Filed To Story: Secret with Betas Daughter: Skylar Story Series
The check-up station was pretty basic, they asked me if and where I had been injured, how many times I was bitten, if anything was painful or lingered, things like that. I thought I was going to get away and be able to help with patrol, but that would have been too easy.
“She needs to see Doc Gannon and Doc Sylvia for blood work. She was bitten and she took a pretty good chunk out of the guy we took prisoner.”
Osiston walks up behind me.
“Yes, Sir.”
The healer looking at me said not making eye contact with me. I’m sure I’m not the first warrior who just wants a quick check and to just get back to work.
She leads me over to another golf cart that has two other warriors who seem to still be bleeding. I forget that I am a fast healer for a second and wonder what could have happened that would cause them to continue bleeding half an hour after the fight was over. The guy I sat next to must have seen me staring as he bumped my shoulder and smiled.
“It’s not as bad as it looks, I swear. The little one tried to take a chunk out of my arm before we took him down. The skin flapping around is making it hard to heal. Doc Gannon will stitch me up and I should be ready to fight again tomorrow.
I give him a small smile. “One of them got me in the leg. My first rogue bite, definitely don’t need that to happen ever again.”
We both chuckle as we go bumping over the terrain, back to the pack hospital. The guy sitting in front looked worse by far. He was pale and his head was bobbing around like he didn’t have the strength to hold it up. What happened while I was fighting off the one rogue? I really needed to learn how to fight my opponent and pay attention to my surroundings at the same time.
There wasn’t a lot to do once we were there. I had already completely healed, so I really just needed a shower, which Doc Sylvia allowed me to do in one of the treatment rooms after I gave her a blood sample. I have no idea why my blood is so interesting to her and she never explains what she is doing. She even took a sample of the blood that was on my skin, I assume from the rogue. I should be more suspicious, but I can’t seem to find any animosity or bad vibes from her, I trust her like I do SIerra. We’ll see if that’s smart or crazy. I think she is just naturally curious and has her own questions to answer and if I can provide answers for her so be it.
It was time for dinner when I was finally able to leave the hospital. Luna Anne and Barty were there to take me back to the castle.
As we drove the short distance a thought occurred to me. “I thought I would be going back to the training compound tonight. Shouldn’t you just take me back and let me eat dinner there? They would be just finishing training by the time we got there. I really shouldn’t miss any more mandatory trainings, it’s starting to look like favoritism.
I keep my focus out the window as I say it. I don’t want to see their reactions. It’s no one else’s business what I do or don’t do outside training and if the Alpha King requested anyone else to attend functions they wouldn’t bat an eye, but it’s me and everything about me and my presence here has been against every rule that has been set in place. It doesn’t matter how many times I prove myself, I’m too young to be here, didn’t go through the rituals with them, and have a connection with the royal family that no one understands because they aren’t privileged to that information. I’m back to being the freak. I take a deep breath and do my best no to sigh too loudly at that thought.
“Not tonight Little One, we have things to discuss and you were an integral part of the fight today, your insight is needed as much as Ocsar and Mina’s.”
Luna Anne said calmly, but I heard a note of something there, disappointment maybe. But what was she disappointed in? Me, the fight, having to keep me at the castle? Maybe I was a bigger burden than she thought. I’ll have to talk to ALpha Reggie about getting me back to the compound tonight, no matter how late it is. I don’t want to inconvenience them any more.
We pull into the garage and I am led back up to the floor with all of the conference rooms, only this time the doors are thrown open and loud voices can be heard from the stairs at the end of the hall. I look at Luna Anne then Barty, but neither acknowledge me, just keep walking, stoic expressions on their faces. We walk into the largest conference room and the round table is full of Elders and Alphas with guards and their mates standing close by.
“We should have been told there was a potential threat to us coming here. You are taking liberties with our lives. That could have been any one of us out there today, attacked and rendered useless to our packs.”
Alpha Sharp from the Shadow Pack shouts at Alpha Reggie and I feel an instant urge to defend him.
“As a pack Alpha I would hope that your skills would be keen enough to handle the likes of five rogues not much bigger than myself. Although, I’ve never seen you fight so it’s just an assumption. If a small fight like that renders you useless, maybe you are in the wrong position.”
I stand next to Alpha Reggie, hands clasped behind my back doing my best to school my face into something neutral. “There are always threats, power has that effect on some people. It will never go away and as Alphas and Elders you should know that and understand that to be a huge part of your job description.
“Watch your tone, girl. You have no business being here in the first place. More regulations have been ignored where you are concerned than anyone I have ever heard of. You need to remove yourself from this official meeting with the leaders of our kingdom.
“You are incorrect in many of your assumptions Emanuel. First she earned her way here, the age restrictions are to help wolves find their mates, nothing more. Second, she belongs in this meeting because she was involved in the fight and managed to capture and keep alive the one rogue we have been able to interrogate. Something your warriors should consider next time, capture not kill, we get more answers that way. Third, as a leader in her pack she is representing her Alpha in his absence. You would do well to remember who is in charge, we have a hierarchy for a reason and you have been selected to be a part of that, not in charge of it, but the Moon Goddess has also removed those privileges too. Many of you have become too comfortable in your positions and forgotten what your position entails.”
His pointed look swept the room. “Now, we were discussing opening the branding ritual for Skylar so she can communicate the next time she is required to assist us in battle.
The same Alpha spoke up as an Elder looked ready to speak. “We have already done the ritual for warrior branding and she is far too young. That level of connection is privileged, she has not earned it yet.”
I am seething inside, but doing my best to keep a neutral face. This is why I would not be good in a leadership role, I really want to punch him and if he keeps talking sh*t I just might jump over this table and give into my impulses.
“You really are a misogynistic moron aren’t you?”
Another Alpha speaks up. Alpha Beau from the Eclipse pack doesn’t usually speak up or say much unless he’s asked a direct question. He’s a silent observer, but from what I understand, he more than makes up for it on the field. “You were there today, right? The training grounds where she,”
He points at me, “managed to not only keep herself and her friends safe, but is also the only one to have a live captive to question.
“My warriors did what was best, kill the lot of those filthy rogues.
“But we can’t get answers from the dead. Things like how many of them are working together, would be nice to know.
“They are rogues. By definition they do not work together.”
Alpha Emanuel spat, like this was an absolute answer.
“The way that they fought today would suggest otherwise.”
I finally say. This guy needs to step down and let his heir take over, he’s going to get everyone killed with that narrow mind.
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.