28. Faye

28

FAYE

I stretch languidly, relishing the feeling of my enhanced muscles as I wake. Even after a month, I'm still not used to the heightened sensations of my vrakken body. The sheets whisper against my skin as I roll out of bed, Cassius already gone.

My daily routine begins with a quick shower, the water cascading over my newly sensitive skin. I dress in the tight, dark clothing favored by the vrakken, marveling at how it seems to mold to my body.

Stepping out of our quarters, I make my way to the training grounds. The base is already buzzing with activity, other vrakken nodding in acknowledgment as I pass. I'm still getting used to the respect they show me as Cassius's mate.

At the training grounds, I meet with a group of newly Made vrakken. Their eyes are wide with a mix of fear and excitement as I demonstrate how to control their enhanced strength and speed. I can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for them, remembering my own disorientation when I first woke up as a vrakken.

"Remember," I say, my voice carrying easily across the field, "your instincts are your greatest asset. Trust them." I pause, watching as they absorb my words. "But also remember to temper those instincts with control. You're stronger now, faster. You need to learn your new limits."

I guide them through a series of exercises, correcting stances and offering encouragement. My hands move deftly, adjusting an elbow here, a foot placement there.

It's strange to think that just a month ago, I was in their shoes, fumbling through these same movements. Now, they come to me as naturally as breathing.

As I watch the newly Made struggle and improve, I can't help but marvel at how quickly things can change. From human to vrakken, from student to teacher, all in the blink of an eye.

After training, I head to the human settlement area. It's my job to help the newcomers adjust to life under vrakken protection. As I approach, I see a group of wide-eyed humans huddled together, their fear palpable.

"Welcome," I greet them, keeping my voice soft and non-threatening. "I know this is all very new and scary, but I promise you're safe here."

I spend the next few hours answering questions, arranging accommodations, and generally trying to put the humans at ease. It's a delicate balance, being both protector and potential predator.

As I finish up with the humans, I spot a familiar face across the courtyard. Evelyn waves enthusiastically. I can't help but smile as I make my way over to her.

"Hey there, wild child," Evelyn greets me with a grin. "How're the newbies settling in?"

I roll my eyes at the nickname. "They're scared, but they'll adjust. How was the hunt this morning? I'd heard there's a pack of likar moving through."

Evelyn's eyes light up. "Oh man, Faye, I saw some! And hunting them…it was so fun!"

We start walking together, our steps in sync. It's easy to fall into conversation with Evelyn. Despite our different backgrounds - she was a farm slave, I was a forest recluse - we've bonded over our shared experience of being newly Made.

"So, spill," Evelyn nudges me playfully. "Your mating ceremony is coming up. Are you excited?"

I feel a warmth spread through me at the mention of Cassius. Evelyn is already mated so I know she's been in my shoes before. "It's... intense. Good intense. But not what I expected, especially since Cassius is demanding everything be done right."

"I'll bet," Evelyn wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, making me laugh.

We reach the communal area where other vrakken are gathered. I notice a few giving us curious looks. There are still some people who don't like the newly Made vrakken, let alone two mated to powerful warriors.

"Ignore them," Evelyn mutters, sensing my discomfort. "They'll get used to us eventually."

As we grab seats, a group of older vrakken approach us. I tense slightly, but Evelyn squeezes my hand reassuringly.

"Ladies," one of them, a tall male with striking silver hair, addresses us. "We were hoping you might join us for some combat training later. Your... unique perspectives could be valuable."

I exchange a glance with Evelyn, seeing my own surprise mirrored in her eyes. "We'd be honored," I reply, trying to keep the shock out of my voice.

As the group moves away, Evelyn leans in close. "See? We're making progress already."

I nod, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friendship. In this strange new world, it's comforting to have someone who understands exactly what I'm going through.

"So," I say, changing the subject. "Want to go terrorize some dae in the forest later?"

Evelyn's answering grin is all the response I need.

As Evelyn and I chat, the atmosphere in the room suddenly shifts. I feel a familiar tingle down my spine, and I turn to see Cassius and Soren entering. My heart skips a beat at the sight of Cassius, his tall frame commanding attention as always.

"Pretty boy," I call out, unable to keep the smile from my face.

Cassius's dark eyes lock onto mine, a smirk playing at his lips. "Sweetheart," he responds, his deep voice sending a shiver through me.

The two men make their way over to us. Cassius slides into the seat next to me, his arm draping casually around my shoulders. Soren takes his place beside Evelyn, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"How was training?" I ask, leaning into Cassius's embrace.

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Soren's a tough taskmaster. I think he enjoys watching me suffer."

Soren snorts, his usual scowl softening slightly. "Someone's got to whip you back into shape, old man."

"Old man?" Cassius raises an eyebrow. "I could still take you down with one hand tied behind my back."

The banter continues, and I can't help but marvel at how far we've all come. Cassius and Soren, once wary of each other, now work together seamlessly. And here we are, two former humans and two ancient vrakken, laughing and joking like old friends.

Evelyn catches my eye, a knowing grin on her face. She understands the wonder I'm feeling. We've both found a place we belong, against all odds.

As the conversation flows, I feel Cassius's lips brush against my temple. "How are you doing, sweetheart?" he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

I turn to face him, drinking in his features. "Better now that you're here," I reply honestly.

His eyes soften, and he leans in for a proper kiss. It's brief but filled with promise, making my toes curl.

When we break apart, I notice Evelyn and Soren sharing a similar moment. It's strange to think that not too long ago, we were all strangers, each fighting our own battles. Now, we're a team, a family of sorts.

The conversation picks up again, ranging from base operations to hunting strategies. I listen, occasionally chiming in, but mostly I'm content to bask in the warmth of Cassius's presence and the easy camaraderie of our little group.

I lean back in my seat, Cassius's arm a comforting weight around my shoulders. As the conversation flows around me, I can't help but marvel at how much my life has changed in such a short time.

Just months ago, I was alone in the forest, surviving day by day, haunted by my past and afraid of my future. Now, I'm surrounded by friends, about to be mated to an incredible man, and part of something bigger than myself.

"Hey, Faye," Evelyn's voice breaks through my reverie. "You still with us, wild child?"

I blink, focusing on her grinning face. "Sorry, just got lost in thought for a moment."

"Careful," Soren quips, his usual scowl softened by a hint of amusement. "Thinking too hard might strain something."

I roll my eyes at him. "Says the man who looks like he's perpetually solving complex equations."

Cassius chuckles beside me, the sound vibrating through his chest. "She's got you there, my friend."

Soren's scowl deepens, but there's no real heat behind it. "At least I don't look like I'm constantly surprised by my own existence."

"Hey!" Cassius protests, but he's laughing too.

As the banter continues, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest that has nothing to do with my new vrakken abilities. This easy camaraderie, the feeling of belonging - it's something I never thought I'd have.

Evelyn catches my eye and winks, as if she knows exactly what I'm thinking. She probably does. We've bonded over our shared experiences, both as former humans and as mates to powerful vrakken.

"So, Faye," Evelyn says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I hear the guys have been talking about trying to take us on. I think we need to remind them that we can kick his ass."

I smirk, glancing at Cassius. "You need the reminder, pretty boy?"

"I'd love to see you try, sweetheart," Cassius murmurs in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

The conversation shifts again, but I'm only half listening. I'm too caught up in the realization of how lucky I am. From solitary hunter to part of this makeshift family, I've found a place where I truly belong.

As I look around at these people - my mate, my friends, my new family - I can't help but smile. This is home now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.