The Beta's Alpha

Chapter 2- Trouble Ahead

Rayne

I rub at my forehead. “Am I boring you daughter dearest?” My father inquires not even looking up from his paperwork.

“Goddess forbid.” I mumble.

“What was that?”

I plaster a fake smile on my face. “I said Goddess no.” At this he does look at me and shakes his head.

“Alright go get some lunch, then meet Corrine for training.” I am out of the seat before he changes his mind, we had been looking over procedure, requests and history books about the Brookes pack since 6 am and I could take no more of it. I half walk, half run into the kitchen, spotting Corrine at one of the tables with a few of the other trainees and I grab a plate, loading it with a sandwich, some salad and a green apple, grabbing a coffee and the cinnamon shaker as I pass the counter on my way to the table.

Corrine smiles at my food choices until she spots the coffee, reaching for the cup and I mock growl at her. “You will lose that hand.” Laughter breaks out as I sit. “Sorry but been with the Alpha since six this morning, I NEED THIS.” I moan as I fix my coffee and Corrine rolls her eyes.

“Could you at least get decaf?” I make a disgusted face at her earning me another round of laughter. “Fine but for every cup of caffeine two bottles of water, don’t need you to start cramping during training.” I stare at my cup wondering if it was worth it before looking back at Corrine.

“So no cramps but you’re ok if I pee all over you?” She glances at me shocked. “I mean a coffee, two bottles of water, seems like a lot of liquid to consume.” I glance at her as I take a bite of my salad.

“Such a smart ass.” She mumbles and now we are all laughing as Jayden joins us.

“What’s so funny?” He asks and Corrine tilts her head my way.

“Quick witted future Alpha has the answers for everything.”

He smiles but I see it is strained and honestly he looks like he hasn’t slept very well. I touch his hand and he looks up at me, his eyes pleading with me not to ask so I simply nod and he smiles again, a little less strain. “Oh dad wanted me to tell you that he wants to see you this afternoon.” I say in between bites of salad and sandwich. Jayden groans and lays his head on the table as we all laugh, the lunch break seeming to fly by.

I find myself on my back yet again. “Crap.” I mumble and Corrine smiles.

“You’ll get there Rayne, with enough practice.” She says pulling me from the ground.

I nod. “True but at this rate I am going to look like a blueberry by the time I do get there with all these bruises.” She smiles and crouches as I continue to dust myself off, “Do you think we could,” I am not given the chance to finish as she launches herself at me and I am once more on the floor. “SHIT.” I yell and she laughs.

“Fighting 101 Rayne; enemy will not wait for you to be ready, you have to be on guard at all times.”

“I know but isn’t that unhealthy, being stressed and on guard all the time, has to be bad for the nerves,” I gripe as she offers her hand and I take it but instead of helping me up she twists it and I find it painfully pinned at a strange angle.

“Rayne, Rayne, Rayne, again basic stuff here; enemy will not help,”

“Always be on guard, got it.” I manage through clenched teeth as she releases my arm as I roll my shoulder, her hand is outstretched once more and I make a move to take it but instead I sweep her legs and she falls flat on her face, rolling over as we both lie flat and look up into the sky.

“Nice, you’re learning.”

“So glad I could be such a good student.” I reply and she laughs, I do too but a full bladder reminds me that was an exceptionally bad idea. “I seriously have to pee though.”

She simply points toward the pack house and I laugh getting off the ground, about to offer her my hand but decide against it as I walk away hearing her congratulate me again and I shake my head. I pass the other groups of trainees and as I pass I see Jayden with his instructor but I also notice a body missing. Jayden spots me and smiles. I return the smile but I glance around, my silent question answered by a shrug of his shoulders, this was proof enough that Jayden and I were destined to be, he understood without my even having to ask where his brother was.

I roll my eyes and imagine him in bed with a massive hangover and I snort. “Serves him right, ass hat, hope it hurts too.” I gripe as I climb the steps to the pack house, each movement a dagger to my already full bladder and I curse the architect of this place, I know it was built many many many years ago, old Victorian style, massive columns outside the doors, white of course, the marble entrance giving way to massive rooms to each side of a grand oak staircase that lead to multiple floors that served several purposes such as the floor reserved for the Alpha and Beta offices, then the sleeping quarters, Alpha and Alpha mate having one whole floor, my floor was above theirs with the library and a few spare rooms and the floor above for guests.

On the left of the entrance was the kitchen, a large one that connected to a large dinning room area, an open floor concept and to the right was the seating area, this is where vesting Alpha’s and their entourage would be greeted upon arrival. Just a little past the living area was a hallway that eventually gave way to a large open hall, this was used for party’s, balls and meetings which led to an open terrace and a spectacular garden just under half an acre, my mother’s doing.

To the left of the kitchens was a passage that led to the back portion of the house where the Omega’s and other staff were housed, as well as laundry rooms, class rooms for lessons and bathrooms. I make a beeline that way, waving at a few of the staff as I hurry, their smiles telling me they know exactly the urgency of my mission and I barely make it.

I sigh as I empty myself, wondering how much liquid a bladder could hold, not really knowing but by the feel of it my answer would be quite a bit. I finally finish and wash my hands before making my way back outside to join Corrine for another round of getting my backside kicked when I glance over to where Jayden is still training and I wonder again why Stone would miss out on this, he hasn’t missed a session in as long as I can remember and I shake my head, not knowing what has gotten into him but one thing I did know was until Stone Varcolac verbally apologized he was on my ‘s**t’ list, best friend or not.