Chapter Sixty Six - Training Grounds - Maya's POV

The walk to the training grounds doesn't take long. All it takes is one long look from me to realize I'm out of my element. Wolves run throughout the space, paired with humans that I know aren't human. Everyone is wearing gym clothes, at least, those who are dressed are. There are bare chests and midriffs everywhere. 'This is where we train," Damian says proudly before looking off to the side at a door along the side of the mansion. 'There is the work out equipment. It's right through those doors. The days we aren't out here, we'll go in there for weightlifting." 'So you all are like humans, but not. You work out and do things we'd do to stay in shape?" It seems like they shouldn't be this… normal. 'Yes," he says, a single brow raised. 'We work out just like you do. The weights just have to go to higher ranges since we do have strength beyond your capabilities, but we also have smaller weights for children." 'Even the children work out?" I ask, my voice almost sounding appalled. It's not that I am. I'm just shocked. 'Yes, at times. We count it as gym. They do other things and have childhoods; in case you are wondering." I don't admit it, but that is exactly what I'm thinking. Instead, I just nod and look back at the open area. 'So, where do we get started?" Simon picks that moment to walk by with the cockiest grin on his face. He looks up the length of me and smiles. 'Well, you look ready for today." 'Ready for what? Am I supposed to be prepared for a specific thing?" Nerves take over, making my voice nearly squeak. This is all new to me and now that I've seen what they look like training, I'm not so sure I'm cut out for this. Damian only chuckles lightly. 'Training is not a one-time thing. You will build up to what your max level is. But first things first. You're going to have to learn to move properly. No one can fight if they don't have the foundation. That means warming up and learning to be aware of your body." I give a small sigh, but then I look over at Simon, who won't stop staring at me. Something about him feels off, yet I can't pinpoint what bothers me about him. Maybe it's his smile. Maybe it's the way he watches me too intently. I'm not sure which it is, but it's strange. He leaves to go to the other side of the training grounds, which brings me relief for the moment. 'Alright. Let's just get this over with." He walks over to an area where some were stretching a few minutes ago. Next to us are the dummies you can punch and wooden beams to climb. Not too far from us are ropes suspended in trees, all of which look like they could be both useful and painful. 'This is where you will stretch," Damian explains, his voice easy, but with a hint of seriousness. 'You don't need to worry about anything too advanced for now. Just focus on loosening your muscles and then we'll take a jog." I nod, though I feel completely overwhelmed. The ground feels solid beneath my feet, and I find myself standing a little straighter. But I'm definitely not as confident as Damian looks. 'This is just step one," he reminds me again. I take a deep breath, trying to figure out what kind of stretches I'm supposed to do that would allow me to keep up with wolf shifters. After several seconds, I come up with nothing. 'Don't worry," he says, his voice still calm. It's starting to irritate me. He finally gets down on the ground, spreading his legs out to each side and begins stretching. I quickly follow suit, repeating each motion as he breathes and leans into the stretch. My muscles hate me with every movement. It feels like they are on fire, and it only gets worse with each position we get into. By the time we are done stretching and he mentions running, I'm ready to scream. 'Start by running a little. We'll go around the track just to get your muscles warmed up." 'I think they already are. They're on fire." He only laughs before taking off running on the track. I watch him for a few seconds, lost in thought. Simon comes to stand beside me, scoffing. 'Aren't you going to run after him?" 'I might in a second," I whisper, then look at him. 'You're never going to outrun one of us. At least make it a challenge," he spats. 'At this rate, you're going to end up dead." I turn to say something back, but he's already walking off. It infuriates me that he'd say such a thing. But deep down, I know he's right. I'm never going to make it like this. So, I run. After a few seconds, I pick up the pace into a slow job. The motion feels awkward at first, but then I get the hang of it and keep going. I eventually forget the burn of my muscles and just go. Damian slows and lets me catch up to him. We make a few laps and when I finally have had enough, he seems pleased. 'Good," he says, a hint of a smile on his lips. 'You're getting the hang of it and doing better than I thought.' I breathe out, feeling relieved. 'It wasn't that bad. I haven't done that in years." Damian gives a small nod as his smile fades. 'Now, we'll focus on your stance." I straighten up and stare at him. 'Excuse me. I'm doing what?" Damian raises one eyebrow at my reaction, clearly amused. 'Your stance," he repeats. 'Balance, footing, control. If you don't have a solid foundation, you're going to get your backside handed to you." I cross my arms, still catching my breath from the run. 'So, you're telling me that after making me stretch and run, now I have to do more?" 'Yes, that is exactly what I'm telling you. That was only the warm up. And you get to go against me once you get good enough. But I'll warn you," he says with a glint of mischievousness in his gaze. 'I'll knock you on that cute little butt of yours." I scowl. 'You sound way too excited about that last part, and it seems like you've been looking." 'Of course I have. We've kissed more than once and I've told you what you are to me, even though you won't admit it." 'Let's just do this," I say, motioning between us. 'The stances." He knows that I changed subjects, but he allows it. 'Here, watch me," he says, planting his feet shoulder-width apart. His movements are fluid, and he bends his knees slightly, lowering his center of gravity. 'What is this?" I ask, still confused. 'This is where you start," he explains. 'Feet firmly on the ground, knees relaxed, weight evenly distributed. If you're too stiff, you won't be able to react quick enough." I sigh but get into the same position. It feels weird at first, like I'm bracing for something that isn't coming. Damian returns to normal and steps around me, eyeing my posture. Then without warning, he reaches out and shoves my shoulder. I stumble sideways, barely catching myself before I fall flat on my face. 'What was that for?" 'You see the problem? You're too loose, so you'll fall." 'The problem is you shoving me," I argue. 'The problem," he corrects, 'is that you weren't grounded in that position. Try again." Grumbling under my breath, I do just that. 'Okay," I say, daring him to try it again. He does. This time, it's much better. I wobble a little but stay upright. Damian nods his approval. 'Now keep that stance and be ready for anything." I barely have a second to process his words before he moves. He swipes at my leg, testing my stance. I shift, but it's not fast enough, and I nearly trip. 'Again," he orders. We go through the motions repeatedly, each time tweaking my footing and adjusting my weight. It's frustrating but oddly, I feel like I'm improving with each try. And Damian, despite his stern orders and glares, is patient. He corrects me without making me feel bad and pushes me without breaking my limits. Finally, after what feels like forever, we stop. 'You're finally getting there." I wipe the sweat from my brow, feeling proud of myself. 'Does this mean I won't die immediately if someone attacks me again?" What little proud smile is on his face quickly vanishes. 'No, but it means you might last longer until someone can reach you." I huff and feel bad, but only for a second. Then he adds, 'Now, let's see what you can do when I really push you hard." My stomach drops. Wasn't he already pushing me hard?