Page 24 of Alpha's Arranged Mate

Molly dipped her head, her body trembling as though she knew exactly what he meant. It would not be a simple telling off if she sought to challenge him. He would have to put her in her place the old-fashioned way. Whether he liked violence or not, sometimes it was the only thing wolves really listened to, especially wolves like Molly.

Under her breath, she grumbled, "Your father would never have stood for this."

Braxton clenched his jaw and fists against the urge to lash out, and instead pointed out, "That is exactly why I stand here today and he does not. My father and his followers are set for execution. Do you wish to go with them?"

"I wish to be free!" Molly hissed, her head snapping up to meet his gaze.

With a deep exhale, Braxton stepped forward and placed his hands upon her shoulders. Looking her deep in the eye, he assured her, "It won't be much longer before we walk out those gates and go home."

Though she met his gaze, she did not look entirely convinced. Even when she did not argue further, he could not bring himself to be relieved.

"The pack won't wait much longer," Molly warned him, but with that she stepped out of his way. "Go and play alpha with the big bad wolf."

The way she scoffed set Braxton's teeth on edge, but he quickly reminded himself of all he and his pack had been through the last few months. She had every right to be pissed.

Without saying another word, Braxton moved past her and continued down the hall, more determined than ever to make sure the alliance was done right. He would not allow his pack to end up right back at square one. Now there was even more resting upon his shoulders. It wasn't just his pack and his children he was working so hard for. It was Lottie, too.

Whenever he closed his eyes, he could still picture how beautiful and elegant she had looked as she had straddled him, and sense how good she had felt cradled in his arms afterwards. Though she had kept her distance since, whenever he saw her, he saw the same longing he felt reflected in her gaze.

Knowing thoughts of her would distract him, he stopped just outside Dash's door and shook them from his mind before knocking.

"Enter!" Dash called immediately, and enter Braxton did.

He was relieved to find the Silverdale alpha alone at his desk. Too many of the Silverdale wolves still looked at him as though he was the enemy. He tried his hardest not to let it get to him, but he was a werewolf. Demon or not, they were always quick to temper. And he was one of few who could ultimately control that temper rather than letting it control him.

"Thanks for coming," Dash said, gesturing at a nearby armchair. "Please, sit."

Braxton didn't argue. He sat and enjoyed the plushness of the cushions for a moment before he spoke. "Dash, my pack grows weary."

It was then that Dash looked up from his desk and the paperwork he appeared to have been going over. "How so?"

He raised an eyebrow at Braxton, looking as though he had every intention of calling off the alliance if he started to smell a rat.

"They are tired, Dash. They are fed up with being kept prisoner."

"They have free reign of the manor and guest rooms of their own," Dash pointed out. "What more could they possibly hope for until the alliance is complete?"

"Perhaps the chance to exercise their demons?" Braxton said through gritted teeth, certain he already knew the answer.

Dash's gaze softened and he sighed. Shaking his head, he said, "I can't allow that."

"Perhaps you might allow one or two at a time? Just for a few minutes, under the supervision of one of the witches?" Braxton suggested. It was something he had been thinking on long and hard himself. The cuffs that had been replaced on his wrists as soon as they returned from hell were beginning to chafe terribly.

Dash rubbed his chin in thought. His eyes never left Braxton's. And just when Braxton thought he might actually have managed to talk him into one small mercy, the hammering of heavy boots rushing down the hall toward the door caused them both to sit up and take note. Even more concerning was the heavy breathing that came along with them and the pounding on the door that followed.

"Come!" Dash yelled, and the door burst open. As soon as Braxton caught sight of the Silverdale wolf who rushed into the room, his heart sank. The man was clutching his ribs and blood oozed between his fingers. A smear of crimson decorated his forehead, and the metallic stench covering him suggesting he had further wounds besides.

"Cole? What is the meaning of this?" Dash demanded, skirting around his desk as if he meant to rush to the aid of whomever was in trouble. Braxton jumped to his feet just as quickly, ready to offer aid, though deep in his gut he already knew the problem.

He should have realized it sooner. He had seen it blazing in Molly's eyes. Perhaps he had been denying it to himself then. He wanted to do the same now, even as he heard Cole's words. "Some of the demon wolves have rebelled!"

"That's impossible, why would they…" Dash began shaking his head as though he was as much in denial. Braxton's heart ached with sympathy for the other alpha. He had trusted him to keep his pack in line, and now this.

"What have they done?" Braxton growled through gritted teeth. Already his claws were protruding from his fingers as he prepared himself to rain hellfire down on those who had opposed him.

"They attacked those in the main square and took several hostages," Cole said, panting all the while. Braxton was surprised he hadn't collapsed from loss of blood and exertion if he had run all the way from Silverdale's main square.

At hearing his words, Braxton's heart sank. Though he asked the question, he feared he already knew the answer. "Who…who do they have?"

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