Moonless

Chapter 20

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Connor stepped forward and shoved the bottle into Beatrice's face.  The liquid sloshed around inside the green glass, while Beatrice stared at it was vile of poison. I looked over at Benedick, who was slowly opening and closing the hand not supporting Beatrice.

Please do not hit him. I pleaded inside my head, while I fought my own urge to do just that.

The Alpha looked over his shoulder and made a motion for someone, that I could not see, to step forward.

Two more faces appeared at the top of the stairs moments later. They belonged to none other than Alpha Christopher and Alpha Damien.

"See gentlemen, even though the Lunera in the program receive special treatment, like getting escorted by my own son," The Alpha nodded towards us. "They are still punished when they step out of line."

Connor turned his face up towards the Alpha. "What do you want me to do with her, Alpha?"

"Anything you want Conner. Surprise us with some creativity."

Alpha Christopher let out a small laugh. "Shouldn't you pick the punishment yourself Alpha?"

The corner of Alpha Luca's mouth twitched. "Why would I need to when my man is more than capable."

"Well if I were to also copy your program, as you so desperately want me to do, I would want to be very hands-on with it. So, if I see that the Alpha that started it can't come up with something as easy as a punishment, I might start thinking that it's more work than it is worth."

The Alpha looked back at Beatrice, hesitated only a moment before saying. "If you wanted wine so bad, have some 117. Have all of it, every single drop. And then after you had that bottle have another, and another. Until you've had enough wine."

"Yes, Alpha," Beatrice replied and each note in her words shook with fear. Her auburn curls stuck to the thin sheen of sweat that covered her face.

"Grayson... are they going to kill her!?"

"I know it sounds bad, but the Alpha won't let her die. If you ask me, she's getting off easy being punished like this.  She would have done far worst to her behind closed doors."

"Connor, open the bottle for the lady."

"Yes, Alpha." Conner held out his hand. His nails darkened, while they began to narrow, grow, and elongate into claws. With his transformation complete, he jammed one into the cork and yanked it out in one swift, fluid motion. Connor held the open bottle towards Beatrice.

Beatrice reached towards it with a trembling hand.

"Wait," the Alpha said. "You opened it for her, the least she can do is get it from you herself."

"Couldn't agree more, Alpha." Connor took three backward steps.

"Come get it number 117," he sneered.

Beatrice and Benedick exchanged looks and began to inch forward together.

When they were almost to them, Conner abruptly reached out and shoved Benedick's shoulder hard.

Benedick stumbled and Beatrice crashed to the floor with a loud bang.

"The Alpha didn't say for you to come to get it, 55, he said for number 117 to come and get it."

"He's right 55, go stand with number 23 and 34. Now."

Benedick looked down at Beatrice who was slowly trying to get to her feet, then at the Alpha, and then back to Beatrice.