Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 3 ~Consequences~

August

        The people of Silver Valley stood in silence as they watched their Alpha get beaten. “Go get the Elder,” Dimitri told the crowd. A woman who was wrapped in a sheet nodded and took off. “It was Quincy. He did this to her.” Nova wailed. I shook my head in disbelief. My sister lived under my roof, in my pack. I had no idea what Autumn was up to or how she knew Quincy. I should’ve paid more attention. How could I fail to protect her? 

    I let out a loud roar, scaring Nova in the process. I handed Autumn back to her with nothing but blood lust and vengeance on my mind. My chest heaved as I made over to Summer and Quincy. Dimitri stepped in front of me shaking his head. “I’m sorry August, but I can’t let you get involved.” he sounded disappointed. “Don’t make me hurt you.” I growled. Dimitri pursed his lips and held his ground, “Please don’t make me do this.” 

     I shoved him to the side, stalking over to kill that bastard. Dimitri let out an exasperated sigh, “I really can’t let you do this.” I heard him snap his fingers and my body came tumbling down. I roared, straining against the pull. I was furious and proud of Dimitri; his powers were getting stronger every day. But why was he f*****g using them on me? Quincy needed to die for what he did.

   I strained my neck to look at my target. Summer was still wailing on a limp Quincy; I was so close! I continued to struggle, there was no f*****g way Summer was going to kill that bastard before I got my hands on him. “Summer, August, stop it!” Nova wailed. “What the hell is going on here?!” shouted a disgruntled man. He pushed his way through the crowd, his face ashen. “Are you the Elder?” Dimitri asked.

     The man vigorously nodded, “Elder Henry.” I could see Dimitri smirk, “A pleasure. This man is Alpha August Frost of Crescent Woods. Please explain to him why he cannot beat your pathetic excuse of an Alpha.” I closed my eyes, focusing my strength to sit up on my knees. I heard Elder Henry stammer over his explanation. “An uninvited Alpha cannot deal physical harm on to another Alpha, or it will be seen as an act of war.”

   f**k! I roared again, the guilt was making me dizzy and weak. Dimitri let go of his spell and slumped down to the ground, his breathing was heavy I struggled to fill my lungs, the weight around me lifted. “Did you hear that Summer?” Dimitri panted. Summer gave Quincy one last punch then stood up. “Yeah, I heard him.” she replied quietly.

   I stood on uneasy feet and glared at the Elder. “We will be leaving now. I expect to see you and the Assembly at Crescent Woods within the hour.” I said, already walking back to Nova. “I’m s-sorry Alpha Frost. B-But you will need to stay here, that is how it is done.” Elder Henry mumbled. I gave him a hard look that dared him to challenge me. He bowed, “Of course, Alpha Frost.”

    I picked Autumn up and adjusted her in my arms. She let out quiet sobs of discomfort. Autumn turned her head into my shoulder, hiding her face from me. I was so ashamed; I couldn’t look her in the eye either. Summer helped Dimitri to his feet and walked over to us. Nova stared up to me with expectant eyes, waiting for my signal. 

   I shook my head, “Don’t use your magic here.” Nova pursed her lips but didn't complain. “D, do you still have enough to take us home?” I asked him. Dimitri grinned, “Barely.” I let out a small chuckle. Nova hooked her finger into my jean loop while the others joined hands. “Let’s go.” I ordered. Dimitri nodded and warped us back home. 

    “I linked Cylis and told him to meet us at the hospital.” Summer said, her voice still cold. I murmured my thanks, my stride wide. “I’ll go get your parents.” Dimitri offered before taking off towards my parents’ cottage. Nova stayed close, murmuring encouraging words into Autumn’s ear. Summer remained silent, her gaze never leaving us. 

    Dr. Chambers greeted us at the door, her face filled with worry. “This way, Alpha.” she ushered us inside where the nursing staff was waiting. I gently placed Autumn down on the hospital bed. The nurse took over, shooing me away. I sat down next to Summer and Nova, who were crowded in the corner. We sat in silence until Cylis barged in, Donnie Jr hot on his tail. 

       Low growls sounded off deep in their throats when they saw Autumn’s condition. “What the f**k happened?” Cylis whispered. “Quincy Davis of Silver Valley.” I stated bluntly. “We’ll kill him!” Donnie Jr hissed. “Don’t bother DJ, it looks like Summer already did.” Cylis reported with a smirk. I studied Summer’s mute form. Her hair and clothes were drenched in Quincy’s blood. She stared off into space, her stripped fists clenched. 

    I turned my attention back to my bickering cousins. “DJ, I need you to prepare for the arrival of the Assembly. Cy, double up patrol. Quincy was beaten in the presence of his pack; some members might try to retaliate.” My blood boiled at the thought of Silver Valley stepping foot on my territory. “You got it bro.” Cylis answered, patting my back. DJ gave me a small smile before following Cy out. 

     Nova leaned forward, “Summer, are you ok?” Summer nodded but didn't say anything. Summer might be fine physically, but I could see the gears in her head turning. I felt guilty, but she must feel worse. I grabbed her clenched hand, trying to give her comfort. Summer’s back stiffened up; a lone tear slid down her cheek. f**k, Summer hated crying. I jerked my head towards the door as it burst open. My mother flew into the room, her face already tear stained.

    She hovered over Autumn, her hands failing about. “My baby! What do I do? How could this happen?” she choked out. Dr. Chambers cleared her throat, “Lotus, she’s gonna be ok. She has a few broken ribs. Her face, abdomen and legs have bruising and swelling, but she’s healing at a good pace. In an hour or so, we’ll let her shower. After a few more hours her healing should be complete.” Mom shook her head, trying to hold back her moan of despair.     

      Dad’s deep voice rang out, “Thank you, Carly. Can you give us a moment?” Dr. Chambers smiled, “Of course, Dev. I’ll be back in a few.” Dad moved out of the doorway to let her pass, then closed the door. “August.” his voice sent shivers down my spine. “Yes, sir?” I answered bravely. “Thank you for bringing the girls home.” My mouth flopped open in disbelief. He was thanking me? But I broke the rules, I involved another pack and ignored my Elder.

   Dad’s voice was cold again, “Summer.” She tightened her hold on my hand, “Yes, sir?” “Did you kill him?” he asked. “I would have if the Elder hadn’t shown up.” Summer replied coolly. “Good girl.” Dad murmured softly. The dam finally broke; Summer ran to him with fat tears falling. “Why aren’t you mad at me? I ignored the rules. I-I made Nova use her magic when she wasn’t supposed to. I involved B-Black Pines. I’ve compromised the pack. I-” Dad pulled her in

close and shushed her.

   “You reacted quickly and brought your sister home, that's all that matters.” Mom sniffled. Dad patted Summer’s back before walking over to Autumn. “I’m sorry, daddy.” Autumn cried. “No, baby. You did nothing wrong, ok?” Summer sat back down and we watched our parents have their reunion with Autumn. Nova patted my knee with a wide smile, giving us a thumbs up.

    There was a knock on the door, admitting Dr. Chambers and Dimitri. “I’m here to check up on you.” Dr. Chambers announced with a smile. She walked over to the bed and examined Autumn. “So, I called Uncle Titi.” Dimitri whispered as he took a seat on the floor next to us. Nova shifted around and started to wring her hands. “He said he’s on his way.” Dimitri continued. “Did he sound mad?” Nova asked nervously. Dimitri gave her a sympathetic look, “Uh, he said he’d be right there.” I chuckled, “So, he’s really mad.” Dimitri smirked while Nova covered her face.

     “Well, it looks like my diagnosis was correct. The swelling around your broken ribs has already stopped and the bones are starting to heal.” Dr Chambers said, then addressed the room. “Autumn should be released later this evening. She will leave with some cosmetic bruising but she will be fine.” There was a collective sigh of relief. “Thank you, Carly.” Dad said. She patted mom’s shoulder, “Mom always said the Alpha family were little trouble makers.” 

     Mom laughed and wiped her tears, “Yeah, I had hoped the trouble would stop with us.” Dad’s loud bark of laughter echoed. “Impossible.” he smirked, leaning across Autumn to give my giggling mother a kiss. “I’ll be back in a few.” Dr. Chambers chuckled on her way out. Elder Regan walked in with a sheepish look. “Of course, you’re making me work on my last day.” he pouted. I stood up to shake his hand, “It would’ve been a boring day if nothing happened.” 

     Regan laughed, “You have a point my boy. I’m just here to listen, our new Elder is feeling a little nervous.” Bruce walked into the room with a frown on his face. “I never said that!” he blurted out. I chuckled and shook his hand. When I took over the pack, our family had asked him to take over as the next Elder. Bruce had blushed and stammered when mom said she owed him for saving her life. We all thought he deserved the title of Elder, but he had refused to accept it. 

     He went on about how he didn’t feel worthy and that he was already grateful to have a second chance at life with his family. It had taken two years and serious health scare from Regan to finally convince him. Bruce had been in training with the Assembly for the past year and he was finally ready to take his official place. He was having one hell of a first day.

     The Assembly and Silver Valley are here, DJ notified me through the link. Good, bring them here, I curtly replied. I cleared my throat, “Our guests just arrived.” The room quieted at the news. We took our seats and waited for the knock on the door. When it came, DJ led the group inside. Elder Henry introduced himself as well as Rodney, the former Alpha of Silver Valley. Our last two guests were board members of the Assembly, Elder Thomas and Benjamin. 

    “Alright, let’s get to business.” I didn’t want to waste any more time on pleasantries. “Here?” Alpha Rodney asked, his eyes on Autumn. I crossed my arms, “Yes, here.” Alpha Rodney looked nervous, his eyes alert. “Does it make you uncomfortable? Seeing what your son did to our sister?” Summer asked with a menacing stare. Elder Thomas coughed, “Here is fine, Alpha Frost. Let’s begin.” 

     The Elders had us take turns describing what happened back at Silver Valley. Autumn was able to recant her point of view as well. When we finished, Elder Thomas shook his head. “Your story seems to match up with what the witnesses said except for the part where Ms. Frost was beaten.” he said with a frown. “What do you mean?” I growled. “When we interviewed the pack, they never mentioned seeing Alpha Quincy touching Autumn. Some reported hearing an argument but nothing physical.” Elder Henry explained.

    I clenched my fists, of course they would say that. The people of Silver Valley were living in fear of their Alpha. Summer scoffed, “Then who did that to her?” The men remained silent. Nova stomped past me, her finger pointing at Autumn. “Do you really believe that she did that to herself? Quincy Davis beat her, dragged her down two flights of stairs and threw her in the dumpster.” she growled.

   Alpha Rodney looked away, clear shame in his eyes. “I hope you don’t expect us to believe that a house full of people didn’t hear her cries for help? Or her screams of pain?” Nova accused. “What about the cuts and marks on his hands? Or the blood trail that led away from Quincy’s room?” Summer demanded. 

       Elder Benjamin raised his hand, “We have considered all of the evidence and concluded that Alpha Quincy did assault Ms. Frost. However, that does not excuse the fact that the four of you trespassed and assaulted another pack’s Alpha. Your actions do have consequences. We will discuss your penalties with Elder Bruce.” The Elders promptly left the room, leaving Alpha Rodney behind. The family waited in awkward silence until they returned an hour later.

    Elder Bruce’s face was grim and serious, f**k. Elder Thomas addressed us, “After deliberating, we have finally reached a conclusion. On behest of Crescent Woods, the peace treaty with Silver Valley is now null and void.” Alpha Rodney paled, no one wanted to be on Crescent Woods’ bad side. Elder Thomas continued, “There were four counts of trespassing, one confirmed assault of an Alpha and one attempt. Alpha Frost, do you accept these charges?” “I do.” I stated. 

     Elder Thomas shared a look with Elder Benjamin who continued. “Then on behalf of the Assembly of Elders, we hereby strip you of your title as Alpha.”