His Savior

Punishment Carried Out

~Cory~

               I have to say, as surprised as I am, I'm ecstatic for Cyrus. He is a good guy and has always tried his hardest to do right by my dad and me. I'm glad that he finally gets to have his happiness. As great as all that is, it's time to face the crowd.

               Zahara and I walk outside so we can address the pack. They were told to meet for an announcement, and it seems that everyone has gathered. It's hard to look out into the crowd. I have known everyone here for some time, and they haven't been the best to me. Some of the pack has treated me indifferently, not really doing anything against me or helping me. Others got their jollies from treating me horribly, and I will never forget that.

               Zahara and I stand off to the side, surveying the group. Lennox and Elder Langston are standing on the small stage that was put up for this. We are in the back of the packhouse, where there is way more space to fit all of the pack members. We watch Bryn and Cyrus walk by, wearing the biggest smiles, and I think I may even see a mark. Everyone is on the stage, and we are to be the last ones to join.

               I take a deep breath and look at Zahara. She nods at me, and we walk to the back of the stage. Elder Langston will announce us. "Members of the Wild Tail pack, thank you for joining us today. I'm Elder Langston, for those of you that may not know, but I know many of you were able to meet me a bit ago when I stayed here. I have some news for you all." Elder Langston looks around the group and takes a deep breath. "Your Alpha, Alpha Laslo, was challenged for his title. As you know, those types of challenges are to the death. While your Alpha is not dead, he did lose the challenge. By offical rules he will no longer be the Alpha of the Wild Tail Pack." The elder stops again, and everyone is silent. "Your new Alpha is.....Cory Williams."

               Zahara takes my hand and leads me up the steps. We shake hands with Elder Langston and stand on the stage, looking out over the crowd. I send a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess and take a breath. "Hello, everyone. It's been a long time. I'm proud to be your new Alpha."

               "Is this a joke?!"

               "You can't be serious!"

               "He is weak and pathetic."

               "I thought he was dead."

               "There's no way he beat Alpha Laslo!" I can't say I didn't expect this type of reaction, but the reality is way more intense. I can feel Zahara's anger grow through the mate bond, and I rub her hand to try to calm her. It won't do anyone any good to go off at this moment.

               I release my aura, and it has the intended impact; everyone stops their grumbling and hits the ground in submission. I let my aura flow for a bit to ensure that I reach everyone. "Now that I have your attention let me continue." I pull my aura back just a bit. Some people were able to get up again, and they are staring daggers at me. There was a time in my life when I would be concerned, but I really don't care these days.

               "Elder Langston has told you that I challenged Laslo and I won. He isn't dead because he has some crimes to answer for and I wanted some things to be understood." I nod to the warriors who have been watching me for my signal. They leave the area and bring back the prisoners: Laslo, Margaret, and Gunner are chained up and being led to the front of the group.

               I watch the crowd as they are moved to the front, and they look shocked, to say the least. They are placed in front of the stage when they make it upfront. "Here are the perpetrators. Your leaders have not been above board as they should have been. First off, clearly them telling your I was wolfless was wrong, and you got to experience that first hand just a minute ago. They had been feeding me small doses of wolfsbane for years now which is why I never shifted." I jump off the stage and stand in front of the three. Gunner and Margaret are glaring at me while Laslo looks lost. "Laslo tried to kill me, which is why I disappeared, but that wasn't the first time he beat me almost to death." I start to walk down the aisle in the center of the crowd. "Your Alpha found his mate and had her locked up." A gasp goes through the crowd. "You guys know a Nona Slade, right? Every wonder where she disappeared to? What lie did they tell you? The truth is she has been locked up in a cabin at the edge of the territory, not able to escape. Then," I laugh a humorless laugh. "Then, he had my mate kidnapped and brought here." I turn and point to Zahara. "He planned to have Zahara be the Luna and Nona be his mistress." I can hear the murmurs all around me. "I would say the biggest offense would be the murder of Alpha Brian."

               "WHAT?!"

               "What do you mean?"

               "What did he say?"

               "Yes....yes everyone. Your precious Alpha, Luna, and Gamma took it upon theirselves to kill my father, your former Alpha. They told us it was a rogue attack, but that wasn't the case at all. In light of all this information, the elders have agreed that Laslo is no longer worthy of the Alpha title and I will take over. Feel as you will about me, but I will be your new Alpha. If you have an issue with it, you can leave." I walk back to the stage and stand in front of the trio.

               "What will happen to them?"

               "They will need to pay for their crimes. I'm not sure about Gunner and Margaret, but Laslo will die by my hand. You will all be a witness to his death." Without warning, I turn and use my claws to rip out Laslo's throat. Margaret starts to scream as his lifeless body hits the ground. I look up to see Zahara watching me, and she gives me a slight nod. Elder Langston steps up on the stage.

               "Everyone, it's official. Here is your new Alpha, Alpha Cory WIlliams."