Alpha Barker shook Carver's hand then nodded to the woman. "What can I do for you?"
"We received word that you're holding our son."
"Yes, that's true."
Leon grit his teeth and smiled when Carver's gaze slid to him.
"We'd like to talk to you about that."
"I'm afraid there is nothing you can say to change my mind. George attacked my son, who is next in line to be alpha of our clan. That is a crime punishable by death."
Rose gasped then dabbed at her eyes with a white handkerchief. Leon might have believed she was truly crying if he didn't know what a bitch she was.
"I know George can be…difficult at times, but he's really not a bad boy. I'm sure whatever he did can be explained."
"Explained?" Alpha Barker snapped. "My son was simply going out for a run, and George attacked him, nearly killed him. If it wasn't for the fact that I was headed out to join Raymond, and was able to stop George, he might have killed my son."
Leon turned away from the three people and took a sip of his drink to hide his surprise at Alpha Barker's words. That wasn't exactly what happened, but he'd promised not to say anything so he couldn't refute what the alpha was saying.
Rose sniffled.
Leon wanted to barf. Nothing anyone was saying was the truth. He didn't understand how they couldn't tell that, or maybe they could and they were all just playing games with each other.
The man patted his wife's shoulder as if trying to comfort her. "I understand the law as much as the next man, but couldn't youmake—"
"No exceptions will be made," Alpha Barker said. "The punishment will fit the crime."
"I see." Carver's lips pressed into a thin line. "And there's no way I can change your mind?"
"Would you change your mind if it had been your son who was attacked?" Alpha Barker snapped. "Even after hearing about the trouble George caused in his former clan, the council forced me to allow him to stay in my territory. I've spoken to them concerning what George did, and they are in full support of my decision concerning his punishment."
Leon grit his teeth to keep from growling. He wanted to know what Alpha Barker had decided concerning George, but he knew he couldn't say anything. He'd promised.
"Can I see my son?" Rose asked.
Alpha Barker shook his head. "I'm sorry, but he's already been moved to a detention facility awaiting punishment."
Leon's jaw almost dropped. That was a blatant lie.
"Well, if you won't allow us to say good-bye to our son, then I guess all we can do now is gather up George's things and go home."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible either," Alpha Barker replied. "The council has granted me any and all property, finances, and assets as compensation for what he did to my son. My men are at his apartment right now clearing it out."
This time when Rose gasped and dabbed at her eyes, Leon knew the tears were real, and then he understood. They weren't here to try and save their son. They were here for the money.
"You can't do that," Carver protested.
"I'm afraid I can." Alpha Barker walked over to his desk and picked up a piece of paper. He held it out to Carver. "As you can see here, the council approved the compensation."
"But that's our—" Carver paled. "I mean, there are things of George's that would hold no meaning to you, but mean the world to our family. Surely…"
"If there is something specific in George's possessions, something personal, I'm sure we can discuss it."
Leon glanced down at his glass to hide the smile on his face. As much as he wanted to throttle Alpha Barker for taking George's money, he was practically gleeful that George's parents weren't getting it.
"Alpha Barker, surely you can see—"
The alpha held up his hand. "George's fate has already been decided. I will not be changing my mind. Come morning, he will no longer be a threat to me, my son, or my clan."
