Ch. 14：Training

I woke up with a small yawn and stretched my limbs. The thought of last night comes rushing back and I squeal like a girl into my pillow, his pillows.
“We kissed” I said out loud
“I know, I saw” Athena replies in my mind
“It was great” I sigh dreamily
“It was” she said
I felt positive today. I have training with Carlton later today.
I whistle a tune as I get ready. Bouncing lightly in my feet. I still have a few hours before Carlton comes to pick me up.
*Knock knock
“Who's it?” I asked, turning to face the door like I could see through it.
“Madison and Isabelle” Madison answered
I open the door for them. “What's up?”
“How was it?”
“How was what?” I asked confused
“Oh you know…” Isabelle said, wiggling her eyebrows at me. I wonder if they know.
“My training with Carlton?” I asked. Though I'm not afraid of everyone knowing I'm Jason's mate, I just don't want to go around announcing it just yet.
“Yes. What's your opinion of him?” Madison said, bouncing on the bed.
“He's okay. Reasonable.” I shrugged
“This is My first time hearing someone describe Carlton's torturous trading as ‘okay and reasonable' most people just stop at he’d hot, but hard to work with” she looked at me like some alien.
Guess I am. I can do things others can't. “I don't get the fuss. If you do as he says, you won't have a problem with him” I said, looking at both of them
“Urrggh you sound just like Alpha.” Madison groaned and Isabelle nodded in agreement. A beat pass before either of them speaks again.
“You are coming to my birthday party right?” She asked.
“It's not just your birthday Madds” Isabelle rolled her eyes at her. Their friendship shining through. Something I've never really had.
“Doesn't matter. Cole might not turn up” she shrugged. That confirms my thoughts about them being twins.
“He will, '' Isabelle said firmly. I wonder why she's more concerned about her brother than her friend.
“When's your birthday?” I asked, mentally taking notes.
“It's on Saturday” She gave me the puppy eye.
“I'll be there” I smiled
“Good. Now, we were gonna leave you to what you were doing before we intruded '' They both stood up and walked to the door.
“Bye,” Isabelle waved at me and I saved back before they left.
“Okay–” I exhale, put on my shoes and head down for breakfast.
As I left the room, the sound of laughter echoed off the walls as children ran around. The whole house bustled with energy. I could hear the sound of tired mother's calling for their kids, but happy at their carefree spirit.
The children flitted about with boundless energy and giggled. Adriana was amongst them. Yelling out commands like some trope leader. When she saw me, she stopped to wave before she ran with the other.
Their laughter filled the air as they chased each other and got chased by their parents and guardians. My heart warmed at the sight. I pray they never witness the horrors of this world.
I headed to the kitchen and made a sandwich for myself before I went outside to wait for Carlton to pick me up. Forty minutes later, we are at the clearing.
“We will be doing a little exercise to warm up, but I want to start on your self defence today.” Carlton said as he emptied his boot for today's exercise.
“Self defence? We haven't even finished everything you said yesterday!”
“ It's all part of it. Trust me.” He said looking at me “besides, I never said we'd stop exercising totally. I just meant I'll be splitting the time between exercising and self defence” he finished with a smirk
“Oh..”
“Mmm. Alright get ready for warm ups” he instructed
I stretch. “You know the drill, run to the tree with the markings and back” I turned to the tree I ran to yesterday, but the marking wasn't there.
I turn to Carlton and he shrugs. I turn back and look around at the other trees to find it. I saw it 700 metres away. Farther than yesterday.
I shake my head with a little smile. I run to the sound of the whistle and back. We repeated some of the exercises of yesterday, but without the breaks this time.
Two hours later, we finally stopped for a breather. He gave me a fifteen minute break, before he broke the silence.
“Alright, Ares, now that your blood is pumping, let's get to it.” He dragged me up and walked us to where we were surrounded by trees “the first rule of self-defence is awareness. Always be aware of your surroundings,” Carlton began, pacing around me.
“Tell me what you can hear, see and smell” he asked
My brows furrowed as I looked around. “I smell the earth,” I paused and listened again. “I can hear the sound of water crashing against rocks, I can hear birds flapping their wings in the distance and I can hear the violent rage of the wind shaking the tree leaves.” I answered and paused
“I can see the trees and little rocks around.” I finished after looking around last time.
“Good start,” he nodded. “Now, let's move on to basic stances. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. This gives you a stable base. That way you can adapt to surprise attacks faster”
I do as he said, then Carlton goes on to demonstrate a series of punches and kicks.
“Your fists are your primary weapons. Keep them close to your face to protect it, and use your hips to generate power in your strikes.”
I mimic his actions, the air swishes with every punch and every kick. Carlton observed my actions and corrected my form. “Not bad, Ares. Are you sure alpha is not training you to join pack security?” He joked, we both chuckled “let's work on some simple techniques'’ He said and wrapped my hands with gauze.
We spent the next hour practising blocks, strikes, and evasive manoeuvres. Carlton stressed the importance of fluid movement. He warned me against hesitating, it could cost me my life or someone else's. Sweat glistened on my forehead and my confidence grew with each movement I perfected.
“Now, let's talk about situational awareness,” Carlton said, bringing out a padded dummy he had prepared beforehand. “Imagine this is an attacker. Pay attention to their movements and react accordingly”
I turned to the dummy and imagined Maverick's face on it. It motivated me to do even better. Carlton simulated different types of attacks and how to respond to them. “Remember, it's not just about brute force. Use your opponent's energy and size against them.” he said
“Use your size to your advantage, always” Within the hour, I had already learned it and Carlton was pleased with my progress and so was I. I thought he was, until he decided to introduce the big guns.
“Alright, we have covered the basics. Now, let's add some unpredictability. I'll be your opponent, and I want you to react in real-time,” Carlton said, slipping on protective gear.