Chapter 35: 34

Chapter 34

That child…

She walked out on him after practically saying she could leave his pack if she wanted to.

Amber had always been careful with her words, afraid to offend anyone.

She was that considerate.

Therefore, only in extreme circumstances would she throw careless statements—and she did so, a few hours ago.

What's even more alarming is the conviction in her tone, her resolve.

Despite knowing that she wasn't just talking to anyone but an Alpha, Amber didn't stand down. She believed she had nothing to be guilty for, so she refused to submit.

And that was already considered as challenging the Alpha in itself.

However…

Severus thought her actions were understandable on this occasion.

No.

It was because she was Amber—that's why, he could try to see things from her perspective.

If it was any other pack member who acted up like that in front of him, there would be severe consequences.

And speaking of consequences…

He doesn't think it's appropriate to think about it now.

Not after what he did to her.

Severus decided to shift back, and rest his mind by the riverbank after a long run. Ludwig's company was well-tolerated so far. The man knows when to keep his silence, and Severus is content with that.

Besides, he'd prefer Ludwig's presence to either Trent's or Brandon's this time.

Those two just let an accident play out right before their eyes.

On that account, he's not planning to clear them off the responsibility.

The lonely moon reflected in the river brightly.

Why does this scene remind him of Amber all of a sudden…?

Ludwig's wolf drank from the river peacefully.

"You should shift back, too."

The wolf's ears perked up when he said that, but the other Alpha was too stubborn for his own good.

"I know the reason behind your stay, Ludwig. I'm not that naïve."

Severus knew that it wasn't a coincidence to find the man in the clinic's hallway.

Ludwig went there because he was probably curious.

It seemed that Amber had piqued his interest, and the man looked forward to personally expressing his regards.

Well…

That's a given.

Ludwig has an eye for wolves that he thinks has the potential to go to the Midlands.

Crack.

Suddenly, the wolf shifted back into its human form—and Ludwig spared him a cautious glance before he looked away, and stared off into the river.

"Was it always that chaotic here in your pack?" the other Alpha asked gruffly. "River Severn sure is lively."

"That sparring match wouldn't have happened in the first place if I hadn't left."

"Why? Was it against your laws?"

"No," Severus bit back. "Because I wouldn't allow it."

"So, no rules have been violated?"

"Technically."

"Yet, you look this troubled?" Ludwig laughed, shaking his head. "Your reaction might confuse your pack members."

"You're no better than me when it comes to this, Ludwig. I don't need that coming from you."

The man just shrugged, nonchalant. "All I'm saying is… you could avoid that if you wanted to. Unless you're imitating me…"

"Comical."

"So… may I know how you're planning to deal with her?"

"Her?"

"That crazy she-wolf."

Crazy?

"Are you referring to Cataleya?"

"Ah… that must be the name of the other she-wolf."

Severus furrowed his brows together.

Then…

Is he referring to Amber instead?

"Don't call her that. She has a name, and it's Amber."

"The semblance…" The corner of Ludwig's mouth quirked upwards. "Like father, like son, huh?"

"I don't have time for this," he snapped.

If he wants to say something, he better start talking!

"Testy," Ludwig remarked. "So… what are you planning to do?"

"Why did you call her 'crazy'?"

"You're that bothered, Severus? I must say… this is beyond my expectations of you. Seeing how you care so much for this Amber… sure, I'll answer your question. Crazy, huh? Now that I think about it, describing her that way might be misleading. I meant to say… that was a crazy performance. Have you seen someone pull off that move before?"

"No."

"What a pity."

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Severus snorted. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"That wasn't my first time seeing it." Ludwig's timbre turned oddly reminiscent.

"I suppose the move is wildly-practiced in other regions, then." Amber was a wide reader. There was a chance that she happened to read about it, so she made use of the move during her match.

Still, she managed to execute the move perfectly without professional guidance. That, in itself, deserves high praise.

It had him wondering if that child was secretly training, and honing skills in another sport—beside kickboxing.

"I don't know. No one in my pack can pull off that move."

Severus turned to look at him, questioning. "Then, when was the first instance you saw it?" For some reason, he felt like this Alpha was telling the truth. "And where?"

"During the war."

Ha.

"Vague," Severus commented tersely.

"I've been meaning to ask…" Ludwig began. "Is that she-wolf kin to Leviticus?"

"How…?"

"Or his brothers?" Ludwig added. "Which one is it?"

He was taken aback. "How do you know this?"

"I heard her family name was 'Santiago'," the man replied curtly. "Or… she just happened to share the same family name as Leviticus' clansmen?"

"Why are you asking me this? I know you already know the truth. You're trying to catch me in a lie, aren't you?"

Ludwig blinked at him, surprised. "You caught on quick."

"Cain Santiago…" he trailed off. "Rings a bell?"

"Of course." Ludwig didn't hesitate to answer that with such honesty. "Anyone who participated in the war would know that name. Though, I don't suppose warriors these days are familiar with the man…" He looked at him, wide-eyed. "You're telling me that she's related to Cain?"

"She's his daughter."

"Don't fuck with me," Ludwig laughed. "Their clan was wiped out! None of them was left alive."

"You don't have to believe everything I say." Severus' sharp eyes glazed over for a moment. "All you have to do is look at her—then, you'll know."

"Has this been reported to Rego?"

He narrowed his gaze into slits. "What does she have to do with the King?"

"The West Crescent Pack was to be legitimized when the massacre happened. Yet, here you are… hiding one of Leviticus' clansmen." The calculating look on the man's face told Severus that he was up to something. "Rego… will want to know."

"I won't allow it."

"I'm afraid the decision isn't yours to make, Severus."

"She's my pack member," he spat. "Don't threaten me while having your damned foot on my territory."

Being his sister's mate won't change anything.

They could go at it on the spot—and he won't be holding back.

"Did she consent to that?"

"Consent to what?"

"Becoming your pack member…" Ludwig said knowingly. "You've skipped the process, haven't you?"

"There's no law that forbids me from doing that. I took her in out of good will. Don't you dare smear my intentions with such false ideas!" he gritted out.

Ludwig gave his back a heavy pat before he stood up, his expression no longer playful. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to take her with me."

"I heard what happened," Xyla uttered worriedly. "Did you really…?"

Severus could only offer his mate a grim expression. "If you heard the details from either Trent or Brandon, most of them were probably true."

"You hit, Amber?"

His jaw ticked upon the reminder and memory of it. "Must you really get the confirmation from me, Xyla?" He was unhappy with his behavior, too.

Now that he had sobered up, he realized he could have handled the situation with Amber better.

Domestic violence was something he could never tolerate, yet he keeled over at the final second!

He let himself be overwhelmed by his raging emotions.

'She probably hates me now.'

"Was it hard for you?" Xyla's voice softened. "I know just how much you adore the girl, and whatever prompted you to get physical—I knew, at the very least, that it wasn't intentional."

Severus shook his head. He knows what her wife is doing.

She's trying to make him feel better, so he won't feel so guilty about what happened.

He's the Alpha of this pack. Therefore, he doesn't need an excuse for his actions.

His pack members aren't supposed to question his measures in the first place!

As the Alpha, he can exact any punishment befitting his judgment.

The only difference in this instance, however, is the person involved.

Frankly speaking, his other pack members often received harsher punishments for every transgression they committed. They knew their place in his pack, so they couldn't condemn him for his actions.

His ruling shall always prevail in the end.

That's how it has been for the others.

Mercy?

Such emotion is nothing but a hindrance.

His Beta doesn't approve of the preferential treatment Amber gets to enjoy, but he has no power to forcibly change his Alpha's decision to one that he's pleased with.

If Severus so desires to protect the girl from any inconvenience, he can act on it because that's the will of the Alpha—and he's that person in his pack.

He can do whatever he wants.

But…

Is it the right thing to do?

Because…

At this point, it feels like trying to protect Cain's daughter is doing her more harm than good.

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