Chapter 88

• "Rafe has caused my pack, my family a great deal of pain. I don't intend to perpetuate it. According to Aislinn I intended for our family to mean as much to us as your loyalty to the pack and if I punish all of you for your behavior then I have to consider my own actions when I was trying to save her. The woman is far too logical for my tastes sometimes." The last comment had a number of the women smiling. "Not that I don't intend to let you all off. I still believe that the better course of action would have been for you to tell me what had happened. In as much I intend to demote the lot of you." There was a murmur of uncertainty that ran through the room. Demotion was only a step above death. "For the next year every man who betrayed this pack will be given the rank of omega with no opportunity to earn your rank back until the completion of the year. At that point you may attempt to regain your position. And expect to be watched as well. You all know what's expected of omegas. If you don't embrace your new duties I'll find another sentence for you."
• The relief was accompanied by understood upset. It would be hardest on Ranaild. A beta being forced to live as an omega would be miserable. But Cullen thought it fitting. More was expected of a beta so his punishment should rightly be more severe.
• Cullen looked around. "Peter," he said. A pale looking young man stood from where he had been sitting against the wall. He didn't care what happened. Peter would have preferred death as a sentence and that was evident in his eyes as he approached Cullen. "I am sorry for your loss, my friend. I have no reward for your loyalty that could possibly compensate for that. You are not being counted with the others." The room murmured agreement. "Return to your life as best you can. When you are ready for further duties then see me."