Chapter 337

Chapter 0337

“What about warrior training?” I ask.

“That’s been a bit problematic. Almost no one wants me leading the training since I don’t have a wolf. We’ve had a couple other warriors step up, but their training isn’t up to your standards. Also, those are the men most likely to challenge you for Alpha. They feel as if they’ve been running the pack because they lead the warrior training.”

I stop and look at him. “So, you haven’t been involved in warrior training at all?” I’m shocked. Carlos has extensive training as an Alpha, even without a wolf.

“Oh I train, but it’s with the she–wolves and pups. The Lead Warriors haven’t wanted the she–wolves to participate in regular training.”

The sun is starting to set as we begin to make our way back to the packhouse. ” I’d like to look over the patrol schedules tomorrow and after this Alpha challenge mess is handled, you and I will be taking over warrior training.”

“What about the women?” Grace asks me.

“Oh, I can’t wait to see those she–wolves hand the warriors their asses. I won’t know for sure until I see them, but I trust Carlos’s assessment of the Lead Warriors‘ skills. And if they are as lacking as he’s said, the group that Carlos has been training will wipe the floor with them.”

Carlos has a huge, smug smile on his face. “Yeah, they will.”

When we get back to the packhouse, we go to the kitchens. The number of people who are working in the kitchen is severely lacking, given the number of people they need to cook for.

“Why are there so few kitchen staff?” Grace asks.

“Honestly, I haven’t had time to even begin thinking about interviewing and hiring staff for the kitchens and the pack house. It’s all I can do to manage the one training I have, keeping up with construction and keeping track of the new families entering the pack. And that’s if no one is contesting Eli’s claim as Alpha and I have to fight or play peacekeeper.”

I bring my hand to Carlos’s shoulder. “You’ve done an amazing job. And you’re not alone any longer. Grace and I will begin helping and will take a lot of this burden off of you.”

“I’m truly grateful for that. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to see you when

YRIT

you got here.”

“I’ll start with the kitchen and packhouse staff tomorrow while you two go over the patrol schedules.” Grace says.

“Thank you, Grace.” Carlos says and I can see the relief on his face.

We grab the plates that are already filled with food. The amount of food is only half what should be provided given the faster metabolism of wolves, but at least there is something for people to eat.

As we sit and eat, I make note of the atmosphere in the room. Many seem happy that I have returned, but there are definitely a couple of groups that are obviously unhappy. I decide to nip this in the bud right

now

you

I stand, clearing my throat and wait for the room to quiet down. “Many of know me, but for those that don’t, I am Alpha Eli, and this is my pack. I have been informed by my Beta, Carlos, that some of you may think that you would be better Alphas than I am. Beta Carlos will be scheduling Alpha challenges starting the day after tomorrow. Anyone who wishes to challenge me, get with your Beta and he will set it up.”

I’m intentionally calling Carlos my Beta over and over. It seems that some have forgotten who and what he is to this pack, and I plan to remind them.

“What if we defeat you?” Someone asks from the back.

“As with any Alpha challenge, the winner becomes Alpha of the pack.”

“Will it be a battle of submission or death?” Another person shouts out.

“I will leave that up to the contender. I would rather have a battle of submission. I do not want to kill anyone needlessly, but if someone feels that strongly that it must be a battle to the death, I won’t hesitate to kill them.”

“What about your Guardian?”

“My mate,” I stress the word, “will not interfere with the Alpha challenge.”

I field a few more questions before sitting down and finishing my dinner. When Grace is finished, I take her hand and lead her out of the dining hall.

It’s time to complete our bond..