Chapter 52
“Piper.” Onyx said again in that soft tone.
“I know what just happened. I saw it for myself. As for Stacey’s claim that nothing untoward happened, I ask that you allow me to show proof of the torment. I would also wager that this torment you have suffered has been going on a long time?”
We all watched as Piper gave a small nod of her head. Then, in the softest voice I think I have ever heard she spoke up.
“Your Grace, if I may. On behalf of my whole family, we would like to welcome you back to your pack. And we all pledge allegiance to you and Alpha Reece.”
Reece and I thanked her, then I asked her to explain the situation.
In a small voice, one of dread but courage. We listened as Piper described her life within the pack.
“I am an omega. My whole family are omegas apart from my brother, who is an elite warrior. Stacey and my brother are chosen mates. All through school they said they would be together when they gained their wolves.
This gave Stacey the opening to belittle me and treat me like a slave put on this earth solely to wait on her and be at her beck and call. When my wolf didn’t show up at 16, the bullying became worse. What started out as name calling escalated into slaps and punches.
What you saw this morning, was Stacey laying down the law to me because I didn’t have her breakfast ready. She found me in the forest. You saw the rest.”
My heart was breaking for this young girl. I could feel Nev’ar shaking next to me. But it was the Alpha’s voice that spoke.
“Why didn’t you bring this up to your beta representative? They would have the power to bring it to my attention? Why do I not know of this?”
I placed my hand on Reece’s arm to calm him down. It was then Stacey tried again to say that nothing had happened and that Piper was a liar and a bit of a slut amongst the pack.
I ignored Stacey and spoke directly into Piper’s mind.
I can show proof, but I need your permission. Once Piper agreed I spoke again.
My fellow pack mates, I will show you what I saw and heard earlier, so that we can all decide if Piper is in fact the villain.
All eyes were on me. I closed my eyes. I could see each and every soul that stood around me. Soon there would be ties to me, but for now I simply sent everyone my thoughts. The whole thing played out in everyone’s mind.
“And where the fuck do you think you are going?” Stacey snarled at Piper.
Before the smaller girl could respond, Stacey was pulling on the girls hair. You could clearly see it was meant to hurt as tears formed in Piper’s eyes.
“I told you to have my dress ready and my breakfast made by 9am. I had to dress myself this morning, you useless Omega. You wait till I tell your brother. He will be so annoyed with you, I bet he will use his belt again.”
Stacey pulled on Pipers hair again, then folded her two friends to hold Pipers arms. When Piper was restrained we all saw Stacey punch Piper in the stomach. Piper’s knees buckled, but the cohorts held her up so she could receive two more punches. One for not dressing Stacey and one for not making her breakfast.
“Don’t worry, pretty Piper. I won’t leave a mark on you that could be seen by anyone. Your brother has taught me well.
Melody and Jasmine let go and Piper fell to the ground, tears pouring down her face. What we all saw next was all four girls stand up straight and walk out of the forest, and toward us.
Reece POV
I was furious. I was so angry at what I had just witnessed I didn’t trust myself to be around anyone other than Julia.
I swept her up in my arms whilst barking out orders.
I hurried back to the short cut, and up to my room in record time. Julia just sat in my arms like they had been made for her. She didn’t speak. She didn’t try to fill the space with empty talk. She just wrapped one arm around my neck and allowed me to carry her.
Once I made sure that Julia was set up in my room. I gave her a swift kiss on the top of her head. As I was leaving Julia said quietly, “please send Piper to me when you have finished your investigation.”
I opened my mouth to ask how she knew, but decided it was easier to just accept it. From now on, there will be a shake up in this pack. I would make Julia and Onyx proud.
By the time I arrived at my office, my Beta, some elite warriors and the four girls all waited outside.
I walked in, then gestured for everyone to come inside and sit down. I didn’t need to ask which warrior was Piper’s brother, for Stacey was clinging to him. And his arms were around her in a protective way. There was no sign of affection towards his sister.
I sat in my large opposing chair. I bade them all to sit.
I had already spoken to my Beta about this situation. He in turn had already found out some pertinent information. I loved that about my Beta. The wealth of knowledge he brought to the position, was worth its weight in gold.
I let out the breath I had been holding, then sighed.
I know I had a look of disappointment on my face. I couldn’t help it.
These were my pack mates. I wasn’t just their Alpha. I was also their friend, I had grown up with most of my pack.
I recognized Stacey boyfriend immediately. He was new to my elite warrior class. Nevertheless, he was a strong fighter.
“Well, Benjamin. What can I say. In fact, I want you to have your say, first! Go on.” Although I said these words lighthearted, no one could miss the command in it.
I watched as Benjamin untangled himself from Stacey’s arms, then step forward.