Chapter 131
(Demetri’s POV)
“Now that Dominic is here, I’m going to start from the beginning as most of you here have never heard of what I feel is the most appropriate action for Cole’s run with us.
When a prospect signs the application agreeing to a run there is a list of terms that they are agreeing to. Every pack’s list of terms are slightly different but mainly, it’s a recognition that all information collected by the alpha and his team are reported back to the council. Each pack is allowed to determine what information is important for the council and other packs to know about the prospects and only those involved in the prospect program has access to the file.
Alpha’s have the ability to change what kind of run a prospect is on as long as it takes place no more than a week after the intake physical. There are three types of runs; standard, semi-off book, and completely off book. The council doesn’t like to have prospects on anything outside of the standard run but the other two options are there for a reason. Unfortunately, most packs abuse the other two options.
Semi off book runs are supposed to be used in cases of suspected abuse where the prospect comes in rough physical or mental shape. Instead of immediately sending the prospect home, which is an option, they can be changed to semi off book. The prospect isn’t told of the change in their run as the only change that occurs is the documentation process. Two files are created, one that contains everything that the alpha and trainers experience with the prospect and a second that goes to the council at the end of the prospect’s run. In the last ten years, I’ve put twenty of the twenty-four wolves I’ve helped on such a run.”
I take a moment to check on Cole. He’s finally relaxed enough that I was concerned that he was asleep all ready.
“I only use completely off book runs when it’s obvious that a prospect is being severely abused and possibly tortured by their home pack as placing them on such a run changes everything that they agreed to when they signed up. It is not something a prospect can ask for and most don’t want it because it allows me, in the words of Lucas, to give a particular wolf a pass on specific things. No one wants to be treated differently but that’s what happens with an off book run. None of the four previous wolves I’ve placed on one wanted it as it forces them to recognize the severity of their situation. I only choose this route when I sincerely believe the life of the prospect is in danger should they return to their home pack. Cole is the fifth wolf that I feel fits the strict criteria necessary for an off-book run.”
I can tell that the trainers that have never dealt with abused prospects are in shock.
“Alpha please don’t do this. Don’t hurt me like this. They all did this. They all hurt me like this.“
Cole is whispering with a hard whine in his voice. I know that Lilly, Angela and Patrick can hear him.
“Will you stop whining like a baby? Dad's giving a freaking nut job a free pass on a run and he’s crying about it.”
“Lucas, you will refrain from unnecessary commentary. Talk to me Cole. Why are you so afraid of going off-book? What did the other packs do to you when they did the same?”
He shakes his head hard against my neck.
“Cole please, just talk to me. Putting you on this type of run is in a desperate attempt to protect you. Please. Tell me what happened to you Saturday. Your level of injuries easily constitutes torture if you would just tell me what happened. I can file protection orders so your father can’t take you from here. I can protect you but I can only do that if you talk. If you agree to stay. We both know that if you return home your father will kill you.”
“Alpha please. I don’t want special treatment, I hate the attention. I don’t want a pass. You don’t understand what a fourth run off the books is going to do.”
“Did your father find out the other packs were off book? Has he threatened you?”
“I don’t know he just rants about how I’m sent home as a medical liability. That I need to complete a real run if I want to continue in the program. I don’t know how much of that is true, I have never filled out the application. Please reconsider.”
“I’m not going to lie to you Cole. I don’t have a choice in the matter.”
“You just said you wouldn’t lie to me yet you just did, alpha. There’s always a choice.” I sigh hard as he is correct.
“My choices are extremely limited when a prospect fails the physical.”
“What do you mean, boss? Prospects fail the physical all the time.”
“That is true but Cole is below the lowest physical and mental health scores that I’m allowed to work with openly. Based on his scores, before Lucas ever touched him, I am mandated by the council to cancel his run. I can not keep him here without putting him on an off book run or filing protection orders with the council. Only one of those options is within my control.”
“Will you force me to talk if I stay?”
It’s hard to hear such hopelessness in his voice. The only thing I can think to do is hold him even closer. My heart aches for this young alpha who utterly despises the very title he was born with.
“No. I want you to trust me enough to share what you’re going through. I know last night was a slip on your part but I’m hoping my reaction will give you the confidence you need to talk to me.”
“Why didn’t you punish me when I told you?”
“Because what you’re doing with the pups isn’t your fault.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? It’s not his fault that he’s a pedophile?”
“You will silence yourself Lucas, as your mother and Angela will know before you go to your room for the night who you’ve had in bed with you.”
He shuts down his rant impressively quick.
“I didn’t punish you Cole, because I don’t believe you understand what it is you’re doing. At least not the significance of it. I truly fear your father finding out. As true protectors only rise out of the ashes of the worst moral failings.”
“I will stay. I’ll agree to the off-book run.”
“I will consider that an open minded statement until I have everything worked out as you will be the first to have every aspect of the run that I can control wiped clean.”
“Cole, this is very important. I’m going to start wrapping up your leg so when Demetri is finished you can finally get some rest. You look completely wiped out. Patrick is going to help and you tell me if you need a break. I’m not certain how well soaking the gauze pads in lidocaine worked.”
“Yes ma’am.” He barely whispers through his yawn.
I can tell he’s not comfortable being messed with but it has to be done. I start running the tips of my fingers along the side of his head just above his ear. I can feel his tension rising as Angela and Patrick adjust the position of his leg. He yelps hard as he grabs my shirt, burying his face into my chest as he holds his breath.
“It’s okay to express your pain Cole. That’s one of the things I wanted to speak about as a condition of your run here.”
“Stay still and breathe Cole. I’ve got your leg where I need it. Patrick is going to keep his hand on your ankle so you stay where I need you.”
Angela takes the time to explain as she prepares the dressing.
I keep my touch light as he slowly starts breathing through the pain.
“This is exactly what we need from you. I know it's difficult to allow us to treat your injuries when they are so very painful but it is important that you allow it to happen. We are not going to injure you further.”
He nods his head but remains tense and uncomfortable with the situation.
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