So this week I was actually inspired by 2 of the prompts! I used the words steel, inevitable, and posture as well as the phrase: "Kneel before me, and..." Enjoy!!
Lost Inside Chapter 36
Benny’s
phone rang. He growled, annoyed as he tore off a strip of tape to secure down
the bandage on his side. Velaku’s name popped up on the screen.
“Hello.”
“The
Clan is assembled at the property, guarded by the Falcons,” Velaku said
shortly. “I’m assuming you’re taking charge shortly, Alpha?” He didn’t have to
ask if Benny killed Sheshtun—that he’d allow the bastard to live, even if he’d
yielded, wasn’t an option. Benny didn’t want to go back into that house, but
this time he’d be the one giving the orders.
He’d
never wanted the job, though. Benny held in his sigh. “Yes. What’s your ETA?”
he asked Dav.
“An
hour, give or take.”
“I
heard him,” Velaku said. “The other territory leaders and I had a telephone
conference. The Alpha family, as well as the inner circle of betas, are
culpable for monetary reparations to those injured by wrongdoing. This time,
however, your mate and his brother were the primary victims. We decided the
betas who colluded with Sheshtun will be held accountable and their assets
liquidated. The money will go directly to the victims harmed by Sheshtun’s
plans. Those who’ve survived the assaults will face a tribunal regarding
punishment—banishment or death, depending on their involvement. We will need
the victims’ testimony first.”
Velaku
worked fast. Benny appreciated knowing the rest of the men who’d hurt so many
Tigers were locked away. They’d be unable to hurt anyone in the Clan again.
That would help convince others to testify.
“Thank
you. I will speak with the Clan members to identify the victims.”
“You’re
welcome. I’ll let you go; I’m sure you want to contact your mate.” Velaku hung
up. Benny stared at his address book. He took a deep breath, wincing at the
pull on his wound.
“Call
Ellis. I know you’ll want to tell Yuri everything in person, but you won’t be
settled down until you’ve checked on him.”
“I
don’t want to hear that he’s gotten worse. He’s so fragile, and I left him.”
“You
had to.” Dav glanced over at him. “He’ll understand that, once he’s better.”
If
he got better. Benny didn’t say that out loud, though. He swiped his thumb across the screen.
“Hi,”
Ellis whispered.
“Why
are you whispering?”
“Yuri’s
asleep.”
“He’s
still asleep?” Did he need to go back to the hospital? Benny’s heart sped up,
fear stealing his breath. What if Yuri needed him? He gripped his seat belt
hard, just for something to hold on to. “Is he…?” His voice cut off, strangled
by the thought of speaking the words and having Ellis tell him his mate wasn’t
getting better.
“He’s
okay. Not talking, but he woke up and ate. He seems exhausted.”
The
vice squeezing Benny’s chest loosened. He gasped for air. Benny had done so
many things wrong. He couldn’t stand it if his choices hurt Yuri again. He
wouldn’t know how to function if his failures left his mate damaged beyond
repair.
“I’m
reading in a chair we dragged in. I’m not leaving him alone for a second. He’ll
be okay; just get home soon. Both of you.” Ellis hadn’t asked about Dav yet,
and Benny was amazed by his restraint.
“We
will. Sheshtun is dead, along with the last of his guards. Dav’s driving me to
the Clan’s property now, but we should be home sometime in the evening, at the
latest.” Just thinking of the day he faced was exhausting.
“Thanks
for letting me know.” The steady calm in Ellis’ voice was amazing. He had such
faith in his mate, he didn’t even seem to worry that Dav was fine. He just
knew. Benny wanted that kind of bond with his mate.
One
day, hopefully one day soon, they’d have the peace to forge that deep of a
connection.
“I’m
sure Dav will call you later. I’m going to finish getting cleaned up and
prepare for the shit coming up.” His nipples could cut glass.
“You
okay?” Ellis sounded worried now.
“Nothing
a little bit of time won’t fix,” Benny assured him. “Thank you for the first
aid kit and the shirt, by the way.”
“Good.
See you soon. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Benny
shivered, clenching his teeth. “Why is it so cold in here?” He carefully
slipped the shirt over his bandages, then reached for the console controls.
Dav
smacked his hand. “The blood is bad enough. You want to heat up that body back
there and deal with that stench? You just have to smell it; I can taste it. The
air stays on.”
“Oh.
Good point.” Benny leaned his head against the head rest.
Dav
snorted. “Why don’t you focus on your upcoming announcements? Speeches aren’t
really your thing.”
Benny
had always been better suited to actions than words. That’s why he was a good
bouncer and never wanted to be an Alpha. Dealing with the shit of an entire clan
was so not a job he’d enjoy.
By
the time they got to the property and were passed inside by the pair of Falcons
guarding the front door, Benny thought he had a plan of how to proceed. His
spine was made of steel, his posture erect, and his stance was aggressive as he
came to a stop in front of the assembled Tigers.
Benny
slung the limp body of Sheshtun around in front of him, ignoring the gasps and
cries from the crowd. “The bastard who led you before is dead by my hands.”
Benny dropped the leg he’d used to drag Sheshtun into the house. “I’m Alpha
now.”
Their
capitulation was inevitable, but how many would try him first?
Benny
swept a hard gaze across the families standing huddled together before him.
“Kneel before me, and I will acknowledge your fealty.” He flexed his claws,
letting them see the wicked lengths that had nearly ripped off Sheshtun’s arms
when some hesitated. “Now!” he roared.
Kazy Reed
