Chapter three: against all odds
Thrian’s POV
“You ripped off the wrist of one of his best warriors, do you think he'll sit back and watch?” Elder Kristen complained.
“You should have let him off with a warning.”
“This was certainly not necessary.”
“The girl definitely didn't worth it, and-”
I banged my hand on the table causing all of them to shut their mouth.
“What do you want?” I asked, bored already.
Elder Kristen stepped forwards and cleared his throat. “Alpha Jerome is here to see you.”
I waved my hand dismissively. “I'm busy.”
They murmured but no one dared to speak out loud. Ryker whispered some words in my ear and I consented to letting Jerome in.
His entourage looked angry and he wasn't smiling as well.
“Say what you want to Jerome, I'm busy at the moment.” I spat lackadaisically. He gritted his teeth and tittered.
“You have something that belongs to me Alpha Thrian.” He started then looked at me ferociously. “My best mine have lost their lives in your hands and it's their mistake for not acknowledging you but I have unfinished business with-”
“Alpha Jerome, what's the one rule every werewolf know about my pack?” I interrupted him.
“You decide who lives or dies once they step foot on your pack grounds and-”
“So why are you standing before me asking me these foolish questions?” I insulted him.
His eyes widened in shock and a few disgruntled murmurs which was silenced as my gaze swept over everyone.
“I don't dictate to you how you run your pack and I don't care what unfinished business you have with her but she's under my care now and unless you're asking for trouble, leave.” I said, dismissively.
He looked at Kristen for help and Kristen cleared his throat trying to butt in. “One word from you Kristen and I'll have your tongue.” I warned and he backed down.
I yawned and stood up from my seat and Ryker tagged behind me as I began to walk away.
“Your Father didn't become the King of Alphas just so you can act like you want to!” Alpha Jerome spat maliciously.
Scoffing, I halted and walked up to him. “My father aligned all the packs together but I ensured this pack is worth the hype, I spilled blood to become thr supreme Alpha, that's the difference between us and that should scare you. Don't push it Jerome, leave.” I growled, warningly.
He tuts. “No wonder the goddess placed a curse on you!”
The council of elders gasped at his audacity as he ventured to the topic no one dared to discuss. I frowned deeply and cracked my fists. Ryker carefully touched my shoulders and retracted his hand after a murderous glare was thrown his way.
“I do not approve of your involvement in my matters and neither is the alph-”
“This conversation is over Alpha Jerome, the girl leaves and stays with me! I wanted to let her go with you if you were a little bit more persuasive.” I taunted.
He glared at me and bit his tongue. “Can you please give her to me?” He pleaded, thawing away his pride and dignity.
I threw my head back a little and basked in his crushed self-esteem. “No, and if you're not pleased with it take to the higher authorities and there's none because it ends with me.” I bragged shamelessly and walked away.
“You really think she's worth the stress?” Ryker asked as I retreated to my chambers.
“You've been my beta long enough to know that I stick by my rules.” I replied.
“What will you do with her?”
“She has to prove her worth first, don't you think? Jerome doesn't interest himself in these things, now I'm interested in him.” I uttered then smirked.
Later that evening, I discreetly went to check on the girl, she was sleeping peacefully and healing quite remarkably well. I sighed and shook my head, remembering the real reason I intended to keep her.
‘What have you gotten yourself into daughter of Krys? Why did the goddess chose you to be the bane of my existence and I yours?’ I muttered to myself before turning away.
“What's the status report?” I asked Ryker as I increased my pace.
“Three of our men injured on site and one rogue captured.”
“Where is he?”
“At the dungeon.”
Ryker lead the way and I delivered a heavy punch to the rogue as I got in. I hissed loudly and dug a claw into his neck. “Who sent you?” I asked, angrily.
He laughed hysterically and then winced in pain. “Your time is almost up Alpha Thrian, we'll have your head-”
I cut him off with a thunderous slap which sent three of this teeth flying out of his bloodied mouth, I wanted to punch him but then I left him alone. “Make sure he doesn't die, give him only spicy food with now water and spicy hot milk as well, he should by no means escape, find me when he begins to talk.” I ordered the guards and walked out.
Ryker gave me a handkerchief as we walked back into the mansion and I took it from him, wiping off the bloodstains from my knuckles. The maids walked past us, paying homage to me as they did and I saw Amelia among them. It's been a year since she arrived and she still hates me.
She hastened to leave, barely sparing me a glance. “Amelia!” I called out, sensing something amiss.
She stared daggers my way and I briskly walked up to her. I tried to take her hand but she moved backwards, I reached forward, grabbed her and twirled her into my embrace.
“How dare you-”
A chandelier came crashing at the spot and I shielded her with my body. Ryker panicked and immediately yanked it off me. Amelia's eyes widened in shock and she was visibly shaken. “I’ll always protect you Amelia.” I whispered in her ears, comfortingly.
A few bones of my cracked and I heard a loud shriek.
“Oh my goodness! What’s this?”
I looked up to see Marian walking up to us, she snickered at the sight of Amelia and pushed her away from me, releasing her from the hug.
“Marian?” I uttered in surprise.
She threw herself at me and kissed me fully on the lips. “Hi baby…missed me?”
I was taken by surprise and I saw Amelia's facial expression turned ugly and so did Ryker.
“What are you doing here?” I questioned .
Without warning, she turned around and scoffed at Amelia. “How dare you touch him with your filthy lowly hands?”
“Marian!” I growled warningly and she backed off.
“Take care of her.” I said to Ryker, his eyes questioned my decision but I frowned and he did as I said.
The maids were sacred since such happenings were rare but I dismissed their fears and waited for Caspian; the second in command to Ryker to arrive which was about a minute later.
“I want you to check every CCTV footage of the past week in this area and why the chandelier chose to be murderous.” I ordered him.
“Good thing you were here, who knows what would have happened? This is unbelievable!” Marian uttered.
Caspain excused himself and left while she clutched my arm even tighter. “Let's go take a good look at that cut shall we?”
I sighed resignedly. Amelia definitely got the wrong message with Marian’s presence but I'll deal with it later.