Bradford laughed at her response telling her, “I know you don’t like me, but you do strike me as someone who means what they say. So, I’d like to work with you.” Melanie nodded, “I do mean what I say. I’ll observe you today, and I'll get you a training plan for tomorrow.”
“You will follow it to the letter… or you will not get my help in training ever again. I already have this sense that you could be a great Warrior. I think you just don’t put in the effort… I’ll push you harder than you ever have been, but you’ll be better for it.”
Bradford nodded, “I can’t promise I won’t complain, but I’ll be here.” That was more than we’d ever gotten out of him. Melanie nodded, “I’ll be sure to take your other duties into consideration when I put together the plan.” Bradford grimaced but nodded before he walked away.
Cory said, “That was a nice way of saying the dispute mandated gardening and pack lesson classes, Melanie.” Melanie smiled, “It was the diplomatic way to say it… which I can do. I don’t actually try to embarrass people that don’t deserve it.”
“Bradford already taking and eating a whole humble pie for himself. He seems moderately sexist, so asking me for help after I kicked his ass… was hard enough for him. There is no need to rub salt in the wound. Warriors tend to be proud… there’s no point in pissing him off when he’s asking for help. It’s a big step for people. Asking for help is hard.”
Sierra made her way over to us before she eyed Melanie and smirked. Sierra faked concern, “Aww, Mommy dearest probablyisn’t happy her little pup moved out.” Melanie snorted, “I’ll just bet she’s not.” They seemed to have a linking conversation.
Melanie kissed my cheek, and she began to watch the Warriors. Gage said, “Ok, so I thought this was off the rails already. It seems firmly back on said rails, but I still feel leery.” Cory offered, “Same.” Well, I didn’t like that.
I watched as my mate focused on Bradford, but noted she was watching everyone. Melanie stepped in and offered suggestions here and there. I stepped into the ring, satisfied she was doing just fine. Chason jumped in with me first, then Fowler. I had a steady stream of people I was fighting.
When I finished I turned around looking for Melanie, but she wasn’t there. Cory answered my unspoken question, “Melanie is in your office. Sierra came back with her laptop and she’s working. I’d imagine she’s creating some of the Warriors new schedules and programs.”
“After her third fight several people wanted her to look at their training plans. Most are those we have marked as putting in the bare minimum. A lot of those people showed up after Melanie took a few to the side to have private talks with.” I smiled, “Good.”
It wasn’t that we hadn’t put in the work with those people. It was that we couldn’t dedicate anymore time into pushing them to be better anymore. We had a large pack. If they didn’t have the drive, as long as they met the qualifications and could defend the pack, I just didn’t have the time or inclination to push them.
They’d just stay as Warriors. Never a lead of any kind or taking charge and making assignments or offering suggestions. They ran patrols like everyone else and defended our pack like everyone else. They would never be considered our strongest Warriors though. Maybe Melanie could change that.
I walked into my office and instantly raised an eyebrow at the sight that greeted me. I linked Phil, “What the hell is wrong withour mates?” Phil asked, “Wrong? I don’t know. I am wrapping up a fight. They were fine. Gage was on making sure they were fine duty. So, they are definitely fine.” They were not.
I asked out loud, “What’s going on with you two?” Melanie sighed, “I made several training plans… given that I was in Black Path… I can help with the people that aren’t as motivated. Your training plans are great, but they are geared towards people who are self-starters and self-motivated.”
“I can help with those not trying to ever make themselves any better…. so… yeah. Not that you guys don’t do that. I found the files… so… it was easy to get them all here for discussions… which went well. Though in my experience they do.”
I tilted my head asking, “You found my brothers and my locked electronic files about our pack members?” Melanie flushed answering, “Umm yes…. so I see you guys tried but it’s such a big pack you can’t focus on them. That makes sense, but I can.”
“I also want to get the wolf less more involved. There’s no better motivator for someone with a wolf than being outshined by someone without one. As silly as that is…. it does motivate people. Plus, those with wolves can see… that they can be replaced.”
“Having a wolf is not the be all and end all in a pack. You have a few wolf less in high level Warrior classes… but I want to have a separate session with them. I want to see their skills and talk to them one on one. Most… even in a pack like this… will think less of themselves even if others don't. It hurts your self-esteem to not get a wolf, and I get that.”
I nodded, “I don’t have a problem with that. Just let Phil and Gage know when you want to have the session, and they will work it out for everyone.” Melanie smiled, “Umm… so… about that.” I laughed, “You already did it, didn't you?”
Phil walked in with Gage. My Beta answered me, “She did. I was cc’d on the email. Cc’d Alexander.” I laughed. Gage said, “I personally don’t care about being cc’d. I’m just happy to be included. Thank you, Melanie.” My mate nodded.
Phil smiled at Melanie and told her, “Normally, I’d be upset about someone stealing my thunder; however, I SHALL be present at this event tomorrow.” Melanie made a face countering, “Uhh… Then you’ll want to be faded in the background… so no one sees you.”
Phil nodded, “I read the email.” I asked, “Why would he need to be in the background?” Gage winked at me. Melanie explained, “It’s a wolf less exclusive session. Most wolf less feel intimidated working out with pack members who have wolves.”
“They get distracted, wishing they could do certain things. Which I have to point out is ridiculous. Most training happens in human form in this gym. A wolf less pack member is capable of everything anyone else is in this gym. Shifting fights are done outside.”
Phil snorted, “Most of them.” Melanie nodded, “Exactly so…that’s what I said.” I laughed, “So about tomorrow.” Melanie nodded, “There’s a block on the gym at noon. I assume… or know… I know… or it could be that I assumed… and didn’t check… or hack it… those are all options… anyway… that’s… everyone knows that people take lunch hours. The wolf less can plan their lunch accordingly tomorrow, so they are here at noon.”
Phil said, “You got into the gym calendar?” Gage snorted, “That’s gotta be the bare minimum she did.” I snorted, “And our Warrior files.” Phil gaped, “You’re awesome Melanie but you’re scary.” Melanie shrugged, “I’m only scary if you’re a bad person.” Gage outright laughed.
Phil snorted, “Just stay out of my diary.” Melanie titled her head saying, “If you journal online… which I know you don’t…then someone could hack your diary.” Phil snorted, “I do not have a diary or journal. I was joking, as you apparently know. Don’t worry, I’ll keep that in mind.”
I said, “That’s not what was going on when I walked in here.” Melanie sighed, “I put a meeting on your calendar.” Phil said, “Not just yours, Alpha cousin. It’s on all our calendars. For eight o’clock tomorrow morning. Toby is in fits.”
Gage chimed back in, “Don’t worry Melanie, me and my siblings are thrilled. We are happy to be in the know. Clearly what we’ve needed this whole time is Melanie. She includes the Gamma’s on the emails.”
I questioned, “What’s the meeting about?” Melanie frowned, “Me being right… essentially.” Sierra snorted. Melanie huffed, “What? I was right… it was just faster than I anticipated I would be proven right… but still, I’m right.”
I asked, “About?” Melanie sighed, “I actually need to get to an office where I can plug in my computer. I need to….” Phil cut in and offered, “Do shady things.” Sierra smirked at him and replied, “Yes.” Gage said, “I love all those words. So much.”
