Chapter 106
“How do you know about that?”
“So the rumors are true? Are you part of that pack?”
“Yes ma’am. Red Fang. Dallas, Richard and Andrew ganged up on my friend Jamie. They would have killed him if alpha hadn’t gone back and caught them in the act.”
“Well that explains the harshness of their punishment.”
“What do you mean?”
“Alpha Demetri matches the severity of the punishment with the crime. If they assaulted him that badly then it’s no surprise they didn’t want to sit at lunch yesterday.”
“You saw them?”
“Yes sir. I supervise setting up meals in both halls. The dining hall for the warrior prospects starts and ends before the banquet hall for members. It’s rare to see anyone escorted by members of our security team. They looked pretty rough, quite submissive really. Then there was the young man that was brought here, yesterday and today by security. He was looking pretty rough too.”
“You’ve seen Jamie?” I couldn’t help but get excited.
“I’m guessing it was him. His face was bruised and swollen yesterday but he looked a lot better today. I imagine he’ll be completely healed tomorrow.”
I’ve stopped eating as the stares have intensified again making me worry about why I’m so interesting to them.
“Don’t pay too much attention to them.”
She responds to my looking around trying to figure out who the staff is looking at.
“Another rumor has started that has them a bit nervous. There’s a lot of talk about a rapist and pedophile being in one of the four packs that have arrived over the last two days. We don’t know his name or anything but some of the male wolves that have heard about it haven’t said very nice things. Some have even spoken of taking punishment into their own hands. That he doesn’t deserve to be a prospect if he’s hurting women and children.”
I choke on my food upon hearing this. I watch Madilyn closely, looking for any hints that tell me that she’s going to spill the beans about me being the pervert that everyone should be afraid of. She looks up at me with a mouthful of food and smiles
“Delta Carla?”
I hold my breath. I know this is it, the end to any chance I have of getting into this pack.
“May I have a glass of milk please?”
I let my breath out slow as Carla leaves and returns with two small glasses of chocolate milk. Madilyn lights up at the sight and drinks it slowly, relishing the sweet flavor. My eyes snap up to Carla’s as I feel her light touch on my hand.
“Don’t look so terrified when the subject comes up, it’s a dead giveaway. Alpha Demetri would never leave Miss Madilyn in the care of just anyone. You will remain nameless, at least among the kitchen staff anyway. You have my confidence.”
“Thank you.”
I can barely whisper as I take a sip of the milk. News that the rumor a pedophile is among them has utterly killed my appetite. Pushing my plate away I simply wait for Madilyn to finish.
“Can I ask about how the pack works?”
“Absolutely, what would you like to know?”
“It feels like your rank matters but at the same time doesn’t.”
“I’m not certain I understand your question.”
“The boys that started laughing after I had a hard time picking Madilyn up, they all went quiet almost instantly when you said something yet Madilyn called you Delta Carla. You reference Madilyn as Miss not Luna or Alpha, even though she’s the alpha’s daughter and you mentioned that most alphas don’t use their title. Back home I was trained to reference everyone by their title and name. The three previous packs were the same way. It was an easy rule that kept me out of trouble. Here, I’m confused. I have no idea how to speak to anyone without offending them.”
Her eyes are soft but worried as I realize how I’m sounding.
“I guess we are quite different when you put it that way. My best advice is, for now, reference others as you are most comfortable. They will tell you if they don’t use their title and you should do the same with them. Don’t get upset or offended, just tell them that you’re just Cole.”
I nod my head at her suggestion and look at Madilyn to see she’s finished everything on her plate. I sigh looking down at mine. All I managed to eat were the eggs. I only had a bite or two of the hash browns and sausage and none of the French toast. At least Carla did keep the serving small. I don’t feel quiet as guilty leaving it behind.
“It’s been nice chatting with you Delta Carla.”
“Just Carla, Cole.”
“Yes ma’am. I’ll try to remember that.”
“Are you really done eating?”
“Yes ma’am. I’m starting to feel queasy so it’s better to stop before I get sick. I don’t think my ribs can handle that.”
She nods her head without further questioning.
“Where do I take our plates?”
“I’ve got it this time. Underneath the fear, you seem very kind. Give Alpha Demetri the same chance he’s giving you. You’ll be surprised at how well you will fit in here.”
I reach my hand out to her, an interaction I don’t normally engage in.
“Thank you, Carla. I have enjoyed your company.”
“The pleasure was mine.”
I give her a smile before turning my attention back to Madilyn.
“I need to get some clean clothes. Do you know where the dorms are from here?”
“Yes sir. I sure do.”
“Excellent.” I praise as we head towards the door.
The cold January air hits me hard as I step back outside. I definitely need to get some of my own clothes as this thin undershirt and sweatpants just isn’t enough.
Madilyn holds my hand gently as we walk across the flat land, guiding me past the dining hall that appears to be receiving a quick wash down before lunch is brought out. It only takes five minutes of walking before the prospect dorm comes into view.
I reach into my pocket and pull out the keycard to my room as we enter through the automatic doors. Now it’s my turn to lead.
“This way, sweetpea.”
I tug her hand gently and she follows without a word.
The dorm is vacant as I expected it to be. Everyone that has arrived so far should be out on the track testing their speed and agility. I slide the key down the slot of the hotel style lock and push my door open, ushering her inside. She seems fascinated with the room, telling me she knows where it’s at but has never gone in. I close and lock the door, not wanting anyone to come in or Madilyn’s curiosity to lead her out.
“Kick your shoes off by the door.”
I instruct as I remove my own.
“Then hop up on the bed.”
She follows my lead easily as I start going through my closet and drawers pulling everything I need out. Black sweatpants, red long sleeve t-shirt, black hoodie, socks and briefs. I separate my hood and socks on the bed before handing Madilyn the tv remote.
“I’m going to change in the bathroom. I’m leaving the door cracked so I can hear you but you can’t come in. It’s not proper for a little lady to see a man naked.”
“I’ve seen daddy potty before.”
“I’m not your father. You don’t know me like that. Just find some cartoons. I’ll be out in five.”
She turns her attention to the tv as I enter the bathroom. I take everything off, hissing in the process and slip gingerly into everything I pulled out.
I groan and curse the pain my movements create. I don’t understand why it’s not getting better. If anything it’s gotten worse despite the medication I’m on.
It takes me longer than I intended but I’m finally able to open the bathroom door, brushing my teeth before gently putting a brush through my hair. I hiss every time I hit the newly closed laceration. It takes some time but I eventually figure out exactly where it is so I can avoid aggravating it any further.
I smile as I sit on the edge of my unmade bed. Madilyn is laying on her stomach, her chin in her hands and feet in the air as she sings along to a show I’ve never seen.
“What’s this you found?” I ask.
“Lion king. It’s on Disney plus. I unlocked the Roku for you.”
“That type of stuff is going to get me in trouble, little lady.”
“No it won’t. I’ll tell him I did it.”
I hiss as I lift my left leg to put my sock on. Unfortunately, Madilyn doesn’t miss the sound or the fact that I put my foot down without a sock on it.
She pauses her movie and crawls over to me. I’m fighting the tears threatening to fall from the burning sensation ripping through my thigh so hard that her gentle touch to my face causes me to yelp without thinking.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper as I look into her heavily concerned eyes.
“I can help you. Please let me.”
She whispers back as she wipes the tears silently falling. I’m embarrassed that I lost that fight but moved dearly by her kindness.
“Yes ma’am. Thank you.”
I can barely get the words out as I’m desperately trying to choke back my tears.
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