Page 34 of Cruel Alpha Daddy

I turn to look at Tobias, and he grins at me.

The bastard knows exactly what I’m here to do.

“Tobias,” I say firmly. “Step forward.”

To my surprise, he does. A couple of the young males try to follow him, but he waves them back.

“Yes, my alpha?”

Damn, he almost sounds sincere.

“I am here to charge you with crimes against the pack. You have repeatedly gone against my orders and even attacked our luna. You know what the penalty would be if Jethro was still in charge.”

“You aren’t Jethro,” Tobias says, his smile widening. “Isn’t that the whole point of this peaceful little town? No more violence, happiness for all?”

I scowl at him. “I did not expect you to return after the punishment I gave you for attacking our luna. I could set the pack against you right now.”

Tobias spreads his hands, blinking innocently. “I was trying to bring her back for you! My only desire is to serve the pack, my alpha.”

I can’t believe he would tell such a blatant lie, but from the looks his supporters are giving me, every single one of them believes him. As if I beat the absolute shit out of him for no reason.

He’s been telling them I’m worse than Jethro.

I realize that Tobias is trying to provoke me into a fight. He wants to prove to his supporters that I’m unhinged and violent, and maybe try to sell that story to the rest of the pack, too. Even though it hurts like hell, I swallow my rage and smile back at him.

“I appreciate your hard work,” I say smoothly.

Even though I had my guys with me when I rescued her, no one actually saw the exchange except me. I can’t prove that he meant Fiona any harm.

Tobias’s eyes widen in surprise, but he gives a little bow. “Thank you. I try my best.”

“If that is true, then there’s something else you need to answer.” A hard edge creeps into my voice, and I glare at him, fighting to maintain control.

“Anything, my alpha.”

His mocking tone is bringing me close to the breaking point.

“Where are you getting your resources from? While the rest of the pack struggles, those close to you have new clothes, expensive liquor, and decent food. If all you want is to serve the pack, then why are you hoarding resources that should be shared with us all?”

Tobias grins and gives me a little nod as if acknowledging a hit. “I was hoping you’d ask,” he replies. “I know your beta has begun to ask questions, so I was expecting you to say something.”

Fuck you, you smarmy bastard! How are you going to get out of this one?

“Explain yourself,” I bark.

Tobias gestures to one of his friends, and a couple of them step outside. My body hardens from head to foot as I prepare for a fight. I’m fully expecting them to burst back through the doors armed with machine guns.

“It’s a little surprise I’ve been cooking up,” Tobias says, his eyes glinting. The cruel grin does nothing to settle my suspicion.

Ryan glances at me, and I give him a short nod. If Tobias decides to throw down, we have to move quickly to ensure the safety of the women and children.

His guys return with huge, bulky sacks. They move into the center of the room and open them up. Toys and clothes spill out across the floor. Another bag has plush animals in it, as well as pillows and linen. The guys go back and get more bags, revealing stationery and art supplies, along with stacks of dry goods and cooking staples.

I’m so shocked, I can’t even speak. The children have come running in, excitedly going through the toys, books, and clothes. One of the older girls shrieks with joy when she finds a stack of candy bars and excitedly hands them out to the other kids.

“I realize there was a terrible miscommunication between us,” Tobias says. “I have been working in the surrounding towns, asking for donations for our youngest pack members. Protection of the pups should be our greatest concern.”

You fucking bastard.

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