Withered Love

Stand down

I grinned mischievously hoping they would step forward and try something, my body twitching in anticipation. My Lycan was enticed at the notion of a fight as I could do nothing but grin knowing if they continued through, they would be wounded if not dead by my hands. Taking a deep breath, I grinned wider knowing this barbaric werewolf needed to be taught a lesson and I so wanted to be the one to instill it. 

The dark-haired werewolf looked to my mates wearily knowing they would act in an instant if he advanced in my direction. A loud growl ripped through the room as a long-haired werewolf pushed those in his path away thrusting them in the direction of others clearing the way for him to advance forward.

"This will not happen; I will not allow you to come in here trying to change the things that have always been our way. The females in this pack are used as breeders for any male who decides they want a pup. You will not deny us the chance of doing so...you want a problem? Well now you have one!" The werewolf growled out.

His black hair lacked luster as it draped over his back, his eyes vacant of any form of humanity for his own kind. Oh, goodie some aversion to what we have already informed the pack of the changes which will take place. I strode forward more in the direction of the encroaching male hoping he would take the first shot leaving me the ability to lash out with reason. My mates took their positions at my side showing a united front against the male werewolves who would protest about the declarations which my mate had made. He glared at me with his eyes holding pure rage and hate for me, most likely because I am a female and, in his thoughts, we are nothing!

"You are nothing! We are the ones who are the warriors, the ones who hold this pack together! Take your place behind your mates if you don't wish me to just kill you now!" He growled out at me.

Oh, thank goodness some action spared me from the boredom. I grinned wider as I continued advancing on the werewolf who disregards me. Becoming impatient I stepped nose to nose with the werewolf who thought he was better than those surrounding him. He sneered at me as he reached up grabbing me by the arms trying to force me to my knees.

 I let a fierce laugh escape from my lips as I looked down to my hands seeing my claws extended and begging to be coated in his blood. A burst of excitement coursed through me as I drove my claws deep into his sides as his eyes grew wide as pain seized his expressions. In that moment he realized he had made a fatal mistake.

"Let him go!" A male yelled out from behind him.

"He advanced to me and put his hands on me.... I am mate to your Alpha, and he dared to touch me with his filthy paws. Now he knows what will occur if he decides to try this in the future! I will not kill him to my own dismay, but I will not tolerate any acting as if she-wolves are nothing more than meek pieces of flesh to be used how you wish!" I growled low.

Blood trickling over my fingertips as I grinned knowing the expression of pain was indeed prevalent as his teeth ground together a low growl escaping from him. Such a joy to my ears a pain filled growl that coursed with defiance, which I shall break from him one way or another. My mates stepped forward each placing a hand on a shoulder calming my Lycan relenting to their unspoken request.

"There will be no more treating she-wolves as if they are nothing! I am highly tempted to arrange transportation for the females at this very moment to relieve this pack of any and all females. You will either stop acting like your past Alpha or we will break you one way or another until you all understand how things shall be from now on. You all should be seeking your mates, not she-wolves to just bear you pups who you hold no emotions for or a care for that matter. These pups have only had mothers and no fathers! They deserve a family, a safe home away from you pillaging males who desire to harm their mothers." Drake growled out as it was filled with distain.

I know I should be concerned about these werewolves snapping and charging us yet the only thing I felt was an overwhelming sense of pride. My mate was a true Alpha. Several of the males who were standing before us seemed to be enraged far beyond what I had expected I will admit. Did he have some form of bond with one of the she-wolves I wondered. I know we need to find out incase she is his mate, which then she would be allowed to remain or them both be moved to the other pack. 

We will not allow the females to be harmed anymore no matter what actions we may need to take. I noticed one male pushing his way through the crowd trying to come up on my side towards the she-wolves. My heightened senses snapped wanting to protect them with everything I have within me. They shall no longer be made to bear the brunt of the abuse from these males!

I spun noticing one male werewolf reaching out for a blonde haired she-wolf, her blue eyes wide in surprise as his fingers grazed her arm. A ragged breath came from her as I saw several others attempt to push her back away from the male.

"You are my mate, please Elaine come to me. I would never harm you my beauty, you know this." He pleaded with her.

Her beautiful blue eyes filled with tears as her eyes locked with his. Something in that gaze told me what he said was true...she was his mate.

"If you two are mates and if you do not feel safe here, I am offering to have you moved to my pack. My father would welcome your family where you will be safe." I offered.

They both looked at me in surprise not realizing I would assist them in whatever way possible to make sure they were safe and happy. A sweet smile crossed her beautiful flushed face as she nodded fervently. As they reached for one another he pulled her roughly into his chest as he nuzzled his face deep into the crook of her neck. A low ...almost purr escaped from him from the sheer contentment of having his mate within his arms. I smiled softly knowing at least there is one couple who will survive this ordeal. 

I turned to face everyone within the large hall as my eyes scanned through the faces seeing so many different emotions from one face to another.

"If any of you have mates, we will not stand in the way of you being together. As for the she-wolves you just use as breeders they will not be remaining for your continued use! Those of you who are mated to any of these she-wolves please step forward and claim your mate and stand off to the right-hand side of the stage." I instructed.

It became increasingly noticeable to me as several males began pushing their way through the crowd as they strode closer to find their mates. After claiming them one by one, they pushed off to the side to await what was to come next. To my mates, I looked for clarity so that we could address the children of Drake's father...it's time. 

As I gazed out over the werewolves before us, I took in a deep breath and stepped to my mate, wrapping my arm around him. As Kade pushed forward, he wrapped his arm around my waist as he began leading me back onto the stage where Drake had begun walking closely behind us. After we had once again taken our positions on stage, the chatter between them had grown louder as their gazes locked with ours.

"I understand that this is a lot to take in...I am not my father and will not run this pack the same way he did! His concept of merely breeding to have offspring was depraved and twisted. All of you should understand that I want to improve this pack and to make it stronger! That being said I plan on instilling many changes for this pack, one being training, another being offering certain warriors' positions where they would travel with us as we go between the packs." Drake began.

I watched as I began to notice uncertainty within their gazes, but they were curious as well.