Mate's Mistake

Chapter 3 - Consequences

     As Steven came out onto the front porch, he saw that Hector, Amos, Henry, and Winston were kneeling before it with all the pack surrounding them. As Hector saw him he tried to jump up and blame Steven for everything, but one look from the Alpha and Beta had him cowering back down. They all looked like someone had used them as punching bags, cuts and bruises covering their half naked bodies. Steven stood beside his Dad and glared at them with hatred in his eyes. They knew it was a crime to r**e, just as it was in the human world, especially to a fighting female. They were more precious than anything. Not only could they help defend the pack, but so far, they had all been able to carry children to full term. They were the future of the pack. The fact that Anise was so injured spoke volumes as to how badly Hector had beaten her. 

     Alpha Jackson told Steven's story about what had happened to her and then Dr. Schumer can up and told them about how badly she was hurt when Steven brought her in and what would need to be done to help her. Not only would her have to reveal bones, do surgery, and give her blood, but she would probably need physical therapy and counseling to get thru the abuse. Every time Hector tried to interrupt someone's telling of what they knew, Beta Chester's look of anger silenced him. At the end, Alpha Jackson told of how Steven realized Anise was his Mate the moment he turned eighteen and put a stop to the boys in front of them before bringing her to the pack house. 

     After, he commanded Steven to change into his full form, and Steven changed into his werewolf form after stepping off the porch. His large black form made jaws hit the ground and all the boys on their knees in front of him looked up in fear. Anise's parents went into the infirmary as soon as they heard she was hurt, but her father came out right as Steven changed forms. The only thing he said about the whole situation before going back to his wife and daughter was that Anise should have the right to choose what happened to all the boys. Steven nodded his bowed head in agreement.

     The boys on their knees were taken to the cells under the pack house, and Steven was allowed to join Anise and her parents in the infirmary to watch over her. Dr. Schumer explained everything that needed to be done for her to get her better, and recommended they start soon, before she woke up. Anise's parents nodded and kisses her, before watching Steven kneel beside her so he could speak to her quietly. 

     "I know I said it before, Ani, but I'm so sorry. I'm begging you not to hate me. I know I deserve it, but I couldn't admit I've loved you for years. It too coming-of-age to see it. I know I should have been there for you and stopped him before it could have gotten to that point, but it took seeing him about to do that to you before I could realize how important you are to me. I know that's no excuse. I don't even know what I'm trying to say. I just don't want to lose you when I just found you. Please, Ani. Please forgive me." With those soft words, he kissed her and rested his cheek beside her. "I love you, Ani, and I'll do anything I have to so I can prove it to you." At that, he stood up and let the doctor get to his work.

~AnabelleLee~