Lucas was outside the stadium overseeing the exit of the people after the punishment session for the humans was over. He saw a group of people he recognised as protectors alongside Kelly Anne. They looked sad and upset. They were in a circle talking to each other outside the stadium. He was glad they weren’t protesting that day. Protests were allowed but only the ones that had permission conformation from alpha’s office. A protest for humans was not welcomed and the alpha would never have agreed to it.

When Gavin’s father was alpha the situation was better and the relations between the alpha’s office and the protectors were much better. But now, things had changed. Gavin just punished protectors if they said anything he didnt agree with or they wasted his time according to him. So now the protectors just had to use their own limited resources and powers to help the humans and omegas to avoid the wrath of their alpha. But when Gavin was in a good mood he heard the council of the protectors.

Lucas slowly approached the group and as they noticed their beta approaching they stood straight and looked away in respect. He recognised all of them. They were Kelly Anne’s friends; Daisy, Sally and Mason.

Lucas reached them and said “I think you should get going. The enforcers have orders to clear the area after this session ready for the next event.”

Daisy said “Beta. We were about to go. But we were hoping we could see the alpha.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow “The alpha? May I ask why? He is busy this morning. He told me no one is to disturb him.”

Sally said “We just wish to book an official meeting with the alpha. All senior protectors need to see the alpha. If they wont see the junior protectors and send them to detention centres at least they need to see the protectors in senior positions.”

Mason said “Beta... We need our colleagues out of detention centres and wish to ask if humans can come back into town again.”

Lucas said “You will be wasting your time and the alpha’s time with your queries. Trust me. Humans working in poor conditions in mines and farms will continue for at least another month. Then maybe you can ask if some humans can be pardoned and returned to their old jobs. Secondly, with all due respect your colleagues who ended up in detention centres were going to be released after a caution following interrogation in the pack prison because their crime was protesting without permission of the state. But they clashed with enforcers and punches were thrown. Using violence against enforcers while they are doing duty carries a heavy sentence. Again give it another month at least before you ask the alpha for anything. Any other questions? You may leave.” They all nodded and left except Kelly Anne.

After they left, Kelly Anne asked “There has to be something you can do beta. Please.”

Lucas sighed “I can casually ask the alpha if he would consider meeting with you and whether he would discuss the prospect of releasing your colleagues and reducing the punishment of humans after their banishment out of town. But I cant promise anything. I can try.”

Kelly Anne smiled “Thank you.”

Lucas asked “Kelly Anne. Yesterday I didnt see you at the dress rehearsals and the dinner. I was worried. Why didnt you come? I know you were invited.”

Kelly Anne said “I just didnt feel like coming. I really didnt want to spend time with the elite.”

Lucas said “At least pretend to like the elite. You can pretend. Cant you? You need to make friends. You live in this society Kelly Anne.”

Kelly Anne said “I understand.”

Lucas said “Good. Let me take you to school. I am just waiting for my sister to come out.” He then froze as he saw his sister coming out of the stadium hand in hand with the alpha. The alpha lead her to his car.

Kelly Anne said “Is that your sister with the alpha? Is she in trouble?”

Lucas said “I hope not... My sister is dating the alpha.”

Kelly Anne gasped “Really?”

Lucas smiled sadly “Yes. It seems like my sister is spending time with the alpha. I will take you to school.”

Kelly Anne followed Lucas to his car. She got in the front seat next to the driver and Lucas took the drivers seat.

Lucas turned on the engine and watched alpha’s car taking a different route to the school route. He followed him “If you dont mind, I need to follow the alpha to see where he is taking my sister.”

Kelly Anne said “You are a great brother looking out for your sister.”

Lucas said “I do care for my sister. But I dont think I am a great brother. I should have stopped the alpha from dating my sister...”

Kelly Anne asked “Why? He is strong. Like you. He can protect your sister.... You and the alpha are the most wanted males in the state. You must know of the rumours.”

Lucas said “If you had a sister, would you want her to be with the alpha?”

Kelly Anne sighed “I cant tell you my honest opinion. You will throw me in a detention centre.”

Lucas smiled “No. I wont. You know you can trust me Kelly Anne. I saved you from getting arrested. I would never send you to a detention centre.”

Kelly Anne took a deep breath “If my sister dated the alpha, I would have ran away with her to get her away from the alpha.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow “If you think that then why do you think I would be happy with my sister dating the alpha?”

Kelly Anne said “Because... I am against the state. I am a protector of omegas, humans and anyone else who needs help and protection. I cant possibly be happy with my sister dating the alpha. But you are the beta. Your beliefs are different to mine.”

Lucas said “Maybe we are closer than you might think.”

Kelly Anne looked at Lucas “Really? Can you try to help the protectors more?”

Lucas said “I am working on it. Can you open the dashboard and take a piece of paper thats inside?”

Kelly Anne opened the dashboard and took a piece of paper out.

Lucas ordered “Read it.”

Kelly Anne started reading and then gasped. “I dont believe it.”

Lucas smiled “You should. I managed to get you transferred to my department. You can work under me from now on. This way you have more power to help the omegas and humans. You will have more resources.”

Kelly Anne looked at Lucas “How can I thank you?”

Lucas said “There is no need. You have high scores in school and you are doing a great job as a protector. You deserve the promotion.”

Kelly Anne asked “What would alpha Gavin say?”

Lucas said “He wont need to approve it. You are working in my office and directly reporting to me. I can have my own recruits. You are not under the alpha.”

The car came to a halt as Lucas saw the alpha stop in front of the new pack prison. he panicked and said “You wait here Kelly Anne. I will be back.” He assumed the worst that Gavin wanted to lock his sister up.

Lucas rushed to the alpha’s car and as his sister got off the car, he grabbed her arm and shoved her behind him as he stood facing the alpha who came out of the car next.

Gavin said “What is the meaning of this Lucas?”

Lucas said “Alpha. Why are you going to lock my sister up? What has she done?”

Gavin said “I am not going to lock your sister up.”

Lucas asked “Then why is she here?”

Gavin said “I am going to give her a tour. Thats all.”

Lucas was taken back “So she is safe? You havent brought her here to discipline her?”

Gavin said “Quite the opposite. This is more of a reward. She watched the punishments and did not protest. I liked that. I liked that alot. Maybe I was wrong about your sister and she is not sympathetic to the humans as much as I thought.” He then side stepped Lucas and grabbed Lorraine’s hand “Your brother worries too much.”

Lorraine smiled at her brother who was looking worriedly. “Its fine Lucas.”

Gavin said “You heard her. its fine Lucas. You are dismissed now that we have established I am not going to discipline her for any reason.” He then turned to Lorraine “Lets go.” He then walked away and Lorraine followed.

As they entered he said “I will show you the underground torture chambers first.”

Lorraine cringed but didnt say anything. He gave her a tour of all sections and then took her to his office.

Gavin said “I want to have a cup of coffee with you before I take you to school. Take a seat” He then walked to the coffee machine.

Lorraine sat down.

Gavin asked “Milk or sugar.”

Lorraine said “I dont mind. Black coffee is fine.” The bitter taste of coffee didnt matter. She just wanted to get out of there.

Gavin grabbed two cups of coffee and brought them to Lorraine. He sat behind his desk and placed one cup of coffee for her on the other side of the desk where she was seated and one cup of coffee in front of himself.

He sipped from his coffee and watched Lorraine “What did you think of it all?”

Lorraine said “It was alright.”

He asked “Alright? You say. Really Lorraine. This is impressive architecture.”

Lorraine said “I guess so... Alpha ...Gavin.”

Gavin laughed “I like that. Your standards are very high. You may like a bigger pack prison with more impressive facilities.”

Lorraine asked “But who will you keep in so many pack prisons. This place was empty almost.”

Gavin said “Our enemies end up here. Rogues and rebels. I wont tolerate the smallest of crimes. All crimes will be punished severely so the streets are clean of scum. Only the best and the brightest deserve to walk the streets freely. He then took another sip of his coffee and watched Lorraine drink from her cup.

Gavin said “You offered me milkshake when I came to your home and I offered you coffee when you came to my office. Maybe we need to take turns. Next time I am coming to your place. How about tonight? I wish to come see you with Gillian.”

She sighed “You are welcome to come alpha ... Gavin any time.” She paid attention to how he invited himself and stated he is coming. He didnt ask if they had other plans.