Her Ruthless Alpha

Chapter 2 The Punishments

Alpha Erdy's heart skipped a beat at the words uttered by the girl named Zerra just moments ago. Yet, it wasn’t solely her words that caused his reaction; rather, it was the quiet intensity he saw in her eyes. Her emerald-green eyes, striking and deep, held a mysterious glint that drew him in, silently imploring him to look further. Her heart-shaped, delicately petite face framed by a pointed nose and rosy cheeks made her appear innocent, yet a quiet strength radiated from her. Her naturally light red lips, full and graceful, completed a look that was at once pure and alluring. Moreover, her form—a graceful silhouette that even her modest, long dress could not conceal—hinted at an elegance and beauty that seemed out of place in her current surroundings. Everything about her captivated him, from her appearance to her manner, and made him want to listen closely to her every word. Curiously, none of her features seemed to resemble Jared’s. In fact, if he hadn’t known better, Erdy might have suspected she wasn’t Jared’s daughter at all.

On the other side of this exchange, Zerra struggled to meet Erdy’s gaze. The alpha’s intense stare bore down on her with such force that she was unable to look him in the eyes for long. Trembling slightly, she lowered her head once more, bracing herself, though still uncertain and afraid, for his response.

“I’ve heard everyone’s side of the story now. Although the crime itself is unforgivable, Jared, I will take you at your word that your daughter will serve me in the way I require. She is blameless in this matter, yet you still chose to offer her as compensation,” Erdy announced, his tone tinged with barely hidden disgust. After a pause, he continued, “I will accept your offer, but only on one more condition.”

His gaze moved back to Zerra as he spoke, watching her expression shift to one of bitter resignation. It was painfully clear that she felt humiliated by being offered as a token, like livestock.

“We will abide by any of your conditions, Alpha,” Jared replied, the relief audible in his voice as he imagined his schemes beginning to fall into place.

“My condition is simple yet binding: you will be stripped of your title as Beta of this pack. Every privilege and power afforded to you by that title will be revoked, and henceforth, you shall live as a common soldier in this kingdom. Moreover, you will be stationed on the western perimeter for the rest of your life, with no opportunity to advance. This decision is final and non-negotiable—unless, of course, you would prefer to forfeit your life now,” Erdy stated, his words carrying an air of absolute authority.

Jared felt as if the ground beneath him had vanished. He had anticipated some punishment, but this? He knew better than to plead or bargain further; once Alpha Erdy made a decision, it was as immovable as a mountain. Though his pride lay in tatters and the sting of humiliation burned within him, Jared swallowed hard, vowing silently that he would rise again and reclaim everything he felt was rightfully his.

“I accept your decision, Alpha,” he finally said, his voice laced with bitter defeat as he forced himself to bow his head, the pain of his disgrace visible in his bloodshot eyes.

But then, Veronica’s voice broke the silence, wavering yet laced with desperation. “And what about me?” she asked, her entire body trembling with fear over the alpha’s judgment. “What will happen to me if my husband is sent to guard the frontlines?”

Erdy’s eyes settled on Veronica, his contempt unmistakable. “You,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain, “will most certainly receive your due punishment. But for now,” he turned toward the guards with a gesture, “take this woman to the dungeon.” His words were followed instantly, as the guards stepped forward to fulfill his command.

“Wait! Alpha, what does this mean? We’ve given you our peace offerings, and you accepted them! Why must we still endure punishment?” Veronica cried out, her voice rising with panic.

Before she could finish, a loud slap echoed through the room. Jared, his face twisted with fury, had struck her. The crowd and Alpha Erdy watched silently as Jared turned to his wife, his voice filled with cold fury.

“Have you lost all sense, woman? How dare you question the Alpha in front of everyone? Do you have a death wish? Or do you intend to drag us both down into ruin?” Jared hissed, his teeth clenched with barely restrained rage. It was the first time he had struck her, and the shock left her paralyzed with panic.

“I-I was only saying…” she stammered, but he silenced her with another harsh slap.

“Are you so blinded by pride that you can’t see the mess you’ve caused? Everything I worked for, the plan I spent years devising—you destroyed it all. So keep your mouth shut unless you want me to tear you apart,” he whispered furiously before releasing her to the guards.

“I apologize for that, sir. It won’t happen again,” Jared said, bowing once more, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground, unwilling to meet Erdy’s piercing gaze.

“Make sure of it,” Erdy replied coldly. “And understand this: you are forbidden from stepping foot outside your assigned area. If you disobey, you forfeit your life.” Jared felt the sting of shock once more, but he knew defiance would only further his ruin. Swallowing his pride, he nodded, all the while silently swearing vengeance as anger and resentment boiled within him.

“This meeting is adjourned,” Erdy declared. He turned his gaze toward Zerra, who was standing in silence, tears streaming down her face as she wiped them away, mourning the disgrace that had befallen her family. “And you,” he addressed her, his tone softer, “follow the maids. They will show you to your room and teach you the necessary duties to serve here in the palace.”

Zerra nodded, her face a mask of quiet acceptance, and obediently followed the two women who would guide her.

Erdy noticed Trisha lingering nearby. She was the widow of his closest friend, who had died at Veronica’s hand. “You’re still here?” he asked gently, a rare softness in his tone. “Do you disagree with my verdict?”

“It’s not that I disagree, Alpha,” Trisha replied, her voice thick with emotion. “I only wish to understand…why?”

Erdy’s expression softened further. “Henry was more than my friend; he was like a brother. We trained together, fought countless battles side by side. Killing his murderers would be too merciful. I want them to suffer, to feel pain so deep they long for death. But even that may not quench the fire in my heart,” he admitted, frustration and grief flickering in his eyes.

“You’re right, Alpha. Now I understand. They deserve far worse than death. They should suffer until they wish for an end they cannot reach,” Trisha agreed, her own voice filled with anger.

“Go and take care of your children,” he said, his expression filled with genuine concern. “You and your twins will always have the palace’s support.”

“We could never be a burden to you, Alpha. You’ve already done more for us than we could ask for, and I know you have far greater matters to focus on,” she replied, smiling sadly.

“You’ll never be a burden,” he said, his voice warm. “Henry was more than a friend; he was family.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” she said, bowing before leaving.

As night fell, Erdy finally left the court, heading to his personal quarters. The adjoining room, known as his private chamber, served as his retreat—a place he took women only to discard them afterward. Though the world saw him as heartless, in truth, he was waiting for someone who could claim his heart, someone to fill the emptiness with his life. Many of his age had found their destined mates, yet he continued to wait, growing more impatient with each passing year for the arrival of his true mate—the future Luna of his pack.

But just as he reached for the door, his head butler appeared to inform him that his father wished to speak. Erdy set aside his intentions for the night.

Though Alpha, Erdy harbored no desire to become king. The humans living across the lands under the palace’s rule remained oblivious to the werewolves and other supernatural beings sharing their world.

King Edgar Vermont, his father, had ruled for nearly a century, a direct descendant of the first werewolves. He married Celestine, once a rogue queen, now his Luna. For Erdy, his parents’ unwavering love and support had always been his strength. At twenty-five, he often found solace in his mother’s lap during difficult times, finding respite in her nurturing presence. His younger brother, Ken, twenty-two, had also ascended to Alpha, leading a pack of his own.

“Father, what did you wish to discuss?” Erdy asked, finding his father gazing at an old photograph as he entered the room.

“Sit down, son. With you standing, I'd strain my neck just to look at you,” King Edgar teased. Erdy smiled, settling into a seat.

“Minister Albert informed me of today’s proceedings,” his father began. “Jared’s father was a trusted friend, and I’m disappointed to see his son suffer this fate. Although you ruled justly, I ask that you show compassion toward his daughter.” The words held a gentle command.

Erdy considered his father’s words but found it difficult to feel any pity, as the memory of Henry’s death weighed heavily on him.

“I was as surprised as anyone when Jared offered his own daughter instead of holding his second wife accountable,” Erdy admitted, frustration lacing his voice.

“Peter, Jared’s father, would have protected his granddaughter with his life. Let the decision stand, but please, make sure she feels some semblance of comfort here,” his father urged softly.

Erdy nodded reluctantly, acknowledging his father’s wisdom. “I can’t promise kindness towards her, but I’ll try, Father,” he replied, feeling his inner wolf stir at the mention of Zerra.

“Just remember, son,” King Edgar said, his gaze soft but firm, “the sins of the father are not the burden of the child.” He dismissed Erdy with a gentle nod.