I watched Abaddon from across the space. Max sat in the far corner of the living area at the computer working on a paper for his Humanities class.
I wore replicas of my gauntlets. True silver weapons were too dangerous to spar with but I needed to perfect my own weapons so Abaddon had these crafted for me. They were very close in heft and weight to my gauntlets, but always felt like bulky fakes compared to the master craftsmanship of my weapons.
After the attack in the alley, Abaddon added the small mace to my weapons list. I had been using it for weeks, trying to get the feel of it. Now Abaddon casually swung one above his head, it made slow lazy circles in a five-foot length.
“You have gotten a feel for the mace, now I want you to try and reach a place where you can anticipate my moves based on your knowledge of the weapon I’m using. Eventually, when you are skilled enough, you will be able to see what someone is going to do before they do it. This requires a level of control that has only been achieved by a few in the Pack.” He said.
I only had a second to absorb his words when he shortened the back swing of the maces rotation and with a snap of his wrist sent the five-pound ball of steel at my face.
I had already been using the power of the Beast to help heighten my senses and focus. I watched as the ball came at me and easily brought my hand up, blocking his attack. With a quick jerk Abaddon brought the mace back in a straight line then whipped it at me in a blur. Again, I was able to block his attack.
Over and over he sent the mace at me, slowly getting closer. I was always on the defensive, never able to do more than react to his attack. I heard my dad’s voice in my head, “Relax and quit fighting your instincts. Allow the Beast to enhance your natural ability.”
His voice was a balm to the turbulence in my head as I fought.
I was a thinker, I always have been. My mind never stopped going and my first move when fighting was to think about everything that was happening, try to analyze it and think my way through.
He wanted me to stop all that and let the more primal aspect of the animal within to take over. I guess that made sense. If I was going to build a house, I used my brain, but if I was going to survive a fight to the death I should use my instincts. I needed the fundamental understanding of Abaddons weapons training to give me the baseline of how to fight, but I also had to have the instincts of the Beast in-sync with my own to take that understanding and use it to effectively stalk and take down my prey.
The mace came at me again, only this time I saw the slight shift in Abaddons weight and knew what his next move was going to be.
A split second before the mace reached its full length Abaddon twisted his wrist sending the chain to spinning that ran down its length and ending at the steel ball. Normally the mace would have returned, but this time Abaddon made it do a small rotation that would have bypassed my normal block and smashed my face in, if I was still there.
My instincts screamed at me, easily signaling Abaddons next move and I listened. I moved inside the attack and twisted towards him. I reached out with my right arm and wrapped the chain up around my hand and in a rotation of my wrist sent the mace up over my head and straight for Abaddon.
Shocked surprise split Abaddons face for a second before the mace smashed into his chest. I heard bone break and in the few seconds I took to stand in awe of my success Abaddon recovered and stepped forward.
He landed a devastating punch to my face and I felt my nose break and blood drip down onto my chest. I fell flat on my ass more out of shock than pain. The punch was small compared to the punishment Abaddon normally gave me.
I had actually landed a hit on him! I sat in amazement as that set in and my nose healed. Abaddon recognized my halt in the fight and allowed me the small victory.
The last few weeks had been filled with a stringent schedule. Wake up in the morning and eat, spar with Abaddon for an hour before leaving for school. Spend the day at school, learning and growing.
Then I’d come home only to go another round with Abaddon in the arena. After that came lessons in control and then an hour talking and discussing Pack law.
When that was over I had a few hours left to do any schoolwork and catch up on the required reading necessary for my classes. Then I’d pass out only to do it all again.
Max didn’t fare much better. He woke up early, like me, and instead of sparring with Abaddon he was required to exercise. Abaddon had him on a strict routine.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays he ran. Each week he added a mile and soon he was running ten miles every other day.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays were weight lifting or aerobics days. Sundays were a day of rest. Abaddon loved American football and we spent those days sitting and watching games.
Max enrolled into the local community college and would spend his days, like me, at school. His schedule was so close to mine we met up everyday and walked home together. When he got back to the loft he did his reading and school work while I got my ass kicked by Abaddon.
Abaddon had begun teaching Max some routines that were similar to Tai Chi and Max practiced them while Abaddon and I practiced my control and Pack law. Max would go to sleep soon after, having been thoroughly exhausted. My stamina and strength was much greater than his and allowed me to push myself much more.
“Very well done Eric, very well done.” He said.
”I did not expect that move from you. You let your instincts guide you.” He said, more of a question than a statement.
“Yeah, I didn’t really even think about it. I let my body react to the information your movements gave it. I felt a oneness with my Beast.” I said.
“Good, you have found the place. Now we just need to hone it.” He said with a hint of hidden pride.
“We will break for dinner. Max should have it ready.” He added.
He came over and helped me up. We went to the kitchen and the smell of cooking food made my stomach growl in eager anticipation. Max was making his specialty tonight.
His quesadillas were to die for. He took chicken and marinated it overnight then grilled it before cutting it into small strips. With fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and cilantro his quesadillas always hit the spot.
I got out the plates and forks and Max brought each of us a serving. I was just about to dig in when the door opened and in walked Katrina.
To say she walked in was an understatement. A more accurate description would be to say she sauntered in.
The first thing I noticed was her hair. It flowed in gentle waves that reached past her shoulders, bouncing with each step. She looked directly at me with piercing blue eyes and I was stunned as her features radiated strength and sensuality. She wore a small amount of eye shadow that gave her an exotic aspect that only exaggerated her natural beauty. Her athletic frame was on full display as she took off her leather jacket and her healthy skin glowed with golden radiance in her skimpy clothes.
She wore a black tank top that was cut above her waist allowing her smooth, well-defined stomach to show. She had a navel ring that drew my eyes toward her midsection. Her long strong legs moved in confidence as her hips swayed in tune with her steps. She wore tight leather pants that showed off her curves and knee-high boots rang off the concrete floor.
She walked over to me and sat on my lap. Her scent was maddening; it was a mix between the clean crisp autumn weather and a deep earthy womanliness that stirred my awareness of how intimately close we were.
She sat on me and where her body touched mine a strong feeling of connection came to me and I wanted to increase that connection, hopefully with no clothes on.
“Good evening gentlemen. I see I have disturbed you during dinner.” She said in a seductive voice that showed she didn’t care one bit about our meal.
“Katrina.” Abaddon said, nodding to her.
Katrina nodded once to Abaddon and then dismissed him. She turned to Max and with a dazzling smile said.
“My, I didn’t know there were two strong young men
living here, I will have to come over more often.”
“H-h-hi. I’m Max.” Max stammered, his face a deep crimson.
“Nice to meet you Max, I’m Katrina. We have already met.” She said, turning in my lap to look at me from only inches away.
The slight shift of her body on my lap made my pulse race even faster. She absently picked at the food on my plate as I sat in awe of her.
“I bet you are wondering why I am here.” She said to me.
“Okay.” I managed to say.
She smiled knowingly at the reaction she caused and enjoying it.
“Dear Abaddon has told me that you needed a more in-depth and challenging lesson in the workings of Pack politics. I am your new teacher.” She said.
“I will be moving in, this place needs a woman’s touch.” She looked around with disapproval. “I will help you learn how to protect yourself from the different tactics those in the Pack will use against you. Some will be outright offensive, while others will use much more subtle ways.”
She took another piece of my food and brought it to her mouth, casually parting her lips and slipping a small piece of food into her mouth. I couldn’t help it. I stared like a fool.
“I will also be tutoring Max on becoming proficient in using a firearm, we Ascended cannot be killed by a bullet, but they hurt like hell and can be a good persuader.”
She reached over and ate some more of my food as she stared at Max, he sat there like a deer in headlights, his mouth hung open and I had an urge to throw something in there to see if he would notice. I was betting he wouldn’t, not as long as Katrina was here.
“Let this be my first lesson, Eric. Do not let the allures of something you can never have distract you from your endeavors, be it having your will known in the Pack or even eating a delicious dinner.” She brought another handful of food to her mouth and ate it, all the while staring directly at me.
She finished and licked her lips, shifting her weight in an excruciatingly pleasurable way she rose and walked to the door, grabbing her coat she left, leaving Max and myself staring at the closed door.
I shook my head, clearing it only to see Abaddon almost done with his food. Apparently, Katrina’s appearance didn’t have any effect on him.
Max smiled at me and started to eat. I decided to ask Abaddon more about her after dinner and went to start eating myself only to find that Katrina had eaten the whole thing. There was nothing left; she had even eaten the guacamole and other fixings.
My stomach growled as I looked over at the oven hoping there was more.
“There is no more food. Max you are not to give Eric any of yours either. Let the pangs of hunger drive home the lesson Katrina has taught you this night. Max, you are to meet me in the arena tonight. It is time we took the forms I taught you and see if you can use them.” Abaddon said.
Dawning understanding of what just happened flooded over me. She had tricked me! She had come in here as a distraction and ate all my food. I had been so stupefied by her allure that I had watched as she ate my dinner right in front of me.
I had no doubt later tonight when my hunger doubled I would be pissed at what she had done, but for now I hid a smile that threatened to split my face. She had taken my meal and left me hungry. My body still ached from the effects her actions caused and for now I felt that the trade off was totally worth it.
Chapter 19
The year moved on and the winter took control of the weather. I wasn’t as affected by the differing temperatures the change in seasons brought. My newfound abilities allowed me to handle the more extreme weather easily.
As the year progressed so did my fighting ability. Max also became more adept at defending himself as Abaddon began beating on each of us equally. Although when Max and Abaddon fought they used bamboo weapons so that Max wasn’t killed. His fights left him covered in bruises and I was at least slightly joyed at knowing someone else was sharing in my pain.
Katrina moved in like she said. She usually kept to herself and only came around when it was time for her lessons or to take Max to the range.
Her lessons were always confusing and enjoyable. She would wear revealing clothes or use kindness to cause me to drop my guard so that she could prove some point or take things from me that I would miss. Sometimes it was my music collection, other times it was my food money. Other times she would act aggressively and intimidate me. Each encounter came with a lesson in different manipulation techniques that I fell for every time.
Max always seemed frightened when she was near, as if he was scared to say or do anything that would make her notice him. His infatuation may have been kind of cute if it wasn’t so painfully obvious.
Max constantly badgered Abaddon about the Pack and being a werewolf, he also kept asking him about vampires and wanted to know everything. Abaddon answered most of Max’s questions but refused to talk about vampires, saying the less he knew the better.
My college classes were not to terribly challenging after the grueling punishment I had been getting from Abaddon and his swords.
I enjoyed my time in class, but found myself longing for the few times we would go to the woods.
Abaddon would take us camping every few weeks. He would have us make camp and practice different skills needed to survive in the wild. It was unnecessary, I felt, seeing as how I was a werewolf and could take care of myself. Abaddon thought it was necessary and so we did it.
It was during these times that Abaddon encouraged me to shift into Beast form. He and I would leave and go hunting together or just run freely through the woods, letting go of the restraints of the city. It was liberating and cleansing to feel the power of the Beast. At times we would also spar while in Beast form, but Abaddon feared for my control and didn’t allow it to go to far, afraid I would get too aggressive.
Max and Katrina would stay behind where they would practice shooting. Sometimes with pistols or rifles, other times with bow and arrow.
At first Max would hardly say a word, but over time his curiosity got the better of him and before long he and Katrina would have long conversations about everything from gas prices to the current theories on the origins of man.
It was early spring. The nights were cold, but the days began seeing warmer weather. The trees and bushes were showing the first signs of budding as they sensed the change in the sun’s position and prepared for summer.
“No more wood on the fire.” Abaddon said again.
Max loved making a fire and whenever we camped he always tried to load it up with wood, Abaddon always chided him.
Max sat back down and poked at the flames with a stick he had. Katrina stayed home this time; she said she needed some time away from all of the testosterone, whatever that meant.
I looked up and saw the moons fullness. I could feel the Beasts energy building as the moon reached its apex. I looked over to Abaddon and could see a slight gleam in his eyes. They flashed yellow for a second before resuming their normal shade.
“Come Eric, it is time.” Abaddon said as he stood up, he took off his shirt and pants, I did the same. It’s cheaper than buying new clothes all the time.
Max looked from me to Abaddon and pleaded,
“C’mon, let me go with you guys just this once. I want to watch you guys spare in Beast form.”
“One day, perhaps.” Abaddon said.
“Fine, but I’m going to burn all the wood while you’re gone.” Max said.
“What else is new?” I said.
“Whatever, you get to run around as an awesome werewolf while sit here and poke at the fire.” He complained.
“Look it’s not my fault, there’s union rules against someone as nerdy as you becoming a werewolf. We have an image to protect.” I said.
“I hope you choke on a hairball, shitbag.” He answered.
Abaddon turned and entered the tree line, I gave Max a big smile and he threw a stick at me as I turned and followed.
I followed Abaddon as he sped off into the wo
ods. I reached into myself and willed my body to change. Sweet pain swept through me as my limbs and torso grew and elongated. I assumed the form of the Beast and my senses expanded in conjunction with my power.
I saw Abaddon in front of me as he too underwent the shift. His form grew and his body became covered in lighter fur, not white, but more of a blonde shade.
His speed increased as his new shape allowed him greater agility. I raced to keep up.
I always loved this part. Abaddon would fly through the woods and I would take chase. At first, he would easily outpace me, but lately I had grown more and more confident in my skin and I could now keep up.
Abaddon made quick changes of direction, trying to shake me but this night I was having none of it. I pushed myself faster, willed my Beast to provide the needed power. As I dipped into the well of energy the Beast provided my thinking became more and more primal and less and less complex.
Run.
Turn.
Jump.
Faster, faster I went. Abaddons form slowly got larger as I gradually closed the distance between us.
I saw ahead of him and spotted a tree that had fallen into his path. My instincts screamed at me and I listened. Ten feet from the tree, I used the power of the Beast and leapt. My jump took me twenty feet into the air in a long and straight line. Abaddon took a second to prepare for the tree and it was this slight hesitation that I had anticipated. My leap brought me down onto Abaddon as he passed over the tree and we fell together in a tumble of limbs, teeth and claws.
He reached out as we rolled and brought his claws across my chest, leaving four deep gouges that stung. I drew my feet up and brought them between us and with a powerful kick, sent Abaddon into a nearby tree. The impact shook the leaves and pine needles fell around him as his body slid to the ground.
Abaddon wanted to teach me the more brutal and devastating hand to hand fighting. He was afraid of doing it around Max and used these times in the woods to train.
As he landed he came up in a crouch keeping me in front of him. I wasn’t there.
Gauntlet Rite of Ascension Page 12
