Page 139 of Alpha Queen
The younger man knelt beside her. "No. It won't. But if you don't stop now, you will never forgive yourself later. Remember what Father always said. 'People deserve justice, but we are defined by the mercy we show them anyway.'"
A sob racked the older woman as her son lifted her to her feet and ushered her away.
A moment passed with Titan on the floor, covered in blood, before he pissed himself. The smell hit River's nose, and her stomach roiled, the room spinning.
She breathed slowly through her mouth, trying to keep from vomiting, fainting, or both.
"Are you all right?" Apollo whispered.
"I… I think I need some soda water," she managed.
"Why don't we take a break?" offered Ares. "We can get everyone something to eat."
"Please," said one of the Alphas. "Let us be done with this."
River's wolf lent her strength. Need to see. Need to witness.
Her wolf was right. She was High Luna. She needed to set an example.
"He's right," said River. "Let's finish this."
"Very well," Ares announced. "Let justice continue."
The remaining wolves came forward one by one, each leaving their mark on Titan's increasingly broken body. A Beta from a Southern territory drove his boot into Titan's ribs with such force that several audible cracks echoed through the room. A female whose mate had died in the attack gouged deep furrows across Titan's back, her grief transforming to rage.
With each new wound, Titan's defiance wavered, and his body convulsed. His breathing became labored, each inhale a wet, rattling sound that spoke of internal damage. Still, he refused to beg, his one remaining eye glaring with hatred even as consciousness slipped from him.
The final Alpha approached. Elkan, who had lost five wolves between the attack at the ceremony and the taking of Titan's compound. Without ceremony, he lifted Titan by his hair and delivered a series of brutal punches to his face until blood sprayed across the marble floor. When he finally released him, Titan collapsed in a heap, his body twitching once before going still.
River watched it all, her face a mask of composure despite the storm of emotions raging within her. This was justice, she told herself. Necessary. Yet the sight of such brutal vengeance, even against the wolf who had caused so much suffering, left her hollow.
Ares rose, surveying the bloodied form on the floor and the assembled wolves who stood around him, their faces flushed with both satisfaction and lingering rage.
"It is finished," he declared. "Titan Longtooth has faced the judgment of those he has wronged."
Apollo joined his brother, his posture regal despite the tension visible in his shoulders. "Titan's execution will be at dawn tomorrow. His crimes against the Crown, our mate, and our people demand nothing less than the ultimate punishment."
"Let this serve as a reminder that no wolf, regardless of bloodline or position, stands above our laws."
Apollo's gaze hardened as he addressed the Alphas directly. “Beginning next week, each territory will undergo a thorough audit of pack records and practices. Any Alpha found to have exiled wolves without just cause will be removed from their position and relocated."
Murmurs rippled through the assembly, some indignant, others nervous.
"The only exception," Ares added, "will be if the newly appointed Alpha and the rest of the pack unanimously agree that the former Alpha may remain as a regular pack member."
"This is outrageous." Alpha Larken jumped up. "You cannot-"
"We cannot what?" Apollo roared. "What is it we, the kings of the wolf world, can not do?"
Larken's mouth closed, and he lowered his eyes.
"We can and we will," Apollo continued, his voice like steel. "The days of unchecked Alpha power are over."
The room erupted in protests, several Alphas rising to their feet.
"This is an overreach!" shouted one.
"You can't dictate how we run our packs!" yelled another.
