Shatter ✔ #TheWattys2017

32. Discovery

"What is going to be done with Deacon?" My brow rose in curiosity, daring him to say something i didn't want to hear. He better not let him off with easy punishment for this.. this kind of behavior was supposed to be dealt with according to wishes of her mate.

But we arent fully mated so i get no say.

Dad sighed, his tired eyes focusing on Nova's still form. "Your brother is locked in one of the cellars. He is to stay down there for two weeks. Afterwards, he will be chained to the dog house, forced to stay in wolf form for a month. I think embarassment will work better for your brother than lashes. And you cant decide his fate since you aren't mated to Nova fully. I hope you and Jack think this is fair.." he trailed off, looking up at Jack who nodded solemnly.

"I dont agree." Nic scowled at my dad, puffing up his chest. "You weren't there. He almost forcibly marked her and raped her.. gashes in her flesh.. everywhere. Blood all over her.." he seethed angrily. I felt that same anger. Deacon deserved more than that. Finally Nic and I could agree on something.

I stood beside Nic, nodding in agreement. "The night of the party, he also tried to take advantage of her. She told me. He has been harassing her for some time now." I pursed my lips.

"What!?!" Beta Jack yelled.."Deacon tried to take advantage of my daughter!? I want Nic to fight Deacon after his punishment is over. Fuck being chained up for a month, that's too easy. I want him to suffer a little, Blake. He almost defiled my daughter!" He pounded his fist on the metal table, veins popping out of his skin as his wolf's eyes peered out at us, protecting what's his. His pup.

Nic chuckled darkly. "I will accept that."

Nodding in agreement, i decided to make it more interesting. "I want a piece of him as well." He hurt my mate.. he wont survive without losing the hands that did that, brother be damned.

Dad glared at both Nic and I. "No. He is still your brother you cant just kill him. What he did to Nova is unacceptable but we arent monsters like Dark Moon. After a few weeks in the cellar, he will have the option of being chained for a month or fighting challengers. He will make the decision. Whatever happens after that is out of my hands. If either of you fight him without cause however, i will have to punish you. So if you're going to do it.. he needs to attack you first. That's all i will say on that matter. I don't want either of you in the dog house. Literally. " he commanded in his Alpha tone as we bowed our heads in submission.. but Nic just stared at my Dad.. conflicted and perturbed.

A low growl resonated from Nic's chest as his eyes stayed on my dad's.. a direct challenge to the Alpha. Dad's wolf peered out, snarling at Nic. "Boy, put your claws away unless you want to do this.. but you better take me out if you challenge me." He growled, Beta Jack tugging on Nic's arm.

"Nic. Stop it." Jack rumbled low. Reluctantly, Nic dropped his eyes from dad's stare with a glare and moved away to watch Nova's sleeping form.

"I've been such an awful brother.." he whispered, his mossy eyes sparkling with unshed tears. I wanted to tell him he wasnt... but i knew about his guilt.. always trying to protect Grace when she was in danger from Nova's wolf two times..

just like i did.

With Grace being his mate, i knew exactly how hard it was for his wolf. He couldn't stay away.. the wolf urged to protect Grace just like mine urged to protect our unborn pup..

Its a maddening feeling .

"Nic. You're a good brother.. you cant help what your wolf wants.. its something we cant stop. I know your pain." I kept my voice low.. soft.

He let out a strangled sob, clutching Nova's hand as Dad and Jack left the room to give us some privacy.

"But.. i love her." He croaked as tears ran down his face.