Serving the Alpha at His Whim novel Chapter 2

“It’s about time you are here. Explain yourself? You’re here to plead your case.”

The scowl on his face and impatient tone sent Jessie into what she called her survival mode. She’d say anything he wanted to hear. So, this would end with the least number of injuries.

“I’m not sure what they have accused me of? I’m sorry I don’t know what I can tell you.” She was struggling to keep on her feet because of the hour. She had that headache coming on from lack of sleep. Jessie had been awake for almost forty-eight hours. She’d helped another female of breeding age with the delivery of her pup. That pup was Jessie’s nephew.

“You think I believe that? Your brother tried to kill me and mine. Most of your pack is now dead and you want me to believe you knew nothing about it? Even if you did nothing. You did nothing to stop it either. You are as guilty as your brother. Then you dared to take your time getting here.”

“I knew he wanted land and you would not give it to him. I told him he couldn’t expect you to just give up the land. My suggestion that he should ask how much you would accept for the land went unheeded. But he didn’t want to spend the money. I thought it was the beer talking. He never mentioned plans to attack. I couldn’t do anything about it. If I said anything, I’d find myself removed from whatever future social events.”

“You did nothing. You reported it to no one. People died because of that. Unnecessary deaths. Yet here you stand. Knowing that your unhinged brother planned. He’d control of a pack just as unhinged as he was. That makes you just as responsible. You will pay for your irresponsible and dishonourable lack of action.” He was screaming again. Though she stood on the opposite side of the desk. She flinched at his words. Her eyes looked to the floor. Jessie feared if he was yelling now. It wouldn’t be long before his fists would fly.

“I’m sorry. He did this while I was busy. He didn’t tell me of that part of his plan. Who was I supposed to betray my brother and Alpha to?” Jessie felt the pressure of trying to stand up for herself to this male. He was an authentic Alpha, and his stare was all it took for her to melt into submission. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you want me to say?”

Jessie flinched when she heard his growl of frustration before his fist slammed into the desk and knocked papers to the filthy carpet. “Did I say I wanted your apology?” He didn’t wait for a response from her. He went on with his tirade and answered himself. “No. I didn’t. But you are going to learn that your inactions have consequences. It’s within my right to kill you or punish you as I see fit. Your pack’s dissolved as of tonight. As of now, the Iron Hill Pack is no longer. What’s left of that pack is at my governance and my mercy. I will start with you. These will be my decisions and they are not open for debate. I will measure everyone’s worth and they will have one chance to fit in and earn their place within my pack. They can decline. They can then go on their merry way to search for a different pack. Though I doubt many will find one willing to accept an ex-member of the Iron Hill Pack after what your brother did comes out. But you? You don’t get the choice because you need to face your punishment. After that, then you will have the chance to earn your way into my pack. If I deem you are acceptable material for consideration.”

Jessie could see that nothing for her would change. She watched the last slim hope that life would get easier slipping away. Her hopes died before her eyes. She assumed he would now insist on beating her and imprison her. She could see him choosing to make her punishment a public affair as a warning for the others.

“What type of punishment Alpha?” It took her some time to say the word Alpha without it sounding rude. Or as an insult.

“I will announce my decision later. Once, I’ve met with everyone, and I will let no one push me into a rash decision. I have other things to do. Now get out.”

Jessie backed away from him. He’s not someone she’d dared turn her back on. He incited fear and obedience. But she feared now that he was not a fair man. If he was giving her people a choice to join his pack or not. Why was he not giving her the same choice? That she wanted to know, but she wasn’t insane enough to anger him more by asking. She was leaving without a mark on her.