Ch. 9 Upside Down

Declan

“Pardon me, Beta.” I swallow the grumble threatening to escape at the arrival of the junior warrior currently poking his head in my door, interrupting what little progress I’ve made on the report in my hand.

“Come in recruit. What can I do for you?” I school my features into something that looks like, well hopefully not a scowl, and give him my attention.

”Sir, uh, one of the men did not show up for patrol, leaving the east perimeter team down a man. I’d like permission to-”

“So why are you bothering me?” I cut him off with a bark more than a question. They all know Kaden is in charge of patrol.

“I, um, couldn’t find the Alpha, Sir.” I can smell the blatant lie but I don’t blame the kid.

“Can’t find the Alpha” has become code for “I’m a recruit in a tenuous position that I’m not willing to risk by calling him out on his bad behavior.” Behavior that’s only gotten worse over the last several months.

“I’ll take care of it.” I tell him with a resigned sigh. “Send someone to