Chanin understood why Farkas wanted to be killed in private because he didn’t want to bear the full brunt of his shame standing before the people of the Pack whom he’d shown the most significant offenses—the true answer to his crimes.
Lupines were moving swiftly to the Pack meeting grounds, filling up the benches and every available area.It didn’t take long since many of his people were getting the festivities together around town.
He spotted Morlie sitting at the end of the bottom row with Bleddyn’s two mates and Rudie.Faolan stood a few feet from the small group, the green handkerchief around his neck blowing in the soft breeze.
Chanin’s gaze locked on Morlie’s for a moment.She smiled and his world was lit brighter than the sun ever could do.His heart slammed against his chest and he felt the heat of need swirling in his core, making his skin feel tight, restraining.His wolf wanted out.
Mine.
“Alpha, you ready?”Bleddyn’s voice found the tiny crack in Chanin’s hunger and pulled him back.
Snapping his head in the Pack Beta’s direction, Chanin, the man was grateful for the interruption, while the beast was snarling.
“Yes.”He saw the two men still holding a busted-nose Farkas between them.
Farkas had his eyes closed and his head down, appearing as if trying to block out the crowd before them.
He jerked his head to instruct them to release Farkas and step away.
Chanin didn’t worry that Farkas would attempt to make a run for it.When the anger and hurt radiated on his Pack’s faces and the harsh words they spewed aimed at Farkas, they would all jump on the rogue and rip him to shreds if he made a single step away from Chanin.It was safer by Chanin, only because he’d promised Farkas a quick death.
Once he doled it out.
“Pack,” Chanin called out, getting their attention.
A hush fell over the crowd.
“Before you stands a man, a wolf, a shifter who betrayed the Pack.”
“Yeah!”
“Hell, yes he did!”
Silently, Farkas slowly shook his head.
Chanin knew Farkas wasn’t denying his words, but realizing his dishonor, he was now faced with.
“I promised you that I would bring him to justice.Like the other offenders, he would answer for his crimes...before you.”Chanin took a moment to try to meet as many of his people's gazes as possible, especially those who had been direct recipients of Farkas and his crew's vile antics.
Then he looked at Farkas and bit out.“Confess.Your.Crimes.”
Farkas's mouth twisted.He sank his teeth into his bottom lip and snarled.He balled his fists at his sides and appeared as if he planned to lash out, forcing the crowd to punish him to keep from admitting his wrongs.
Chanin’s hackles were up.He could feel his wolf rearing up inside him and his beast’s Chakra rising.
“I am a cheat.A thief.A rapist.”Farkas's words poured from his mouth like hot lava from an active volcano.“I have maimed, and ordered to maim.Because of my greed, jealousy, malice intent, I made deals with the devil for my gain.”
Farkas swallowed, as if choking on the realization of his putrid deeds.
Chanin kept silent and waited.
“I havedisgracedall Lupine kind by my actions.I will take my punishment of death.”
This time when Farkas finished, Chanin turned to face him.
“Kneel and yield your life to your Alpha,” Chanin commanded, his voice rough, his wolf right at the edge.
For a brief instant, Farkas hesitated, staring in Chanin’s eyes.
