Chapter 13: stirrings of compassion

Lucas

I reclined in my study, boots propped up on the desk as I reviewed recent security logs. After the perimeter breaches last month, I had tripled patrols and added sensor drones. So far there had been no further issues. Good - as head of pack security, any lapses reflected poorly on me.

A knock interrupted my reading. "Enter," I called. My assistant Marcus slipped inside, inclining his head.

"Apologies for the interruption, Alpha. But there is a... situation brewing in the central square I thought you should be aware of."

I sat up, frowning. "What sort of situation?" Any disruptions to pack stability needed to be addressed swiftly.

"It's the slave Natalia, sire. She is being punished for insolence. Publicly." Marcus cleared his throat. "The Head Beta ordered the lash, but he is...enthusiastic in carrying out his orders. I thought perhaps you may want to intervene before lasting harm is done."

I was on my feet and striding to the door before he finished speaking. "Show me. Now."