The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 44 - Training With The Alpha

Julien was nearly to the practice ring as if nothing were amiss and began unpacking his things. Then he walked over and stood beside Lacey in the center of the ring. Scar walked out and stood on the other side of Julien as his Beta.

"Everyone, gather around," Julien instructed. "Since the attack the other day, the Alpha Queen and I have discussed tactics to better defend the castle and the pack. That said, we have decided that I will take over the training of the more experienced warriors, and the Alpha Queen will take over the training of the young wolves. The Beta will work with you on drills and strategies.” He looked around the pack. "Understood?"

There was a rumble of agreement.

Julien went on to explain how he and Lacey planned to train them, and how they planned to have them work together for the good of the pack. "So, no matter what event is transpiring that day, we will not be caught off guard again." Then he looked over at Lacey. "Alpha Queen, where would you like your men to practice?"

"If you want to take the practice ring, we'll take the south field," Lacey replied, and then added, "If that's okay."

Julien was pleased that she showed him respect in front of the pack. "Done. The Alpha Queen, the Beta, and I will also observe each other's groups and will offer suggestions. You will listen to us and will implement our instructions without question. Understood?"

There was another rumble of agreement.

Julien paced before the pack. "And if you follow our instructions, we will become the best and strongest, fiercest pack in the country." He looked each pack member in the eye. "Aye?" Julien asked.

"Aye!" they all shouted their agreement.

Then he motioned toward Lacey. "Alpha Queen?"

"Okay….” Lacey said, announcing the young warriors who would be working with her. "Everyone else will train with the Alpha and the Beta. Understood?"

"Aye!" the pack shouted.

"Let's go!" Lacey yelled and ran with her shifters toward the south field.

Julien watched with pride as she left.

Scar waited for her orders, standing with her hands behind her back. At that moment, Julien noticed that she had a black eye that was healing, even though she was a shifter.

"I’d like for you to run drills with one group while I train with another group," Julien said.

Scar nodded once. “Yes, sir.” Then she announced the names of some of the shifters. But before she started to jog off with them, Julien stopped her.

"Scarlett, a word alone," Julien said, his voice low.

She raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Alpha?"

"Where did you get the black eye?" Julien knew that she must have taken a beating for it not to be healed yet.

"I ran into a wall," she said. "Is that all, Alpha?"

Julien nodded. "For now." Then he turned to the pack. "Okay! First, we will run some drills!" Then he paired the advanced warriors into groups, in the first of what he was sure would be many practice sessions to come.

***

The day wore on and the pack continued to practice. Soon, it was getting late and his men were getting tired. "Okay. That's enough for today. Dismissed!" he said, and the wolf-shifters scattered, some heading for the forest to hunt, while some went inside the castle to prepare for dinner in their human forms.

Julien looked toward the south field and motioned toward Lacey to bring them in. Then he caught Scarlett’s eye and motioned toward her, too. She turned and spoke to her warriors and they all scattered, as well. Scar headed toward the practice field.

Lacey came jogging up, smiling. "So, how did it go?"

Julien smirked. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."

"Very well." She smiled, zipping up her practice gear and sliding it onto her shoulder. "The young warriors are working hard because they all want to work with you."

Julien laughed, slinging his practice gear over his shoulder and slipped an arm around her waist. "Good. I'm glad."

Scarlett quietly gathered her things and slid her practice bag over her shoulder.

“Scarlett, how did it go with your warriors?” Julien asked, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable. She had worked hard right along with Lacey and himself.

Scarlett shrugged. “They’re a bit out of practice, but they did well. It won’t take long to whip them into shape.”

He nodded once. “Good.”

Scarlett smiled at him but ignored Lacey. “I’ll see you later.”

Julien nodded once, watching her walk toward the castle. He wished that she and Lacey could get along.

"How did it go with you?" Lacey asked as they walked toward the castle.

Julien nodded. "Very well. Except they all kept saying 'Lacey doesn't do it like this' or 'the Alpha Queen taught us this'." Julien chuckled. "I can see that I've been shirking my duties with the training for far too long."

Lacey shrugged, smiling. "No, you've just had a lot on your plate."

Julien looked down at Lacey, a smile lighting his lips. "So, do you happen to know anything about Scarlett's black eye?" By the end of the day, it had healed completely.

Lacey's head snapped up, her eyebrows raising nearly into her hairline. "She still has a black eye?"

"Yup. This morning," Julien replied, raising an eyebrow. "Want to tell me about it?"

She shook her head, smiling. "Not really. Scar was popping off about how she fought so valiantly during the attack, and I asked her if she wanted to spar."

"Ah ha!" Julien chuckled. "I figured it was something like that. You know, it takes a lot to get over on Scarlett."

"Well, she started it."

"And you finished it, I see." Julien was far from mad, enjoying her discomfort a bit too much. "Ready for dinner?"

She nodded.

Julien smirked. "I thought we'd have a nice dinner alone tonight, just the two of us, if that's okay?"

She leaned her head against his shoulder, smiling as they walked into the castle. "Sounds good to me."

Julien's wolf practically jumped out of his chest with elation at being so close to his mate.. and Julien had to admit, a thrill ran through him, too.