Page 30 of Bonding with the Beta (Fated Souls #2)

30

KAYDEN

“ L ook what the cat dragged in,” Sebastian murmurs without looking up from the desk as I walk into Jaxon’s office.

I exhale a long breath. I know Jaxon is probably angry at me for bailing yesterday on that important meeting, but being with Kayleigh was something I needed to do. I would never have forgiven myself if I drove home, knowing what she was thinking.

“Where is Jaxon?” I ask, ignoring Bash’s comment.

“With Ava and Aurora, probably.”

A curse word slips from my lips. I walk to the desk and stare down at a black folder in the corner. I pick it up and flick through the paperwork to find notes from yesterday’s meeting with the district board.

I slump back into the chair opposite Bash and get reading on the new policies and rules we must abide by to keep ourselves and others in our district safe.

An hour later, the door to the office opens, and Jaxon emerges. He stares directly at me and narrows his eyes. “Glad you finally made it home, Kayden.”

I don’t bite at his bitter tone. “Just catching up.”

“Good, because those policies are excruciatingly painful to read.”

My lip quirks. “Already on it.”

“Sebastian,” Jaxon’s voice booms through the office much louder than needed. I glance up from the folder to look between them. “I’ve read through some of the feedback slips from training. They’re not looking good.”

Bash huffs and sighs. “Let me guess, I’m being too harsh?”

“Mostly, yes.”

“How will they learn if I’m being easy on them?”

“Because everyone is at different levels,” I say. “I know for a fact some people might appreciate additional training sessions with those at similar fitness levels to help them gain confidence in pack training.”

Jaxon folds his arms over his chest. “We don’t have time for extra training with everyone’s responsibilities.”

“I’ll find the time.” I stand from the chair and place the folder on the desk. “I said I’d help Evan. If anyone else wants to join, including those who gave feedback, I’ll be willing to help because it will benefit us all. It’ll make us stronger.”

“You’re going to find the time?” His brow quirks.

I nod once. “Yes. I said I’d make it up to you, and I want to prove how much I care about this role by caring about those in the pack who need our help.”

Jaxon rolls his tongue over his bottom lip. “Alright.” He drops his arms to his sides. “Fine, but it’s your responsibility.”

“I know.”

He watches me for a long moment. “Don’t let it get in the way of your other duties.”

“Thanks for your concern.” I flash him a grin. “But I’ve got this.”

“Oh, Goddess,” Evan groans. “My legs are burning.”

I exhale a breath through my nose as I stare back at the eight members of my training group doing walking lunges between the trees. I’m surprised that this many signed up, but I’m proud they can admit they need extra help.

“Come on,” I say encouragingly. “It might burn right now, but when those muscles repair, you’ll all be stronger and feel better for it.”

“Ugh.” Nina presses a hand to her chest as she stops in the middle of the clearing. “I feel sick.”

My mouth curls. “That’s a little dramatic, Nina. I think you’ll be okay. Two more lengths, and then we can have a rest.”

“Okay.” Evan sucks in a breath and lunges forward on shaky legs. “We can do this.”

Nina purses her lips as her red face begins to blotch. “We can do this,” she repeats.

I clap my hands once when they’ve completed the task. “Alright, good. I know you’re all here because you’re struggling with pack training, but by building muscle and your confidence, I know you’ll be thriving when it comes to pack training in a few months’ time.”

“Months?” Leon’s mouth falls open. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Yeah, buddy.” I nod as they gather around me. “Hard work takes time, and seeing progress takes time. If training and being fit were easy, everyone would do it. Take the small wins. You guys have completed your first session, and no one died. Right?”

“Yet,” Leon murmurs.

A few smile and nod as they wipe sweat from their faces.

“When are we going to train as our wolves?” Nina asks.

“When you’re strong enough in your human form,” I state.

Nina nods to herself and looks at Evan.

“So be proud of yourselves,” I say optimistically. “Let’s stretch out and have a cool down. You’re most likely going to ache tomorrow, but getting a good night's sleep, eating protein and massaging the muscles can all help to make this easier.”

Once the session is over and I dismiss the group, Evan and Nina walk towards me. “Don’t tell me.” I flick my eyes between them. “You guys are never coming back?”

“No.” Evan shakes his head adamantly. “We’re definitely coming back. We just wanted to thank you.”

I blink at his words. “It’s all good. You did all the work.”

“Sessions with Sebastian can be overwhelming,” Nina admits. “I know I’m behind, and it makes me perform even worse sometimes.”

“I get that.” I nod as I cup my hands over my elbows. “But keep at it, keep being consistent, and you will definitely see results. Okay? There is no judgement here. I want you all to achieve your goals.”

Nina beams at me. “We’re not going to give up.”

“That’s the spirit.”

“Do you know who Silas Shaw is?”

“Yeah.” I nod. “Everyone knows Silas Shaw. He’s one of the best Betas to have ever lived.”

Nina’s eyes crinkle. “Yeah, well, he reminds me of you.”

Her comment makes my heart pound in my chest.

“Now that’s a title to live up to,” I joke.

“I’m being serious,” she says softly. “He was the best because he wanted the best for everyone else. He was selfless and supportive and did all he could to help others. That’s why he reminds me of you, and I’m glad we have you as our Beta, Kayden.”

Evan nods beside her. “She’s right. You’re a great Beta, and I’ve always looked up to you.”

My gaze flicks between them as a wave of emotion clogs in my chest. “Uh.” I pause as I attempt to find the right words. “I don’t know what to say. That’s very kind of you both.”

I’ve never been compared to Silas Shaw, let alone been told I’m looked up to. It’s an honour and a privilege I’ll forever hold onto because as long as I can make this world a better place, I won’t stop doing what I love.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Nina shakes her head and steps away. “I just wanted you to know. When’s our next session?”

“Friday.”

“We’ll be there.” Evan nods.

“If we can walk by Friday,” Nina says light-heartedly.

I laugh gently. “Even if you have to crawl.”

Evan and Nina flash me a smile before turning around and walking back to the pack house. I stay standing and drink in their compliments. A bright grin slashes its way across my face, and I remind myself this is exactly who I wanted to be.