The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 39 - Sparing, Part 1

The next morning, she woke in Julien’s bed, curled up next to her mate. Lacey watched him sleep, enjoying the peaceful look on his beatific face. Then he opened an eye, giving her a cocky grin. “Morning.”

“Morning.” She laid her head in the crook of his arm, enjoying waking up to the sight of this powerful, beautiful man. “How did you sleep?”

“Like a baby.” Then he rolled over and kissed her neck, and whispered into her ear, “How about you?”

“Good.” Then she sat up, pulling the sheets around her. "The attack was kind of like a hit and run. Wasn’t it?" Lacey raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly." He bit his lower lip, moving her hair away from her neck and planted a kiss there. “Must we talk business… now?”

“I’ve been thinking about something.”

“Of course you have.” He plopped back down onto the pillow, pulling the other one over his face and groaned.

Lacey laughed. Not being deterred, she took the pillow away. "Julien, now that we're married, I can help run the pack."

He rolled his eyes. "Lacey, I want you to stay out of the fighting from here on out." He sighed. "I'm the Alpha. And if I'm too worried about you and can’t protect my pack, then I don't deserve the position."

"Julien," she said, her voice merely a whisper. "I don't want to be kept out of the fight. I'm a warrior and I need to protect my pack... our pack."

He rose from the bed and slid into his pants. "Did you get everything unpacked last night?"

"Yes, I did and don't change the subject." Lacey stood and slipped into a robe. "Julien, do you realize how difficult it was for me last night to have to sit up here like a 'good little wife' while my husband was out defending our pack? That’s why I left the room… to see if I could help." She sighed. "I need to be involved. I need to feel useful."

He took another sip of his drink. "Lacey, can we discuss this later?”

“But, Julien—”

Then he crouched low, stalking her as a sexy smile erupted across his lips.

She stood on the bed, backing away, laughing. “Julien, don’t you dare!”

“Too late.” He growled as he leapt toward her playfully, pinning her to the bed, careful not to crush her. And as he took slid the robe from her shoulders, her wolf purred under the exquisite touch of her mate. At that moment, her wolf had officially claimed Julien as hers.

They stayed in the suite for the rest of the day. Julien even had the staff bring lunch in, giving Lacey strict orders not to leave the bedroom unless she was properly dressed, not wanting anyone to see what was his.

Lacey had to admit that she enjoyed the royal treatment, and Julien seeing to her every need. She had to admit, he was very good at it.

***

The next day, after Julien left to attend to pack matters, Lacey packed her bag with her practice gear, dressed for training, and then headed downstairs. Because of the eminent threat from the Wildclaws, they weren’t able to go on a honeymoon, and Lacey wanted to stay in shape.

She headed down the hallway and passed by some shifters along the way. "All Warriors to the Practice Ring... now!"

"Yes, Alpha Queen," they said in unison as they hurried past.

Lacey headed into the dining hall for lunch, grabbed a plate, and then took a steak and fries. This afternoon, her wolf was craving meat. Then she grabbed a cup of coffee and sat at the same small table as before.

"Mind if I join you, Alpha Queen?"

Lacey looked up and it was Raye, standing beside her table grinning. Not in the mood for chit chat, she motioned toward the spare chair across from her. "I was just leaving anyway."

When Lacey started to get up, he placed a hand on her arm. "No. Sit. I'll find another table." He started to walk away, but she stopped him.

"Wait.” She motioned toward the chair again. "Sit.” Lacey took a bite of steak and then swallowed, savoring the juices that filled her mouth. “Coming to practice this afternoon?”

Raye tilted his head to the side. "After... what happened yesterday, we probably need to practice.”

“And coordinate,” Lacey added. “We’re going to work on fighting in our human forms today, as well as in our wolf forms.”

"Congratulations, Alpha Queen!" Koi interjected, standing by her table, grinning. "Should I bow when I see you now?"

Ray and Lacey laughed.

"Yes, and kiss my hand, too," Lacey teased.

Koi picked up her hand and she quickly pulled it away. "Get out of here! I was only joking." Then she shrugged. "I'm still the same person I was before." Then her face turned serious and she raised an eyebrow. "I'll see you at practice today?"

"Yes, ma'am, Alpha Queen, ma'am!" Koi quickly snapped a salute. “When?”

Lacey rolled her eyes. "As soon as we’re finished here. Go get something to eat and then meet us out there. Spread the word." Lacey took a sip of her coffee, loving the flavor. "After the attack yesterday, we can't let a day go by without practicing." She finished the last bite of her steak, downed her coffee, and then stood. "See you both out there.." Then she headed out, wondering how many shifters would actually join her today.