Chapter 70 Not so bad after all
Ruel’s POV
I’ve been sitting at the desk long enough that the candle has burned low and is now melting.
I don’t move from my seat, not even to replace it.
It's a good thing the light is dying out. At least this way I would no longer see the stupid words written in this so-called urgent letter.
Alpha King Andre’s message is clear enough.
The handwriting is sharp and tight, so unmistakably his. Every word looks like it was written with irritation.
I read it again, slower this time, needing to assure myself that he actually penned down everything here
To Commander Ruel,
Your decision to imprison Sergeant Scarface has reached me, and I find it as disappointing as it is predictable.
The annoying thing is he words this as though I'm not the one who sent him an update on everything happening at the base. Makes it sound like I hid it from him.
You were not given command so you could indulge personal grievances under the guise of discipline. Detaining a senior officer without my consent, especially one who I clearly favour, suggests a failure in your ability to understand the limits of your authority.
That's a hard jab, one I'm not used to receiving from him. Yes, the alpha king questions everything I do. But my judgement within the base, this is the first time.
Scarface is to be released immediately. There must be no record of any punishment.
My plan to take over the east will not be jeopardized because you choose to act foolishly.
You were instructed to lead together with Scarface. That instruction was not conditional. You either do as I say or prove to me how little you care about your position.
Alpha King Andre.
“FUCK!” I scream, smashing the letter against the floor and trampling it under my foot.
What the hell?! How can he address me like this? I've been nothing but humble and loyal all this years. There's never been gratitude or…
“Are you done?” Elric’s nonchalant tone drifts from near the closed door.
“Fuck off,” I hiss without looking at him.
“You are honestly overreacting. This isn’t the first time the alpha king is making a fool of you.”
I spin on him then, anger snapping tight in my chest. “This is the first time he questions a decision I make within the fucking base.”
“Well,” Elric says, voice flat, shrugging slightly, “I’m pretty sure if this wasn’t Scarface in the cell, he wouldn’t worry.”
The words painfully hit their mark.
“He doesn’t even care to consider Scarface might be guilty,” I snap, heat flooding my veins. “Not for a second.”
Silence stretches across the study. The candle gives a weak sputter, its flame shrinking further as if retreating from the tension.
I bend down, retrieve the partly torn letter from the floor, smooth it once with my palm, then toss it back onto the table.
With a deep inhale, I straighten my posture, forcing my shoulders back and dragging every last shred of self-control into place.
“And where are you going?” Elric asks as I march toward the door.
“To let that bastard roam free,” I say, not reducing my steps.
“When are you going to stand up to the alpha king, huh?” Elric presses. “When will you stop him from making a fool out of you?”
I stop.
Then slowly, I turn my head, eying his hand that's resting on the door knob, his long fingers relaxed, almost casual, like he isn’t preventing me from exiting.
“Don’t be stupid,” I say, my voice low and edged. “I can’t stand against the king’s command. I’m nothing but a fucking beta. He’s the alpha king. When he’s punishing me, you alongside everyone else will be silent.”
“But you withstood his pheromones that day,” Elric says strongly. “You didn’t fall to your knees because of any pain, Ruel. I know you were feigning it. And now… now we know you have the trait of a Lycan, you have a rare gift also and your mate is a stray…”
“Don’t,” I growl, my voice heavy with warning.
“No,” he insists, stepping closer. “Because everything I just said puts you above his radar.”
“No it doesn’t,” I snap back. “It only makes me an easy target for everyone. He controls the whole of Vahl.”
“Half of which don’t even like him.”
“Elric, can you stop,” I mutter, exhaustion finally seeping through the cracks in my anger. “I owe the king my loyalty and obedience. And I will do just that.” I state, pulling the door open and storming off.
The cell looks and smells awful. Scarface looks up when I enter.
His face is thinner than I remember.
I'm surprised when he goes on his knees.
“I swear commander Ruel, I didn't try to harm you. I'd never. I was set up. The arrow… it doesn't make sense. Why would I leave a trace if I'm going to do something like that? Why would I be that stupid?”
His head bows low, hands pressed flat against the floor. “I’ve served this base for years. You know me. You’ve fought beside me. I would never raise a weapon against you.”
I stop just inside the bars.
For a long moment, I say nothing and only look at him.
Then I slide my hands into my pockets, feeling how buried tension sits tight in my shoulders.
He smells like fear and sweat.
“I know you hate me,” Scarface continues when I don’t respond, his voice cracking as he lifts his head just enough to look at me.
Those red-rimmed eyes don't fool me.
“Because of the alpha king’s command,” he adds, “Because he ordered us to rule together. I know you never wanted that. But I swear to you, I didn’t do this. I didn’t try to hurt you.”
“I don’t hate you,” I say, cutting through his useless rambling.
He sills, clearly not expecting that answer.
“Locking you up in here is protocol,” I continue. “You’re not here because I hate you. You’re here because you’re a suspect. That’s all.”
For a brief moment, hope flickers across his face. His shoulders slump with relief.
“Then listen to me,” he says urgently, swallowing hard. “You think I’d throw everything away like that? My rank? My life?” He laughs weakly, shaking his head. “I’m not that kind of fool.”
“Your pleading is pointless,” I say with a frown. “If you’re innocent, the truth will surface. If you’re not,”
He watches me but I don't finish the statement, deciding to get to the point.
“There’s been a development,” I say. “The alpha king has ordered your release.”
“I knew it,” he exclaims, a wide smile spreading across his face. “I knew he’d see reason. He knows me best. He wouldn’t let this stand.”
He lets out a shaky laugh and pushes himself up from the floor, his hands trembling slightly. “So… that’s it then? I can go back to my post?”
Before I can answer, I feel it, Krist pushing forward.
No, Krist!
But he takes charge anyways and before Scarface can speak, my hand wraps around his throat.
His eyes widen as I squeeze.
I slam him back into the wall, the stone cracking beneath the impact. His feet leave the ground, blunt fingers clawing uselessly at my wrist.
Scarface quickly turns pale, panic capturing his face as I lean in close.
“Let this be your only warning,” Krist says quietly. “If you so much as think about betraying him again, I won’t wait for a fucking command from the king. I’ll tear you apart myself. Ruel may not hate you, but I do!”
Without pity he tosses him across the room then storms out.
Control slides back to me in this rush that leaves my heart hammering and as I exhale slowly, I realize,
Giving Krist control is not so bad after all.