Freed From His Shackles

The relief Alpha Thorton felt was nearly instant. It was evident in the way his back jolted upright again as he sucked in a deep breath of air, color returning to his face once the Oracles released their grip on him. He barely staggered up with Dahlia's help, and with her supporting him, they returned to their table.

"Excellent, now we can get back to business," Alpha Burke said briskly. 

Alpha Thorton wheezed weakly in response, shooting Alpha Burke a nasty stare, but the latter merely politely smiled in reply.

"Oh, don't give me that look, Elrod," Alpha Burke said with good humor, as though they were bosom buddies. "We still need to decide who is going to take over Thunderstrike now that you're…" he grinned, "retired."

"Who else is Daddy going to give it to?" Dahlia burst out. She had her nails clawed on the table surface, a red flush coloring her cheeks as she glared angrily at Alpha Burke. "Darach? He doesn't even have a wolf!"