Ch. 8

Alaric 

My footsteps were heavy as I’d left Blackthorn territory earlier. With every step I’d taken I’d felt a tug in my navel, like a hook drawing me back . . . to her. I’d refused to give in, staying focused on my mission, protecting my identity. But then I felt something snap, a powerful force unfurling within me that even I couldn’t deny. And I knew what it meant, knew I had to go back for her. 

I turned back, sprinting, hoping I wouldn’t be too late. I could feel her distress, her agony and terror, as if it were my own. I’d almost been too late, but I can’t allow myself to consider what could have happened. I’m here now, and ready to rain down hell on every wolf bold enough to think they could touch what’s mine!

I unleash the full strength of my aura, so powerful, it brings the entire crowd to their knees. Even the Alpha cannot stand against me, though I see the fury that knowledge brings flaring in his eyes. But even more satisfying, is the fear etched on the face of his pompous ass of a son. 

“The last I checked, accused criminals live or die by my authority in this kingdom! Who made you, a mere Alpha, judge, jury and executioner of this woman?” I growl, the thunderous sound shaking the ground beneath us. 

“P-, pardon me, Sire.” The Alpha sputters, but I don’t spare him a glance. I’m too fixated on the little wide-eyed omega who’s looking at me with a mixture of hero-worship and betrayal. “Th-, this woman is a traitor to her pack. Execution is a just punishment for the crime.”

I scoff at his ridiculous claim, bending down to untie the girl, and helping her stand. It’s immediately apparent someone tortured her, the extent of her injuries sending me into a blinding rage, a deafening roar tearing from my chest. I lift her into a bridle carry when her legs buckle beneath her. 

“You’ll be okay. I’ve got you.” I attempt to soothe her when she trembles in my arms. Finally dragging my eyes away from the omega to snarl at the Alpha still kneeling at my feet, I demand answers. “Exactly how did this child commit treason? And where is your proof?”

“Sh-, she conspired with rogues, let them into the pack. Some of our members died because of her!” He grows bolder as he drones on. “Our Beta’s daughter saw one of them in her home with her own eyes.”

“Bring me your informant.” I growl, already knowing she’ll have long black hair, the same woman I saw through the window earlier. 

“Daphne!” The Alpha bellows, all too eager to have my attention directed elsewhere. 

She rises from her feet, coming to stand before me with a defiant look on her face. This is the woman who tortured my sweetling, left marks on her body and scars on her kind soul. I won’t settle for less than her total humiliation.

“Do you know who I am?” I question her.

“You’re the Lycan King, Sire.” Her lips turn up in a flirty smile as if she can charm her way into my good graces. 

“Then you should know you don’t stand in my presence unless you’re invited to do so! And I don’t recall giving you leave to stand! On your knees, beta.” She blanches, looking around for someone to save her but no one is looking at her. I issue an impatient rumble and she drops to her knees. “Good. Now tell me what you saw.

“And you should know, I can read your aura. I’ll know if you lie to me and that won’t end well for you.”

I swear she turns even paler at my warning, an observation I may be enjoying a bit too much. “Sage had been acting suspiciously so I followed her home. I peeked in her window and saw a man.”

Sage. I take a moment to turn the name over in my mind. Beautiful, just like her. Knowing her name only makes her more real to me, makes me want the disgrace of her tormentor even more. 

“Is that all?” She shakes her head but doesn’t speak. “Was that man dressed like a rogue? Did you get close enough to smell his putrid scent?” I press, knowing her answers will discredit her. 

“N-, no.” She admits, a deep shade of red coloring her face at the embarrassment. 

“Who did you really see, Daphne?” I soften my tone, lulling her into a false sense of security, 

“Y-, you. It was you.” A collective gasp rises from the pack, her humiliation complete. 

I turn my wrath on the Alpha again. “Is it your practice to stage executions without a fair trial? Because you clearly had no verifiable proof against this woman.” I spit, not waiting for an answer. “This woman has nothing but kindness in her heart. Your treatment of her is a disgrace!

“A report reached me that the wolves in this pack have been allowed to bully its lower class members. I met Sage and investigated this complaint by staying with her and observing her treatment.” I lie, not wanting to reveal my true intentions. “In the days I spent with her, she worked like a slave for you with no compensation aside from a small chunk of bread. 

“She came home with cuts and bruises, exhausted and defeated, after being abused by your pack members. If you bothered to treat each member of your pack with the respect they deserve, you would know she would no sooner consort with rogues or cause harm of any sort, and that’s despite the maltreatment she’s suffered. Just think how she might have flourished if she’d been properly cared for!”

“I-, I-,” the Alpha stutters, but I’m not interested in his pathetic excuses. 

“Enough! Since you are obviously incapable of fair treatment, I no longer trust you to care for this woman’s best interest. She’ll be returning home with me!”

I hear the tiniest gasp from the woman in my arms but it’s drowned out by a surprising protest from the Alpha’s son.

“No!” Cassius roars.