I'm stupid
Kael
I was in front of the prison with David, Conrad, Christopher, and Matthew behind me. No one has said anything because Wind demanded absolute silence. They had all failed our mate, and all of us did. Despite the charges against her, Brid was still Luna, and they should have treated her as such. I took a step forward and opened the door. The place seemed deserted. I looked around and saw that Simon wasn't there. I walked down the corridor until Brid's scent told me which cell she was in.
In pain, Wind howled because the air smelled of fear, his mate's fear. I looked everywhere as soon as we reached her cell, but I couldn't find her. It was empty. My stomach twisted, she was not here. I turned around and faced those who served me.
“WHERE IS BRID?” I felt my fangs descending. Wind was about to emerge, and if I left him, this would turn into a bloodbath. They all exposed their necks, lowering their heads.
“WHERE IS BRID?”
“A-lpha, Simon has been guarding the cells all this time.”
“Find him immediately. Bring him to me.”
The four of them transform into wolves, and together they set out searching for Simon. While I waited, I observed the conditions my mate had been in since she got here. I examined a bucket in one of the corners, knowing what it was for. I closed my eyes, trying to contain the desperation and anguish. My throat was knotted. The urge to destroy this place was urging me to do that, but something by the door caught my eye. I moved closer and crouched down to get a better view, but before I could see what it was, I smelled it. Rotten food. Was Simon feeding my mate with that?
“AAAAAAAAAAA” I got up furious. My body began to transform, and my mighty Wolf took control. My skin gave way to my black fur, as sharp and deadly claws grew from my hands. Wind gave a terrifying howl that was never heard before, leaving the cells searching for his prey. He immediately picked up his essence. Simon, Conrad's brother. The Wolf who had always had all my trust. Brid too. What kind of terrible things has my mate gone through these weeks, and I without knowing anything? I would rather not imagine it. I'm so scared to know.
Wind felt him before I could see him.
He was standing in the middle of the plaza, talking to another Wolf. Wind threw himself on top of him. 280 kilos of power subdued him instantly. My wolf's snout had his neck pressed between his fangs. Simon's face contorted in pain and surprise. His pupils dilated, and I could even smell his urine.
“Al-pha.” His words came out as a plea. I managed to retract Wind to let me deal with this disgraced Wolf. Instead of Wind's snout, it was now my hands that were tightening his neck. Yelling in his face, I asked, “WHERE IS BRID?”
“WRAAAA.” I squeezed his neck tighter. “WHERE IS BRID?”
Simon started to stutter something I didn't understand, so I blurted out a bit, letting the air into his lungs. But his face was still on the pavement.
“B-banished from the territory as agreed.” I stood still, absorbing what this Wolf said. Banished? Without wasting any more time, I connected my mind with his. I needed to know what he had done with my mate. However, I wish I hadn't. The images that were in his memory were hard to swallow. Wind cries, and I, too.
I was confident that Brid would be safe in the cells, and without knowing anything, she was being tortured for days. How wrong I was. Brid's pain, I did not have to feel it to know what she went through. I saw everything in her eyes. My mate was calling me, yet, I did not heed her pleas.
This was a lot, I got up and released Simon, I drew back, and I sat down on the floor. I had my gaze on the ground, holding my head with my hands. Lost in my discovery, I hadn't noticed when the pack members started to surround us. It seemed like the whole community was here. I got up after a while, looking at them with fury. Everyone contributed to this, even me, and I hate myself for it. After, there will be time to punish me, the important thing is to find her.
“Conrad, take this disgrace from here and give him the same cell and the same treatment that he gave to my mate. No food and occasionally rotten leftovers.” I looked at Conrad, indecisive, to obey my order. Wind growled, bringing everyone to their knees.
“If you don't do what I told you, you can join him.”
Conrad from the ground, nodded, “Alpha, my loyalty is with you and with the pack. I will do what you say.”
This time his eyes showed determination and strength. That was all I needed from him, knowing that he would carry out my orders to the letter.
Without looking at anyone, I said, “Matthew, Christopher, with me.” Wind took control again and, without wasting time, began to run. His powerful legs lifted the earth with his mighty strides. Heading to the same place where Simon had left the dejected and unconscious body of my mate. I didn't stop, nor did I give my wolves a break. It was essential that we find Brid as soon as possible.
Along the way, I kept repeating over and over the images of what Brid suffered in Simon's hands. The kick sent her to the wall and her skull echoed as it hit the floor, rendering her completely useless. Then the pool of blood formed around her head. Her battered and hurt body, with wounds and bruises everywhere. I should have sent a doctor to see her the first day she arrived. But only now I understood that her body could not heal quickly.
Leaf was not with her, and her healing abilities left her as well. I am stupid. I didn't see the whole picture. The time I was blind was enough for my mate to suffer immensely. Not counting the pain my rejection caused her as well. Wind whimper. He, too, rejected her without knowing what was really happening to her.
Brid, love, I'm on my way.
