Chapter 24: Dominance and Submission.

Chapter 24

~Scottie’s POV~

The climate overshadowing the camp was sullen at best but the group of us sitting in Carson’s quarters were trying to make the best of a terrible situation. It had been a week and a half since the attack and we still had no answers. Surprisingly, no one saw the attackers and after the initial assault there were no other disturbances.

There was only one thing we were all certain of and that was that it had been an inside job. There was no evidence to suggest otherwise; We had traitors among us.

“Hasn’t Thomas told you anything Grady?” Jessie asked and the man in question shrugged.

“I rarely even see Thomas these days and I live with the guy.” He said shaking his head “He’s always holed up somewhere with Carson and the elders.” He explained much to our disappointment.

“Yeah the last time I saw Carson was a couple days ago and whenever he has time to reply to my texts it’s just to say they’re trying to get to the bottom of it.” Laken added in dismay and I sighed.

“A week and a half and we’re still exactly where we started; why won’t they at least tell us if they’ve found something?” I asked no one in particular and the look on everyone’s faces told me they were all wondering the same thing.

“They’ll call a pack meeting soon enough I guess.” Laken said; looking as miserable as we all felt.

“It just doesn’t make any sense; why would anyone randomly attack the pack causing only minimal damage and then disappear?” I questioned and once again no one could answer.

“Well there’s nothing we can do about it now, they’ll only tell us when they’re ready to tell us. Welcome to pack life Scottie; no matter how close you are to the person in charge you’ll still be as out of the loop as everyone else.” Grady said; not without malice and I nodded.

A few minutes of silence passed following Grady’s pronouncement before he spoke again.

“How’s Adrian holding up?” he directed the question at me.

I sighed, “Not good, he barely eats, doesn’t sleep…nothing.” I trailed off.

Jessie gave my arm a comforting squeeze and when I looked up again all eyes were trained on me.

“I can’t imagine what he must be going through…God if it had been Thomas…” Grady trailed off and we all understood his unspoken words; none of us would have been able to function if it had been our lover who’d met Lucas’ fate.

“God I miss talking to him…and Carson’s acting all tough but I know he’s hurting too.” Laken was saying; tears filling his eyes, “Lucas saved his life awhile back you know.” Laken said reverently.

“In the pack raids right? Jessie was telling me the story.” I spoke and Laken nodded.

“Yeah…we were losing, men going down right and left; they outnumbered us by far and they were prepared…we weren’t but then right when we thought it was all over Lucas showed up with his men and the Marcana pack." He took a breath then continued;

"At the time Carson was badly injured and I don’t know how, but he found him and took him to safety and what made him even more heroic was the fact that he hated Carson’s guts at the time but he put that aside and helped him.” By the time Laken finished the tears were trailing down his cheeks but no matter how many times he wiped them away they just kept coming.

“And now he’s…he’s…” Laken couldn’t finish as the sobs wracked his body. Grady moved to sit beside him, throwing a comforting arm around his friend’s shoulders.

We were all feeling sick to our stomach about what happened to Lucas, he of all people didn’t deserve this, but at a time like this we had to remain strong because something told me that that attack had only been the beginning. The tension and despair around the room was almost stifling and I decided a change of subject was in order.

“Hey Grady, I meant to ask…what’s with the ring you and Thomas wear?”

It worked…somewhat.

Grady looked down at his hand and a small smile graced his face. “It’s an engagement ring.” He offered and Laken shifted a little and I was surprised a chuckle escaped him.

“Grady has this ridiculous idea that the mating ceremony is a marriage. He refused to do it until Thomas bought him a ring.” Laken supplied and I laughed. Yeah that sounded like Grady alright.

“Not true! I would have done it anyway but…it just didn’t seem right without a ring.” He grumbled and we laughed again.

“And this is why I wouldn’t want to be mated to a human…they’re so hard to please.” Rivers spoke up and we all laughed again because if anyone was hard to please it was the mighty Rivers.

“You know what? We’ve been so stressed lately and it can’t be good for us…I say we just stop talking about all our problems today and just breathe and do something to take our mind off things.” Rivers said and Grady spoke.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Well I could cook and Jessie could bake something and we all play some games or watch a movie or dance...anything...as long as we get to think about other things for a few hours.” He said with a grin and I found myself liking the idea.

“Yeah sounds good.” Jessie was beaming.

“I’ll just run to the store and pick up a few things and I can stop over at the mall and  get some movies.” Rivers continued, pushing up from his seat. He froze at the sound of Marcus’ voice when he reached the door.

He’d been content to sit silently until now.

“We don’t know the reason behind the attacks yet. The perpetrator could be targeting a select few or just anyone associated to the pack. It’s not safe to leave camp right now.” He said and Rivers rolled his eyes.

“Sweetie, we’re not safe in camp anyway and I’m not about to hide out in here with my tail between my legs.” Rivers argued and when he turned to go again; his hand closing over the door knob Marcus growled. Yes growled.

“Sit down Rivers, it’s not safe and you’re not going anywhere.” He said, his tone brooked no argument.

Rivers’ eyes widened and he stood there looking at his mate. “Marcus you’re being unreasonable, you can’t very well expect me to-”

“I can and I do.” Marcus said, his voice firm and after glaring at each other for what seemed like an eternity, Rivers, folded his arms and flopped back down into the chair, looking miserable.

Grady snickered and when Marcus shot him a deadly glare he fell silent. We all watched as Rivers turned his big brown eyes on Marcus silently pleading and I smiled when my brother’s expression softened in the face of Rivers’ puppy dog eyes.

He sighed; “Alright, maybe you can go out for a few minutes…but I’m coming with you.” Marcus said and Rivers grinned pushing up from the chair once more and holding out a hand to Marcus, who took it after only a brief hesitation.

“Get everything set up guys, we’ll be back in a few.” Rivers assured us and they were out the door.

It was clear as day that Marcus was the dominant in this relationship but Rivers had him so wrapped around his little finger that Marcus didn’t even realize he wasn’t the one calling the shots.

I never thought I’d see the day my brother turned to putty in someone’s hands but here it was right in front of me and I couldn’t say I didn’t like it. At least one good thing came of the attack; it brought my brother and Rivers together faster than they would have under normal circumstances and as crazy as their relationship was it was obvious the two cared deeply for each other.

Now I only had one brother to worry about and after what happened during the attack I wasn’t sure I’d ever get through to him.

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~Scottie's POV~

Just as Laken predicted, a pack meeting was called later that night. Everyone gathered in the courtyard anxiously awaiting the Alpha’s speech. The yard was noisy with the murmuring of dozens of werewolves but the moment the Alpha and Beta along with the council elders stepped on stage the murmurs died down and silence fell.

The first thing I noticed was that Laken and Grady were standing to the rear of the platform, looking down at the crowd with the same confusion I’m sure we all felt.

It was strange to see them up there as they usually stood alongside us during meetings. I raised an eyebrow at Laken when I caught his eyes and he shrugged letting me know he was as confused as I was as to why he was there.

I shifted my gaze from him to the others, watching as Thomas took centre stage with Carson standing just a step behind him. After scrutinizing the crowd for exactly a minute, his eyes roaming over the faces in observation, Thomas spoke

“There are traitors amongst us.” He said, his voice cold and harsh as it swept over us all.

The murmurs started up again at his pronouncement; with everyone looking around at each other in askance. Carson sharp eyes took in the faces before him as he stood silently watching the reactions then Thomas spoke once more.

“Rest assured that these traitors will be caught and severely punished for their malicious acts against the pack. If any of you know or have information as to who might have been involved you are expected to come forward. If you do not come forward and it is later found that you were aware of those who committed the acts you will face equal punishment.” Thomas’ voice boomed over the crowd and I felt a shiver run up my spine at his icy tone.

In all this time Carson made not one move to partake in the meeting. He chose instead to remain silent as his gaze continued to sweep over the crowd.

They allowed a few more minutes to pass without a word as they observed, then Thomas spoke again.

“Apprehend the suspects.” He commanded and I looked around in surprise. I hadn’t even realized that they had suspects and as with the rest of the crowd, I looked around to see who the guards would arrest.

I saw the crowd drift apart around me before I realized what was happening. When one of the pack guards walked over and took hold of Jessie I drew in a surprised breath, then before I could open my mouth to prevent them from taking her away I felt a set of hands grip my arm and before I knew it I was being ushered through the crowd as well.

“Hey what the hell’s going on?” I demanded and was rewarded with a shove.

There was a bit of a scuffle across the courtyard and I look around to see two other guards take hold of Marcus and Rivers, ushering them through the crowd into the direction of the holdings.

“What the fuck is this? We didn’t do anything!” I shouted, twisting this way and that but I fell silent when I caught Marcus’ eyes across the yard.

He shook his head, silently telling me I should stop fighting and so I did; allowing myself to be escorted away from the gossiping crowd.

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~Adrian’s POV~

His hand felt cold and small in mine as I ran my palm over his fingers.

No response.

I kept waiting and hoping that he’d open his eyes, move his fingers, say my name…anything but lie there cold and unmoving but I never got my wish.

He hadn’t opened those eyes since the shooting and I was beginning to wonder if he ever would.

The doctor called it a stress induced coma, saying that even though there had been no head injury Lucas had simply retreated into himself due to the shock or stress of the situation and that they had done all they could to treat his injuries so whether or not he woke up was entire up to Lucas.

Lucas was a fighter but after the way I’d treated him I was fearful that he’d just give up without giving me a chance to apologize for my thoughtless words and actions. I hated seeing him so frail, all that spirit wiped out by the bullet of a gun held by a traitorous villain I swore I’d make pay.

I reached over and ran a hand over his forehead and through his hair. Not even a twitch.

I sighed and dropped my head onto the bed. I’d taken to talking to him most times I was here because the doctor told me there was a possibility he might be able to hear my voice but today I couldn’t even muster the words. I felt that if I even opened my mouth the tears would come and I couldn’t let it. I had to be strong for him. He needed me to be strong for him and so I would be.

I hadn’t even realized I’d drifted off until I felt strong firm hands grip my arms and pull me upright.

“What the…” I said groggily.

“We need you to come with us.” An ominous voice said and when I twisted around, it was to see two pack guards looming above me.

“What’s this about?” I asked suspiciously.

“We need you to come with us.” One of them repeated and I lost my patience.

“I’m not leaving Lucas so either you tell me what you need or you leave.” I told them and pulled my arm from his to take Lucas’ hand once more.

This time however they didn’t ask and I felt myself being hoisted out of the chair.

“What the fuck!” I fought them, twisting, turning and kicking and just when I thought I would be free another pair of arms clamped down on mine and I was dragged; kicking and screaming out of the building.

………………………………………..

~Scottie’s POV~

The room they left me in was tiny housing only a small table with two chairs on either side. The window off to the side couldn’t even fit a child’s head and the concrete walls allowed the cold to seep in.

I sat in the chair, my hands on the table in front of me as I stared at Thomas who had been sitting in the chair before me simply staring at my face. I figured it was done to make me uncomfortable so that by the time he was ready to speak he’d have me spilling my guts.

It didn’t faze me. The first thing I was taught when my brothers finally accepted me into the business was to never give away secrets, to keep cool under scrutiny and to always look a person in the eyes, so I far I was doing all three.

“I’m giving you the opportunity to speak now. To confess before we proceed with this.” Thomas said.

He was totally different from the friendly guy I’d planned to have my mating ceremony with. The guy sitting before me was cold and calculating and his eyes were completely devoid of the warmth I was accustomed to seeing there.

I remained silent, looking at him with an expression akin to boredom.

“Did you really think you wouldn’t be questioned in relation to the crime?” Thomas asked, “It’s too much of a coincidence that this happened the day your brothers arrive don’t you think?” he questioned and while I understood the magnitude of such a coincidence I knew it was just that…a coincidence.

“Thomas I was in the building with you when they tried to burn it down. I had Jessie with me and we could have died to you really think I’d willingly hurt my mate or put myself in that position if I was responsible for this?’ I asked.

“I didn’t say I thought it was you.” He said calmly.

“My brothers then…Lucas was shot, he could have died, there’s no way he’d have done that to Lucas and Marcus’ wouldn’t have put Rivers in that situation, come on Thomas, you’re wasting your time here, we didn’t do anything.” I said and this time he sat up straighter, his mouth hardening and his eyes narrowed.

“Grady could have been killed in that fire and if I find out that it was you and your brothers that were responsible you’ll all wish you’d never come here to begin with.” He threatened and at his words a deadly calm washed over me as the anger poured through my veins. It was time to stop playing friends with these people, if they were going to stand and accuse then it was time we showed them that we weren’t about to sit there and let them.

I sat forward, my voice low and icy when I spoke next.

“Let me make something clear to you…if you keep treating us like criminals, then eventually you’ll face the consequences of that decision.”I told him.

“Is that a threat?” he questioned his anger simmering just below the surface.

“Does it sound like anything else?”

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~Jessie’s POV~

The elder kept drilling me with questions, over and over again  and it had reached a point where I just sat there in silence as he questioned, refusing to answer and refusing to add.

“If you decide to side with these criminals over your own pack then you will face a greater punishment than what awaits them.” the council elder said, his eyes so wide I imagined them popping out of his wrinkled little head.

“I said it before and I’ll say it again. Scottie is innocent and so are his brothers.” I said with a conviction I’m sure the elder didn’t know I had.

“We need you to put your pack first, display your loyalty to us and help us bring the culprits the justice.” He continued.

“And I would be honored to aid you on this mission but you’re investigating the wrong people!” I shouted and the elder’s eyes went black with anger.

“You are a disgrace to this pack.” he said softly and I bristled.

“I’m a disgrace?” I asked in disbelief, “I’ve given everything I have to this pack. I’ve always been loyal and I’ve always put this pack first but if you are going to stand there and accuse me and my mate of a crime we didn’t commit after everything I’ve done for you people then maybe it’s time I really did throw my loyalties elsewhere.

The elder’s thin lips tightened as did his fists.

……………………………………………….

~Rivers’ POV~

The elder’s eyes bored into mine as he spoke and I fought hard not to look to the ground like a scolded child. I’d been stuck in the small room with the ugly walls for an hour before anyone had even decided to grace me with their presence and the moment the man entered accusations went flying out of his mouth.

“I didn’t do anything and neither did they.” I told him for about the tenth time.

“Those brothers do not deserve your loyalty, now you need to tell me what you know. Why did they come here, what are they planning?”

“They didn’t do anything. We were all together when it happened. We all could have gotten hurt.”

“Don’t be naïve boy. A minute before Lucas was shot; Adrian Corsetti had a gun pointed at him. He didn’t pull the trigger but he could very well have ordered it and if Adrian ordered it then Marcus knows about it and if he’s guilty then you would have sensed it, so you know and you will tell me.” The elder had come to stand directly in front of me now and I drew back a little so that I could look up into his face.

“Marcus is innocent, he’d never-”

The elder slammed his hand down onto the table, his eyes blazing. “You will assist your pack or you will face our wrath!” he shouted turned away, my eyes watering but I refused to show such weakness in front of him.

“Tell me what you know!” the elder shouted again and this time I surged to my feet in anger.

“They’re innocent! I don’t know anything and you’re a fool if you think they had anything to do with it!” I blazed.

The door of the room banged open and a guard stepped in. the moment he reached my side he shoved me until I was sitting in the chair, then stood over me, his arms folded in front of his chest.

“Tell me what I need to know or your fate will be sealed with theirs.” The elder said, no longer shouting.

I felt the tears build in my eyes once more threatening to fall and my lips trembled when I said my next words.

“I want Marcus.”

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~Marcus’ POV~

I could feel my mate’s despair coursing through me with every breath I took  and I fought to contain my anger as I glared at the two guards who had been questioning me since the moment I’d been shoved into the tiny room.

“I said it before and I’ll say it again. My brothers and I are not responsible and neither is Rivers.”

The idiots leered at me, adjusting their weapons as if they thought the sight of them would scare me. The fools.

“We were fine before you and your good for nothing brothers came around and now we have wolves getting hurt and our property being destroyed. You’re all a bunch a cowards and every time you make a move we’ll stop you. We won’t allow you to hurt our people and kill our innocent and if you don’t talk then you little mate will face the consequences.” The short one finished.

I hated wolves, always had, with their cocky attitudes and their leery smiles and their utter stupidity. There was only one wolf who had completely changed the way I viewed them but these blustering fools proved to me exactly how stupid they could be.

I clenched my teeth as my body vibrated with barely concealed anger. “You wouldn’t even get the chance to allow anything…if I wanted you all dead you would be, now where is my mate!” I bellowed, hooking my hand under the edge of the table and flipping it over so that it smashed against the wall to their left.

The two men flinched, taking a few steps back as they looked upon me with new eyes.

…………………………………………………

~Pack guard’s POV~

The tension in the room was getting to me. I wasn’t a coward and I was no fool; I wouldn’t have been recruited into the pack army if I’d been anything but good at what did but the levels of anger and hatred flowing through the room had me on edge.

I watched as the Alpha spoke with the one they called Adrian Corsetti. I had never met another who could hold his own in the face of my Alpha’s questioning but this guy was something else.

The way he sat there as cool and collected as my Alpha was unnerving. Even the way he managed to smile that manipulative smile that I’d only ever seen on my Alpha’s face was disconcerting. If I didn’t know better I’d say sitting here were two Alphas fighting calmly for dominance and I didn’t know which one was wining.

I both feared and respected my Alpha and I never thought I’d see the day when I felt the same about another person. This man…this Adrian Corsetti had a presence about him that could make even a greater man fall to his knees and beg for whatever they could get, he was my Alpha’s equal in every sense of the word and I knew with every fiber of my being that this day would not end well for either side.

“This pack hasn’t seen war the likes of which I’d thrust upon them if I’m not returned to Lucas’ side this instant.” The man was saying and the iciness in his tone sent shivers through my body and fear through my heart leaving me without a doubt that he could easily carry out that threat  if he so desired.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

HERE YA GO SWEETIES! THANKS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL COMMENTS ON THE LAST CHAPTER..I'LL BE RESPONDING TO COMMENTS ON THIS ONE <3

-dOUbLe.a

unedited.