Forsaken by the Moon Goddess novel Chapter 6

Benedict

I watch as Scarlet and Slade help to calm Aisling. Her power is extraordinary.

‘Most people have forgotten that she and her brother are pure Alphas. Most people have forgotten her power because she doesn’t push it out, just like we don’t,” Marrok says, watching with fascination.

“She could have put everyone in this school on their knees,

‘l say.

‘Everyone but us. Did you feel her power?’ he says, purring in my head.

Yeah, I sure did. So did everyone else.’

“Young lady,” Principal Rollins growls, stepping toward Sloane. I’m not going to let him get Aisling all riled up again because he’s arrogant and stupid.

1 believe the words were “insignificant and unintelligent”, Marrok says. He’s obviously enamored with Aisling and her power.

I step forward.

. “Sloane, why don’t you go with Scarlet and Slade. Aisling probably needs some time to cool off,” I say, holding her gaze.

She nods, looking around once more, before letting her brother and best friend lead her away.”Alpha Benedict,” Principal Rollins begins ready to argue with me.

“Principat Rollins, the only reason you didn’t end up on your knees or your back in complete submission is because Sloane had some level of control over her wolf. I’d suggest that you walk away and leave Sloane alone for the rest of the day. Otherwise, you and the rest of this school might actually see how much power she truly has.

Because as powerful as that display was, it wasn’t her full power.”

I see the fear in his eyes before he tamps it down. Then he spins on his heels, no doubt to go call Roman Hartwell and tell him that his niece is causing problems again.

“Well, that was fucking nuts,” Alpha Jeremy says walking up. He’s Alpha to the other two girls who were harassing Sloane.

I turn and look at the two girls from my pack who Aisling had on their knees. I’m furious that they thought they could lie to me.

“Tell me what happened. The truth this time,” I growl, pushing my Alpha aura out.

Both girls yip and raise their necks in submission.

“We told her no one would ever want her. We told her that if she found her mate he’d run because he’d be afraid that she’d kill him just like her mother did to her father.”Marrok growls angrily.

“And you think that | approve of you bullying another wolf? Or that you can lie to me about it, hoping to stay out of trouble?” I ask, my voice icy steel.

“No, Alpha.”

I glare at them, not releasing them.

“The two of you just earned yourselves eight hour patrols every day after school and on the weekends for the next month,” I growl.

“Alpha no! Please! It’s the end of the school year!”

“Perhaps you should have thought of that before you represented me and your pack in such a disgraceful way,”! snarl.

“That’s kind of harsh, don’t you think, Benedict?” Jeremy asks.

I turn and look at him. Unlike me, he isn’t a pure Alpha. So, if Aisling had pushed the full power of her aura out over the student body, he’d have been on his knees too.

“Are you willing to risk Roman and Samara Hartwell finding out that your pack members bullied their niece and you did nothing about it?” I ask, already knowing the answer. Just the fact that he would let this slide is repulsive enough in my book.

He glances at the other two she-wolves whose eyes gowide. “Alpha, no. Please!”

“You’ll survive one month. Our pack won’t survive an attack by the Hartwells,” he growls.

The she-wolves break down in tears. I ignore his pack members and focus on the ones from my pack. “Don’t embarrass me ever again,” I growl before turning and walking away.

The crowd parts for me, letting me through. As soon as I’ve passed them, I life my nose in the air and find her scent. I don’t know why I feel the need to make sure she’s okay, but I do. I could use the excuse that it’s because two of my pack members were responsible for Aisling’s wrath, but that wouldn’t be the truth. And I’m not the kind of Alpha who hides behind lies.

The reality is, I’m just worried about her.

I find the three of them out by the bleachers that surround the outdoor track and field area.

It isn’t until I’m almost to where they’re sitting that I realize Sloane is crying. Something inside me twists, hating that this strong woman has been brought to tears.

In my distraction, I didn’t realize that I’d been noticed. At least not untill hear the snarl.

“What do you want? Did you come to gloat?” I’m surprised that it’s Scarlet who is snarling. It’s not her style, not at all. But apparently, she’s as protective of Sloane as Sloaneis of her and Slade.

I force myself to remain calm, keeping my tone even.

“Why won’t you accept my help, Sloane?”

“Because I shouldn’t need it, Benedict! Because Alphas should be insisting that their pack members have basic decency. We should be treating each other as equals, not turning into judgmental bullies. Do you know how lucky they are that I don’t turn Aisling loose on them?” she snarls.

“Yes, I do. I know that Aisling could have put every one of the students, the teachers, and Principal Rollins on their knees today if she had wanted to. But she didn’t. Even after everything, she chose compassion,” I say.

“She chose ME! She’s the only one who ever has.”

“That’s not true. Scarlet chose you. Your brother chose you.”

“My brother had no choice,” she growls.

“Of course he did and he still does. But he chooses you, time and again. Others may not see you, Sloane, but I do.

Others may not remember who you are, but I do. Others may not know that you combat hate with compassion, but I do. I see you, Sloane. I know who you are. And I respect you for the woman and wolf that you are.” “What do you want from me, Benedict?” she asks, sounding exhausted.

“I want you to let me help you.”

“You want to help me?” she asks, looking at me like she has zero expectation that I witt do whatever I can to help her. She’s wrong.

“Yes.”

“Protect my brother.”

“Done. I set that up yesterday,” I say, watching her.

“What? Why?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do and because you shouldn’t have to take on the world alone, Sloane.”

She narrows her eyes. “What’s in it for you?”

I smile, watching her carefully. “I get to maintain what little respect you and Aisling have for me.”

I watch her blink multiple times, then frown, and for once, watch her completely at a loss for words.