moves.

Serenity got a few more hits in, the metal clanking of the armor loud and clear, causing a few in the crowd to gasp.

Boris sighed sadly beside me. "Aspen is going to take this so hard."

"Take what?" I snapped, holding my hands together in front of me. "She's going to win."

"Of course, you believe in her no matter what- "Boris started before suddenly, a large clanking noise and grunt caused the whole crowd to gasp.

Aspen had gotten Serenity to the ground with one swift power swing. I could tell she was relaxed now, her mind free like I had taught her.

My eyes lit up at the sight. Aspen did it.

Aspen held her sword to keep Serenity down on the ground. Alpha Stormblade stood in his place, shocked. He couldn't believe it, his sister had won.

"She did it!" I jumped in my seat on the log, happily shaking Boris. "She did it, Boris!"

"Holy goddess- "he stared with his mouth open in pure disbelief. "She really did it."

The whole crowd broke into a large cheer as Alpha declared Aspen the winner. Aspen beamed as she jumped happily, going to join the others, who were now chanting her name in the circle.

"Holy moon goddess and all that's mighty- "Boris shook his head. "How did that happen?"

I bit my lip, trying my hardest not to make it obvious. "It was you, wasn't it?" Boris breathed. "You taught Aspen those moves?"

"Millie-"Boris continued, answering his own question. He knew it was me. "That was incredible! No one has ever been able to help Aspen like that."

I caught Aspen's eye as she peeked out from the crowd. I gave her a thumbs up, and she did the same, winking at me from the sea of wolves.

Alpha must have seen this because as soon as she looked over here, he did, too. His eyes swirled between green and black. He looked shocked to see me here in the distance, but also, his eyes held so much longing and questions.

"See how Alpha looked at you- "Boris elbowed me lightly. "He has the hots for you! Especially after what just happened!"

That made me laugh. "I'm sure there was just someone behind us."

"Oh no- "Boris shook his head harshly. "I know my Alpha; he was definitely looking at you with those eyes."

Yeah, Boris was right. There was something about those eyes.

Something strange.

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