The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 50 - Scarlett The Beta

The next morning, Julien woke early, eager to get to the practice field.

"Morning," Lacey said, rolling over in his bed, where she belonged. "Give me a minute and I'll get ready—"

"Absolutely not," Julien growled. "You stay in bed and let your leg heal."

A disappointed look colored her face, her pout looking so cute. "But what about my young warriors?"

Julien smirked. It wasn't lost on him that she had referred to them as her young warriors. Julien slid into his workout pants and fastened his belt buckle, and then slipped on a T-shirt and a hoodie. Even though it was October and getting cold out, it never affected him. "Don't worry. I'll get Scarlett or Raye to take over for them until you're feeling better."

"But I—" She started to get out of bed, but Julien stopped her.

"Nope! The only think I want you to do today is to rest." He bent down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "And don't get out of that bed."

“Yes, My alpha.” D*mn if that didn’t sound good on her lips. One corner of Lacey's pretty mouth curled into a smile. "Well, I'll have to get up to eat."

"No!" Julien rolled his eyes. "You really like pushing your luck, don't you?"

Lacey shrugged, smiling as she stretched out on the bed, completely naked under the sheet.

"I'll have room service brought up." Julien grabbed his practice bag and checked to make sure everything was there. "Take a shower and get dressed. I don't want anyone to see what's mine."

She giggled, rising from the bed, letting the sheet fall to the floor. "Yes, sir." Then she walked toward the shower, giving me one last look over her shoulder.

Julien’s wolf growled, and he was tempted to join her, but then he'd never leave the room. Instead, he slid his practice bag over his shoulder and headed out. He skipped down the stairs, feeling free and the best he had in a long while. On his way out, Natasha, one of the maids, was standing by the door. "Could you have Gwen bring breakfast and lunch up to the Alpha Queen in our suite? She's still recovering."

She nodded. "Yes, of course." Then she hurried off to do his bidding.

Outside, Julien headed toward the practice ring and Scarlett, Brock, and Raye were in the center, warming up, away from the rest of the pack. Most of the others were already there, too.

Julien set his bag on the bench and donned his MMA fighting gloves. "Okay, everyone! Gather around and listen up!" Once everyone was in place he continued, "The Alpha Queen is still recovering from her injuries and will not be joining us for practice this week. So, for this week, I'd like the young warriors to train with Scarlett. And Brock, I'll give you a group to work with, too. Any questions?"

"Yeah." Scarlett scoffed. "Why do I have to train with the young warriors?"

Koi, Whisper, and some of the other young wolves hung their heads. And there was no way that he was going to let anyone make them feel bad.

"Because it's important for them to train with all of us," Julien replied. "Each of the experienced warriors has diverse skills, which the next generation will need to learn." Then Julien smirked. "Why? Got a problem with it… Beta?" Julien hated to have to remind her that she was indeed the Beta and a leader. But that may not be for long.

Scarlett obviously got his meaning, quickly shaking her head. "No, sir."

Julien nodded once. "Good! Now, go to your posts." Then he added, "Young warriors, go to the south field and Scarlett will be there in just a minute."

"Aye!" they all yelled in unison.

"Come on! Let's go!" Koi yelled, taking charge as they headed off toward the field. Julien could see that he was already a born leader. With a few years and training under his belt, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

"Scarlett, a word."

She raised her eyebrows innocently. "Yes, Alpha?"

Julien lowered his voice. "Don't you ever disrespect my young warriors again. Even though he is young, Koi showed a lot of bravery during the attack, fighting bravely with my wife. And just because they're young and inexperienced doesn't mean that they are undeserving of our respect. Is that clear?"

"Crystal." Scarlett smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Will that be all, Alpha Grey?"

Julien nodded. "For now. But watch yourself. You are the Beta to the whole pack, not just a select few. And if you want to keep the position, you must earn it."

"Will that be all, ‘Master’ Grey?"

"Alpha Grey," he corrected, ignoring the jab.

Julien watched as Scarlett jogged away, wondering how in the world he had been so blind to her before. After the way Lacey had reacted to her in the infirmary and what she said about the young warriors just now, Julien was beginning to rethink having given her the position. But that was a decision that he could correct... and he planned to do it soon.. As he watched her, he wondered how much of the pack had suffered at her hands due to her lack of leadership, but he was going to make sure it wouldn’t happen anymore.