Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Avery’s POV
Gideon’s fingers twisted in my hair, pulling me upright. My head tipped back, exposing my throat.
“Now,” Gideon leaned closer. I could feel his breath on my cheek, “Let’s talk about punishment p>
I didn’t like where this was going. I tried to look him in the face, the whites of my eyes showing, but he pulled harder and I couldn’t look at him properly from this angle.
“What is the role of violence in a pack?” He asked.
I struggled to think of an answer. Violence had always been something that came to me by virtue of who I was, not what I’d done.
My father had reached for violence the way others reached for a cigarette. He craved it, and it soothed him.
My violence had always been a defense mechanism. Something I used when all my other options were gone.
Did Gideon want me to fight him? I struggled feebly and his hands tightened until I stopped.
“A tool, Avery.” He continued, in the same patient voice. “A poor tool in the hands of a fool, but a deadly one regardless. You’re not a fool, are you p>
“I try not to be.” I ground out through gritted teeth. My scalp was starting to ache and I had to stand on tiptoe to try and relieve the pressure.
“Good. Because I won’t marry a fool p>
“Jessica will be disappointed p>
He laughed and released me.
“Yes, I expect she will be p>
I rubbed my head ruefully and watched him as he circled back around his desk. He began rummaging through drawers.
“So…you’re not punishing me p>
He looked up with a small smirk, “Do you want me to p>
“N-n-nooo?” I had surprising difficulty finding that answer.
“No. I’m not going to punish you.” Gideon said finally.
“…why not? I hurt a subordinate in your territory p>
He sighed and didn’t answer for a long moment. When he did, he didn’t answer directly, but instead told me a story.
“When I was learning to be Alpha, I made a lot of mistakes. The Old Alpha was patient with me, but direct. He would tell me what I had done wrong, and then he would expect me to re-do it. He said, the act of doing it right would be a better lesson than if he’d punished me severely. He was right p>
Gideon held something out to me, I reached out my hand and he dropped something heavy and cold into my palm.
It was a key.
“This is a spare key to my office.” He said, “Do not lose it p>
“Why are you giving this to me?” I asked, confused.
“You need a better, safer place to work until we get you your own office.” Gideon said. “Use here, until then p>
1/2
Stunned, I could only nod.
“And, Avery? No one gets to threaten my pack.” Gideon’s glower was thunderous, “That includes you as Luna. I expect you to tell me if something like that happens again p>
I didn’t ask how he knew about the incident in the cellar. I was starting to believe he had eyes everywhere.
“Go take a bath.” Gideon ordered. “Eat and sleep. Then come back here and finish your work. The Old Luna will be waiting p>
Nothing about what he’d done was particularly kind, but I was touched regardless. Tears gathered in my eyes and I blinked them away, turning away so he couldn’t see my emotions.
“Unless…?” Gideon said dryly, “You still need my assistance p>
I blushed again, “No! I mean… No, thank you. I’m doing much better now p>
“Good, because I have more important things to be doing.” Gideon smirked and pointed at the door, “Now go.
I went.
My bath felt glorious on my sore muscles from sleeping rough on the bench, and my tussle with Jessica. I ate a large lunch, napped a little, then woke up refreshed.
Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.