Negotiation

After Scar left, Lacey spent the rest of the afternoon working with the Pack Warriors on strategy, coordinating them, teaching them to work together. Just before the sun started fading from the sky, Julien came out and stood to the side, watching the warriors practice. After a while, he said, "Lacey, may I have a word?"

Lacey looked up and nodded. "Yes, of course." Then she turned to the pack. "Okay. That's enough for today. Let's call it a day, but we'll start again first thing in the morning."

"Yes, Alpha Queen." Some headed toward the forest to hunt, while others headed toward the castle. However, there was a camaraderie that wasn't there before.

"Good practice," Raye said to Lacey, and then nodded. "See you tomorrow." Then he nodded toward Julien. "Alpha."

Julien nodded, giving him a slight smile as he passed.