Chapter 46
“It’s okay to let go, Jamison.”
My voice is gentle as I encourage the emotional release I know the young man needs as I hold him close to me. It doesn’t take long before I feel his body shake with silent tears, his hands balling into fists around the fabric of my shirt. Giving him permission to talk to me was more about giving Jamie the emotional release he needed than a cry for help from Cole, but in encouraging it, I’m closer to knowing the truth about Cole. I rub Jamie’s back until his body relaxes before heading him over to the couch.
“I want to thank you for your willingness to be open with me on what your experience with Cole has been even though Cole is hesitant to be the same. It seems like he’s been burned by other packs for sharing the truth of his situation which only makes it harder for me.”
Jamie takes a moment to wipe his face before looking at me.
“Please don’t let the nasty rumors about him cloud your judgment of him. He really is a good person. Never once has he ever done anything to make me or dad believe that he could be a rapist or pedophile. He needs help alpha. Beyond anything anyone can truly understand, he needs help getting out of the hell he’s in.”
“I am sorry Jamie, but I can’t discuss with you what my plans are with Cole. He has caught my interest but I can not, for the safety of my own pack, simply ignore rumors as nasty as rape and pedophilia. I have to find the real Cole that is hidden beneath the fear and anxiety.”
Jamie nods his head but it seems his tears have renewed at the news that I can’t simply ignore the rumors. Are these rumors what’s causing the council to investigate, not the abuse? Another element I must look into about Cole.
“Unfortunately, Jamie, your friendship with Cole doesn’t get you off from your fight.”
He shakes his head as he speaks, his voice is clearer as he pulls himself together.
“I don’t expect special treatment. I can assure you that Cole doesn’t want it either. All Cole wants is to be treated as an equal. Not seen as some sort of monster, as someone undeserving of a chance. The very few wolves that have given him that chance in our pack love him dearly but it’s been proven that no one inside the pack can help him. Someone on the outside needs to see it and act upon what they see.”
“I’m sorry to hear that no one in the pack can help him. The only thing I can promise you right now is he has my attention. I need time to figure out how far I can take this and what, if any, help I can provide. I don’t expect you to understand but the safety of my pack is paramount over anything else.”
“I do understand that.”
“So, your punishment at the moment is the same as the other three until I know who started it.”
“I understand that as well.”
He states as he nods, his head bowed in submission.
“At the moment, you, Andrew, Richard and Dallas are all on house arrest. You will report to the dining hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner otherwise you are to be in your room. I will show you where to get the water and flavoring packs if you desire it. Like everyone else, you may have a case of water in your room or drink from the sink. The water here is good, it comes from underground natural springs but not everyone likes the taste of the minerals dissolved in it so we offer bottled water for drinking. One of the trainers will come get all of you so you’re not trying to find your way to the dining hall on your own. Any questions?”
“No sir.”
“Okay. It’s obvious he has an attachment to you so for the sake of Cole’s mental health and based on the interaction between you and Dallas, you were trying to defend Cole, I am going to allow you a special break.”
This grabs Jamie’s attention as he lifts his head, looking at me with his head cocked slightly to one side.
“For an hour, maybe a little longer depending on what I have going on, I will bring you to Cole so the two of you can spend time together while he’s here. Wait for me in the dining hall after each meal. You will be seated at the last seat in the hall. As soon as you come in the doors it’s on the right side closest to the door. I will come get you and take you to Cole. You will stay with him until I come get you and escort you back to your room. If you leave Cole’s room, other than using the bathroom, then you will forfeit this privilege. Any questions now?”
He smiles as he shakes his head.
“No sir, thank you.”
I reach out to him and run my hand through his hair getting him to look back at me.
“Shall we go visit him again?”
“Yes please.”
I stand from the couch and offer my hand to him. He takes it and stands as well. Following close behind me, we head towards the door.
We return to Cole’s room to see him fighting his invisible assailant again. My main guess is his father. I jog lightly over to him hoping that I can interrupt his dream before it gets too intense. I pull the railing behind his back down making room for me to kneel behind him. I slip one hand into his and I’m shocked when he grabs it.
“Alpha... please.... talk to me.”
I can hear the desperation in his voice as I lean over his trembling body, hoping that my scent is different enough to calm him.
“Try to relax Cole. It’s Alpha Demetri. I’m not going to hurt you.”
He nods his head as he tries to gain control over his anxiety.
“I’m sorry.... alpha.... sometimes..... it’s hard.... to remember..... where I am.”
I change my position so I’m sitting on the bed with him leaning his back against me. I start rubbing the back of his head, gently encouraging him to relax with me. His grip on my hand is strong and hard.
“As much sleeping as you’ve been doing I would expect as much. Are you hungry or need to use the bathroom?”
“Both.”
“Do you want to try and walk? You won’t be alone until you're on the toilet and there’s a call button so I can help you when you’re done.”
“I need help.... getting my.... boxers off.”
“I will help you with anything you need Cole.”
“It’s going….. to hurt.... me alpha.”
“Taking the last of your clothes off?” He nods his head slowly.
“Because of the injuries on your back and bottom?”
I’m shocked when he shakes his head.
“No?” I ask.
“I can handle..... my back and butt..... The front.... is a bit harder.”
I let out a soft sigh as I have an understanding of what that means. I start rubbing my thumb softly against his hand taking my time before I speak as I know this will tell him what Jamie has told.
“It’s very important that you be honest with me, Cole. As you have already told Jamie, it seems that you understand that I can not ignore your condition. That it is easy to see that you are being abused and it’s been occurring for a long time. I need your permission to document what Angela and I have found. The only thing I can promise right now is if I get the council involved I will not send you home. You have nothing to lose in letting me take pictures of the condition you’re in right now.”
To my surprise he nods a yes and his steady grip on my hand has become rhythmic.
“The easiest way I can get your boxers off would be to cut them.”
“That’s fine.”
“Okay, so let’s start with sitting you up. Let’s see how you handle that. Jamie, can you put the bed rail down on your side and help Cole move his legs off the side.”
I slide my free hand under his shoulder once Jamie is done. To my surprise, he wraps his arms around Cole and Cole responds with the same. Once he’s sitting up I hear him quietly whisper “Please stay.” to Jamie.
“Doesn’t this hurt you?”
“It does..... I’m scared..... I need you.”
I watch as Jamie starts rubbing Cole’s head.
“I don’t think this alpha is going to hurt you, Cole.”
“I want to..... believe that..... but three….. already.... have.”
I take a moment to step away and get a pair of scissors. When I return Cole is quiet but very tense and shaking badly. I attempt to move the gown he’s wearing but stop as soon as he starts yelping, scaring Jamison in the process.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
