My pup's distressed cries filled the room, refusing to subside even after I lavished the little one with gentle kisses. I could hear the commotion outside as Cassian dragged the rogue out. My mate's fierce growls and the rogue's defiant snarls still echoed in my mind as Lily rushed to my side. Her usually steady hands trembled as she pressed a cool cloth against my neck, trying to stop the flow of blood from the wound.
Fear danced in her eyes, and I knew she was desperate to ask me something, but the trauma of witnessing two alpha wolves clash had left her and the other omega helpers shaken. I couldn't blame them–the potent pheromones of two angry alphas were overwhelming for anyone, especially omegas. As Cassian's mate, I had some kind of a unique shield against their intensity, but the others didn't share that protection.
Liya thrashed around in Ruth's grasp, desperate to break free, but Ruth's grip was unyielding. With a swift, merciless slap, Ruth sent Liya crashing to the ground, her fingers tangled in the omega's hair to keep her still. “You fucking bitch!” Ruth's voice seethed with venom. “You betrayed us all!”
Liya's pleas were reduced to incoherent sobs as she begged, “Let me go... please... I need to see my mate…” Ruth's response was another resounding slap, silencing Liya's cries.
The girl's tear-stained eyes met mine and I couldn't help but feel revulsion. Her betrayal was like a poison that had infected our pack, and I couldn't even bear to look at her. Does she have any idea how many people's lives were at risk by the stunt she pulled?
And she has the audacity to cry like a victim.
"Ivy, please... I'm begging you... Please let me see my mate. I'll make him understand. Please don't kill him. Can you... Can you please tell Alpha Cassian to…” Liya's words trailed off as I shot her a disbelieving glance.
“You expect me to plead with my mate to spare the life of the man who tried to kill me and our pup?” I scoffed, my voice laced with incredulity. “You're delusional, Liya. Completely delusional.” I rolled my eyes, blown away by her audacity.
Then again, I'm not surprised at all. This is Liya we're talking about. It's a miracle that she hasn't stood up and demanded that I do it yet.
“After what you and your alpha did, you think I'd even consider intervening on his behalf? You must be out of your mind.” I turned away, dismissing her plea, my gaze cold and unforgiving.
"I knew you resented me for assigning you to kitchen duties, Liya, but I never thought your hatred ran so deep that you'd put me, your alpha, and our innocent newborn pup in harm's way. You're a disgusting person, and your betrayal is a crime that will not be tolerated in this pack.” I spat the words, my anger and disgust simmering just below the surface.
Liya's eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded again, “Ivy, please... I admit I hated you, but I never wanted anyone to die. Silas promised me he only wanted to take over the pack as revenge. I felt sorry for him... He's my mate, my alpha! I just wanted to be with him…”
Ruth's sneer was venomous as she cut in, “Nothing you say will ever justify what you did, you backstabbing bitch. Your mate will pay for his crimes today, and you'll suffer right alongside him.”
“N-No, please, Ivy, please help…” Liya's words trailed off as I shook my head, my expression unyielding.
“I won't. What you and your alpha did is unforgivable. I can't help you,”
But Liya's anger and desperation boiled over, her voice rising to a furious shout. “What makes your alpha different from mine?!” She spat, her eyes blazing with indignation.
“What?” I frowned, taken aback by her outburst.
“Someone killed your alpha's previous mate, so he went on a rampage, brutalizing everyone in his path, all in the name of revenge. My mate's family was innocent, but your alpha didn't even listen to their pleas, he was too consumed by his bloodlust! But that's justifiable, is it? But when my mate seeks revenge, it's not?! Tell me, what's the logic in that?!” Liya's screams echoed through the room, her words hanging in the air like a challenge, until Ruth's slap silenced her once more.
I stared at Liya, my eyes wide with shock, her words striking a thought I've never cared to explore.
"Are you seriously trying to justify your alpha's attempt to murder a defenseless newborn pup? That's a new low, even for you but it's not surprising since you roll with those disgusting rogues now,” Ruth sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
But to my surprise, Liya let out a cold, mirthless chuckle. “Everything someone with a pack does is noble but when a rogue does it, it’s suddenly disgusting? You're so quick to condemn rogues, but what about your precious pack alpha? Do you really think your mate, the great Alpha Cassian, has always been merciful to all those rogue pups he's came across? I know you're not naive enough to believe that, Ivy.”
Ruth's grip on Liya's hair tightened, her eyes flashing with anger. “What shit are you even spouting now?” she growled, yanking Liya's head back, her voice low and menacing.
“I can understand why the others are angry and frustrated at the rogues, Ivy, but not you. You, of all people, know what it's like to be a rogue, to be shunned and hunted. Or has the sweetness of the hierarchical power you now enjoy in this pack clouded your memory?” Liya's words cut deep, her eyes piercing with a knowing glint.
“Shut up!” I snarled, my teeth clenched in rage. “I'm not like your mate! I'm not a monster!”
“Ah, but aren't you?” Liya taunted, her voice rising. “If you had the chance to confront the one who killed your father, wouldn't you want to make them pay? Wouldn't you want to take their head off their shoulders? Tell me you're not like my mate! Tell me you'd show mercy and let them walk free because you're not a monster! Tell me!”
I took a step back.
Mercy….to the man who killed my father?