The next morning Lycia called a pack meeting with everyone gathered in the living room. Regina sat on the couch next to Ruby and Cara nestled in her lap. She was feeling a bit more rested after her whole ordeal with the strange magic, but she was still a little tired and really wanted to go take another nap.
"Now." Lycia began, standing in front of the fireplace so everyone could see her. "In Storybrooke, we have found a way to return to the Enchanted Forest, the place of our ancestors. The Alpha wolves are returning to their old homelands, told to us by Tala herself."
"Are we going there?" Anita interrupted.
"That's what this meeting is for." Lycia replied. "I want to go, but it is up to all of you. Our lands are a brutal and dangerous environment, the likes of which none of you have ever seen. Except for those born there of course. If you don't want to go, then we won't, but it is your decision."
"We're strong, Mom." Bron voiced. "We can survive. We're a pack."
"I know." Lycia smiled proudly. "I know. But none of you have shifted yet and I won't even consider taking you there before you have, before you're ready. You have to be trained, to hunt and fight as wolves, as people, in any situation. It won't be easy. That, I can assure you."
"Why is this a discussion?" Natasha stood up and walked forward. "We are the children of the Evil Queen, a Wolf Queen, Red Riding Hood, and a Wolf Prince. We are Children of the Moon. Why would we run from a challenge, an adventure? I don't know about anyone else, but I'm in."
"Me too." Anita said firmly.
The other children quickly voiced their agreement and the she-wolf couldn't have been more proud of her pack. She looked at Seth.
"You know we're with you, Mom." Seth said, leaning against the wall with his arm around Scarlett. She nodded too.
"Where Regina goes, I go." said Ruby, smiling at her friend. "And of course Quinn agrees." She glanced over at him and he only grinned, nodding as well.
"That's it then, Lycia." Regina said. "We're with you."
Lycia nodded. "For the kids, I don't think they'll begin training until they've shifted. As for us, those old enough and strong enough, training begins tomorrow at the crack of dawn. Be prepared because this will not be easy. Tala shall serve as leader for the training and you all will get a taste of what growing up as an Alpha is really like."
After the meeting, Regina went back up to her room and laid back down.
"Are you alright, Regina?" Tala asked as she passed the door, pausing in the doorway.
"I'm alright." Regina replied, rolling to face the door. "Just a little tired."
"May I ask you something?" Tala asked. "It will only take a moment. I believe I may know what happened to you."
"Really?" Regina sat up. "What was it?" Tala waited at the door with a raised eyebrow and Regina sighed. "Come in, come in. All these stupid rules." Technically, Tala wasn't allowed to enter the alpha's den unless she had permission from the alphas. She was clearly trying to respect Lycia's rule, despite how much it went against everything she'd been taught. "What do you know?"
Tala came to sit on the edge of the bed. "Well, the power you experienced might've been something called the Sight. A very ancient power that very few Alphas have ever possessed."
"The Sight?" Regina repeated. "What does it do?"
"It lets you see through the eyes of other animals. That's the legend anyway. The last report of it was thousands of years before I was born. So I'm afraid I can't tell you much."
"Thank you for this much. See through the eyes of other animals huh? Sounds interesting."
"Indeed. It could instrumental for battles and espionage. You know, look at a battle from the birds above. Or spy on someone through the eyes of a fly."
"Be a fly on the wall." Regina grinned.
"Exactly." Tala smiled. "I should let you get some rest."
"Thank you again, Tala." Regina gently touched her knee and smiled. "I appreciate it."
"You are more than welcome. I hope you feel better."
"I will, I'm just tired." Regina sighed.
"It may not be my place to say this, Regina, but Lycia is a very lucky woman to have you as a mate." Her eyes suddenly darkened. "And I promise I'll find the bastards who dared to attack you and make them and their entire pack pay. You have my word."
"Then give me your word that I get to get in a few swings before you kill them."
Tala smiled. "As you wish. I would like to gain your trust, Regina. You've proven yourself more than worthy of following."
"I do trust you, Tala. You helped fight off Dal and his wolves. I appreciate your help. I think I'm gonna appreciate you even more during training tomorrow because I'm sure it's gonna be hell."
Tala grinned. "You have no idea." They both jumped at the sound of someone clearing their throat and looked up at Lycia standing in the doorway. Regina quickly pulled her hand back and Tala stood up. "Rest well, Regina." Tala said before leaving the room.
Lycia watched her leave before stepping forward and closing the door behind her. She narrowed her eyes at her mate and climbed onto the bed, prying apart Regina's legs so she could rest between them and looked into Regina's eyes.
"Before you get upset-" Regina began, but was cut off as Lycia slammed their lips together hard enough to bruise. She leaned back and watched a dazed Regina try to catch her breath.
"I'm sorry." Lycia said softly.
"For what?" Regina asked.
"I don't like the fact that you feel you need to explain yourself simply because you spoke to another woman or man. I want you to know I trust you. And despite everything, I do trust Tala. I know that she might have a thing for you, but she will also protect you and that is my only desire. However, there will be times I cannot...control myself when it comes to you. I can't lose you. You are everything to me and considering this is my first time Bonding, I don't want to let you down because of my inexperience."
Regina purred as she laughed and kissed her mate's forehead. She rolled them over so that she was on top and pinned Lycia's hands above her head. "I know this is your first time, which is why I love that you and I are going on this little adventure together. You won't let me down, because I know you won't. You are the perfect woman for me, Lycia and I can assure you that I will never want anyone else. I am yours, now and forever. And I don't mind if you get a little possessive." She grinned and kissed Lycia's nose. "It's kind of a turn on."
"Oh yeah?" Lycia asked with a smirk, leaning up for a kiss.
"Yep...but I am still quite exhausted. So rain check?"
Lycia sighed dramatically. "Fine." She slid out from under Regina. "Now get some sleep, Beautiful One."
Regina smiled as Lycia tucked her in and kissed her forehead. She left the room after cutting off the lights and Regina quickly fell back asleep. She didn't even awake until she felt her mate come to the bed for the night and quickly pull her into her arms. There were 7 little dips in the bed as their children curled up with them. The queen sighed peacefully, surrounded by her pack.
The next morning, the senior members of the pack were up at first light and the first round of sparring began. Tala was wearing a black sports bra and tight athletic shorts, standing on the top of a small hill. She motioned to Lycia to step forward. The others were wearing similar sports attire, except for the men of course, who only wore pants. "Welcome to Alpha training 101, ladies and gentlemen." Tala smirked. "I'm gonna let you guys know already that this will not be a walk in the park. Alphas are trained from birth to hunt, to fight, to protect and defend their territory, and all it contains. Most of you are little late for all that, but I'm sure I can whip you all into shape. Is there anything that the alphas of the pack would like to say before we begin?"
"Can we start already?" Regina asked.
Tala grinned. "Enthusiastic. I like it. Are you feeling better today, your majesty?"
"Yes."
"Then if you don't mind...step forward. I can use you as demonstration."
Regina gladly stepped forward and turned to face the others. Tala walked around her slowly with her hands behind her back. "What are the Alpha rules of combat?"
"Protect your neck. Defend your stomach. Don't go down." Regina recited from her talks with Lycia. She received a little nod from Lycia and smiled.
"Very good." Tala said. "All wolves, feral, domesticated or otherwise, know that once you go down and get pinned, you lose. Today is simply about picking out the strongest of us. Now, you may be thinking that we already know that. But considering the fact that Regina here defeated me, a 700 year old Alpha when she is only a decade, as well as Dal who was who knows how old. Today, she is going to be the one to beat. Scarlett, step forward. We're going to be fighting as humans for the morning. Wolves for the afternoon. And tonight, Seth will lead the hunt. Every day will be something different and I will test each of you in every area."
Regina's shoulders dropped instantly. Tala was going to fucking kill them on the first day. It was true that she wanted to learn, but was the brutal pace necessary when they had years to be taught? Scarlette hesitantly stepped forward.
"Alphas are confident, dear." Tala said, pausing to watch. "Even when they're not, they bluff. Walk with pride, for you are among the best in the world. Begin."
The spear came out of nowhere as Scarlett took Regina off her feet. The queen rolled them across the earth, sending the redhead as she got back to her feet. Scarlett landed back on her feet surprisingly and Regina barely ducked a kick to the face. Before Scarlett could put her foot down and regain her balance, Regina grabbed her other foot and tossed her into the air, landing a hard kick to her stomach. Scarlett landed hard on her back and Regina hesitated before leaping on top of her and pinning her to the ground.
"Hold." Tala commanded. Regina stood up and helped Scarlett back to her feet. "Short, sweet and to the point. I love it. Scarlett, nice tackle. Regina, good roll through. Scar, you can step down. Regina, one thing bothered me." She suddenly flipped Regina through where she landed heavily on her stomach, nearly knocking the wind out of her. Lycia growled and Tala growled in reply before returning her attention to the queen. "Never hesitate. No other wolf will for you."
"So we have to kill the other wolf?" Seth asked.
"Of course not. But if it's your life or theirs, what are you gonna do?" Tala replied. "Up, Regina. Quinn, step forward."
"She just went." Lycia growled as Regina got groggily back to her feet. "She just recovered from Dal. Cut her some slack."
Tala rolled her eyes and looked at Regina. "Are you okay to continue?"
Regina wiped her lip with the back of her hand. "Yes." She said with determination. She was the person to beat, so she wasn't going to give up.
"She's good to go. Quinn, hop to it."
Quinn proved twice as difficult to beat. He was far stronger and more experienced and she was sure she only succeeded by sheer luck. She was nearly exhausted by the time Ruby stepped forward. This time, it was the length that nearly did her in. She and Ruby knew each other too well and she could hardly stand by the time Tala called Hold. Ruby was still on her feet and out of breath herself.
"Can you continue, Regina?" Tala asked.
Regina put her hands on her knees, panting heavily. She was exhausted and bruised, but she didn't want to give up. She felt worry streaming through the Bond and growled, straightened up and raised her fists. Tala nodded with a smirk and the fight began anew, but she wasn't able to hold onto her title. Ruby won and she was forced to step down as Seth took her place.
"Are you alright?" Lycia asked with concern.
"No." Regina hissed. "I lost." She put her hands on her hips and took deep breaths out of her nose. "I might need to go work out with Seth some more."
"You don't need to overwork yourself." Lycia said.
"Yeah I do. This is fucking training. Imagine what's it's gonna be like when we go to the other world and this is real. I wanna take this seriously. Especially if I need to protect the kids." Regina sighed as her breathing was brought back into equilibrium.
"Regina-"
"Lycia. You're next." Tala commanded.
Lycia sighed and walked forward. "Who am I sparring with it?"
"Me. Once one of us concedes, then everyone can take a break for an hour. There is a small lesson I think you should learn." Tala answered.
Regina sat down on the grass as the fight began. Under normal circumstances she'd have been excited and horny watching her mate fight, but she didn't have the strength or energy. Lycia and Tala were evenly matched, trading and blocking blows that would have broken the bones of a normal person. Tala was pushing them hard. Because she knew it would be twice as hard in the Alpha lands. Training had barely commenced and all Regina could think about at this point was sitting in a tub of ice. She was already aching beyond relief and about to fall asleep when she heard the sound of a loud thud. Her mate was on the ground. Tala stood over with her foot on her chest.
"You need to practice more, Cousin." Tala smirked.
"I am aware. Now let me up." Lycia hissed. She accepted Tala's extended hand and her cousin yanked her back to her feet.
"But that wasn't the lesson I wanted you to learn." Tala nodded to Regina. "In fact, Regina, Scarlett, Ruby, step forward. The rest of you, turn to face your mates." The others obeyed and Regina smirked slightly at Lycia. She rolled her eyes and licked her tongue in reply. Tala walked down the line between them. "For an Alpha, your mate is everything. They are your heart, your soul, your best friend, your worst enemy. Protecting them is almost second nature. But there is something that I wanted the pure blooded of us to understand." She paused next to Regina and looked at Lycia. "There will be times when you cannot protect your mate. There will be times of jealousy when you see her talk to someone else. But look at all three of these women. They're going to get hit on. They're going to be desired. And you're all going to have deal with it. Not only that, but when you go into battle, you're going to have fight with your mate. Fight with them, not protect them. Your mate should stand at your side, not behind you."
"Why are you looking at me?" Lycia growled.
Tala rolled her eyes and touched Regina's shoulder. "Regina is the Evil Queen, has fought many times, can catch arrows with her bare hands, defeated a 700 year old werewolf and defeated Dal. Do you really think she needs you to protect her every second of every day?" She walked on to Ruby and touched her shoulder. "Ruby has fought in two wars, lead troops into battle and won each and every battle." She moved on to Scarlett. "And Scarlett Red over here, clawed her way out of a monster's fucking stomach. You all are mated to strong individuals. They don't need protecting. They need you to be one. I know I said a break, but I just changed my mind. Lycia, Regina, pair up against Quinn and Ruby. Loser has to face Scarlett and Seth."
Regina exchanged looks with her mate. They'd been bonded the longest and were the oldest couple, but that meant nothing if they couldn't fight as one.
"Can you continue, Regina?" Tala asked.
"Don't coddle her." Lycia smirked.
"Yeah, she's the Evil Queen." Quinn added.
"Who's about to get her ass kicked." Ruby grinned.
"Let's go, Red." Regina got into a ready stance. Tala seemed surprised at their banter, but pleasantly so. She gave the signal to begin and Regina and Ruby wasted no time in running at one another, both going for a tackle and slamming into each other. Ruby immediately flipped Regina onto her back and Regina twisted around, locking her legs around Ruby's head.
Quinn and Lycia were trading, ducking and blocking punches and kicks, but none were landing. "Regina, crossover." Lycia called. Regina gave a squeeze to Ruby and got up to race towards Lycia. Lycia stepped back and caught Regina as she leaped and locked her legs around Quinn's head. Lycia spun her hard and she flipped Quinn while landing on her feet. They shared a smile at one another before turning around and both received a throat chop from Ruby. Quinn legsweeped Lycia and slammed Regina on the ground for the win.
"That's embarrassing as hell." Tala smirked. "The Alphas of the pack getting defeated by the betas. Oh my gods. Congratulations Ruby and Quinn, your children and Granny are waiting inside with some food and water. Lycia, Regina, prepare to face Seth and Scarlett."
By the time the final round was over, Regina could barely walk. She and Lycia had been determined not to lose against the younger and fresher wolves, earning them a victory. Lycia ended up having to carry her inside and dropped her on the couch. The kids were quick to ask them about how training went and to bring them some food. Regina practically inhaled hers before limping outside towards one of the hammocks attached to two of the apple trees and nearly collapsed onto it.
"Tired?" Tala asked as she walked past.
"Exhausted."
"You did very well today. Better than I thought you would. You should be proud. Trust me, it won't always be so hard."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Regina retorted, rolling onto her back and looking at the silver haired she-wolf. "Did you lose your mate?"
"No, it's a bit more complicated than that. He yet lives." Tala crossed her arms and looked around at the orchard of trees. "It's difficult to explain."
"It's alright." Regina smiled softly. "I know how it can be when it comes to ex's."
Tala chuckled. "So I've seen. Now, rest, before this afternoon. You'll need it." She smirked and continued on her way.
Regina watched her leave, wondering just what the woman had endured. Regina herself had lead a hellish life, but there was no telling what a 700 year old werewolf had gone through. She sighed and closed her eyes, only to feel the hammock dip as Ruby climbed into it and snuggled up close to her. She smirked and closed her eyes again for a quick nap.
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Seth walked over to his mate, sitting on the training hill, with some food and some water bottles. "Hey, you alright?" Scarlett simply nodded, but he could tell something was up. "What is it? Come on, don't lie to me, woman." He sat down and opened the container of food that Granny had packed for them.
"I think...we should wait...to have children." Scarlett said slowly and uncertainly.
"Why?" He asked emotionlessly.
"Don't get mad."
"I'm not mad."
"You are!" Scarlett sighed and drank some water. "I mean, your parents are waiting to go to the Enchanted Forest because of your little brothers and sisters. They want them to be of age and strong enough to hunt and defend themselves. If we have children now, we'll have to wait even longer."
He saw the reason behind her words, but he still didn't like them. "You're my mate, I want us to have a family." He said, looking up at her.
"I do too. I want to have your children, as many as possible. But I just think we should wait until we've gone to the Forest, established a good territory, gotten situated…I just think it's for the best."
"And if I don't want to do this?" He asked, smirking slightly.
"Then I'd like to see exactly what you'll be having babies with if I cut you off. Don't think I won't." She smiled.
"Fine, I will agree to this if we get married as soon as possible."
"If? As if you had a choice. But I do agree to the marriage thing. As soon as possible. Now come here." She let out a as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her.
"First, we have to survive the training though."
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"Hold!" Tala roared. They were in wolf form and in the middle of afternoon training. The kids were sitting on the deck, watching while they trained. Scarlett was currently pinned beneath Lycia. "This is the perfect position for a belly rake. Scarlett, make sure your claws are sheathed and kick out with your back legs as hard as you can." Scarlett gave a small nod. Regina could see her muscles bunching up before she lashed out with a kick that threw Lycia off of her. "A kick like that with claws unsheathed would've ripped open Lycia's stomach, or at the least given Scarlett enough time to regroup or get away. If you're pinned down, it's a quick way to get back in control. Lycia, get off and pin her again. I want this to be second nature. If it's just a spar or a real fucking fight, the first thing you should think is how to get in control and stay there. When you fight, you fight to win." Tala instructed. Lycia backed away and Scarlett got back to her feet. Lycia bowled her over a few times and each time Scarlett rolled with the attack and lashed with a kick to her stomach. "Very good. Scarlett, take a seat. Regina step forward."
Regina stood up and trotted forward to face her mate. Her muscles actually hurt after her nap, but she wasn't going to back down now.
"Stretch." Lycia commanded. "You may need to remember to do that in wolf and human form."
Regina did so and felt a little better. She gave Tala the all clear and waited for instructions.
"Next," said Tala. "Will be when you are caught in a death lock and how to get out of it. Now, the death lock is when you or your opponent has their teeth locked around the back of your neck. A very dangerous position. One of the easiest and quickest ways to kill a wolf. Lycia, will you demonstrate?"
Lycia grunted as she stepped forward and took Regina's scruff in her mouth, making sure not to hurt her mate but also keeping a firm hold on her.
"There are several ways to get out of this hold. The hold is usually used by alphas to force others into submission. Usually they shake their head back in forth. It's a similar technique to Regina's biting at the base of the tail. The concept is simple to get free, submit."
"What?" Regina asked.
"Or rather, play dead. Make your opponent think you've given up, then attack. It works when you've been pinned as well. Lycia begin." Tala commanded.
Lycia immediately started shaking her head violently and Regina let out a squeal of surprise, taken aback by the sheer strength in Lycia's neck alone to be able to fling her around like a ragdoll. So she did as Tala had instructed and went limp and closed her eyes. After a minute, Lycia stopped. "Regina?" She asked through a mouthful of fur. She started to worry when Regina gave no response. "Regina?!" Regina counted slowly to 10 in her head before rounding on her mate with everything she had. Lycia tried to leap backwards, but Regina leaped with her and landed on top of her, locking her teeth in one of her mate's shoulders, using a leap and hold technique that Tala had taught them earlier. Lycia twisted and rolled, but couldn't dislodge her.
"Very good." Tala praised after she'd finally let go and collapsed in the dirt. "I was starting to worry about you."
"Don't worry about me." Regina let out a wolfish grin and nuzzled her mate's neck. "Are you alright, baby?"
"Just wonderful. A little horny, but too tired to do anything about it." Lycia purred as she rose to her paws again.
"Alright, I know you're all exhausted again, but you have one hour before we go hunting. Seth, don't forget that you're leading. Do well and I might just give you a break tomorrow." Tala grinned and looked at Lycia. "Still think it was a good idea to put me in charge of the training?"
Lycia shrugged, leaning against Regina's shoulder. "A bit regretful, but I know it'll be worth it." She reached out to touch her cousin on the nose. "Thanks for this."
"I am but following the commands of my alphas." Tala purred, before stalking off again. Or she tried to anyway. She was set upon by the kids begging her to teach them something too. The she-wolf was clearly taken aback, but she softened after a moment and shifted back to teach them a few holds.
Regina growled with approval and went to lay down with the others beneath a tree to watch the kids and Tala.
"I don't know how to lead a hunt." Seth said after a minute. "Why was I chosen?"
"Because you should learn." Regina replied, licking her son's ear. Scarlett licked his other one and nuzzled his neck. "This isn't to test what you do know, it's to find out what you don't, so you can learn how to do it. Remember, we have plenty of time to learn how to do all this stuff, but one day you're going to be an alpha, with your own pack, with children to teach and lead. That's why you were chosen."
"We're going to help you, Seth." Ruby added. "I don't really see why you're worrying. Just think about what you know about us and fit us into the roles of the hunt."
Regina laid her head on her paws. "We're with you, Seth."
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When night came, the pack once again gathered together for the hunt. Tala watched silently as Seth gave his commands to the pack. He sounded a bit uncertain, but they were commands nonetheless and he swiftly lead the pack out into the forest with a confident air. She followed at a slow pace, staying just enough within range to clearly see the pack members move throughout the dark undergrowth. They move quickly and silently, efficiently under Seth's command. She was impressed with the young wolf's leadership so far. He was the son of Lycia after all.
They came upon the herd of caribou that Regina had magically inserted into the land. There were numerous herds of animals that she'd added so the pack could hunt. Tala sat down where she could observe and watched Scarlett and Regina take off directly into the middle of the herd, sending them into a frenzy. She growled at the stupidity of the act, but continued to watch as they split the herd in half. Seth and Ruby blocked off their escape. It was a sound theory, although not how she was used to hunting. She couldn't resist taking in the fearsome sight of Regina, teeth and growling, muscles flexing. Even hunting, she moved with grace and poise, decades of queendom being burned into her brain. She'd purposefully pushed the former queen extra and the woman hadn't backed down once. Lycia was a lucky wolf indeed. Speaking of whom, Lycia and Quinn brought in the muscle. Regina separated a few caribou from the rest and they were quickly brought down by the senior Alphas. Seth brought down another and the rest were let go.
Tala took that as her cue to approach. "What does a wolf hunt?" She asked, sitting down in front of the winded pack.
"Deer, elk…" Scarlett said uncertainly.
"Wolves hunt the old, the sick and weak, so that only the strong survive. So that there will be prey for future generations. Half of these caribou are perfectly healthy. You attacked too early. You should've waited and tested the weakness of the herd, picked off the ones you wanted. Sometimes wolves can tail a herd for days. Patience is a virtue." She turned her head, surveying them all before falling on Regina. "Running into the middle of a herd could get you killed, no matter how old or strong you are. One kick from those things could've cracked your skull. Then where would your mate be? It was a careless error that could've cost you your life." She looked at Seth. "Your tactics were well thought out. However, I would not send my inexperienced mate into the middle of a herd of beasts. Ruby should've been switched with Scarlett. Next time remember that. Other than that...a fine hunt." Seth perked up immediately and wagged his tail. "But you still have quite a bit to learn. Enjoy your meal. You've earned yourself a break tomorrow. However, once night comes, we're gonna do something more fun."
"Wait." Regina selected a strip of meat usually reserved for alphas and dropped it at Tala's feet. "You should eat too. Ordering us around must be a tiring job." She smirked.
"Yes it is, especially when you only seem to hear every other word." Tala countered, accepting the meat.
Regina chuckled and turned back to the prey. There was more than enough to sustain the whole pack for a few days. Lycia butted her shoulder lovingly as they dug in.
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"So...you want to have sex?" Regina asked as she walked back into the bedroom after her long shower, towel drying her hair. Lycia was stretched out on the bed, having already had her soak.
"Why would you ask that?!" Lycia said, looking up. "You know I am bone tired and can barely move."
Regina laughed. "I was just wondering."
"You were being a bitch." Lycia growled. "This training thing is not going to work out if I can't have sex with you. I'm not doing this."
Regina rolled her eyes and laid down. Her mate pulled her into her arms and kissed her forehead. "We have all day tomorrow...maybe we'll be rested enough by then."
"We better be." Lycia sighed as she snuggled up with her mate. "You know, Tala can be bitch but she's one hell of an instructor."
"She is. I wonder what fun thing we'll be doing tomorrow night."
"Worry tomorrow. Go to sleep." Lycia said, already half asleep herself.
Regina purred and decided to do the same.
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