Chapter 17

"What's wrong?"

"Explain." Hardin orders with absolutely no gentleness.

I stare with slightly wide eyes, both intimidated and curious. I've never seen Hardin angry, not like this.

The pack member immediately pales as he eyes the book laid before him. I almost felt bad for him, the way Zed and Beck block him from fleeing the room. Forced to face Hardin, the male cringes hard.

"It's just photos, I meant nothing by it...I swear." The middle aged man promises.

Hardin doesn't simmer, still maintaining his fury.

Hardin nears the man, glowering darkly down at the slightly smaller male, Hardin's sheer dominance silences him. Awe fills me, seeing the raw brute strength he possesses, knowing he's never used a fraction of that power in my presence.

"Lie to me again." Hardins voice deepens, sheer animalistic force rumbling his already frightening tone.

I couldn't help but cringe a little, having never witnessed such raw power, not even from my parents.

The man stands bravely, had his hands not given the slightest tremble one would say fearless. Still, I silently sit, watching with weary eyes as my mate grows more furious by the second. Even I couldn't understand why the man is bothering to hide his reasons, especially from his Alpha. Isn't he terrified of the consequences? Hardin is usually quite calm, even when he is pissed off.

Suddenly the male, Jack, begins to hunch over. As if some invisible force is crushing down on him, forcing him to keel over even as he fights against the naturally submission of his wolf.

Now this kind of power, I do recognise. Seeing the male in pain, frightening and yet still silent as he fights against Hardins authority. It reminds me of myself, and right now Hardin is my parents.

"Stop." I snap, jumping to my feet quickly.

Beck immediately steps in my way, even as I try to manoeuvre around his large form, he continues to cut me off. Growing irritated, I glare up at him.

"Move, now!" I scowl, going as far as attempting to push Beck out of my way.

His muscular chest hits my front every time, pushing me back. I felt helpless, and small, like suddenly I realise just how large all the men are that surround me. I could hear the man crying out, growling in anguish. He hasn't submitted, that alone is causing him triple the agony.

"Forcing him to submit makes you no better than any other Alpha. Isn't that what you want, to be better?" I question Hardin, standing back so Beck allows me to at least see my mate.

His blood red eyes hold no remorse even as he peers across at me, his entire body is rigged, like he's seconds from ripping Jack limb from limb.

"Ah!" The mans cries grow louder, more verbal as he's forced down to his knees, body bent at odd angles in attempt to make him completely submit.

"Hardin!" I speak in desperation, my eyes flickering from the male to my mate, my chest aching.

"I didn't...I had no choice!...." The man snarls viciously, his wolf taking ahold of him for a moment.

The room falls silent for a matter of seconds as the man crumbles breathlessly, gasping for breath as he weakly bows before his Alpha. I could see his tears hitting the floor, and I knew that something was very wrong. People in this pack don't cry.

"She has my nephew..." I just about hear Jack mutter, declaring the truth to his Alpha.

She has his nephew. What does that mean? Why would pictures of me mean anything to someon-

Quickly shoving Beck aside, I rush to examine the images printed out. Tossing them on the floor as I search through them, my heart races as I realise one very important thing.

I disobeyed my mother. Despite my efforts to avoid Hardin and the mate bond, there's been few occasions that I have willingly been close to him, knowing what will happen to Jackson but desperately needing my mates warmth.

You did this, you never listen Kalli. I tell myself,

"Who is-"

"Jackson." I whisper, tears swimming in my eyes as I imagine all the horrific things she's done to him.

"You know him?" Zed questions, grabbing my arm and roughly turning me around. Hardin immediately bares his canines at his beta, who instantly realised his mistake and released my arm.

"Yes." Is all I say, staring shakily at the male on the floor.

"She has him, if I don't keep her updated on everything Katalayha does...she'll kill him." Jacks voice crumbles with grief.

For a moment the room is silent, before all the men speak at once as they demand something be done about the images. The betrayal and disobedience that Jack has shown isn't taken lightly. While they consider punishment, I consider my next move. Because this time, I have to do something, Jackson's life depends on it.

"Send the pictures." I declare firmly.

"Not going to happen." Zed states, as if he's in charge.

"Jackson will die if we don't." I argue.

Zed narrows his eyes at me, straightening his spine. "There are worse things than death."

Feeling completely helpless, I turn my begging eyes to the only man capable of changing everyone's decision. One glance at my mate and I know his decision is final, he won't risk exposing weakness, not even for me.

"Please." I whisper, my heart aching when Hardins dark grey eyes never flicker.

The silence is loud, so much more hurtful than a simple no. He refuses to be swayed by my pleas, and I'm a fool for assuming my opinion matters. His pack have and always will, come first.

Scoffing under my breath, I shake my head slightly, disappointment filling me. This wasn't like any other feeling I've had before, no, Hardins refusal to help me is cold. Part of me wants to refuse him everything he can possibly get from me, including pups, but then it's not just him I'm punishing.

"Fine." I voice, my tone dull. The one time I ask, beg, for his help, and he denies me.

Having a mate turns us into monsters. Jackson's words ring through my head, and in this moment I couldn't agree more.

Exiting the room, I leave Hardin and his pack to do whatever they choose, knowing that my voice isn't heard. Men will be men.