“Let’s go!” I yelled behind me, frustrated with the progress these last few weeks had given these ladies. “Hustle!” I ran with them, leading while Lynn and Tina ran at the very back. I would have lapped them three times if I ran my regular pace, which is ridiculous. I don’t have access to my wolves yet.

Soon, Amy. Soon. Nix’s voice came to me as I panted around the track. I finished the laps and walked over to the water cooler and grabbed a bottle of water, waiting for everyone else to finish.

I stretched out my arms and then dropped to the ground to lean over my legs to stretch them. “Amy, you are killing us.” Cass dropped next to me, and I looked up, surprised.

“You finished first.”

“No, you did.” Cass pushed me and laughed, but I shook my head slowly.

“No, Cass. You were behind me, which is fantastic. You don’t have a weak wolf.” I smiled over 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 the 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, and smarter wolves make use of the physical attributes.

“Why do you have both?” I leaned back, with Cass looking like I lost my mind. “What?”

“Who are you talking to?” Cass leaned over her legs.

“My wolf,” I answered slowly while furrowing my brow.

“You talk to your wolf?”

My head snapped over 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…”

“Don’t they go over this with you in school?” I shook my head.

“The Luna is supposed to teach us…” Cass looked down and froze. 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 'round and sit, please.” I had Cass sit back down with the others, and I 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 settle.