Chapter 457

I tilted my head, pretending 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, considering. “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 a second before leaning in. “Or I will just command you to move.” My eyes met his; I saw the burning hatred in them. We stared 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 to 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, raising another hand. Vince watched, probably interested to see how this would 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 felt the command in his words and 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 smirked. “Guess I’m still more powerful than you are.” I limped closer. “Brandon, I command you to never command another 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 falling to his knees. “You can’t do that. He’s an alpha. He needs to be able to command wolves.”

I struggled to breathe. “Yeah, he lost that right when he couldn’t fucking hold onto his anger.”

“You have no right!” Vince screamed, then settled.

“As his victim, whom 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, pulling back my aura enough for him to stand. “Get me to the doctor.” Vince growled; I turned back as Rick rose. “One more word or growl from you, and you will share his fucking fate.” Vince glared. “If you are smart, 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 unspoken.

“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, then 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 before nodding. He spun on his heels and left. 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 lifted me into his arms. He ran the rest of the way, slamming through the door. “Doctor!”

“Bring her over here.” I heard a man call, and then I was face to face with him. “I’m Dr. Carson. But call me Luke.”