The Wannabe Warrior

Chapter 5

Madison POV

After Alpha announced that I was to go as a tracker, my dad was really angry.

He was so angry that he even tried to argue with the Alpha, but the Alpha had already promised the King that I would be attending. Dad spent more time with me that night, just talking about Mum and our childhood days. The four of us, sitting in the lounge room, enjoying pizza and just talking, that was until he said, that the reason he did not want me to go was because he feared he would lose the only other woman in his life that he loved dearly. I sobbed at that and hugged my dad. I told him to find a second chance mate, but he sadly said that no one could replace his mate and he did not want to try looking for one. I argued about how the Alpha found one and was happy, but he was not ready to let Mum go. I could understand that, I could not let Mum go either.

Alpha, the next morning at training, announced that the list was already made, and we would leave the next day for the palace as he needed me there as soon as possible. We all cheered for those who got picked and headed off to pack our things.

Dad helped me pack and complained he would miss his twin’s 18th birthday; mine and my brother Graham’s birthday was the day before we would arrive at the palace. He gave me a locket. When I opened it up, it had Mum and Dad’s picture on the left and all five of us on the right, it was so cute. I loved it. I gave Dad a huge hug and kissed his cheek for his thoughtful present.

That night, we attended a small party at the pack-house. It was to send us all off and offer us good hunting and to come back in one piece and also to celebrate the twin’s 18th birthday. It was sweet that Luna thought of throwing us a birthday into the mix. I would have been happy for it to be forgotten, but my dear Luna would not hear of it, so I laughed and partied till midnight, then headed home to sleep.

The next morning, I rose early, so excited to be on our way. I had never traveled so far from home before. It would take four days to drive non-stop night and day. We would only stop for meals and toilet breaks. The warriors would take turns. Every few hours, the drivers would swap over, so no driver drove for more than two hours.

Dad insisted we have lots of snacks packed and insisted I take all the bars I had made with me, so I loaded my backpack with all the homemade energy bars I had baked. They were a hit with the other warriors when I had gone out on patrol with them. Graham was so casual about it all, he did not look excited at all, but I was glad he was part of the team. Having my twins with me made me feel like I was taking part of my home with me.

We all boarded the bus. Dad and my older brother Jamie and his mate were there to see us off and wave goodbye and good luck and to come home safe and sound. I think I saw Dad have a tear run down his face when I turned to wave him goodbye one last time. I got choked up and almost broke down at the sight. My brother hugged me close until we were out of the pack grounds, Being the only girl, I got allocated a seat at the back. I thought it was the easiest way to keep me out of trouble and be last off the bus, so the guys could check out the area before I got off. I thought maybe my dad had a hand in that decision. Then the fun on the bus started. One guy pulled out his guitar and another a mouth organ and songs and ditties were sung, others pulled out game boards, chest and checkers, and a few decks of cards too. The atmosphere on the bus was jolly. You would not guess we were headed to join a fight.

Dinner was late, it was already dark when we pulled up in a small town. The local Italian restaurant was where we headed, and we only just found enough seats for us all, but the food was amazing and worth the stop. I could still taste the garlic bread and lasagna I had eaten, my tummy feeling full, and even though I doubted I would sleep on the bus, we had barely taken off, and with a full tummy and the soft hum of the wheels and the smooth motion of the bus I was soon fast asleep.