The Alpha and The Vigilante novel Chapter 46

I changed and braided my hair into my two signature braids down my back. I blanched after seeing myself in the mirror. I hadn't really caught sight of myself after being imprisoned, but I could see what Thane and Cain were harassing me about. My cheekbones harshly protruded from my face, and I looked as though I hadn't seen the sun in decades. Obviously my looks weren't ever a huge concern of mine, seeing as how I was disgustingly riddled with scars and missing flesh.

I walked out of the bathroom and Cain was still laying on the bed, his eyes closed. I wondered if he had as much trouble resting as I did while we were apart. Judging from the darkened circles under his eyes, I would wager yes. I was actually rather surprised he had kept me in the cell for so long. I'm sure it required an incredible amount of control for him to do that. I couldn't imagine his wolf was pleased with the arrangement.

Are you ready, pup? Alpha Cain asked through the mindlink, and the sound momentarily startled me, as he usually preferred to speak aloud when we were together.

I nodded. It doesn't sound like it'll be much of a punishment, but sure, let's go see. I wasn't happy that the Gamma was being punished for my actions, but at least the punishment was extremely lenient. More lenient than I would expect from someone who was supposedly the most deadly Alpha.

Alpha Cain opened his eyes and got off the bed, starting to head out the door.

Wait, I mindlinked him panicking. I need my cloak. He must have taken it off me while I was asleep.

The Blood Alpha narrowed his eyes at me in suspicion. "You needn't worry about the cold, pup. I will keep you warm, and so will your pelt." The damned fur pelt was draped haphazardly across the loveseat in the corner of his room.

Please, Alpha Cain. I begged him, needing him to understand. My scars...

His eyes widened as he understood. "I will allow the cloak for now since it will make you comfortable, but your scars are nothing to be shameful of. My pack respects those who fight for what they believe in. And you, little mate, have the most fight I've ever seen in anyone, male or female wolf."

I didn't necessarily feel ashamed by my scars, even though I accepted that they were unsightly. I more so wanted the cloak for the feeling of protection it gave me, and certainly didn't want his pack members ogling at them.

He retrieved my cloak from one of his dresser drawers, and draped it around me. I pulled the hood over my head, and decided not to push him by asking him for my mask too.

Thankfully, he didn't comment further on the matter, for which I was thankful. He walked us out of the Pack House, and when I looked up from his chest, I could see that we were walking towards a clearing, where a large group of people were waiting.

Let the punishment begin.

Alpha Cain walked us through the center of the throngs of people, many of which looked at me in curiosity and interest. Even thought I have never been particularly shy, I was extremely grateful for the extra coverage the cloak provided. I could tell many wolves were sizing me up, trying to gauge my strength level out of instinct.

He stood in front of all of them, and I felt incredibly vulnerable being in his arms and not on my feet, ready to defend myself if necessary. The fact that my life remained in his hands was concerning if not deeply alarming.

"As many of you have already heard," Alpha Cain began, his deep voice bellowing throughout the clearing so every wolf was sure to hear, "I recently met my mate, and your future Luna, Ares. Let me make it clear that anyone who is anything less than respectful to her will be punished severely at my hands, no exceptions." He said this matter-of-factly, and it made me cringe inwardly. I felt like if wolves so chose, they should be able to confront me in whatever way they felt they needed to and say what they want to say. They may not like my reaction to their disrespect, but at least I would be doling the punishment.