34 Ch 34 Special Training (2/2)

Mac gave me a slight shove. The guys in the ring all got out, telling Mac they would finish their fight afterward.

The marine was whispering with his friends. Side bets were being made all over the place. Mac's comment insinuated I would beat the marine. I was an unknown to most of them. It looked like Mac was getting overwhelmed with the bets. Eddie and Derrick were whispering with Mac, figuring what they could cover if I lost.

As much as I wanted to offer to donate to cover bets, I kept my mouth shut. One rule was you didn't bet on yourself. That's what your entry fee was for. If anyone ever thought you threw a fight to make side money there would be hell to pay from these guys. They came to test their skills and didn't play around like that.

Things were finally settled and the marine stepped into the ring. He was slow compared with dad, and I danced my way around him, avoiding his attacks easily. He did manage to get me in one hold, and I made eye contact with Mac, grinning before I shifted enough to throw him off balance.

I went attack then in a way I usually reserved for the matches between dad and I. I'd watched the guys often enough, and had done some light workouts with Derrick at the house where he taught me some combat moves.

My ferociousness had the marine moving back. My spins had my blows coming in from unexpected directions. Growls escaped me but I kept my fangs and claws in. I could smell the nervousness increase from Mac. My fighting changed to wrestling moves.

The dominate wolf was content to pin his packmates. Like I'd told Sheep, there was a balance. I could fight like a wolf when I wrestled, and still respect my opponent as a man. The marine went down under my attacks. I let him go at a two count. I took him down again and again, circling, waiting for him to submit. I even managed to get a few more good blows into his midriff. After a fifteen minutes of him getting nowhere and me pinning him down just to release him, Mac finally called out to me.

\”Count it out and be done with it. It should be apparent to everyone already you ain't doin' nothin' but playing with him. I want you settled.\”

I looked at him, knowing how much the wolf part of me had come to the fore. I nodded.

The marine used that distraction to tackle me, trying to get in a few good punches. He didn't want to go home with the reputation of being my chew toy. With a snarl I spun, had him going over my shoulder. I smashed him down, using my own body to add momentum to his downward movement, landing with my knees in his kidney and lungs, knocking the breath out of him. For a moment I thought he was going to puke from my blow. I stood for a second before deliberately pinning him. At the count I stood, grinning at Mac, hoping my canines weren't showing too much.

Mac shook his head, begging me not to, but a victory like that needed celebrating. I threw back my head and howled, surprising most of the gathered men, but the few who had stood by Mac that night with Dad only laughed, calling out Little Wolf, and cheering me on.

I was feeling very much an alpha as I reached down and helped the marine to his feet. I kept myself from rubbing against him, which I really wanted to do.

As we got out of the ring I turned to Mac.

\”Now I'm just worked up. Wish Dad was here.\” I said laughingly.

\”Anyone else want to spent five minutes with him while we sort things out? Wear him out more? No bets.\” Mac hollered out, happy I was still human as he went around settling the side bets.

He actually had a few takers. I focused on staying mostly human, pointing out their weaknesses, where they were off balance, how to adjust. Finally one guy came in that I had never seen before. A glance at Mac made it obvious he had called the guy in.

The new guy was good, really good. I had to go all wolf brain, dancing around him. I had him down a few times, but wasn't able to pin him. He moved a lot like I did, working with my moves, able to break loose each time. He got in a few strikes, but not many considering the effort he was making. I enjoyed fighting with him.

Mac finally called a halt so the other fights could go on.

\”Hope you're wore out enough now,\” Mac teased me.

\”Enough,\” I grinned back at him.

\”Little Wolf, this is Jacob. What would you think about training with him?\”

I looked at Mac, trying to gauge the real offer here. I looked over at Jacob, taking in everything I could.

\”You know why I don't take you up on your other offer,\” I said slowly to Mac.

\”Yeah, this doesn't have anything to do with that. I owe Jacob one, promised him if I ever came across anyone worth him training I would let him know.\”

\”I would like too,\” I said carefully. \”Would I be able to tell him?\”

Mac looked thoughtfully at me before answering. \”I think in time it should be ok. My guys first though.\”

\”Deal,\” I said with a laugh.

Jacob just stood there. I wondered what he thought about our exchange.

\”If your willing,\” I said, \”I'd love to learn what I can from you. There are a few things about me, well, like Mac said, in time if that's ok with you.\”

Jacob nodded, evaluated me in turn.

\”You're good,\” he said, \”but undisciplined. What training have you had?\”

\”Just me and my dad working out, a little bit with Derrick, oh, and wrestling. Captain of my high school team and I got a partial scholarship from wrestling for college. I like wrestling,\” I said with a grin.

\”Mac, ok if I train him here?\”

\”Sure,\” Mac answered, \”you can use the second or third bedroom.\”

\”Ok if my dad sits in on occasion?\” I asked.

\”Trust me,\” Mac said to Jacob before he could say no, \”you'll want to meet his dad.\”

\”Wednesdays?\” Jacob asked.

My heart pounded. Wednesday was when I met Mahina during her break.

\”What time?\”

\”Eight.\” Jacob said without hesitation.

I grinned in relief. That was after break time and I would be able to work off my energy after being with her.

\”Sounds great,\” I said, liking the turns my life was taking.