481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppRu8EcBrg
The far left side of the yard was what looked like a fighting ring. Gaining upon them, I gasped as I watched punches being thrown and legs sweeping at other feet, knocking their opponent down.
Men were egging their friends on from the outside of the circle, pushing them back in if they stepped out. Once in a while, they would yell profanities and suggestions on what moves to use next and even growled at their opponents.
"Remember when I told you about an Alpha and Beta?" Sebastian asked.
I shook my head but kept my eyes glued to the fighters and watched them in amazement. They were so graceful, yet so vicious and deadly.
"These fighters here are of another rank in the hierarchy. They are known as the protectors of our pack."
Staring at him like he had suddenly sprouted ten heads, I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea of having protectors. Why would he need people like that?
"Everyone here knows how to fight and protect themselves," He added. "Heightening your senses, taking in your surroundings and using them to your advantage will save your life one day. But it's not just your eyes you need to train, it's your ears, your nose, and your hands."
Everything he said made complete sense. I understood the idea of protection, especially self defense, but why did he need so many people?
Ignoring the few questions that were bouncing around inside my head, the men quietly bowed to Sebastian and continued fighting.
Pressing his hand against my upper back, we proceeded deeper into the yard. At the bottom of the hill, misplaced items of tree trunks, boulders and vehicles lay strewn in our path. Eyeing Sebastian, I walked over to the humongous rock and wrapped my hand around it. "What is all this for?" I asked, brushing away the dirt that was now caked onto my hand.
"This is an obstacle course of sorts, at least, that's what I call it. The men will jump and climb over these objects in an attempt to gain entry into the tree lined area on the other side. However, they will be met with a great deal of resistance from the opposing protectors. This teaches them the importance of safety and efficiency.”
"Can I watch when the men are doing it?" I questioned, extremely eager to see their performance.
"Absolutely! Let's just make sure you’re okay with everything else I need to tell you first." He smiled.
I swallowed hard, getting a little nervous, but decided to get it done and over with. I had nothing to lose at this point.
Grabbing my hand in his, he led me back toward the house. I let out an internal sigh of relief as the training area and obstacle course smelt like a boys’ locker room. The stench of sweat ridden socks and jockstraps had made my nose crinkle in disgust.
When the smell of roses finally filled my nose, I welcomed the refreshing scent with a deep inhale. I must have closed my eyes for a second because Sebastian grabbed my shoulders so I didn't sway.
"They smell amazing." I smiled, opening my eyes again to see their beauty.
"I'm glad you like them. This is my Grandmother's garden," He smiled. "She was very proud of it."
I smiled sweetly as his face seemed relaxed, content, but the corners of his mouth were turned down, his eyes glazed and faraway.
"When grandma died, my mom took over the garden, adding the tulips as a remembrance to her. They were her favorite, " He said quietly as he rubbed his fingers around the soft petals.
"That's really sweet." I murmured. Standing back up, Sebastian led me to the front of the house where we went inside.
I was in complete awe at the house that stood before me. The inside was a dead ringer of mine, except for the different furniture. I could make my way around this house easily with my eyes closed.
Showing me around, the only differences were that there were ten bedrooms instead of four. The back patio was much larger than mine, but I could tell it was a new addition to the house.
Sebastian politely pulled out a chair from the table and gestured for me to sit down. I gratefully plopped myself down on the chair and crossed my legs together.
Nervously, I held my hands together in my lap to keep them from trembling. The smell of cookies was faint in the kitchen, wafting into my nose and making me salivate.
Another one of my guilty pleasures, chocolate chip cookies.
Pouring me a glass of lemonade, Sebastian placed it in front of me before taking a seat himself. He put both of his hands on the table and I could see his veins starting popping out of his arms.
"Veronica, it's very important that you keep an open mind with what I'm going to tell you." He emphasized, his voice stern and strong.
"I will do my best," I agreed, but internally doubted myself if I actually could.
"Good," He smiled, then held his hands out to me.
Placing my hands in his, I noticed how big and strong they were. His light skin complimented my tan skin quite nicely and a smile grew across my face at the thought.
Sebastian started off with a very peculiar question that left my mind reeling.
"Do you believe in fairy tales?"
