The Triplet Alphas's Christmas Gift

Chapter 14 - Training with a tag along

Teira's POV

Tyler jumped out of the SUV as Whitley walked over. She swayed her hips, trying to show off the pink booty shorts she was wearing. "What're you doing here, Whitley?" he growled. She faltered as Ryan and Matt got out as well, standing to either side of Tyler in front of the SUV.

"Hi Ty-Ty, I figured I'd come down and train with you guys today. You know, learn to defend myself? As the future Luna, I'll need to know how to protect myself and the pack." she said sweetly, trying to wrap her arms around his bicep.

Tyler side-stepped her attempt, causing her to grab air but she caught herself before she face-planted into the pavement, "I don't know where you got the idea that you'll be our future Luna, but the training's closed today. Warriors and family members only. Leave." he growled.

She stomped her foot for a second before turning her sweet act on Ryan, I tried not to laugh. It was so obvious how fake she was. "Ryan, are you gonna let him talk to me that way? Your Mom told me it would be a good idea to come and train with you guys today. Why can't I join you?" she whined. Ryan stiffened, and Matt growled, "I don't care what Mom told you. We are the ones who run the training. And we say who can join and who can't. You are not a warrior or a family member of either them or us. All you want to do is flirt and try to show yourself off. How will that help against an enemy attack? You heard Tyler leave. Now."

Whitley looked at Ryan pitifully, but he stood stern, and she stomped her foot and screamed, "The Luna will hear about this!" Then she turned around and stomped away, grabbing her gym bag that had been lying by the door.

They waited for fifteen minutes before Tyler turned and opened the door for me, "She's gone, princess, you're safe." he said, gently helping me out. I looked around, unsure if I should trust him, but I couldn't see or smell her, so maybe she was gone.

I held Tyler's hand as I got out, and he started to lead me towards the gym when Ryan stopped us, "Ty, why don't you go inside and start the training. Matt, make sure Kyle's here with her workout clothes. I'll keep her safe." he said, and Tyler pouted but nodded and let go of me reluctantly, "See you inside, princess." he said, and Matt gave me a hug, which I stiffened awkwardly before he quickly pulled away.

When they both walked in, Ryan looked at me gently. "I wanted to apologize for what happened at lunch," he said quietly. I looked down, I was still a bit ashamed at what happened. "I really don't want to talk about it, Ryan. You embarrassed me, I already know I'm a loser. I don't need to feel like a charity case, too! I don't need handouts." I said hotly, turning away to head inside.

He grabbed my arm gently and pulled me back to his chest, holding me tightly in his arms but not tight enough to hurt. "Teira, we already talked about you calling yourself a loser. Don't make me repeat myself. And we would never treat you like a charity case. You are our best friend's sister and a friend to us as well. If you need something, then we'll provide it. We don't mind. They aren't handouts. It's helping a friend." he said sternly, holding my face in his hands so I would look him in the eyes.

I snorted, "Did you guys not think that my parents would get suspicious if I kept coming home with new stuff? They'll think I'm stealing from them or that Kyle's buying me things with the money they give him! It'll just cause another punishment!" I said, panicking a bit. I couldn't help it, I hated the beatings in the basement. Dad would chain me in silver against the wall and use various instruments to create bruises. It was always dark, so I could never see what he used, but it hurt like h*ll when he beat me with it. I had to make sure I stayed awake. Otherwise, it would extend my time down there if I passed out.

He never went deep enough to leave scars, but he did break bones sometimes, and I would have to reset my own bone before getting up and going back to doing chores. I tried not to show Kyle the bruises, but he always knew when a bone had broken because I couldn't hide the limp. The last time it happened, it took me thirty minutes to calm him down so he wouldn't try to challenge Dad over my treatment.

Ryan hugged me gently, "You don't have to take the stuff home. You can put it in your locker at school or leave it in the SUV, and we'll bring it with us. Or give it to Kyle, and he'll keep it for you. We'll figure it out, but you have to trust us. Angel, you aren't alone in this. Let us help you." he pleaded, wiping the stray tears from my cheeks.

I sighed, "It's not that easy, I'm used to handling it on my own." I said hesitantly. He nodded and kissed my forehead, "Then I guess we'll have to try harder to earn your trust. Let's head inside so we can get started on your training." he said, grabbing my hand and tugging me inside before I could protest.

The inside of the gym was basically like any high school gym, with a tile floor and white concrete walls. Most of the warriors were men, with a few exceptional women scattered throughout. Kyle was standing by the back wall, watching the training with a bored expression as Matt and Tyler circled the gym, calling out tips and adjusting fighting stances. When Kyle saw us come in, he smiled and walked towards us carrying a black canvas bag. "Hey Tei, here's your workout clothes. Go ahead and change, and we can spar a bit," he said, handing me the bag.

I looked at him, a bit confused; I didn't have workout clothes. Mom and Dad only ever bought clothes for Kyle to train in, and he was a bit bigger than me so they wouldn't fit. He smiled, "Don't worry, I bought some clothes for you earlier. I know your size, so it's not that big of a deal. Now go change." he ordered. "Yes, sir!" I said sassily, saluting him while smirking.

Kyle laughed and rolled his eyes, swatting at me as I giggled and dodged, scurrying into the locker room with a squeal. I grabbed an empty locker and changed into the tank top and workout shorts. I was thankful he didn't buy me a sports bra. That would've been weird.

I glanced in the mirror to make sure there weren't any bruises showing through or my shirt hadn't ridden up. I hadn't gotten a beating from Dad in a while, and the bruises from yesterday had already begun to fade to where they were barely noticeable. I put my tennis shoes on; they were old and dirty, but they were still functional. I placed the bag in the locker and closed the door before heading out to meet Kyle.

He was standing on the mats a bit away from the other warriors, I put my brown curls into a high ponytail and walked over. He smiled, "Good, they fit. Alright, Tei, let's show them what you've got." he said as he crouched into a fighting stance.

I crouched down, too, mimicking what he had shown me months ago. Kyle launched himself at me, and I side-stepped him quickly, but he spun and stuck his leg out, tripping me. I stumbled but caught myself, turning and ducking just in time to avoid a punch thrown at my head. Kyle and I worked through the moves he had taught me for a bit before he managed to get behind me after tripping me again and putting me in a tight headlock.

"Yield!" he growled, and I thrashed, trying to reach my hand behind his head and grab his nose like he taught me. He saw me going for it and leaned back, causing a bit of strain on my neck, and I winced. "Yield, Tei," he said, and I tapped on his arm twice, causing him to release me. I gasped and rubbed my throat a bit but smiled, "I need to work on my strength." I panted, and he chuckled, breathing hard as well.

"You did rather well. Your speed works against his strength. You just need to learn ways to keep him from catching you. As well as a good way to get out of his hold if he does catch you." Matt said as he walked over. Ryan was circling the mats with Tyler, but both were stealing glances this way.

I c****d my head to the side, "Kyle taught me a few techniques to evade attacks, but we haven't really worked on escaping too much due to needing to practice without the parents around." I said, and Kyle nodded, "They don't let us be alone normally. And we can't stay outside too late due to school and other commitments." he explained.

Matt thought for a moment, then looked up with a bit of a smile on his face. "I have an idea, but I'll have to talk it over with my brothers first. Right now, work on a few of these moves for escaping, then go get changed, we've gotta get you home soon so you can cook dinner," he said calmly. I tensed a bit. What idea did he have? Was it going to get me into more trouble?

Kyle shrugged and nodded, getting back into a fighting stance, and I copied him, trying not to let what Matt said bother me.

I just hoped that his idea would work...