“And did you use your powers to fight those men?” Adrianna asked.
“Er, not quite.” She chewed her lip. “Uncle Connor taught me how to fight. I mean, he did for us all. My cousins and his kids, I mean. He insisted, especially us girls.”
Frankie let out a whistle. “Wow. So, you can fight and poof from one place to another.”
“You almost sound like a superhero,” Cady said.
She shrugged. “It’s not that special. I’m not even that high on the magical scale like Dad, or Cross, or even Gunnar.”
“But she can kick ass,” Meredith said proudly.
“Hmmm.” Grant thought for a moment. “Well, this still doesn’t erase the fact that you’ve caused us a lot of trouble. Daric had to use the forgetting potion on everyone who worked in the club.”
“I’m sorry.” Astrid placed her hands on her hips. “But I would do it again to help my friend.”
“You could have done so much with your abilities,” Nick said. “And you waste it all on a strip club?”
Astrid’s brows raised all the way to her hairline. “Excuse me? Just because they’re strippers, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve protection and respect!”
“You mean, exotic dancers?” Nick shot back.
“Whatever!” She suddenly slapped a hand over her mouth. “I—I’m sorry. That was disrespectful, Al Doilea.”
“All right, all right.” Grant waved a hand. “Everyone, calm down.” He turned to Astrid, who went back to her original seat. “This still doesn’t change the fact that you exposed our secrets to humans. And that means I have to report it to The Lycan High Council. And you must be punished.”
Astrid opened her mouth to protest, but shut it when Meredith gave her a warning look. “I understand,” she said meekly. “Are you sending me to the Lycan Siberian prison?”
“No.” Grant folded his hands together. “Astrid Jonasson, I sentence you to a year in servitude to the Lycan clan.”
“What?” Meredith and Astrid said at the same time.
“Oh, stop, Meredith,” Grant said with a roll of his eyes. “This isn’t like when you were sentenced to ten years for attempting to steal from us. No, Astrid will not be a prisoner or anything. But, she will train with the security team for a year. She will receive the same benefits and salary as any other trainee and work the same hours. You’re still free to keep your other job or take any other job if you wish, as long as you don’t expose us again.”
“Wait, so you’re giving me a job as punishment?” Astrid asked, astounded.
“Yes. You’ll be working with Nick and your mother.”
She slumped back in her chair. “I think I’ll take my chances in Siberia.”
“Oh, so working with me is a punishment?” Meredith murmured.
“You can’t be serious, Grant,” Nick said. “I don’t have space for her in the team.”
“Then make space,” Grant ordered. “She’ll only be a trainee. And if she chooses to stay, she has that option.”
“Ha!” Astrid exclaimed. “Fat chance.”
“I think it is an excellent idea.” All eyes turned to Daric. “It will give my daughter a chance to learn discipline and maybe give her some direction.”
“My team is not a boarding school, warlock,” Nick bit out. Cady sent him a withering glare.
Daric remained cool and impassive. “I pledged to you, Grant, as did my mate, and my children were born of this clan.” He bowed his head to Grant. “We have enjoyed the protection and privilege of the New York clan and live by Lycan law.”
Astrid looked helplessly at her father, but then her shoulders dropped in defeat when he didn’t say anything. She took a deep breath. “Alpha, I know Lycan law is final, and I accept the punishment.”
“Excellent. Now, Nick will work out the details and I guess, I’ll see you all Monday morning.”
And that was their cue to leave. Everyone stood up and began filing out of the living room.
Even as Zac watched all of this unfold, he was still having a hard time digesting it. Astrid and her powers. And just in general, Astrid herself. She was a puzzle, a conundrum that his analytical mind wanted to solve. “Lucas,” he called as he chased after his friend.
“Some night, huh?” Lucas said. “Are you leaving on Sunday? What time is the jet bringing you back to London?”
“Yeah, about that,” Zac said. “I was thinking about what you said earlier in the evening …”
Lucas’s demeanor changed. “Wait. You mean about taking over as COO for Fenrir Corp.?”
He took a deep breath. “Yeah. I’d like to talk about it more. And the London office runs like clockwork, you know. I can be here and do my job, I’ll just adjust my hours.”
“Really?” Lucas gave him a suspicious look. “And about the other position? For my Beta?”
Zac paused. “I’d like to consider that too. Which is why I want to stay and … learn the ropes, as they say.”
“So, you’re going to work alongside Nick, too?”
“It’s the best way to learn.”
Lucas patted him on the back. “Whatever you want. I know your parents would be thrilled that you’re even thinking about it.”
“I know.” He glanced over at Nick and Cady, who were standing by the elevators. “I guess I’ll tell them the good news.”
As he walked over to his parents, he told himself he knew what he was doing. That staying in New York and possibly taking over for his father as Beta of the New York clan was the only reason he wanted to stay. As whiskey-colored eyes flashed in his mind, he brushed aside other thoughts that were creeping into his mind.
“Mom, Dad,” he began. “I wanted to speak with you about something.”
Chapter Five
The insistent sound of the alarm made Astrid groan. Her hand flew out from under the covers to knock the stupid clock off the bedside table.
“Serves you right,” she grumbled. She threw the covers off her and then swung her legs over the side of the bed. What she really wanted to do was crawl back under the duvet, but she knew if she was even a minute late, her mother would chew out her ass. “God, I hate my life.”
She got up from bed and trudged into the bathroom of her new home. Well, it was more like a dorm room, really; as part of her “punishment”, she also had to live in the dorms with the other Lycan Security team trainees. Last night, her parents helped her move into the sixteenth floor of the Fenrir Corporation building, which served not only as the headquarters of the conglomerate, but also of most Lycan-related business in New York. “Oh God, I’m having flashbacks to when you guys brought me to my college dorm room,” she had said.
“Maybe you’ll actually last the entire year this time,” Meredith shot back.
“Skatten min,” Daric said, using the Norwegian term of endearment he had always used for his daughter. “It will be all right. Trust us on this one?”
“Besides, this place is way better than this rathole you shared with five people in Williamsburg,” Meredith added.
“As least it was my rathole,” Astrid grumbled.
“I used to live here, in the room down the hall. Right when I met your dad. Ooh, Daric!” Meredith sat on the bed and bounced up and down. “Doesn’t this bring back memories?”
“Shoo!” she had shouted at her parents, pointing to the door. She did not want to hear about her parent’s sex life, past or otherwise.
She got ready for her first day of training, putting on a pair of leggings, a sports bra, and a loose shirt. She slipped into a pair of sneakers before heading out to the common room where breakfast was being served. A few of the other trainees were lingering around, and she nodded at them in greeting before piling her plate high with food. As a Lycan, she had a healthy appetite, and since she was going to start physical training today, she knew she needed to keep her energy levels up. When she was done, she cleaned up her tray and headed down to the fifteenth floor where the gym and training rooms were. Upon arrival, she noted m
ost of the trainees were there already, eighteen in total according to her count.
Being part of the Alpha’s security team was a big honor. Lycan clans were dynastic and thus it was usually the ruling families who occupied higher positions in their society. Joining the Lycan Security Team was one way for anyone in the clan to move up, and with New York being one of the biggest and most prestigious clans, Lycans from all over the state and country were vying to be part of this particular team. There was a good number of transferees—Lycans from other clans—this time around, and much to Astrid’s surprise, about half of the trainees were women. Of course, New York was one of the more liberal clans, and Astrid’s own mother was second-in-command of the entire team.
Speaking of which, her mother was already waiting at the front of the room, where the other trainees were assembled in front of her.
“You’re late,” she said, a stern look on her face.
“I’m on time.” She pointed to the clock on the wall. It was exactly eight o’clock.
“If you’re on time, you’re already five minutes late,” Meredith retorted.
“Fine,” she said. “Where do you want me.”
“Just go to the end of the line and—oh.” Meredith’s back stiffened. “Al Doilea. I wasn’t expecting you today.”
Everyone in the room turned around. Nick Vrost walked into the training room, and much to Astrid’s surprise, Zac was right behind him.
“Good morning,” he said. “I thought I’d drop in today to check on the progress of the recruits. He gestured to his son. “You all know my son, Zachary. He’ll be staying in New York for the next few weeks, and seeing as he may be considering a new position in the company, I thought it best to show him the ropes.”
“Please, don’t let me get in your way,” Zac said. “Pretend I’m not here.”
“Anyway,” Nick continued. “We also have someone new on the team. Miss Jonasson will be joining you for the next twelve months.”
“Miss Jonasson will have to catch up on the training, seeing as she’s behind,” Meredith said, her face remaining neutral. “But she will be expected to perform to the best of her abilities, just like everyone else.”
It was clear what her mother was trying to say: Astrid was not getting any special treatment just because she was related to her. Not that she was expecting it.
“All right,” Meredith said, taking out her clipboard. “Let’s begin with drills, shall we?”
The first hour of drills was grueling, and by the time two hours had passed, rivulets of sweat poured down Astrid’s forehead and neck, soaking her shirt. Just as her mother threatened, she was not given any special treatment; if anything, Meredith was harder on her than anyone else. Still, she gritted her teeth and took it, vowing to herself that no one was going to break her, especially not her mother and not under the gaze of Zac Vrost.
Even as she went through the various drills, she still couldn’t get Zac out of her mind. She could have sworn she felt him looking at her, but she wasn’t sure as she couldn’t just stop and check. God, she must look terrible too. She was sweating like a pig and her shirt was plastered to her back. Her ponytail had gone askew, but she didn’t even have time to breathe, much less fix her hair.
Stop it, she berated herself. She’d never cared about her looks before, so why start now?
“All right,” Meredith said after she blew the whistle hanging from her neck. “Ten-minute break.”
Her legs felt like jelly as she practically crawled to the water fountain. Lycans were stronger and faster than humans, but they weren’t invincible. They still got tired, and these exercises and drills were designed just for Lycans.
“Not bad, new girl.” A petite but buff girl handed her a cup of water. “I’m Layla. Jones.”
“Thanks.” Astrid took the cup and downed it in seconds. “Astrid.” She held out her hand and the other Lycan gripped it tight.
“I know who you are.” Layla looked at her from head to toe. “And I know why they rest of us are here. But, are you a sadist or something? Got Mommy issues?” She snuck a peek over at Meredith, who was chatting with Nick.
Astrid laughed. “Something like that.”
Layla straightened her shoulders. “Well, I’d understand if you dropped out.” The other woman was about five inches shorter than her, but it was obvious what she was doing. Posturing and asserting her dominance. Miss Jones was obviously in it to win it.
I wish I could drop out. “Don’t worry.” Astrid grabbed a towel from the rack next to the fountain and wiped down her face. “I won’t be taking anyone’s spot on the team. I’m just here as punishment. Alpha’s orders.”
Layla visibly relaxed. “Ah, so you’re here under duress.”
“Yeah, no choice. Believe me, I’d leave if I could. And I will when my time here is done.”
She chuckled. “Well then, I guess we can be friends.”
“Break’s over!” Meredith called. “Everyone, to the mats.”
They hurried over the sparring mats, where everyone stood to the side, leaving a large space in the middle.
“So, is that guy your boyfriend or something?” Layla asked.
“Who?”
“The Beta’s kid.” Layla gestured to Zac with a nod.
“What?” She felt heat creep up her neck. “Why do you say that?”
“Because he’s looking at you like he wants to eat you.” She wiggled her eyebrows at her. “And by eat you, I mean—”
“I think I know what you mean.” Heat bloomed in her cheeks. Was Layla serious? “And no, I don’t even know him … that well.”
“Well it looks like he wants to get to know you.”
Before she could say anything, Meredith blew her whistle to get everyone’s attention. However, it was Nick who spoke. “I’ve been speaking with Meredith and she told me that you’ve all been doing well on improving your fighting techniques,” he began. “You’re all here because you’re the best and we need only the best on the security team. Protecting the Alpha, his family, and the clan is of utmost importance.” He paused. “You’ve all studied Lycan history, as well as recent history. Maybe some of your parents or family members fought in the Battle of Norway.” There was silence in the group. Beside her, Layla tensed and her lips pursed together tightly. Astrid knew all about the Battle of Norway. It was fought in her father’s childhood home, after all.
“Anyway,” Nick continued. “Just because we’ve vanquished our enemies, doesn’t mean that we will never encounter them or any type of magic again. Later in the year, you’ll be taught by some of our witch and warlock allies about types of magical potions and ailments, and how to combat them. However, I thought it might be interesting for you to get an early start on your magical training. Especially since we have someone on the team who can help us out.”
Oh, no. Astrid wrung her hands together. She hoped he wasn’t going to do what she thought he was going to do.
“Miss Jonasson,” Nick said. “Come up, please.”
Layla shot her a confused look. “What’s going on?”
“Er, I’m not sure.” She walked to the front. “Al Doilea,” she began before he said anything. “I respectfully decline. I’ve been taught that my talents are not tricks for anyone to exploit.”
“She’s right,” Zac piped in. “Leave her alone.”
Nick ignored his son. “Part of your punishment is to work like any member of this team. And so, you must obey.”
“Mom?” Astrid turned to Meredith.
“It’s all right.” Meredith leaned over and gave her a squeeze on the shoulder, then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Show them what you got.”
Astrid saw something rare flash in her mother’s eyes—pride. Growing up, Uncle Connor and her mother had taught her to fight, but said that it was always to defend herself. Daric was very protective of his children and their abilities, and thus he always taught them to keep it hidden as much as possible, for their own protection. To use both now se
emed like she was doing something bad, but apparently, Meredith was all for it.
“All right then,” she said, cracking her knuckles. “If you say so.”
“Jones,” Meredith called. “You’re up first.”
Layla stepped forward. “You want me to spar with this skinny white girl? Your kid?”
“Like you would anyone,” Meredith said.
“Fine. Whatever.”
She and Layla faced each other on the mat. Layla’s body was stiff and her face was drawn into a dour expression. “Are you okay?” Astrid began.
“My mom died in Norway.” Layla stretched to full height and shook out her arms.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Maybe we should—”
“Go!” Meredith said.
Astrid didn’t anticipate the match starting so soon and in a split second, she found herself splayed out on the mat, staring at the ceiling, the air rushing from her lungs. “Oomph!”
“Better pay attention next time,” Layla taunted. “Or else—hey!”
Astrid used a leg sweep to knock Layla off her feet. “Oh, I’m paying attention,” she said, looking down at the other girl.
Layla kicked out her legs, quickly getting to her feet. “You’re not going to get me off guard again.”
She motioned for Layla to come at her. “Give me your best shot.”
When Layla lunged at her, Astrid did what she knew Nick and Meredith wanted her to do. Poof. She reappeared six feet away, and Layla tumbled to the ground.
The trainees let out a collective gasp, followed by various reactions ranging from “Oh my God” to “What the fuck was that?”
“Holy shit!” Layla shot to her feet. “What in God’s name just happened?”
Astrid’s shoulders slumped. She thought of Petal, and her reaction to her powers. So much for having friends. This year was going to be very long.
Layla came over to her, and Astrid was ready for the derision she would face. After all, if Layla’s mother died in Norway, she probably hated what she was.
A Twist of Fate: True Mates Generations Book 1 Page 4