Against the Black

Chapter 15

“Alpha Brian of the Pine Claw pack, you have been found guilty of abusing your mate, attacking another pack with malicious intent, and attacking the royal family.” Beta Mark announced loudly over the crowd that had gathered outside the pack house.

“I didn’t attack the royal family!” He screamed in response.

“You attacked the Obsidian Falls pack where a member of the royal family is staying. Obsidian Falls also houses the Crown Prince’s mate. So you have not only threatened the crown, but also the future of the crown.” Murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire, and I wanted to shrink in on myself.

“How was I supposed to know the prince was here?” Alpha Brian was sobbing on the front steps. He was on his knees and bent so far forward his nose almost touched the bottom step, with his hands still chained behind his back.

“Well, seeing as the prince is here investigating the abuse done to your own mate. I would think you could figure that out on your own.” The kind of sick satisfaction Beta Mark got from seeing Alpha Brian bent over and sobbing made me feel better about my own sick satisfaction.

When I decided to pick a fight with another pack, I chose Alpha Brian for a few reasons. Not the least of which is he’s a complete ass hat. But he’s also your average Alpha male. Egotistical, power hungry, self absorbed, hotheaded, and all too willing to go into a ten-hour explanation on how wrong you are about everything. He was an easy target because he’s extremely hot headed. But he also has an inferiority complex that drives himself to look and act as more than he is. It’s part of the reason he killed his father for power, to prove he could. It is also the reason he and his mate didn’t work well. Michelle is a sweet and loving woman who wouldn’t hurt a fly. But as soon as his pack began showing favoritism to Michelle rather than Brian, he couldn’t handle it and lashed out at his mate.

So, when I chose Alpha Brian, I used him to show other packs that we won’t stand for their bullying any more. But I will also find all of their deep, dark secrets and expose them. We are a pack of women, and women talk. I have information on every pack we have ever accepted a refugee from. Meaning, I know every button to push to get Alpha Kyle from the Moon River pack to cheat on his mate. And every trigger to cause Alpha Daniel of the Wind Howlers pack to go on a month long bender. I know all their dirty laundry. And while Alpha Brian may have made the biggest mistake of abusing his mate, other packs have secrets they want to keep hidden. Secrets that can make or break treaties. And I know plenty to bring down an empire of shitty Alphas.

So watching Alpha Brian sobbing on my front steps brought me a sick satisfaction, knowing I did some good. I removed a bad Alpha from power and got retribution for his mate Michelle. Most of the information I have on other packs won’t get them in trouble with the crown, like Brian. But I’m glad I was finally able to put my information to good use. For both my pack and for Michelle.

Beta Mark stepped away and led Michelle to stand in front of Alpha Brian. He looked up at her and began begging her for leniency. He tried reasoning with her, all the while blubbering like a small child. She simply looked down at him with silent tears running down her cheeks. I put my arm around her shoulders for support, but she stepped away. She squared her shoulders and spoke,

“Alpha Brian, I have been given the honor of deciding your punishment. And as much as I wish you could suffer in a cell for years, I would never stop looking over my shoulder if you were to be kept alive.” His face paled and his sobs choked to a stop as he stared at her. “So I sentence you to death.” He stared at her, his body naked and shaking violently. She met his eyes and spoke quietly to him.

“In order to keep my peace, you must die. But if there were any way I could be happy with you still alive,” He looked at her almost hopefully. “I would lock you away in a silver cage and send men to visit you hourly. And I would encourage them to treat you in any disgusting and violent ways they wished.” She choked back a sob. “I would have given you the world, but now I will watch your life end.” She turned and ran into the pack house, sobbing.

He stared after her as he was hauled to his feet and dragged to the holding cells until his sentence could be carried out. The warriors taking him had to hold him up by his shoulders and drag him along behind them. I was shocked by Michelle’s declaration, but I was also a little proud of her for standing up for herself and her peace. I had the kitchen take her water and more tissues. Then I mind linked Laren, her best friend here in the pack and told her to go find Michelle. I didn’t want her to be alone.

“Pine Claw pack.” Beta Mark called and motioned for them to step forward. But before he could continue, I stopped him.

“Beta Mark, do you mind if I handle this? It was my pack they attacked.” He studied me for a moment, then stepped back and let me take over.

“Luna Michelle has told me about your living conditions.” They glanced back and forth between each other. “Luna Michelle has expressed that she does not wish to return to the Pine Claw pack lands. And since you have no Alpha and no Luna, you will need to find a new pack. I offer you two choices. You may pledge into the Obsidian Falls pack, or you may find a new pack. If you choose to stay, you will be provided food, housing, and a job, as well as a loving community. I cannot say what other packs will offer. Those of you who wish to stay, please see Valerie. Those who do not, please see Terence, my warrior, he will escort you off pack lands.” I watched as a small number of them made their way to Terence and a larger number made their way to Valerie. I was happy to see so many wanted to join our pack. One man stopped before making his decision.

“What about our families that are still on our pack lands?” He looked worried.

“I would, of course, ask for you to bring them here. I would not want anyone left to fend for themselves. In fact, would you be willing to be the one to deliver the message? I’ll send two of my warriors with you to make sure you are safe on your way. You just need to let anyone who stayed behind that they have the same options of joining Obsidian Falls or finding another pack. I would even be willing to send transport to relocate families and the elderly.” The man smiled and nodded enthusiastically. I mind linked two of my warriors to fetch the man clothes and to get a car brought around to deliver the message. Then I turned to face Beta Mark and Prince Roman.