Chapter Seventeen
"I'm free," George whispered. He lived in those two words for all of about two seconds before he realized that didn't make sense. "Why am I free?"
The alpha's eyebrows lifted in unison. "You don't want to be free?"
"Oh, I want to be free. I just don't understand why you're letting me go when I'm under a death sentence."
"Ah." Alpha Barker smiled. "Well, despite what many may believe, I am not as dense as everyone thinks I am. Unfortunately, there are times when my hands are tied." His smile grew sly. "And then there are times when I am able to do the right thing, even if I am the only one who knows about it."
Huh?
"Could you put that in English for me?"
"I had to detain you when I found out you attacked my son. It's clan law. But detaining you and executing you are two very different things."
Close enough in George's book.
"If you were planning on letting me go, then why detain me at all?"
"Like I said, sometimes my hands are tied. I had to wait until my wife and son had left town before I could release you. You and your mate need to leave King City, and don't come back."
"Ever?"
"It would be better if you stayed away for a while, at least until Raymond forgets his anger at you. I can't promise if you came back, that he'd heed my word."
While it saddened George to think he'd never be able to come back to town, or at least not for a long time, the alternative was even worse. He'd rather be alive somewhere else than dead in King City.
"Do I have time to go back to my place and pack my stuff?"
Alpha Barker shook his head. "Better not. The quicker you get out of town, the better."
George's shoulders slumped. "Yes, sir."
"It's better this way, George. Your parents are in town."
George grew cold as the blood drained from his face. "My parents?"
"That's why we needed the two hours, or I would have let you go when Leon arrived. We had to wait until the authorities arrested your parents for trying to declare you dead and then steal your money."
George's jaw dropped. "What?"
The alpha smirked. "When I informed your parents that you would be dealt with as befitting a man who attacked the son of an alpha, they were quite ready to take every possession you had, including the contents of your bank account. I informed them that the council had granted me all of your possessions and assets as compensation for the pain and suffering me, my son, and my clan experienced at your hands."
George winced. "I'm sorry, sir."
Alpha Barker shook his head. "It's over now, George. The important thing is getting you and your mate out of town before anyone figures out I didn't carry out your execution."
"Yes, sir."
Alpha Barker held out a debit card. "This card goes to a bank account only you have access to. I've put some money in there to hold you over until you get on your feet and, hopefully, find a place to live that is far, far away from King City."
George frowned at the guy. "Why would you do that?"
"Because, despite how it may seem considering all that has transpired here, I am aware of my son's shortcomings. As much as I would like to think Raymond has what it takes to be the next alpha, we both know he doesn't. Unfortunately, as he is my son, he inherits the clan unless someone challenges me for it before he takes over." Alpha Barker lifted an eyebrow. "I don't suppose you'd be interested?"
"No!" George couldn't say it fast enough.
Alpha Barker chuckled. "I didn't think so."
