Chapter 86: LEAVE THE PUPPY ALIVE
My question is more rhetorical than anything else, a way of underscoring her naiveté in the face of my power.
"She's off limits to the pack!" Sora shouts in desperation, a last-ditch attempt to convince me.
"Be more specific," I reply coolly, my voice echoing her desperation, a clear warning that I will not tolerate evasions or games.
"I'll tell you everything I know, but first let my puppy live," Sora pleads, her voice trembling as she tries to hold back tears of terror.
"Only if you manage to convince me, maybe I won't kill him," I reply dismissively, making it clear that his life hangs by a thread I hold between my fingers.
"It won't be easy for you to get to her, they're waiting for you," Sora continues. "You haven't gotten their trail because they sought to erase all traces of scent so you won't find them so easily, and there will be no choice left but for me to tell you."
"I wasn't lying when I said they would kill her if you don't go after her quickly, they have a deep hatred for you and humans," Sora continues, her words like poisoned darts. "Besides, they are not so sure about your feelings for her, they fail to understand how you could accept that human so easily," he adds with barely contained contempt.
As he speaks, her body writhes like a trapped snake, his eyes gleaming with despair, and a spark of hope flashes in his gaze, a hope that I will mercilessly extinguish. "Well, in that case..." My voice is cold and calculated, an ominous prelude of what is to come.
"Tristan, take the puppy away from here. Until I know what I'm going to do with him," I murmur with a menacing tone, my eyes glinting with authority. My words cut through the air with an implied threat, reminding everyone who is in absolute control.
Tristan nods silently, his submissive gesture showing his obedience to my orders. "Understood, my Alpha. but how far?" Tristan asks cautiously, his face devoid of any visible emotion as he approaches me.
"Far enough away so he won't hear his mother scream, then I continue with him," I reply coolly, making it clear there will be no room for sympathy.
"You're going to spare his life, you promised!" shouts Sora furiously.
As Tristan walks away with the cub, the herd remains in tense silence, watching every move closely. My cold, merciless gaze sweeps over the group, making sure they understand who holds the power here.
"I never promised anything, I said I was depending on your words, and your words here are worthless. Everything you're telling me I'll have to check first before I'll consider saving it, so I won't let you die so easily until you take me to where my companion is with your own two feet," I declare in a firm, ruthless voice, my words ringing with authority and menace.
Sora growls in displeasure at my words but I do not intend to soften my words. I cannot afford to show weakness before the pack, much less allow Sora to escape unpunished for her actions. Betrayal must be punished firmly, no matter the consequences.
Sora, for his part, writhes on the ground, her eyes giving off a gleam of helplessness and resentment. "You can't do this!" she cries out in desperation, her words laden with defiance and contempt.
Yet her words are like the fluttering of an insect in the face of a hurricane. I remain unmoved by his outburst, my authority unwavering, my resolve stronger than ever. It is time for everyone to understand who is in charge here, and I will not allow anyone, not even Sora, to question my dominance over the herd.
"Well, I'll get ready to leave. You are all dismissed. You will stand guard until I return," I give simple orders, but no one seems to move from their places. "What are you waiting for, everyone to your chores!" I roar in an authoritative voice, breaking the silence with a tone that brooked no objection. The herd slowly begins to disperse, though some still keep their gazes fixed on me, wondering what will happen next.
"But alpha!" one of the pregnant women with the prominent belly retorts my words, her voice laden with concern and urgency.
"Do you also doubt my authority?!" I inquire authoritatively, my eyes flashing with fury at the hint of disobedience.
"Of course not, my Alpha!" exclaims one of the older wolves in my pack, who promptly bows to the ground in respect. "Only... we want to help too. It's our duty. We couldn't protect her!"
"We need to be of help too!" replies another, while a third nods impetuously.
"We won't forgive ourselves if we fail to do something!" adds yet another, his gaze full of regret and determination.
My mind works at full speed, evaluating options and possible courses of action. My pack seeks redemption, and while I don't blame them for not being able to protect her while I was gone, I know it was my duty to be there for my mate. However, this battle is not yet over and I know how dangerous it will be for everyone if I decide to have them join me. This is my battle, I don't want to involve them without knowing what course it will take. But their loyalty to their moon is greater than any command. What decision will I make now for the good of all? Save my pack or save my mate?
"What next, Alpha?" asks Tristan as he returns to my side, his anxious expression reflecting his unwavering loyalty. I have made a decision, and I am sure it is the best one.
I smile sinisterly, my eyes shining with determination. "What's next, Tristan, is that we make those damn stragglers understand who's in charge here. And I don't care what I have to do to achieve it."