Alpha's Playmate

Laying down the law

The Crestridge packhouse was now alert and busy. Many people, warriors and maids, lined the hallways trying to get an idea of what was going on. Rumors had spread fast that the famous Blood King had taken their Alpha Prisoner. The warriors knew that their Alpha had dared to cross him. Many of them had been employed to carry out the attack even though they thought it was a stupid idea. Their Alpha had grandiose ideas of beating the infamous Alpha Nicklaus, Blood King of the Blood Moon pack. Most of the warriors were angry at their Alpha for putting them into this position where their lives and families were in jeopardy. A small faction supported their alpha and would secretly keep communicating with the allies their Alpha had secured to take down Alpha Nicklaus.

Ponds is lucky Nicklaus didn't kill him on the spot. He was set to be made an example. Nicklaus called in his Gamma, De' Andre, and a contingent of warriors to take over this packhouse for the time being. He didn't want them just doing whatever they wanted. He would have left Jared here in charge, but he needed him to be his go-between. De'Andre and the other warriors left behind to deal with this new pack addition, called for an immediate meeting outside the packhouse. He wanted to see everyone and access the natural clicks that congregated together and any animosity that might be brewing, especially with the Crestridge Beta and Gamma that had suddenly lost their standing. They were the most likely to cause a ruckus.

"Pack members. We are here to ensure a smooth transition. Alpha Nicklaus Wolff, Blood King, Alpha of the Blood Moon pack is your new Alpha. You will swear fealty to him here and now. You will be given more opportunities than you have ever known, our pack pays tithes. However, all the money goes into housing, schools and making our pack strong and happy. Your tithe will be minimal compared to what you pay here, and you will keep the remainder of your earnings for yourself. If you allow it, this could be a welcome change, fruitful opportunity. We prize our females, you will be made safe, you will no longer have to worry about being assaulted involuntarily. You will have bodily autonomy, and if any man lays his hand on you or forces himself on you, he will be dealt with swiftly. r**e will not be tolerated, is that clear?" He paused and waited for that to sink in. He had heard the report of the raid. Heard of the maid being assaulted in the hallway. He wanted it abundantly clear that this sort of thing would not be tolerated, and he intended to make a statement.

"Bring forward the example," he declared. His warriors dragged a man to the front who clearly resisted. "This man was found during the raid to apprehend your ex-alpha to be assaulting a maid in a corridor. It was clear his activities were unwanted, and he was r****g the poor women. We can not allow someone who would do such a thing to be in our pack; He is considered unreformable. It would be too dangerous for us to release him as a rouge. We will not be watching our backs for retaliation. So, I offer you an example of what happens should you make unwanted advances to females in this pack." He made no hesitation, turning his bronze body swiftly and deftly raking his extended claws across the offender's throat, ripping it out. Gasps escaped from the crowd.

"Does anyone here have a problem with this execution? There is no judge or jury in this pack, only Alpha Nicklaus' word. He sentenced this man to death for his offense. Challenge me now or accept this as law." De'Andre stood proud waiting to see what their reactions would be. As he scanned the crowd, he watched one i***t hothead shove his way to the front.

"This is the way it has always been," the hothead stated angrily. "Women are here to serve, to please men. What they want does not matter. They are property." He finished, puffing out his chest at De'Andre. Several men in the crowd cheered.

"Make note of these men," De'Andre mind-linked his warriors. "Well, it is no longer the way of things. In Blood Moon, women are revered, respected, and appreciated. I enjoy pleasing my women as much as they enjoy pleading me."

"This is ludicrous!" the Crestridge man yelled, shaking his fist.

"Do you challenge me then," De'Andre boomed.

"What good would that do me? If I win, what do I get?" He asked and several of the men who had cheered flanked him.

"Winning will change nothing for you," De'Andre admitted. This guy may not be a complete i***t. If he didn't make a formal challenge, there wasn't anything he could do, even knowing he might go onto harm someone secretly. He and his buddies could only be dealt with when and if caught in the act. "So, submit then," De'Andre said, trying to goad him into action.

"We will accept your alpha and his rules," the man replied for himself and his friends, but it was clear they would be an issue.

"Excellent," De'Andre moved on. "Over the next several weeks you will be accessed on your skills and interests. We will do our best to employ you in something that you can not only excel in, but enjoy spending your time doing. As this pack borders Blood Moon we will simply combine our territories and spread out. It is very possible that you will not have to relocate, but you are welcome to request a relocation if you like. Tomorrow there is a mandatory meeting in the Blood Moon courtyard that everyone is expected to attend. I will end by giving anyone an opportunity immediately following this meeting to line up and ask questions, and make requests, including immediate safety evacuation if you feel in need of that." Andre then turned military style on his heel and proceeded to a check station they had set up to deal with the requests.

Many people lined up to ask questions about how things worked, job opportunities, and a possible mating match ceremony. Seeing as to how they were combining packs, it was possible many may find their fated mates. One girl stood out, she waited in line meekly at the end, looking around nervously and eventually it was her turn.

"Excuse me, sir?" She addressed De'Andre politely. "Please, sir, may I be evacuated? I do not feel..." she began. However, just at that time, a large male came up and put his arm across her shoulders.

"Don't bother these nice men, Rosalie, I'll keep you safe." He moved to lead her away to which she seemed frightened of.

"Not necessary," De'Andre said immediately, and several warriors moved in to intercept his movement. The man quickly held up his hands as if in surrender, his thick muscles bunching on his arms, and backed away somewhat regretfully and giving the girl a threatening look.

"What is this man's name?" he asked the girl as soon as he had left.

"Please sir, he will hurt me if I tell you," she cried, real tears escaping.

"We can not eradicate this from your pack without help, without the names and faces of the perpetrators. We will move you immediately to safety. You have my word," De'Andre told her.

She looked around scared, "Wesley, sir. His name is Wesley, he was our Beta, he is a terrible man. There are a lot of terrible men here."

"Not for long," De'Andre all but promised her. "Take her to Blood Moon under protection. "It would help us greatly if you knew the names of any more of the bad men, Miss Rosalie," he inquired.

She nodded and some of the warriors whisked her away.