“Your son happened.” Rick scoffed.
Vince rolled his eyes. “I can see that…I’m asking what caused him to attack you.”
I snorted, but I had to cut it off, because it hurt. “Is my nose broken?” I looked at Rick. He winced and then nodded.
“Yeah, it’s pretty bad. I think we need to get you to the infirmary. You aren’t healing properly.”
I nodded. “Makes sense. I haven’t been feeling well.” I groaned as I stood. The rib pushed out more, and I screamed again.
“What happened?” Vince stepped in front of me and I growled low. He raised his hands. “I’m sorry but I need to know before you leave.”
I rolled my eyes, but I think it was lost, as they were pretty swollen. “As I said, your son chose a mate…it’s not me. But he tried to come in here and pretend that everything was still fine, like he hadn’t embarrassed me in front of the entire pack last night. I asked him if there was some kind of brain damage. Rick laughed. He attacked.” I turned to look at Brandon. “I don’t care if his feelings were hurt, or his pride was wounded. The king will be hearing about this.”
Brandon scoffed. “Like he is going to do anything, he won’t be alive much longer.”
I tilted my head and pretended I didn’t hear his low words. I turned to Rick. “Let’s go.” Vince opened his mouth, but I raised my hand. “Are you refusing to allow me to see the pack doctor?”
Vince looked me over, and I could tell he was considering it. “I just want to make sure you are okay.”
I glared at him. “I’m sure. You can either allow us to pass. Or you can speak to the king about refusing to allow me to pass.” I waited for a second before I leaned in. “Or I will just command you to move.” My eyes met his, and I could see the burning hatred in his eyes. We stared at each other for a few seconds before Brandon laughed.
He stepped closer. “Do you think you can command my father? Look at you. You can’t even heal. I was able to beat you into the ground, and you didn’t even fight back. You are weak. Weaker than we thought, obviously.”
I smiled. “Step back.”
“Or what?” Brandon snarled and raised another hand. Vince watched, probably interested to see how this was going to pan out. “Get down on your knees and beg, and then maybe I’ll allow you to leave.” He stepped closer. “Maybe you could finally loosen up and put that mouth to use.”
I could feel the command in his words, and I turned to Vince. “You are going to allow your son to bully people, still? Are you seriously going to stand there while he commands me to do that?” I shook my head, completely disgusted. “You haven’t learned a thing.”
Brandon swung, and I released my aura. I steadied myself against the desk as the power struck out, causing everyone in the office to drop to their knees. I looked down at Brandon and I smirked. “Guess I’m still more powerful than you are.” I limped closer to him. “Brandon, I command you to never commandanother wolf until my command is lifted.” Brandon snarled. “One more fucking word and I’ll turn you mute.” His mouth snapped shut with a click.
Vince struggled against my aura for a second before he settled on to his knees. “You can’t do that. He’s an Alpha. He needs to be able to command wolves.”
I struggled to breathe in. “Yeah, he lost the right when he couldn’t fucking hold on to his anger.”
“You have no right!” Vince screamed, but then settled.
“As his victim, who he just tried to sexually assault, in front of you, our Alpha. I do. I won’t lift the command until the king makes his ruling.” I turned to Rick and pulled back my aura enough for him to stand. “Get me to the doctor.” Vince growled this time, and I turned back as Rick got to his feet. “One more word or growl from you and you will share his fucking fate.” Vince glared at me. “If you are smart, then you would keep him in line and no one will have to find out that the Alpha to be can’t fucking command anyone.” I let the other option hang there unsaid.
“You wouldn’t.” Vince’s eyes tightened, and I allowed him to see my true face. I felt the pain, the anger, everything bleed out and allowed the pool of rage to burn behind my eyes.
I leaned in. “Try me. I know a ton of wolves who would leap at the chance to become the new Alpha. Succession is given, but battles for power are still a thing.” I limped closer. “Do you truly think Brandon is strong enough to stand in a battle for power? I allowed him to attack me. Every hit was a choice.” I lowered myself to his level. “Your son hits like a bitch.”
Vince was smart enough to stay silent as I stared at him. “Go to the doctor and get checked out.”
I looked up at Rick, who came to my side. “Smart choice.” Rick helped me to my feet. “Let’s go.” I kept my aura up until we left the office, and then I tucked it away.
“You stupid girl. You just put a target on your back.” He pulled me down the halls.
I chuckled. “I already had a target on my back. Now it’s just out in the open.” We swung outside, and I spotted Alannah running back with a guard. Rick waved them over.
“The Alpha handled it.” The guard looked at me for a second before nodding. He spun on his heels and left us there. Rick turned to Alannah. “Go on home. Work’s done for the day.” Alannah looked back at me.
“Are you okay?”
I smiled. “I’m good. Go get ready for dinner.” I turned to Rick. “Get me to the doctor.”
He nodded and just lifted me into his arms. He ran the rest of the way, slamming through the door. “Doctor!”
