I nod my head, understanding his confusion.


    “I do believe that they are. I think the mate bond is what allowed Cole to rx like he did.”


    “She keeps talking like she’s going to lose him. Did he say something about rejecting her?”


    “No, actually he said the opposite. He said that he’s been looking for her and he was sorry that he wasn’t the strong wolf he wanted to be when she met him. That he understood if she wanted to reject him and would ept her rejection if that was what she chose. Has she asked for details on the rumors about him?TM


    “Yeah.”


    He’s rubbing his neck nervously now. It seems he’s hesitant to continue the conversation.


    “What did you tell her?”


    “I exined that the usations were not proven and given the harsh treatment he’s getting back home that you believed he’s being med for what others are doing but the rumors a pack mate spoke about was that he is a pedophile and a rapist.”


    He hangs his head low, looking guilty for what he’s said about Cole. I ce my hand on his, encouraging him to look at me. I wait to speak until he does.


    “She does need to know. Out of everyone here knowing the rumors exist is something a mate needs to know. Hopefully, like I started until I was given additional information to sway me, she can remain neutral and give him a chance to prove he’s not that kind of person.”


    I rub his head lightly as he nods his head again.


    “Now, Cole is finally responding well enough to the therapeutic binders and antibiotics he’s receiving at General that they’ve started reducing his sedative but I’ve had some unsettling news that the nurse he’s used to has an emergency and took off today. Dr. Christiansen is concerned he’s having a hard time with the nurse caring for him today. So, I’m nning on taking everyone over after I deal with your brother.”


    “You’re really going to spank him over not getting the wheelchair?”


    “No, notpletely. He’s still denying that Melody told him no before he got her toe over that night and he’s refusing to provide the names of the girls he’s had sex with. I even gave him an extra four days on house arrest beforeing to this conclusion. This is his punishment for his denial of knowingly engaging in statutory rape, his defiance involving the names of the girls he’s been with and his active bullying of


    Cole.”


    Another knock at the door alerts me to the schedule of events happening. I know it’s my delta, Anthony,


    so I call him toe in.


    “Your mom’s not going to be far behind so unless you want to watch.” He shakes his head hard as he starts


    POETE


    to get up.


    “I want nothing to do with any of it.”


    I reach fot his hand, stopping his rush to get out the door.


    “Sit down Damian, rx a little. I could still use your help.”


    He sits back down but the worry is still in his eyes as he looks briefly into mine.


    “Talk to me Day, what’s going on?”


    “I don’t think I’m going to carry on physical punishment when I take on the pack.”


    He blurts it out quickly telling me it wasn’t exactly a nned statement but it was a truthful one.


    “I said the same thing when I was your age but as I’ve gotten older I havee to realize that it can be a helpful tool for some wolves. It may be your brother getting spanked but there is a lesson in this that all of you will get. That’s where I need your help. I linked your mom and asked her to bring your sisters. His spanking won’t be very long and I need you to bring them in when Anthony leaves.”


    The next knock doesn’t wait for an invitation. My very nervous luna and my pissed off looking son walk into the room. Damian and the girls look more nervous than Lucas about his punishment. I’m trying to remember if I’ve ever felt the need to be harsh like this with him before.


    Madilyn’s high sensitivity, high even for a pup, has allowed me to coddle her a bit more with discipline than Madisyn. I’ve ended up hitting her fully clothed with my hand on several asions when nothing else has worked. I stand with Damian as the rest of them get further into the room.


    “Have I ever spanked you before now?” I ask, staring into his eyes.


    “Before Cole came, no. I can’t believe that my second time is over a wheelchair.”


    “And there lies the problem. It’s not just about the defiance Lucas, it’s about the reason you chose not to help Cole.”


    “Why dad? Why are you so keen to help a pedophile? How can you allow him to be here when all he’s going to do is hurt them?”


    “Damian, head to my office next door, shut the door behind you.”


    I manage to growl out as I keep full eye contact with Lucas. I watch out of the corner of my eye as Damian ushers Maddie and Lynnie out with a soft click of the door.