Page 46 of Bonding with the Beta

When she’s gone, I stare down at Kayden’s message, my lip lodged between my teeth. I want to reply, but I know I shouldn’t. I need to take my own advice.

14

KAYDEN

“Right, I’m going to hand these responsibilities over to you guys, but know I will still be here, and I’ll be checking to make sure everything is going well,” Jaxon says as he leans back in his office chair. “We can’t let the pack slack now, not after how well we’ve been working together.”

I flick my finger over my subtle smile. “Do you really doubt me?”

Jaxon pins me with a stare. “After how distracted you’ve been recently? Yes.”

“I’m always listening,” I sigh. “Even when I seem like I’m not.”

“Not good enough,” he grumbles without sparing me another look.

Admitting Jaxon is right is one of the last things I’ll ever do, but since I’ve spent some time with Kayleigh, I have been a little distracted.

That girl is on my mind even when I try my damn hardest not to think of her.

“I need you to take over with training,” Jaxon says to Sebastian.

I furrow my brows and push myself forward from my chair. “I thought that was my job?”

“The pack needs something new and exciting to focus on,” Jaxon replies.

“Gee, thanks.” I flash him a sarcastic smile. “Real compliment that.”

Jaxon’s nostrils flare a little. “It’s not that you’re boring, Kayden. The pack will be going through many different changes, and it’s time we change trainers. Sebastian will bring something different, including Lucy and the witches; besides, I need you for other things.”

“Yeah…” I drawl. “Like what?”

“To make sure the pack are falling in line. You are their Beta. They respect you, and I want you to make sure that everyone is doing their jobs and following protocol to ensure this pack stays safe.” Jaxon leans forward and presses his elbows to his desk. “It’s the most important job.”

I nod once in agreement.

This pack has been there for me, and I will do everything I can in return to guarantee their safety and comfort. I’ve spent years earning their trust, and we’ve never been stronger.

“I’ll have smaller jobs to be taken over by others; that way, you can solely focus on the pack. Jon will be stepping up with the guards and helping with security.” Jaxon points to a notepad on his desk before picking up a pen and dragging the tip down the list. “I don’t want anyone thinking they can slack off, so we’re going to step up and remind them of the importance of this pack.”

Sebastian stirs beside me. “What type of training do you want me to focus on?”

“I created a timetable,” Jaxon says simply as he tears out the page and hands it to him. “I want to try something new, but if itdoesn’t work, we can come back and brainstorm. But go with it. I trust your judgement. Let me know what you think.”

“Alright.” He nods and takes the piece of paper. “You got it.”

“Any questions?” Jaxon asks. “I have a meeting with the district Alphas soon.”

I stand up, and Sebastian follows. My head shakes as I make it to the door.

“Kayden?” Jaxon calls out as Bash slips out of the office door.

I pause and turn back to him.

“Do you want to sit in on the meeting?” he asks. “It would be beneficial for you to be there.”

“Sure.” I nod. “I think that would be good.”

Jaxon stares back at me for a long moment. “You know I’m giving you this role because I trust you more than anyone else?”

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