Chapter 8 Alaric My footsteps were heavy as I'd left Blackthorn territory earlier . With every step I'd taken I'd felt a tug in my navel , like a hook drawing me back ... to her . I'd refused to give in , staying focused on my mission, protecting my identity . But then I felt something snap , a powerful force unfurling within me that even I couldn't deny . And I knew what it meant , knew I had to go back for her . I turned back , sprinting , hoping I wouldn't be too late . I could feel her distress , her agony and terror , as if it were my own . I'd almost been too late , but I can't allow myself to consider what could have happened . I'm here now , and ready to rain down hell on every wolf bold enough to think they could touch what's mine ! I unleash the full strength of my aura , so powerful , it brings the entire crowd to their knees . Even the Alpha cannot stand against me , though I see the fury that knowledge brings flaring in his eyes . But even more satisfying , is the fear etched on the face of his pompous ass of a son . " The last I checked , accused criminals live or die by my authority in this kingdom ! Who made you , a mere Alpha , judge , jury and executioner of this woman ?" I growl , the thunderous sound shaking the ground beneath us . " P- , pardon me , Sire . " The Alpha sputters , but I don't spare him a glance . I'm too fixated on the little wide - eyed omega who's looking at me with a mixture of hero - worship and betrayal . " Th- , this woman is a traitor to her pack . Execution is a just punishment for the crime . " I scoff at his ridiculous claim , bending down to untie the girl , and helping her stand. It's immediately apparent someone tortured her , the extent of her injuries sending me into a blinding rage , a deafening roar tearing from my chest . I lift her into a bridle carry when her legs buckle beneath her . " You'll be okay . I've got you . " I attempt to soothe her when she trembles in my arms . Finally dragging my eyes away from the omega to snarl at the Alpha still kneeling at my feet , I demand answers . " Exactly how did this child commit treason ? And where is your proof ? " " Sh- , she conspired with rogues , let them into the pack . Some of our members died because of her ! " He grows bolder as he drones on . " Our Beta's daughter saw one of them in her home with her own eyes . ' >> " Bring me your informant . " I growl , already knowing she'll have long black hair , the same woman I saw through the window earlier . " Daphne ! " The Alpha bellows , all too eager to have my attention directed elsewhere . She rises from her feet , coming to stand before me with a defiant look on her face . This is the woman who tortured my sweetling , left marks on her body and scars on her kind soul . I won't settle for less than her total humiliation . 1 " Do you know who I am ? " I question her . " You're the Lycan King , Sire . " Her lips turn up in a flirty smile as if she can charm her way into my good graces . " Then you should know you don't stand in my presence unless you're invited to do so ! And I don't recall giving you leave to stand ! On your knees , beta . " She blanches , looking around for someone to save her but no one is looking at her . I issue an impatient rumble and she drops to her knees . " Good . Now tell me what you saw . " And you should know , I can read your aura . I'll know if you lie to me and that won't end well for you . " I swear she turns even paler at my warning , an observation I may be enjoying a bit too much . " Sage had been acting suspiciously so I followed her home . I peeked in her window and saw a man . " Chapter 8 +25 BONUS Sage . I take a moment to turn the name over in my mind . Beautiful , just like her . Knowing her name only makes her more real to me , makes me want the disgrace of her tormentor even more . " Is that all ? " She shakes her head but doesn't speak . " Was that man dressed like a rogue ? Did you get close enough to smell his putrid scent ? " I press , knowing her answers will discredit her . " N- , no . " She admits , a deep shade of red coloring her face at the embarrassment . " Who did you really see , Daphne ? " I soften my tone , lulling her into a false sense of security , " Y- , you . It was you . " A collective gasp rises from the pack , her humiliation complete . I turn my wrath on the Alpha again . " Is it your practice to stage executions without a fair trial ? Because you clearly had no verifiable proof against this woman . " I spit , not waiting for an answer . " This woman has nothing but kindness in her heart . Your treatment of her is a disgrace ! " A report reached me that the wolves in this pack have been allowed to bully its lower class members . I met Sage and investigated this complaint by staying with her and observing her treatment . " I lie , not wanting to reveal my true intentions . "In the days I spent with her , she worked like a slave for you with no compensation aside from a small chunk of bread . " She came home with cuts and bruises , exhausted and defeated , after being abused by your pack members . If you bothered to treat each member of your pack with the respect they deserve , you would know she would no sooner consort with rogues or cause harm of any sort , and that's despite the maltreatment she's suffered . Just think how she might have flourished if she'd been properly cared for ! " " I- , I-," the Alpha stutters , but I'm not interested in his pathetic excuses . " Enough ! Since you are obviously incapable of fair treatment , I no longer trust you to care for this woman's best interest . She'll be returning home with me ! " I hear the tiniest gasp from the woman in my arms but it's drowned out by a surprising protest from the Alpha's son . " No ! " Cassius roars . 1