After lunch, everyone went to the training grounds.
Caden, James, and George were set to train with warriors so that the reporter (aka Calvin) can take some photos that will go with an article on the topic of cooperation between the Dark Howlers pack and the Red Moon pack. Maya will give an interview with the goal to prevent Alpha Edward to twist this situation into James and George being held captive.
With the changes in protecting borders, Damon wanted to address his warriors in person, so that they know that things were under control, and due to that, he was heading to the training grounds also.
Dawn and Cornelia accompanied the group because they were curious about the training, and they wanted to see their men in action. Exciting!
Damon and Talia didn't separate not even for a second, but they always had company and a million other things to do, and Talia didn't get a chance to tell him about her being the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack or about her intention to attend the Council of Alphas. She really wanted to discuss some strategies with Damon, but the timing was not right and this was not something they could talk about with an audience.
Talia intentionally slowed her steps as they walked to the training grounds, and when they trailed behind others, she thought that this might be a good chance to speak up.
"Damon, about the Council of the Alphas…"
"Don't worry about it, kitten.", Damon interrupted her. "I will handle this. Trust me."
"I trust you but…"
"No buts.", he said sternly. "I know you want to help, but I want you to stay here and stay safe. If we get attacked, leave it to the warriors. I know that you can blow them away with a thought, but that would expose you. We are still not ready to make your abilities public."
Talia puffed her cheeks in frustration. "You asked me if I trust you, but… Do you trust me?"
"With my life.", Damon responded without missing a beat. "However, I also know you are reckless. Don't take unnecessary risks and don't expose your powers, and don't go running into the woods and being a hero. All this doesn't mean a thing if something happens to you. I promised to keep you safe, and that's what I am doing but I need you to let me protect you."
And just like that, Talia decided not to tell him. It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Damon didn't want to see her getting in danger here, and he would blow a fuse if she told him that she planned to attend the council of Alphas and enter that den of wolves (pun intended).
"TALIA!", an excited shriek was heard from the training grounds, and Talia saw Lulu and Sandy running toward her full force.
"The soccer team is back!", Talia said excitedly.
Damon puffed his chest, happy to see that Talia approved. If not for the pack run, he wouldn't call them back, and Maya was the one to suggest ending their survival training early, but Damon had no problems with taking the credit for this one.
Talia stepped away from Damon and rushed to meet her friends. They didn't see each other from the Summer Solstice festival.
"How was your training in the mountains?", Talia asked as they exchanged hugs.
Lulu rolled her eyes. "It was to die for."
"But we survived!", another excited voice came from the side, and Talia saw Liam, Pierce, and Caleb. A few more soccer players approached Talia, surrounding her from all sides.
Damon wanted to interfere, but he saw that Talia was having a good time and the guys were only shaking hands with her, so he decided to observe from the side.
"When did you return?", Talia asked.
"Yesterday.", Lulu responded. "We thought we will have a longer break. I hear you are Alpha's assistant now. Do you know why we were summoned here?", Lulu asked while gesturing behind her where more than a hundred werewolf warriors were standing.
Talia confirmed. "There will be changes in patrols and Damon wants to announce it personally so you are not anxious about it."
Sandy rolled her eyes. "Whenever we see Alpha delivering news personally, we know it will be something stress-inducing."
Talia thought how that made sense, but… "These are good changes. You will see. Tell me, how was your training?"
Damon's attention was drawn toward a figure that was approaching Talia's group. It was Keith. Damon gritted his teeth. He knew very well that the wretched Coach got his eyes on Talia and as much as he wanted to punch Keith in the face, Damon was eager to see Keith's reaction when he realizes that Talia was marked, claimed, and NOT available.
Keith made his way between Liam and Caleb. He stopped when Talia noticed him, and their eyes met.
"Keith! It's good to see you!", Talia exclaimed happily, making Damon's fists itch when she jumped to give Keith a hug.
Damon chanted internally how that was only a friendly hug, without their bodies touching, Talia was clueless about Keith's feelings, and Damon shouldn't make a scene.
Keith wanted to pull Talia closer, but he saw Damon's murderous glare locked on him, so he quickly held Talia's shoulders and gave them a small squeeze before letting her go, and asking, "Did you stick to the training regime?"
Talia paused. She didn't, but… "You are welcome to test me." After Damon marked her, Talia's speed and strength increased, and she was eager to see by how much.
Keith smiled happily, interpreting Talia's response as an invitation for them to spend time together. Preferably without Damon around.
"How about we do a round of testing after this gathering is over?", Keith suggested.
Talia subconsciously glanced at Damon. She really wanted to get tested, but probably not today. "Schedule for today is crazy. How about the day after tomorrow?"
"What's wrong with tomorrow?", Keith asked.
Sandy rolled her eyes. "Did you forget that we have a pack run tomorrow? I'm sure that Talia will be busy with preparations."
"Wait a minute.", Pierce said while rubbing his chin. "Those are usually led by Alpha and Luna of the pack, but since Marcy backed out… will the pack run be canceled now?"
"No.", Damon said, and everyone turned to look at him. "The pack run will happen tomorrow. I will lead it with my mate."
Damon was looking at Talia, and she couldn't look away even though she was aware that her cheeks were impossibly hot and that people around her were connecting the dots.
As per command, everyone took one step away from Talia. Everyone except for Keith who stood there and stared stupidly at Talia.
Lulu lowered her head and put her right fist over her chest. "Luna Talia. It's an honor."
Talia blinked rapidly. "Please, don't."
But it was too late because everyone in the vicinity was now looking at them and one by one, heads went down in respect while fists on chests indicated that their greeting was coming from the heart.
Talia looked around helplessly and then at Damon who walked toward her with a big smile on his face.
"Our people are greeting you. Don't refuse them."
