28. Twenty-Eight

twenty-eight

I called Evera several more times before Penn and I left for Finneus’s latest sham celebration. My worry returned in triplicate, and I felt like a shit friend. What if something had happened to her? Even if it had, why wasn’t Grace at least answering the house phone?

Penn was less edgy on the drive to town, leaving me to believe he’d been waiting for the right time to tell me I had to apologize. Or maybe he’d waited until he had something to barter, like the meeting with Walter. Neither scenario sat well with me.

We parked and walked the last several blocks to the Temple of the Alpha. Strays lined the streets in wolf form, and they appeared to have multiplied in number. Was Finneus transporting them in from outside the Snake Mountains? I didn’t put it past him.

The mood in town was darker than the previous day, like a gloomy cloud hung over the village. As pack members streamed inside the venue, no one spoke. Everyone looked away if I tried to make eye contact. Even the dirty looks were absent.

“Am I missing something?” I whispered to Penn.

He remained silent and ushered me to a seat at the back of the ballroom. At the front, Finneus sat alone, with Malia standing beside his throne. There was no chair for Paula. My stomach flip-flopped. This didn’t feel like Belinda’s presentation ceremony. The atmosphere was too tense. Finneus wore a scowl, which didn’t bode well since this was supposed to be a happy affair.

Penn chose to stand behind my seat with his hands rested on the back of the chair. Every so often he brushed a fingertip between my shoulder blades, as though reminding me he was there. I spotted Frann and Harold when they entered the ballroom. She glanced around until her gaze found me and directed Harold to my row.

“I assume you’ve heard the good news,” Frann said as she settled into the seat beside me.

I smiled. “Thank you for intervening.”

She patted my hand. “My pleasure, Drake.”

“You don’t usually come to these things,” I said, the turbulence in my gut growing more intense.

Frann frowned. “Finneus declared it mandatory, even for us out at the Widows’ Den.”

This was not good.

Where were Evera and Grace? If I saw at least one of them, my worry would subside. Or so I told myself.

Stacey arrived with her parents, sans Oscar. Had she spoken to Evera? When she neared, I noticed her bloodshot eyes. She’d definitely been crying. She saw me and started down our row, but her mother pulled her back and shook her head.

The seats filled in without any sign of my best friend or her mother. I glanced up at Penn. His dark blue eyes panned the room. He didn’t look at me, but his fingers lingered on my skin longer than a passing moment.

The doors slammed shut with a wave of Malia’s hand. Finneus tented his fingers and stared out at his subjects. He shook his head as though the pack had disappointed him. After a minute, he held up a gold, jewel-encrusted goblet, and a boy named Calix hurried to fill it with wine. He drank deeply from the cup before addressing the pack.

“Today should be a joyous occasion—the formal presentation of my true mate,” Finneus said, as if we weren’t all experiencing déjà vu from last week with Belinda. “That will still occur, but first we must deal with some unpleasantness.”

Here it comes , I thought, stealing my nerves for the moment Finneus summoned me forward to apologize.

“Many among you believe I acted in haste with regards to my pretender mate,” Finneus continued.

Is he serious? I thought.

Somehow, after all his crimes, his callousness still shocked me. “Pretender mate”—like Belinda had seduced him and fooled him into the match.

“It is true that exile is the traditional punishment for a failed true mates ceremony.” Finneus scanned the audience. “However, we cannot have a disgruntled ex-member of the Ophiuchus pack telling our secrets to our enemies.” He shook his head. “I am afraid Belinda’s duplicitous nature made banishment impossible.”

I couldn’t believe this was the version Finneus chose to go with. Maybe there was some truth to the claims my family had betrayed our pack. I could accept that—in time. But Belinda had been a sweet, innocent girl who’d done nothing to deserve her fate.

The anger drew my wolf to the surface. She wanted blood, and I was on the verge of overriding logic and letting her loose. A hand clamp on my shoulder at the same time cold fingers covered mine.

“They are just words,” Frann muttered, so low that only I could hear her. “That girl’s true memory will live on in us.”

That was probably what Diana had thought too. That her true memory would live on in the people that knew her. Instead, history had vilified her. She wasn’t exactly a paragon of virtue or anything—the dreams had made that clear—yet she wasn’t evil incarnate either.

Malia’s gaze found me, a satisfied smile curling the corners of her mouth upward. Her words from the previous night played in my head: “Make sure you save some of that delicious rage for tomorrow, Drake. It makes your power taste so much sweeter.”

Was Finneus’s entire speech designed to infuriate me? If so, mission accomplished.

“Our pack thrives on unity,” Finneus said, drawing my attention back to him. “Division makes us vulnerable. I will not stand for it in our ranks.” He gestured to the back of the room, and the doors swung open.

Strays dressed in green-and-black uniforms with the Ophiuchus symbol marched in two perfect lines, with a row of pack members between them. Shackles bound their wrists together. I must’ve tried to stand, because Penn’s fingers dug into my shoulder again and pushed me back down.

“Don’t.” I imagined the command in my head, spoken in Penn’s voice.

I recognized too many faces among the prisoners—Anders, Oscar, Donnelle. Maybe it made me petty, but I didn’t really mind the last one as much as the others. Grief made people do ridiculous things, something I knew better than most. Still, Donnelle had been an asshole before his sister’s death, and I refused to give him a complete pass.

Then, the last prisoner entered, and my ire reached a tipping point. Fresh crimson scratches streaked Grace’s defiant face. One of her eyes was swollen, nearly shut. None of the others bore marks of a fight, only Evera’s mother.

Rage warred with revulsion. What the fuck was wrong with Finneus that he could condone this? She was a respected member of this pack.

Penn crouched down behind my chair, his mouth beside my ear. “Grace doesn’t want you to get involved.”

A new emotion overtook all others as his words hit home. He spoke as if he and Evera’s mother had discussed the matter, like he’d known before this moment why Grace wasn’t answering the phone.

“He’s right,” Frann whispered. “She knew the consequences.”

I sat on my hands, whether to stop them from trembling or to hide the claws protruding from my nail beds, I wasn’t sure.

Where is Evera? I wondered again.

Finneus watched the prisoners form a line facing him. One row of strays stood between the throne and the captives, and another separated them from the seated pack members.

Soft sobs met my ears. Across the aisle, Stacey cried into her mother’s shoulder. What had Oscar done to incur Finneus’s wrath? Considering the other prisoners, I wondered whether it was his support of me. Four of the dozen shifters in cuffs were people close to me.

Coincidence? Unlikely.

Finneus cleared his throat. “Each of you has questioned my rule and many of you have voiced doubt of my place as your true alpha.” His dark gaze focused on Grace.

Of all the captives, she alone returned Finneus’s stare. While I admired and appreciated her defiance, I wished she wouldn’t openly challenge his authority. It was selfish, but I couldn’t lose her. She had been a rock for me my whole life, even more since my father’s murder.

Finneus called six names, including Anders. Behind me, Penn had returned to his full height. Beside me, Frann and Harold exchanged knowing glances. Had they guessed what would happen next? In hindsight, I should’ve seen it coming too.

“For the crime of questioning the actions of the rightful Ophiuchus alpha, you all have been found guilty,” Finneus declared.

Without a trial? Without the chance to speak in their own defense?

Sure, back in the olden days, this type of absolute rule had been typical. In modern times, this was not the way our pack handled justice.

“You will each receive one minute as punishment,” Finneus continued.

Frann’s frowned deepened, and she swore beneath her breath. Stacey’s sobs grew so loud that Malia glared at the pregnant shifter, like she was ruining the occasion with her emotions. Others seated nearby glanced at each other in confusion, which made me feel considerably better for not understanding Finneus’s declaration.

He called another three names. “You also have been found guilty of questioning your alpha, in addition to inciting others to do the same. Three minutes.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd. The line of strays facing us growled as one. They were quickly becoming domesticated, learning to work as a unit. That wasn’t good for the pack.

Next, Finneus addressed Oscar. “Your mate is pregnant, and I will not punish her for speaking against me. You will pay for both of you. Four minutes.”

Stacey shrieked. Her mother led her toward the doors, but three strays blocked their path. Finneus wanted everyone to witness this gross display of power—no exceptions. Bile rose in my throat. Only Penn’s reassuring touch kept me from heaving up my breakfast.

Then it was Donnelle’s turn. He was the first prisoner to address Finneus.

“I only did what you asked,” he pleaded, dropping to his knees and crawling toward Finneus.

A part of me actually felt embarrassed for him. Then I remembered how he’d felt he was entitled to be with me and refused to accept no for an answer, and I suddenly didn’t mind the humiliation.

“You defied your beta and tried to make a claim on a woman I declared off-limits to you.” Finneus’s gaze landed on me, as did Malia’s. “You clearly believe you are of a higher rank than you are. After your sister’s indiscretions, I might have thought you understood your place.”

My pulse pounded in my ears. Penn gripped my shoulder tighter, urging me to remain calm.

“Let’s see if five minutes cures you of your delusions,” Finneus said. Then, he turned to Grace. “And you.”

“Please, Finneus,” she said. “Do tell them my crimes.”

His upper lip curled back, a look of pure loathing flitting across his expression. He refused to take the bait, which I found most interesting of all. I could imagine any number of perceived wrongs he thought Grace had committed, but none he wouldn’t want to share. It was like he worried it might give others ideas.

“Six minutes,” Finneus snapped. “And then it’s back to the dungeons.”

At several points, I considered asking what these vague punishments were that Finneus kept handing out. Deep down, I knew the dark possibilities, and that made me hold my tongue. I was glad I did. The shock might’ve worn off too soon otherwise.

Malia raised both her hands and tipped her head back to the ceiling. Magic crackled in the air. A dozen ropes of light shot from the caster’s palms, six from each, and wrapped around the prisoners’ bound wrists. I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, only the pain letting me know this wasn’t a nightmare.

The first person cried out before a full minute passed. No surprise, the weakling was Donnelle. His agony did give me a measure of satisfaction, as much I hated myself for it.

One of the strays called out. “One minute.” Malia released six of the prisoners.

Donnelle writhed on the ground. Oscar stood strong, his body trembling after the second minute. Grace didn’t even bow her head.

My dream came to mind. Lady Caster had knelt in front of me and taken my magic as payment for my future daughter, and the pain had made me black out. How long had I endured the agony? It had felt like eons.

Malia released Oscar. He collapsed on the floor, panting and sweating. Stacey’s wails filled the ballroom, mixing with Donnelle’s deeper cries. My focus remained on Grace. I honestly couldn’t say I’d ever seen a more powerful show of strength. She never uttered a single whimper, not even when she started to sway on her feet.

Make it stop , I pleaded, begging Gaia to make time pass quicker. Grace might’ve had the inner strength to endure the torture, but I did not have the strength to watch. She was the closest thing I had to a mother in my entire life, and I literally sat on my hands while she took a punishment meant to teach me a lesson as much as her.

The timekeeper called six minutes. Malia reeled back the magical tether, licking her lips as she stared at me. She ran her tongue over each of her fingertips, savoring the last tastes of power. Grace stumbled forward and collapsed.

Someone screamed. Only once I felt a hand cover my mouth did I realize that person was me. Penn pressed me down to keep me seated. He leaned over and whispered in my ear.

“You’ll only make it worse for her.”

The strays hauled the fallen prisoners to their feet and dragged them from the ballroom. One of them lifted Grace like a sack of potatoes and threw her over his shoulder. Though I wanted to close my eyes, I forced myself to look as he carried her past me.

This was my fault. Not entirely, but mostly.

Stunned silence followed. Though some pack members wore sickened, appalled expressions, most weren’t nearly as bothered as they should’ve been. Many seemed to agree with Finneus’s actions. That made me feel sicker than watching Malia steal magic.

I thought Penn might whisk me away now that the spectacle was over. Obviously, I’d forgotten my promised apology, or I might’ve realized the afternoon was far from over.

Once the strays removed all the prisoners, another figure appeared at the back of the room. Paula wore a simple green dress without shoes, zero makeup, and her hair bounced loosely around her shoulders. Two of the guards accompanied her, though they stayed several paces back. She wasn’t bound like the prisoners, but this wasn’t the triumphant impression she’d hoped to make during her first appearance as the alpha’s future mate.

She reached the foot of Finneus’s throne and dipped into a low curtsy. He let her stand there for a minute before gesturing for her to rise. Even without seeing her face, I could imagine Paula’s humiliation. She’d undoubtedly pictured these glorious moments quite differently. No doubt she would somehow blame me for the discrepancy between fantasy and reality.

“I have disgraced myself, my alpha. For that, I humbly ask your forgiveness,” she said in a loud, clear voice. “Your mate should be dignified, and I understand if you no longer think me worthy of the honor.”

Paula’s speech had a hollow ring, as though she’d rehearsed it many times. I doubted the words were her own. Finneus turned to Malia, and the two held a brief conversation with their eyes before he turned back to his fiancée.

“The fates have spoken. You are my true mate,” Finneus declared. “I challenge any who say otherwise.”

No one protested. Beside me, Frann sighed loudly. Finneus’s nose twitched, but he gave no other sign he heard her. He held out his hand to Paula, and she joined him on the opposite side from Malia. All three of them looked at me.

“You can do this,” Penn murmured as he guided me from my seat and escorted me to the foot of the throne.

Could I? It had seemed doable in theory. In practice, with the eyes of my pack on me, the words stuck in my throat.

Penn squeezed my arm, a subtle reminder that we’d made a deal. Did I honestly believe he would refuse to set up the meeting with Walter without the apology? No. I knew Penn would help no matter what. It was the bargain he’d struck with his brother that concerned me, and I was positive Penn had negotiated this meager punishment on my behalf.

I let out a shaky breath and focused on Finneus. “I apologize for my behavior yesterday. It was out of line.” My gaze swung to Paula. “I am sorry I attacked you. I don’t know what came over me.”

My bored tone incensed Paula, but Finneus seemed satisfied.

“See that it doesn’t happen again.” He reconsidered. “Actually, let’s make sure it doesn’t.”

Penn tensed. “Finn,” he growled. “You promised.”

Finneus nodded. “I did. I promised Drake wouldn’t receive further repercussions. Still, someone must pay for her disobedience.” Without taking his eyes off me, he shouted, “Clear the room.”

My pulse hitched, and my chest suddenly felt too tight to breathe. I looked to Penn, but he didn’t seem to know Finneus’s intentions either. This was bad. So very, very bad.

The ballroom emptied in record time, leaving only Finneus, Paula, Malia, Penn, and me—and two dozen strays. Only Penn’s stoic energy kept me from losing my shit.

The doors opened behind me. I knew without turning around that the snarling, snapping wolf was Evera.

“Because I’m civilized, I’ll give you a choice, Drake.” Finneus spoke to me, but his eyes shifted to Penn. “Somebody must pay for your insolence. Either your best friend…or my brother. Choose.”