Page 98 of Bonding with the Beta

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.”

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