“And who exactly is going to join this?”
“The plan is for everyone. I want everyone to at least learn something.”
“They are going to question why,” Kaleb countered.
I shook my head. “Anyone can look around and see this pack is divided.”
“I’m not saying that’s not true, but they are going to question why they need to train.”
“I spoke with some other Alphas around the area and asked what they did to keep their packs vigilant, and they all have a training program. It’s nothing new. It’s something my father should have done but didn’t.”
I looked at Kaleb. “I already have everyone who works for the pack training starting on Friday. You are leading it. I already got belly aching about it, so make sure you prove a point.”
“What’s my point?”
“That you’re older than some, and younger than others, and can still kick all their asses.”
Kaleb smirked. “And I’m teaching it because I’m Beta to add salt into the wound?”
“Ding, ding, ding. I can’t teach it because everyone will expect to have their asses kicked, but they won’t with you. They will expect someone to beat you. People are going to question why you are Beta, and I want you to prove a point why you are.”
“I didn’t exactly ask for the position, nor do I recall accepting it.”
“And I didn’t want anyone else.” I looked at Asher and Westley. “I need you two to start surveying things around town. What needs fixing, what’s damaging beyond repair?”
I leaned back. “Get ready, guys. The shit show begins.”
By Friday, I had cleaned my father’s office and reviewed all the papers. I’d sat in my office for hours on end, but I did it. I decided after lunch that I needed to get out.
I left my office to find that Kaleb was in the middle of training with the guys. Asher and Westley were there as extra hands to show movements, and it seemed to be going well.
I walked over, and all the guys quickly seemed to straighten up. “Afternoon, Alpha.”
I nodded my head and surveyed the group. I counted, making sure they were all there. I scowled when I noticed they were two short. “Where are Petersen and Mr. White?”
“Didn’t show up,” Kaleb said, looking frustrated.
I nodded, looking over at Asher. “Call them. Tell them they have fifteen minutes to get their asses here, or they can look for another job.”
I watched as the group’s eyes widened, but no one said a word. I made it very clear that everyone was supposed to be here, and I wasn’t horsing around.
“So, what have we learned?” I asked, crossing my arms. Kaleb had worked up a sweat, which meant everyone else was sweating profusely as well. They all looked like they had showered, and I couldn’t help but smirk.
“We learned everyone is pretty fit, but everyone has something they need to work on. Clint is slow on foot. Frank is shit with arm-to-arm combat. Logan doesn’t know how to properly hold a knife.”
I nodded, taking that into account. “Alright, fifteen-minute break. Then you start up with me.”
The guys sighed, all groaning, but I smirked. Because they had no idea what was coming. I turned to Kaleb, getting themore detailed report on how it was going. Kaleb said he was impressed with how well some of them held up, but it was clear no one had stamina. Everyone was built, but not built to last.
I spotted a group of women crossing the street. A baby was screaming as the mother pushed the stroller. She looked exhausted, and it reminded me of Jade. Had she looked like that when she was first a mother? Tired to the bone but still forcing herself to move forward. The second woman bent over trying to soothe the baby, but it only screamed louder.
“Jesus, all your job is to take care of the kid, and you can’t even do that.”
My head snapped around as the group of guys watched the set of women. One of the guys shook his head. “How hard is it to get a baby to stop crying?”
Anger hit me like a bus, and I marched over toward the group. I snapped my fingers. “Up.”
The guy looked at me with wide eyes and quickly pulled himself up. I grabbed his shirt, yanking him toward me. I bared my teeth as I growled. “Shut up.”
