Chapter Thirteen

                                    

                                          
The training grounds were nothing like I expected. There was an obstacle course like you would see in a military training base, a track and a large clearing for physical combat. 
                          
Cabins for the recruits sat on either side to separate boys and girls with a mess hall at the back of it. A basketball court sat to one side of the hall and a volleyball court to the other. 
                          
"This is basically like a school. The recruits live here during the school year to train and go to school like normal pan kids." Jason explained as we pulled to a stop in the parking lot. 
                          
"Our recruits are really fun to be around but Dimitri is struck so y'all just stay out of the way and demonstrate like asked and Dimitri shouldn't lose his temper." Jason said as we climbed out of the truck and he took Ambers hand in his as Dimitri brushed past me. 
                          
"Alright recruits. Let's moves." Dimitri barked as he walked to the field, taking his hate off and placing it on a table. 
                          
"Don't take it personal Nat. He is just all business until the end of training. Come on though. Warm up is a thirty minute boarded run to the bridge and back. I know you are fast Nat so Dimitri has put up a challenge to the recruits. Which ever beats you gets a day off of training next week if he or she wants even though they won't take it cuz of how scary Dimitri is." Jason explained, leaving Amber and I in the tree line as he went further in. I shrugged and stripped, leaving my clothes under a bush with Ambers and shifting. 
                          
Amber and I stared at each other as we waited for Jason. I could hear the shifts of the recruits and eventually saw them heading towards us, Jason trotting behind them. Amber and I joined the front behind Dimitri as we walked to the board. 
                          
"Alright recruits. If each of you remembers the challenge it's today. I wish all of you the best of luck and remember the challenge takes place on the run back. Recruits. Move. Move. Move." Dimitri barked through the mind link. The recruits sprung forwards as Amber and I struggled to catch up without burning to much energy. 
                          
Dimitri ran at the head of the group, barking orders as we ran the fifteen minute journey to the bridge. Amber and I settled at the back, helping Jason snap at the heels of straggling recruits. I watched as each recruit finally ran to the bridge, touching the far side and turning around. 
                          
"Challenge starts now. Go go go. Nat. Don't let me down." Dimitri barked. 
                          
"Got it." I said, following the recruits lead then bolting. I ran hard, weaving through the scattered pack and snapping at them to make them move. I was in the top five in less than two minutes and only gaining speed. 
                          
I loved to run and always had. Where most shifters got tired I only gained my energy from the excitement of the run. My legs extended greater and greater with each stride as I covered more and more ground until I was right next to the lead recruit. I could tell he wasn't going to give up by how hard he fought to keep up with me. 
                          
"Damn there fast." I heard the second place recruit say as we left her farther and farther away in our dust. I had speed but he had length to his advantage as we ran. I could see the training grounds drawing nearer and nearer and gave it my all, finishing two lengths ahead of him. 
                          
Both of us stood there huffing and puffing with our tongue hanging out as we waited for the rest of the recruits. I was exhausted and out of breath as we stood there. 
                          
"Wow Nat. I've never seen you run that fast." Amber chirped as she ran up with Jason and Dimitri.
                          
"Yea. I knew you were fast but not that fast." Jason added. 
                          
"You did good Claud." Dimitri said, walking up to the recruit beside me. "You almost beat her. I'm impressed. Just push harder next time."
                          
"Yes sir." the recruit known as Claud said breathlessly. 
                          
"No. Everyone get shifted back and dressed. The real work begins in fifteen minutes." Dimitri barked as he walked away.