Wolf Tech 6: The Pups

Chapter 12 - Tom's Consequences

A loud pounding on Tom's door sounded, before it was opened without waiting for his permission. Two beefy Enforcers stepped inside. They were ones Tom hadn't liked, as they had a sense of honour. It had them working around anything he asked of them that they believed went against their oaths. They had once even threatened to take it to the challenge circle if he had made them follow through it. He snarled at this invasion.

"The Alpha requires your presence at the challenge circle immediately. We have been tasked to make sure you are there promptly and directly." One said firmly.

"I have work to do. I will be there when I am finished." Tom told them, "Close the door on the way out."

"I'm sorry, sir. The Alpha has ordered us to bring you." The other voiced.

"I'm an elder. I am countermanding that order. GET OUT!" Tom shouted. He didn't listen to these two peons.

"I'm sorry it has to be this way. You cannot countermand an Alpha order, and as you are refusing to follow it, force is authorized." The first one answered. He pulled Tom out of the chair, and the other grabbed his other arm and they nearly dragged him out the door.

Tom snarled at them and tried to fight, but they had a firm grip on him. Working together, they could contain him, just barely. Tom didn't notice the place was empty as they dragged him down the main hall and deposited him at the challenge circle.

James sighed from the other side. An Omega was standing beside him, with a bandaged and splinted arm in a sling. The omega glared at Tom, not quite meeting his eyes, so not challenging him.  Those nearest could smell both rage and pain from him; if he was senior, that usually meant a nasty fight would happen to whoever caused the pain.

James howled to silence the pack. "I called this challenge, as it was a blatant disregard of the no bullying law I just passed. By the actions of a wolf, Ed was sent flying into a side table, and knocked over a priceless urn. The urn fell and shattered, which sliced up Ed's arm. Also, the table fell on the arm, shattering his forearm. He is going to have a couple of painful weeks while the arm heals." The air vibrated from the pack of growling wolves. Since he was an Omega, he wasn't allowed to fight, so he was to be protected, as long as he minded his place. Many had disagreed with Tom's decision for him to be made Omega, and had gone out of their way to help him. Ed never tried to fight, and just followed the orders to the best of his ability. Tom stood defiant as if there was nobody around, not even the two guards that kept him from running.

James put his hand on Ed's back, "Who, for the record, was the one that caused your injury." He asked gently.

Ed cringed, "I was heading for a lounge to relax after finishing my duties, and Elder Tom came storming out of the Alpha wing and shoved me hard out of his way, even when there was more than enough room for us to pass without issue."

The pack growled louder; an elder should be setting an example.

"Lies!" Tom replied, "I never touched him."

James howled again, "Who was a witness of this?"

"I was shoved out of the way as well, but didn't get knocked off my feet. I did witness Tom shoving Ed." another reported.

"I witnessed it." Four wolves said almost together.

James stripped his shirt off. "Elder Tom, you are charged with violation of pack law, and of failing to protect a weaker pack member."

Tom scoffed, "There is no law. They have not been ratified by the elders. I am above the law."

The eldest stepped forward, "Elder Tom is mistaken. The elders have no say in the creation of the laws, beyond what the alpha wants to consult with us, at his discretion. Your rule was repealed two weeks ago—not that you ever followed it, when you were Alpha. I never fought it, as I didn't feel it was right for Elders to dictate the pack; that is the Alpha's position. The law about bullying was enacted ten days ago."