The Rogue Alpha

We rode back to the cabin in silence. I ignored the pain pulsing through me. I knew without a doubt why it was there, and I deserved it. I could have let Eleanor die within minutes of putting my silver into her, but I extended her pain, and I suffered with her.

Alpha Nolan kept his hand on my shoulder the whole ride, but I don't think he or my Bro knew how to respond to this new side of me. The side that implemented a horrendous punishment, seemingly without thought or guilt.

But I did think. I thought about all she planned to do, and all she has probably done over the years, and decided she would pay. And guilt, well, as much as I know it was needed, I also felt guilty for having to do it. But I guess that's the burden of leadership. Punishment shouldn't be easy for either side.

When we got to the cabin I got out of the car, and noticed Eugene had already left. I grabbed Alpha Nolan's hand and we walked into the cabin together. I looked at Cousin Richard and stated, "Until Eleanor's punishment is over I really need Alpha Nolan by me."

"It's not like everyone doesn't know the wolves are visiting here all the time anyway." Richard replied, "I'll get Aaron and Anna setup in an upstairs room."

I nodded and admitted, "I could really go for a nice hot bubble bath." As I walked slowly to my room, dragging my Alpha with me.

We climbed in my new bed, and I layed there in his arms, closing my eyes and wishing there was another way.

Some time later there was a soft knock on my door. "Your bath is ready." Anna announced through the door.

I opened my eyes and looked at Nolan. "I wasn't expecting that."

My Alpha laughed and explained, "You stated a need, and didn't immediately deal with it yourself. Of course our pack dealt with it."

I chuckled dryly. "Remind me to watch what I say."

"For now you should enjoy your bath." Alpha Nolan informed me, "Unless you want to hurt Anna's feelings."

I shook my head and slowly climbed out of bed. I grabbed my robe and trudged to the bathroom.

For the next two days I was either in my room with Alpha Nolan, or in a hot bath in a darkened bathroom with only a candle or two lit.

No one pried into my sudden seclusion, or lack of communication. They made sure I had plenty to eat and drinks. I had a bath whenever I wanted it. But it was like everyone knew I had something I needed to deal with, and left me to it.

Eugene wasn't at the cabin, since he was busy dealing with Hunt City. Apparently even though a coronation isn't needed, they decided to put one together anyway.

I didn't care. I had so many things to deal with, and it kept them busy.

After dinner on the second day Cousin Richard came running inside, and stopped me on my walk to the bathroom. "I think you need to come to the end of the driveway, now!"

I sighed. I knew this was coming, and I could sense the crowd gathered there. I nodded my head and started towards the door. Alpha Nolan, my Bro and Cousin Richard followed directly behind me. Aaron and Anna followed, but stayed back further.

I approached the two angry mobs. One made of wolves and the other made of Hunters. I faced the wolves first. "What do you want?" I snapped.

They presented a still writhing Eleanor, silent from screaming her throat raw, though her mouth was open in a silent scream. An older man, I assumed part of the council, stepped forward and stated nervously, "This is cruel and unusual punishment, and not just for her."

I nodded my head and refrained from stating, "If you only knew."

"We've come to beg your permission to put her out of her misery." The man added.

I tried to smile. I walked over to Eleanor and put my hand on her throat. I healed her vocal chords and temporarily stopped the pain.

Then I stepped back and asked her, "Do you regret the day you were made?"

Eleanor answered, "Yes, and everything I did to get and maintain power."

"Do you realize that the only way for me to end your pain permanently is to allow the silver to kill you?" I asked loudly.

"I am ready." She replied.

I nodded my head and let go of the silver's poison, but not the pain. She whispered, "Thank you." Before dropping down again on the stretcher they carried her on.

My physical pain was now gone. I stepped away from the wolves and faced both crowds. "Is there anything else I can do for anyone?"

Leona stepped forward. "I am here to state that anyone who could be so cruel as to put another through that torture, doesn't deserve to be ruling over anyone!"

A few Hunters cheered, and even a couple wolves.

I grabbed Leona and dragged her to Eleanor's body. "She chose to ignore my warning, and planned to punish others for my choices. If I hadn't done what I did many innocent people would have paid the price. Because I did something only she and I paid."

"How did you pay?" Leona challenged.

"I felt every bit of her pain from the moment I put the silver in her blood and restrained the poison." I informed everyone, "The difference is I endured, where she broke in seconds. I haven't enjoyed any of it, but not only has she learned the error of her ways, I'm certain everyone else has learned to deal with whoever they have a problem with, rather than who they can hurt."

Leona laughed as I let go of her. "How can you expect me to believe you felt her pain?"

"Feel it for yourself." I told her angrily, as I pulled up the fresh memories and shared it with both sides of the crowd for ten seconds.

Everyone hit the ground within the first two seconds. I heard a few plops behind me and winced as I saw those in my care experiencing it too.

I stopped the experience and turned my attention to the crowd. "Even if I hadn't felt it, I would not have taken my actions lightly. I stopped her reign of terror with terror, and that's not a pleasant way to handle things. However, hopefully this isn't a lesson I will have to repeat with anyone."

I turned, and walked back to the cabin as the crowd gathered themselves, stood, and walked away.

Leona had lost her greatest alliance from the wolves, but I didn't think for a moment that Eleanor was her only alli.

Once inside the cabin Alpha Nolan embraced me. "That's what you've been feeling for the last two days?"

I laughed. "The memory of pain, even recent, is never as bad as the actual feeling."

"Please take your bath Luna." Anna said from the doorway.

I shook my head. "You take it. I know you're muscles are hurting after that experience."

"But..."

I raised my hand. "I insist. I never meant to hurt my people, besides I suddenly have an appetite."

Anna nodded her head and walked quietly to the bathroom.

My Bro volunteered to cook. I took a seat at the dining room table, and let my head rest on the table.

"You didn't have to bear that pain alone." Alpha Nolan assured me.

"Maybe if you had been part of the decision." I replied, "But I take the burden of my choices."

"I did nothing to stop you, or change your mind. I supported your actions. I am as much to blame." He replied.

"We all supported your decision." Cousin Richard stated.

"If I didn't I would have said something." My Bro confirmed.

Aaron said, "It isn't my place to say anything, but I, and my future mate, definitely supported you defending us."

I moved my head to Alpha Nolan's shoulder. "I appreciate the moral support, but if I had shared the physical pain I was in it would have done nothing to alleviate it, and only spread the pain to others."

"In the future..." Alpha Nolan started.

I interrupted and finished, "I pray I will never have to do it again."