The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 25 - Scarlett

After dinner, Julien escorted Lacey up to her room and stopped at her door. “Lacey, I just wanted you to know that I will do as you asked.” Julien let out a deep breath. This was hard for him. “I will speak with Scarlett.”

Lacey nodded. "Thank you."

“So, you agree to start planning the wedding then?” Julien searched her eyes, seeking the truth.

Lacey nodded as a slight blush colored her cheeks, looking into his eyes. “Yes, of course.”

"Come here." His lips descended upon hers and he laced his fingers through her hair behind her head, pulling her closer... and his wolf wanted more, having already claimed her as his. When Julien released her a moment mater, breathless, he whispered. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Lacey nodded, but said nothing.

As he walked away down the hallway, Julien wondered if Lacey felt it, too.

Julien wasted no time. He needed to talk to Scarlett, and he had to do it now. It couldn't wait. He went to her bedroom and she wasn't there. So, he headed down the stairs and met Brock. "Have you seen Scarlett?"

Brock smirked. "Don't you mean Lacey?"

Julien narrowed his eyes. "No. I'm looking for Scarlett. Have you seen her?"

He nodded as a broad smile spread across his face. "She went hunting... after she left the dining room."

Julien nodded. "Thank you."

He hurried down the five flights of stairs, opened the front door, when Scarlett walked up the outside stairs. She looked up and glared at him. "What do you want?"

Julien raised an eyebrow. "Last time I checked, I am still your Alpha."

"Yes, sir." She rolled her eyes. "May I go now?"

Julien shook his head. "No. Actually, I'd like a word. Walk with me." He headed down the few stairs to the soft, grass and walked purposefully to the practice ring where his warriors trained, expecting her to follow. He wanted to go some place they wouldn’t be disturbed so they could talk... alone.

"So, Julien," Scarlett began, dressed in jeans, a shirt, a long leather jacket, and boots. She smirked. "What's this about, or should I guess?"

"I want you to start treating Lacey with respect,” Julien ordered. “Leave her alone. She’s mine.”

Scar looked at him and then burst out laughing. "She will never have my respect."

Julien took a step closer, looking down at her. "Do not trifle with me... or with her. She is to be my mate and the Alpha Queen, and you will respect her as such."

"Why?" Scarlett stalked around him, giving him a wide berth. "What has she done to earn my respect?"

Julien's eyes flared. "She is a warrior."

"Says who?"

"Me!" his voice bellowed. "The day I met her and fought alongside her, I saw the warrior that she was. She was outnumbered, nine to one, and she still held her ground." He sighed at the memory. "I fully expected her to run when I got there and leave me to face them alone, but she didn't. She stayed and fought alongside me, giving it everything she had, until until every wolf was defeated." Julien stepped closer, nose to nose. "Trust me when I tell you, she comes from a long line of shifters and she is of royal blood. Not only that, but she is a warrior in her own right." Julien paced, running his fingers through his hair, taking a moment to think. "Scar, with anyone else, I would just give the order with no explanation and leave it at that." He took a step closer, his voice softening. "But we've been through too much together for me to give you that order. But if I have to, I will. Right now, I’m asking you as a friend. " He let out a deep breath. "Treat Lacey with respect and learn how to get along with her, or you will find yourself without a pack."

Scarlett's head snapped up. "You wouldn't dare!" She took a step closer. "After all we've been through? I was the one who helped you when Shana left!" She turned around, gathering her thoughts.

Julien sighed. If there was one thing his heart couldn't stand, it was a woman crying. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Please... for me... try to get along with her," he whispered into her hair.

Scarlett turned around in his arms and placed a hand on his cheek, looking into his eyes. "Don't I mean anything to you?"

"Yes, you do... but I have to put my mate first." It was the first time that he had acknowledged Lacey as his true mate and not his future mate. "Please, Scarlett. I don’t want this to go badly between you and me." He straightened his shoulders, taking her hand down from his face. "But if it comes down between you and her, she will win." He turned and walked toward the castle.

"Julien, wait!" Scarlett said, causing him to turn. "I love you!" She took a step closer. "Choose me! I'm begging you to choose me as your mate instead of her."

Julien walked back to her. "I love you, Scarlett, but not that way. I love you as a friend. Please... don't make this any harder than it has to be."

Then he walked purposefully into the castle, and this time, Scarlett didn't stop him.