Rendered

Chapter 4

Msizi's POV:

Gosh, I hated the new generation and their rash decision-making. Deep down, I knew that Nuzo was making a mistake by ordering the capture of Mrs. Benson and her daughter. These women were saints, down to earth and kind-hearted. I understood that Nuzo wanted to feel useful and respected, and this seemed like his opportunity to earn everyone's respect. However, if this plan backfired, I would likely take the fall for it.

Feeling conflicted, I picked up my phone and called James. He answered after the first ring, sounding irritated. "Is he awake?" he asked immediately. "No, not yet. But the doctor did say he will wake up anytime," I replied. "Then why are you calling me, Msizi?" James asked, his tone filled with annoyance. "The kid wants me to arrest Mrs. Benson and her daughter. He claims that they are responsible for the alpha’s condition," I informed James.

"It's about time we do something about them. I also suspected them. Get the boy as well," James instructed firmly. I hesitated, knowing that this decision would not sit well with the Alpha. Mrs. Benson was a kind woman, and my infatuation with her only made it harder for me to carry out such an order. "I don't think this is a great idea. The Alpha will not like this one bit. The woman we are talking about is very sweet," I reasoned.

"Look, Msizi, get over your infatuation with that woman and arrest the whole family. Your Beta and Elder have spoken. Stop being a coward and do your bloody damn job," James commanded, his words dripping with disgust and disappointment in me.

Against my better judgment, I sent the troops to arrest the Benson ladies and find the boy wherever he was. I expected some form of resistance from them, including from their pack members. However, to my surprise, no one fought for them or tried to stop us. Everyone seemed to be minding their own business. This made me suspicious and made me believe that there was more to this situation than meets the eye.

Mrs. Benson willingly came with us, but her daughter put up a fight, eventually admitting to their crimes. I kept the three family members in the dungeon, awaiting the Alpha's verdict. Nuzo was furious that I had also arrested the boy, but I didn't care. I had done what he wanted, even if it didn't sit right with me.

Kenny's POV:

When I woke up, my entire body ached. The last time I felt like this was after my first transformation. Memories flooded back to me – rogues had attacked me in my own territory. It meant there was a traitor within my pack, and only one person came to mind: James. That man would do anything to make me have a child, and if this was his plan, I couldn't help but begrudgingly admire its success. Damn that old t**t.

"Kenny! You're awake. Young man, call the doctor," my mom exclaimed, signaling a guard to fetch the doctor. "Hey, Mommy, how long have I been out?" I asked, trying to ignore her immediate focus on finding me a mate.

My mom hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead. "I'm glad you're well. Now that you're awake, we need to find you a mate so that if something like this happens again, we have an heir," she said, her words filled with determination. "But seriously, Mom, how long have I been unconscious?" I pressed, growing impatient with her persistent insistence on my romantic life. The worst fate for a child is losing a father who was an Alpha. It forces them to grow up quickly, and it's not a pleasant experience.

"Jena lost her mate, and she has no children. I think she would make a great mate for you. She's respectful and loves the pack wholeheartedly," my mom suggested. Goodness, this woman could be annoying sometimes—no, always annoying. She already had four grandchildren, and yet she still wanted more.

"Alpha, you're awake. That's good. I was beginning to worry because you've been in a coma for two weeks," the doctor spoke, her voice filled with relief. She proceeded to assess my eye response, hand coordination, leg movements, and instructed me to take deep breaths. "You're looking good, Alpha. I'll ask Nurse Lily to take your blood and remove the drip. If everything looks clean, you'll be out of here in no time."

"Welcome back, partner. I thought you'd never wake up," my wolf chimed in, his amusement evident. "I'm as horny as hell. I wouldn't mind mating with Jena. Twenty-three years can't compare to two weeks of no release. It's moments like this when I appreciate the art of m**********n," he teased. I ignored his lustful banter and thanked the doctor sincerely.

"Now, get some rest so you can be out of here soon. Luna, please leave him to rest," the doctor instructed, acknowledging my need for solitude. I was grateful for her assistance in getting my mom to leave. My mom didn't look pleased, but she exited the room. Once the nurse left as well, I asked to be alone so I could relieve myself and take a shower. Before she departed, I inquired about my phone.

"Before you go, do you happen to know where my phone is?" I asked Nurse Lily. She turned to me with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Alpha, but only your mom can give you your phone. When you were admitted, you didn't have it with you." "Alright, thank you, Lily," I replied.

I needed to ask my mom for my phone because I had to go for a run. Two weeks without shifting wasn't good for us, especially for my wolf. "I'm fine. Let's focus on getting your body back in shape, and then we can stay in wolf form for two full days," my wolf spoke to me. After my bath, I called the nurse and requested that she call Nuzo for me.

I needed to see him and find out what was going on. As expected, Lily willingly placed the call to Nuzo.

...

It took Nuzo two hours to arrive at the hospital, which irritated me. What could be more important than my recovery? "Alpha, you're awake. Sorry I'm late. I really didn't want to come see you," Nuzo said, displaying signs of anger. I felt my dominance surge within me as I responded firmly, "I'm still your Alpha, and if you don't want me to rip your head off, you will show me some respect."

"Do your worst. Oh, wait, you already did!" Nuzo retorted, his anger palpable. I had no idea what he was talking about or why he was angry with me. "If you have something to say, just say it," I urged him. "You f*****g killed my mate," he said, his voice breaking as he burst into tears. I was stunned and didn't know how to react. I wasn't even aware that he had found his mate, let alone that I had taken her life. He placed his head in my lap, and instinctively, I began to run my fingers through his hair. "This is awkward," my wolf chimed in.

After Nuzo finished crying, he apologized and began to speak. "The rogue you injured, the one whose hand you ripped off, turned out to be a girl. She was my mate." It was something I hadn't expected, and I had no idea what to say. I couldn't comprehend the feeling of having a mate, let alone losing one. "I'm sorry. I had no idea," was all I managed to say. We sat in silence until I drifted back to sleep, my heart weighed down by grief.

Nuzo's POV:

As he slept, I felt the overwhelming urge to kill him. God knows I wanted to. But my mate's words echoed in my head, "He didn't know I was your mate. Don't crucify him for trying to protect himself and the pack. Apologize to him for me. If I had made better choices, we would have met in better circumstances." She was right, but that didn't stop me from resenting him. I still wanted him dead. "Just do it. I won't fight you back," Alpha's wolf spoke. In an instant, a white wolf lay on the bed. I backed away and quickly shifted into my own wolf form. Unfortunately, I couldn't control my wolf's actions. He lunged at the white wolf, and they engaged in a series of tackles. Neither of them made a real attempt to harm the other.

After several clashes, the Alpha roared at my wolf, causing the hospital room to tremble. My wolf cowered, and the guards rushed in. Seeing the Alpha's fury, they scurried away and closed the door behind them. Alpha returned to his human form, looking exhausted. "I won't do anything to you. At least not today, in this state. Get out of here and clear your head. You're relieved of all your duties, Nuzo. I'll find another beta once I leave this place," the Alpha stated. He must be kidding me. He took everything from me, and now he thought he could simply get rid of me. "I won't step down from my position, Alpha. I did nothing to warrant dismissal," I replied bitterly. "We both know you won't be able to look at me without resentment. It's better if you leave the pack, so you don't have to see the man who ended your mate's life."

"Hahaha! I'm not going anywhere. I won't give you the satisfaction. I want you to remember what you did to me for as long as you live, every day of your life. I'm not going anywhere," I declared defiantly. Kenny looked at me and said, "You can leave now. I need to rest." I chose not to leave. "It was the Benson family. They're under arrest now, awaiting your verdict." The look he gave me made me question whether I had made a mistake in arresting them. "Ask Gamma to come see me tomorrow. Goodbye, Nuzo." With that, he covered himself and settled back to sleep.

I picked up my phone and sent a message to Msizi, as instructed by the Alpha. However, I found myself staying in the room, unable to leave. I watched him sleep, his face peaceful, free of the constant frown. The vicious wolf that had terrified me into submission was gone. I found myself wondering if I was being unfair to him. Yes, I knew it was beyond his control, but it still happened. I made it my mission to ensure he never found his mate. And if he did, I would kill her the same way he killed mine. With that last thought, I fell asleep in the chair.

Next day:

I felt someone tapping my shoulder, and I opened my eyes to find myself still in the hospital room. It was Msizi, and it was 5:30 in the morning. I was sure he had just returned from his run. "We could use a run too," my wolf spoke to me. "You're right, wolfy. Let's get out of here." I stood up and headed for the door. "Wait, let's leave together. Let me hear what the Alpha has to say," said Msizi. I nodded and

stood by the door. The Alpha greeted both of us, and I couldn't help but notice that he seemed better than the day before. "Bring Troy to me this afternoon. I want to see him. Keep his mother and sister in the cell. I'll give you further instructions later," he said. The request to see Troy piqued my interest. I was determined to be there and witness whatever was about to unfold.