“No,” Gloria said.
“Leave him be,” Lorraine added.
“It’s time for you to go, sir,” Rosemary said, voice wobbly.
They were so brave, and he was proud of them for it. He loved them and all his packmates. If only he could have been the leader they deserved.
“I won’t hurt him,” the Alpha growled. “I’m done with this bullshit. Steve, watch the front door and tell me if anyone else is coming. Jennifer, move these ladies aside and keep them back while I go to him.”
“On it, Alpha.” That must have been Steve.
“Yes, Alpha.” Jennifer’s agreement was immediately followed by his packmates’ loud, but ineffectual protests and then the door squeaking open and the sound of rapid footsteps on the stairs.
“Oh lord, no.” The deep voice was richer without a barrier between them. “What did they do to you?”
He wanted to see the man who would finally end his suffering, but his systems were shutting down and opening his eyes took more energy than he had left. A trembling hand touched his forehead and then something solid slid under him and he was airborne, lifted from his mattress.
“Why is he like this?” Alpha Berger roared as he stomped up the stairs, Keith in his arms. “What the hell happened to him?”
“Don’t take it out on him. Please, Alpha. It’s not his fault.”
“Take what out on him? What is wrong with you people?” The Alpha tightened his hold, turning Keith’s face into his throat.
It was a risky move, exposing his most vulnerable area to an Alpha shifter’s teeth, but he needn’t worry. Keith wouldn’t hurt him. He didn’t want to hurt anyone again.
“Never mind. I don’t have time for this nonsense. Jennifer, let’s go.”
“What are you doing with Keith?” Gloria said.
“I’m taking him out of this hellhole.”
“Please, Alpha, just don’t hurt him anymore.”
“I just met him! I’m not the one who did this to him.”
“You won’t hurt him? Do you give us your word, Alpha Berger? On your honor?”
“Yes. Now get out of my way.”
“He needs food,” Rosemary shouted.
“I’ll get some,” Lorainne said.
“A bottle of water too!” Gloria called after her.
More footsteps and movement, people rapidly talking over one another, and then brightness poured over his closed eyes. He gathered they had left the opulent but dreary Alpha house and stepped out into the sunlight.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Rupert Jackson said angrily.
“Put him down,” said Rupert Junior.
It seemed that they had returned from whatever had taken them away. Keith should have been worried. Angering the two Ruperts never ended well, but with his face pressed against Alpha Berger’s neck, he felt nothing but safety and peace for the very first time in his life. Maybe this was how death felt.
“We’re leaving, Alpha Jackson.” Though he used the proper honorific, Alpha Berger’s tone held not a shred of respect.
“Not with him, you’re not,” Rupert bellowed. “Who in the hell do you think you are coming into my pack and taking my ward?”
“Yeah!” Junior agreed with him, like always. He was nearly forty years old and an Alpha wolf, but he had no spine and very little sense. He was nothing but a puppet for his domineering father.
