“Let’s go!” I yelled, frustrated with the progress these ladies had made in the last few weeks. "Hustle." I ran, leading them, while Lynn and Tina trailed far behind. I could have lapped them three times at my regular pace. Ridiculous, considering I didn’t even have access to my wolf yet.

Soon, Amy. Soon. Nix's voice echoed in my head as I panted around the track. I finished my laps and walked over to the water cooler, grabbing a bottle while waiting for everyone else.

I stretched my arms and then bent over, stretching my legs. "Amy, you are killing us," Cass said, dropping down beside me. I looked up, surprised.

"You finished first."

"No, you did." Cass pushed me playfully and laughed, but I shook my head.

"No, Cass. You were behind me. Which is fantastic. You don't have a weak wolf." I smiled at her, and Nix chuffed in my head.

Of course, she doesn't have a weak wolf. Lily just doesn't see the point in putting her strength into her aura when she can use it to make herself stronger or faster. Unranked wolves have to make that distinction. What would be more useful in the pack? Aura, or physical strength? The conceited wolves, like their human counterparts, choose aura to seem bigger, while smarter wolves make use of physical attributes.

"Why don't you have both?" I leaned back, and Cass looked at me as if I had lost my mind. "What?"

"Who are you talking to?" Cass asked, leaning over her legs.

"My wolf," I answered slowly, furrowing my brow.

"You talk to your wolf?"

My head snapped to face her. "You don't?"

"No..."

"Oh, Cass, you should. First, it strengthens your bond, and second, they are your best friend and confidant."

"How do I start?" Cass sat back.

"Have you heard your wolf speak yet?" I moved closer.

"No..."

"Didn't they go over this in school?" I shook my head.

"The luna is supposed to teach us..." Cass looked down, freezing. My mother was supposed to teach the wolves here, and she left.

"Okay." I stood and helped her to her feet. "New plan for today, ladies. New plan. Make your way here, please."

"They haven't completed their laps," Tina called over.

"Yeah, I know, but I just heard something that I think is hindering them, and I plan on rectifying it right now. Come on, ladies, gather around and sit, please." I had Cass sit back down with the others and passed everyone a water bottle. "Settle, and when you're ready, we will try something new."

"What is it now?" Amanda whined.

"Silence." I snapped and waited for the others to quiet.