Thane
Hell Howlers Pack, that’s what the documents I received called the place my driver just pulled up to. It looks like any other wolf pack I’ve visited over the past three months. The same shops in their little town, the same three-story brick packhouse. The only difference between these thirty packs is how they’re run.
Luckily, I’ve only had to put a handful of Alphas down for bad behavior. I don’t tolerate the abuse of pack members. There’s being tough on your pack and not accepting disloyalty; then there’s outright bullying and torture.
I’m all for reprimanding those who deserve it. I’m not even bothered by killing traitors and torturing enemies before putting them down. I’m talking about harming the innocent. As Lycan King, I rule both Lycans and Werewolves, and I make damn sure packs are run how I see fit. Everyone must follow my rules, or I’ll end them. Simple.
It was brought to my attention recently that the thirty packs I’ve visited the Alphas have gone against my rule. They’ve been abusing pack members, using such practices as torture as punishment.
Twenty-five packs weren’t going as far as I’d been led to believe. The Alphas needed a little guidance, but I found no evidence of severe mistreatment.
However, the four packs, before Hell Howlers, were found to have abused Omegas. One pack even held Omega slave rings, and I lost my shit. No one will traffic Omegas on my watch! Those Alphas believed they had the right to hurt those men and women as they saw fit. I do not and will not stand for that!
“Thank the Goddess that this is the last pack. I can’t wait to get home.” My brother mumbles.
“I know what you mean.”
As my Beta, Theo has to travel with me regarding these things. But having to leave my kingdom for extended periods of time is not something I often do. A Lycan King, away from his throne, is asking for the enemy to attack. Thankfully, my father, Ronan, is standing in, in my stead. My throne is safe with the former King of Lykos.
“I wonder what we’ll find in this place.”
“I don’t know, Theo,” I answer while exiting the car. I smooth down the lapels of my grey suit jacket. “But I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”
I tip my head toward the Alpha, exiting the front door of the packhouse. Two men almost as large as he is, Beta Yuri and Gamma Caleb, follow. I know who they are; I can smell their rank a mile off.
“King Thane,” All three bow to me. “Beta Prince Theo. Welcome to Hell Howlers Pack. This is Yuri, my Beta,” He points to the redhead on the left. “And Caleb, my Gamma.” The brown-haired man on the right bows. “To what do we owe the honor?”
I stare at Alpha Lennix, annoyed by his stupidity. He knows just why I’m here; he was notified, albeit two days ago. However, I’m sure the man heard the stories of my visits to other packs before his notification. He can’t honestly expect me to believe he doesn’t know why I’m here. Besides, I can hear everyone’s thoughts; I don’t need a mind link with any pack. I’ll know what they’re thinking, and I can also read emotions, and see auras, so I know when someone is lying to me.
“You know very well why I’m here, Lennix, so cut the crap. I want every single member of your pack on the training field in ten minutes.”
“But, Your Majesty, our pack is fifteen hundred strong. Most are at work or school. I’m not sure everyone is even here right now; some may be traveling.”
‘He’s lying,’ Jagger’s voice filled my head. My Lycan is not happy. ‘He has every pack member on pack grounds. He read the letter sent to him; he knew what you would ask, so everyone is here, Thane.’
‘I do believe you are right, Jagger. I wonder what else he’s keeping from us?’
‘I don’t know yet, but keep your wits about you. Something doesn’t feel right about this place, Thane. I sense great pain here. Also, you might want to keep Theo under control. He looks like he’s about to tear the Alpha’s head off.’
I look at my brother, standing beside me. His eyes are wide and shining gold, meaning his Lycan is on the surface. His chest heaves as if he’s fighting not to kill Lennix, but I have no idea why.
‘Theo, control yourself! Whatever your problem is, save it until we’re done here.’
Theo doesn’t answer me, and I don’t have time to care what his problem is right now. I have a job to do, and as King, my job is to ensure all in my kingdom are treated correctly by those in charge.
I look at Lennix. “Do not lie to me, Lennix. You received correspondence informing you of what to expect. You knew we were coming, and I know you informed your pack and ordered them to be here today. So do it!”
He bows slightly. “Yes, My King.” I sense his fear. Good, just as it should be.
“Bolton,” My head warrior steps forward, hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist. “Make sure everyone on the list is accounted for. The rest of you,” My warriors bow in submission. “Make sure no one leaves until I’m satisfied everything is as it should be. If anything seems off, no matter how small, link me immediately.”
“Sire.” They all take off to follow my orders.
“Now, why don’t the five of us go inside and have a little chat?”
There are things I want to discuss with this blatant liar. Besides, if he’s inside, it will allow my warriors to speak to the pack without their Alpha present. There’s a better chance of people opening up if Lennix isn’t around. People tend to clam up, scared of what will happen when help leaves, not realizing they won’t be left with the monsters who hurt them.
Even when it’s obvious something is happening, people will lie to me out of fear to protect their Alpha. Of course, I can always tell, and then I’ll read everyone’s mind, getting to the truth. That’s when things turn into a blood bath, just like with the other packs. I’ll do things a little differently this time, and who knows, maybe I won’t have to kill anybody.
“Is all of this really necessary?” The Beta asks as soon as Lennix closes his office door behind us.
This place is ridiculous and looks more like a living room than an office. At least it’s clean. I’ve been in some, and they were filthy.
I growl at Yuri, who shows his neck in submission. “Who are you to question me, Beta?”
“My apologies, My King. I simply meant that shouldn’t we be out there with our people?”
“So you can frighten them into submission?”
I shake my head when Lennix offers Theo and me a seat. I’m not here to get comfortable; I’m here to get to the bottom of what these fuckers are hiding.
“My King, no one here is mistreated.”
“We’ll soon find out, won’t we?” I smirk at Lennix’s obvious discomfort. “You know I’ll find out the truth, Lennix, I always do. So, are you sure there’s nothing you wish to tell me before it’s too late?”
“No, My King.”
Liar!