Chapter 9 Alaric " No ! She's a Blackthorn Omega . She stays in Blackthorn ! " Cassius protests . " But he- , he hurt me . " Sage whispers , a shiver wracking her tiny form as she clings to me tighter . A growl rumbles in my chest and the Alpha shudders . " Please , Sire , let us discuss this in private . " He pleads . My instinct is to deny his request , to refuse him anything he desires . But as I glance down at Sage , her face buried in my chest , I realize she's suffered enough embarrassment in the eyes of this pack . " You may dismiss the pack . But your son and the beta female stay . " I enjoy the flash of fear in her eyes when she realizes she's not escaping me so easily . I shift Sage in my arms , careful not to touch the weeping wounds on her back as I make her more comfortable . An impatient snarl slips out as I wait for the Blackthorn Alpha to disperse his pack . I need to get this nonsense over with so I can take my sweetling home , ensure she gets proper medical attention . " You have no claim to this woman ! " Cassius boldly challenges me . " You've proven her innocence , stayed her execution . We'll make amends for her ill - treatment . But this is her home , her pack . She belongs here ! " I snort at his audacity but it's more menacing than humorous . " After what this pack has done to her , I doubt she'd agree . She's a person , not property , you spineless twit ! " His lip turns back in a snarl at the insult but quickly reigns it in when I let my aura flare . I turn my attention to Sage , tipping her chin up to look at me . " Who hurt you , sweetling . " " C- , Cassius . " She chokes on his name . " H- , he was my m- , mate . But he- , he wh- , whipped me and rejected me in front of the pack then la- , laughed at me . I- , I didn't know . I- , I'm sorry . ' >> The sound of her strangled sobs , the apology on her lips for something that was never her fault , it makes me murderous . I had a feeling it was something like that . How could he do such a thing to his own mate ? I'm going to end his miserable life if it's the last thing I do . " Shh , sweetling . You have nothing to be sorry for . " I try to calm her but I've never been good at it . I'm a king , battle - hardened and gruff so I turn my glare on Cassius instead . " You're lucky I have precious cargo in my arms , pup . Otherwise , I wouldn't hesitate to pay you back in kind for what you've done to her . You're a mockery of an Alpha and you bring shame to your people . " " Father ! " He seethes , teeth clenched and fists balled at his sides . " You are the authority in this pack . An authority this man bestowed on you . Are you going to stand there impotently and do nothing ? " " You forget your place son ! " The Alpha barks . " It so happens I agree with our King . You've already discarded the girl . She's wolfless , too weak to be your Luna . Wash your hands of her completely and focus your attention on someone worthy of becoming your Luna , like Daphine . " " But father " the boy doesn't know when to quit but the Alpha cuts him off . " I've decided . My word is final ! " He snaps . Despite his bravado in front of his son , I can feel the truth of his fear . His aura is dripping with it . He doesn't have the balls to defy me , Which brings me to the next command I have for him . " I'm glad we're in agreement , Alpha . One last order of business then we'll be on our way . I want this woman punished for perjury ! " I point to Daphne . Chapter 9 +25 BONUS " Wh , what ? She stammers , her eyes blown wide in horror . " An innocent woman was almost executed because of your false testimony . A testimony I have no doubt was given with that very outcome in mind . " My voice is gravelly , my lycan joining me in berating the girl . " I can assure you it will be done , Sire . " The Alpha simpers . " I don't need you to assure me , Alpha Sloane . I'll be here to witness it with my own eyes . As soon as it's done , Sage and I will be on our way . " I don't miss the way Cassius fumes at the reminder I'll be taking his little toy away from him . " Well , uh , what punishment do you suggest , Sire ? " The Alpha defers . " I'm glad you asked . I think it's only fitting she receives the same punishment Sage wrongly received . And since your son is so obviously talented with a whip , I suggest he be the one to wield it . " Daphne screams in protest when the Alpha calls two guards to take her into custody . The man looks resigned , knowing he has no choice but to do my bidding . Cassius , on the other hand , appears outwardly furious , but I don't miss the sadistic light flare in his eyes . He's going to enjoy this and that thought is slightly terrifying . " Assemble the pack . " I instruct him . " Daphne clearly likes an audience . " I take a seat in the front row , settling Sage gently on my lap . She doesn't speak , still traumatized by her ordeal , but her hands are twisted in my shirt so tightly , it would take a crowbar to pry them off . She's trembling a bit less though , so I'll call that a win . Shocked whispers and exclamations rise form the gathering crowd as they see their Beta's daughter on her knees chained to a post . Cassius unwinds the whip as the guards tear Daphne's shirt open down the back . Alpha Sloane addresses the pack , announcing her crime , but I tune him out . " Do you want to watch your tormentor receive her retribution ? " I murmur in Sage's ear . " No , " She shakes her head without looking up . I didn't imagine she would . I don't relish the inflicting pain on others either , but this pack has gone unchecked and unpunished for too long . It's a necessary evil and a part of my responsibility I don't enjoy . Sage flinches with every snap of the whip . Daphne screams and sobs , pleading with Cassius to stop . But if anything , his lashes become even more brutal . How can anyone not see the psychopath lurking inside that man ? As promised , as soon as the punishment is complete , I stand with Sage , preparing to leave . Cassius ' glare burns into me with every step I take . I have no doubt he and I will meet again , but for now , I have more important things to consider than his petty tantrums . Because the woman in my arms has been tortured , rejected and nearly killed . She's heartbroken , sad and filled with self - doubt . So , as much as I want to shout from the rooftops that this angel is mine , maybe now isn't the best time to tell her I'm her second chance mate .