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Chapter 11

The next morning Edward was speechless when he saw Seth sleeping snugly on a blanket, wearing the clothes Jacob had given him with even the hood covering his bald head. He undid the chain that Jacob had locked the night before, after angrily telling Seth to get away from him. The submissive scampered away afraid of having messed up the wonderful time they shared but most importantly afraid of getting punished for his boldness.

"Seth, what the heck is all this?" Asked Edward in a very hushed tone.

"My master rewarded me for finding Sophia." Seth's grin was infectious, to anyone it would seem like he barely received crumbs but to him it meant the world. Material possessions meant very little to him but the feeling behind them was the important thing. The submissive was as kind as he was selfless and repaid in gratitude even the smallest gesture.

"You mean to tell me you saved the life of the only future female of his whole pack and all he gave you is a fucking blanket and some old clothes?" Edward was furious; how dare Jacob treat Seth that way. He knew that in Jake's eyes Seth was nothing but a bug and felt the rage building inside his chest at the idea and the alpha being so ungrateful.

"It's fine Edward, the clothes are non-important. He was really nice to me last night even held me close to him until I warmed up. I think I leeched all the warmth from his body." Explained Seth apologetically.

"I'm going to talk to Billy about this. Something this important should grant you your freedom. You were extraordinary yesterday, nobody here could've accomplished what you did and he cannot just shrug it off like it's no big deal" Edward's spoke through clenched teeth, nostrils flared, face almost purple with anger and his fists closed so tight the knuckles looked white.

Seth rose to his knees and tried to control the wild horse galloping inside his chest. "Edward do you think so? But, but, but all I did was follow her scent and bring her back." He was struggling to organize his thoughts, in his fifteen years as a sub he had occasionally dreamt of one day being free. It was an unattainable dream but seeing and hearing Edward so sure of what he was saying made him feel it was a distinct possibility.

"Seth, you risked your life to save one of the most valued members of the pack, one that could very well grow up to marry Jacob. You're deserving of something as exceptional as your feat."

"Edward, I was resigned to dying a slave but to think that I could be free it's …. I don't know what to say, what to feel." Seth was rambling, not being able to coordinate his thoughts or create a lucid sentence.

"Seth calm down, your heart is beating so loud you're going to wake up your dominant. Not a word to Jacob, you don't want to give him the heads up. I'll talk to Billy today."

"Thank you Edward, you're a good friend."

"Don't thank me yet, let's see how it goes."

Seth proceeded with his morning routine, showering and maintaining himself to his master's specifications. The thought of freedom floated inside his head the whole time. He allowed himself to dream about things that he wouldn't dare dream before. The submissive caught his reflection in the mirror and instead of a slave he saw a free man living on his own with nobody to answer to. He caught himself smiling at the boy in the mirror, happy and full of hope.

Stepping out of the bathroom he noticed his master already having his breakfast. Seth sat behind him holding his bowl waiting to be fed. Jacob motioned for him to come forward and he was given his share of the food. They didn't exchange words; the master not even taking a glance in his submissive's direction. Seth sat quietly eating his breakfast slowly as to make it last. He was very hungry since he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast the day before.

"Seth, there is still a small matter to settle. I didn't punish you yesterday for leaving the house without permission." Jacob stood up towering over Seth's shaking form by several feet. "Get something in your head, you're my submissive, you don't even breathe without my authorization. This is your last warning; you don't leave me… ever."

"Stand up!" Seth responded to Jacob's order by jumping to his feet without hesitating. The master circled his slave slowly, calculating, like a predator watching his prey. He finally situated himself beside Seth and pushed down his pants. Seth cringed at the idea of what was to come. Good bye nice master and hello beast.

Jacob lifted his hand and playfully slapped Seth's round bottom twice, once on each cheek. As Jake was walking towards his office he looked over his shoulder with a playful expression. "Consider yourself punished." The infernal smirk adorning his lips was both exasperating and endearing.

After knocking Edward entered Billy's office "How can I help you Edward?"

"I'm sorry to disturb you Billy, but this is important." Billy stopped working, laced his fingers together over his desk and waited for Edward to speak.

"I'll cut to the chase, I know you're aware of what happened yesterday with Sophia and the way Seth found her."

"Yes I do Ed"

"Don't you think something so heroic deserves a pardon? If it hadn't been for Seth we would've lost her; that would've been tragic, a mortal blow for our pack and to this house."

"I hadn't thought about it Edward but you have a very valid point. My only reservation is that this submissive has lasted longer than all the others put together. I wonder what's going on with my son."

"Seth is a remarkable slave; he works hard and never complains regardless of what Jacob puts him through. Of course Jake is happy with him he struck gold with this boy." Edward gave Billy his opinion as to the reasons for Jake's strange behavior. Strange for him that is, if it had been anybody else these actions would've been completely normal and expected.

"Edward is it me or Jake seems a little different?" Billy was hopeful that at last something was thawing his son icy interior.

"What do you mean Billy?"

"It's like he is mellowing, his anger is not as intense. In the past whenever he would walk in my office it was like a rabid dog was entering. With every passing day I see more and more the pup I raised. You have no idea how this makes me feel Edward."

"Yes he seems a little calmer, not a lot but enough to be noticeable." Both men pondered as to why Jacob was changing, neither one of them had a clue but both were happy for him and for the whole family.

"Edward, I'll begin the paperwork to grant Seth his freedom, can you please send one of the servants to tell Jacob I need to see him?"

Walking out of the office Edward could feel his chest swell with joy, Seth was free, if there was one good and decent thing he had accomplished in his life this had to be it. He was giddy as a schoolgirl as he told the servant to fetch Jacob. He would give everything he had to see Jacob's expression when his father informed him of his decision, it will be priceless.

"Dad what do you need me for?" Asked Jacob absentmindedly, his mind preoccupied with more important thoughts.

"It was brought to my attention that what your submissive did yesterday was exceptional and worthy of him earning his freedom." The color drained from Jacob's face the instant he heard his father's statement. Who the hell squealed? He would have to make sure people minded their own business. There was no way in hell he was going to let go of his sub. He would do whatever was necessary to keep him.

"Who brought this issue to your attention?" His father answered truthfully knowing very well that soon enough Jacob would find out. He had never lied to his son; there was no point on starting now.

"Edward should stay in the kitchen where he belongs and mind his own business." Uttered Jacob, the anger inside him threatening to explode like an unstable volcano.

"Son you know very well Ed is much more than a cook. Anyway that's not important; I decided to grant Seth his freedom. Since his documents state I gave him to you as a present you need to sign here to release him." Indicated Billy while pointing to the bottom of the document.

"NO!" Jacob's shout startled his father making him sit straighter in his chair and his intense gaze to fall on his son.

"What do you care Jacob? He is nothing but a dog to you. Actually I'm impressed he is still alive, gives me hope for you. Don't worry; I'll get you a new one. I said I wouldn't but you have proven to me that you can be somewhat human when you want to be." Billy shrugged nonchalantly as he continued to shuffle papers on his desk.

"I don't want a new one; this one is perfectly trained and knows how to satisfy me." Billy cringed internally knowing what his son meant by this. Knew how to satisfy him, what a joke! That little dog had no choice but comply with every dark and twisted desire his master submitted him too.

"Son, I have made my decision, you want to inform him or should I?" Billy had to ignore his son's expression. He didn't become Aleph by being weak minded and easily manipulated.

"I won't allow it." Stated Jacob openly defying his father.

"You and what army, son?" In just one word Billy poured all the contempt he felt toward his only child. "Before you answer and make a fool of yourself know that if given the option all the wolves here will side with me and you will be shamed and ignored. You reap what you sow, you planted derision and that's what you'll glean."

Jacob had to admit defeat; he would not accomplish anything by making demands or bullying his father. If he was to convince him he needed a completely new approach, the truth. He rounded his father's desk until he was situated right next to his father's chair. At that moment he was not the arrogant alpha everybody knew, he was a scared teenager about to lose his most precious possession. After gently placing his hand on his father's arm to prevent him from writing he allowed soft words to invade the space between them. "Please dad, I know he deserves to be free but I can't part with him, he is …. perfect for me."

Billy turned his head to the right to face his son, surprise and distrust dominating him. "What do you mean by perfect?"

Letting go of his father's arm Jacob walked toward the window where the afternoon sun was streaming in, bathing him with light as he stood languidly looking outside. "I can't explain it dad, since I got him I feel different. I'm not as angry, even the nightmares have subsided considerably."

"Then why do you still abuse him? If he is as important as you claim, you should treat him better."

"You're right I should, considering where I'm coming from I'm better, but I'm not there yet. Sometimes the anger gets the best of me and dad after all, he is a sub." Billy huffed in annoyance listening to Jacob's lame explanation and idiotic excuse. "You must be thinking that I'm making excuses to justify my behavior, maybe I am, what the hell do I know? All I can tell you is that I need him; I know I have a long road ahead of me but having him by my side will make it easier. I don't …. deserve him; that much I know. He is the kindest gentlest creature I've ever met, if there is one person who can save me it's him. Don't ask me how I know this because I really don't know the answer, it's just a gut feeling."

"Jake I don't know, it's very unfair that just because you need a punching bag and a whore to fuck he has to suffer. That man paid his dues already, he is done suffering. I have an idea; I'll give him his freedom but offer him a job here at the house. You can still pursue him and seek his companionship, and who knows maybe you'll end up having a relationship." After Jacob's heartfelt argument Billy was very hopeful, his son was definitely different.

It was Jacob's turn to scoff at his father's words. "Yeah right, like he would give me a chance. Once he has his papers on hand he will high tail it out of here faster than I can say his name. Dad please I'm begging you, don't take him away from me." Walking back to his father Jacob knelt with one knee on the floor while he leaned down placing his forehead on the armrest. Billy was overwhelmed with compassion toward his son. He knew he needed to do the right thing by Seth but when having to make a choice he would always side with his son. Lifting his hand he ran it over his son's soft hair, at that moment all he could see was the innocent boy he raised. His big brown eyes filled with wonder, his beautiful smile and infectious laugh so similar to his beloved Sarah's.

"Please dad give me your word that you're not taking him away from me; please dad, swear." Jacob begged in a very uncharacteristic way, he was ready to cry, beg, and plead, whatever it took to keep Seth by his side.

"Ok Jake you have my word, I'll keep this document, I will not destroy it, I have a feeling I'll need it." Billy hoped his son was being sincere but was doubtful. He was neither dumb or naïve, Jacob could easily be using his feelings toward him to make him go against his better judgment. It wouldn't be the first time Jacob lied through his teeth to obtain what he wanted.

After thanking his father Jacob exited his office to go back to his room. But before he sequestered himself once more to those four walls he needed to take a small detour. There was a small matter to settle. Entering the kitchen he was greeted by Edward's guarded eyes, the alpha rarely came into the kitchen, if he was there Edward knew the shit was about to hit the fan.

"I'll cut to the chase Edward, the next time you stand between me and my sub you're going to regret it. Stay here where you belong and mind your own business or else."

"Or else what?" Asked Edward defiantly.

"Or I'll be more than happy to rearrange your face and show you who the boss is."

"Jacob if you think I'll scurry away to a corner like one of your minions or take your shit because I have no other choice, you have another thing coming. You think you're a big deal when in reality you're nothing but a coward and a bully. Since you don't have the balls to earn people's respect you resort to intimidation and abuse." Edward turned his back towards Jacob who stayed in his spot flabbergasted and angry. "No wonder your father is ashamed of you."

That was the straw that broke the camel's back. Jake moved so fast he became blurry. He charged towards Edward like a blood thirsty bull, missing him by an inch when Ed sidestepped to the left and moved off his destructive path. Edward punched Jacob just below the sternum knocking the wind out of him. That was a costly mistake; everybody knows that whoever throws the first punch is at a disadvantage. Edward allowed the rage to take over leaving him open to any attack. Jacob obliged him with a sidekick directed at Ed's stomach doubling him over at the same time that a powerful uppercut connected with the cook's jaw, throwing him flat of his back. Jacob went for the kill moving quickly towards Edward who surprised the alpha by wrapping his feet around Jacob's leg making him lose balance and fall on his side. Edward planted both hands on the ground and sprung up landing on his feet. He barely had time to dodge when Jacob directed one of his boot donned feet at his head. The movement had been carefully calculated and using the momentum Jacob landed his other foot right of Edward's face making him step back onto the wall. As a testament to his experience in battle even though he was still recovering his wits Edward kept the presence of mind to roll on the wall effectively evading Jacob's right fist that ended up colliding with the wall and making a sizable dent. Before the dust had even reached the floor Edward punished Jacob's flank with successive punches each one pushing Jacob out closer to the hallway. In an effort to protect himself Jacob crouched down and surprised Edward by exploding from the ground grabbing him by the waist and pushing him head first onto the wall. Edward's head plowed through the plaster and wood of the wall with a painful crunching sound, sending splinters and drywall in all directions.

"Jacob Ephrain Black, freeze!" Roared Billy as he walked towards the battling pair, the double timbre of the alpha command making everybody within an earshot wince. "What the hell are you doing? Edward are you ok?"

"I'm fine" Answered Edward while pressing the palm of his hand to the side of his head, he was bruised but not bloody.

"Is this about the sub?" Edward nodded while Jacob glared between him and his father, the alpha command weighing him down.

"How can you allow things to drag this low? Two alphas fighting over a submissive? Never in all my years had I thought I would hear something so ridiculous."

"Jacob is fucking insane, I'm so happy that boy is leaving this place forever." Stated Edward with a mocking smirk.

"Newsflash Eddie, that boy is not going anywhere." Retaliated Jacob. The color disappeared from Edward's face as he looked uncertainly at Billy.

"He is right Edward, I gave him my word." Explained Billy embarrassed at having been manipulated by his only son. Truth be told that he could've just as easily gone back on his word seeing that Jacob had played him. Unfortunately or not he was a man of his word, even if that word was coaxed off him using deceit.

"This is bullshit!" Edward was livid "You know as well as I do that the minute he steps back in that room he is going to kill him."

"He won't Edward."

"Yes he will, it's not like Seth will be his first victim. But you know what? I don't blame him as much as I blame you. He acts the way he does because you enable him, you make lightly of every barbaric act he commits. What's going to take to make you get your head out of your ass long enough to see what he is? Your son is a beast, a monster!" Yelled Edward at the top of his voice.

"I will not kill him Edward." Stated Jacob dryly.

"That's left to be seen; Seth knows I tried." At this Jacob cocked an eyebrow, to anybody he would seem calm, but inside him a storm was brewing its devastating power. Seth knew all about this, the son of a bitch was in it the whole time.

"Good bye Billy, I'm done with this house, especially with your bastard of a son." Edward turned in his heels and started walking in the direction of his room without looking back.

No more words were exchanged and the embarrassing incident left a bitter taste in the mouths of everybody involved. Without looking at his son, Billy walked after Edward. He would not engage him at that exact moment but he would do everything in his power to convince him to stay. Jacob stalked towards his room readying himself to face Judas. In his sick twisted mind he saw Seth as a Judas that betrayed him and sold him to his enemy.

The fact that he even cared was mindboggling. Jacob only cared about one opinion, his father's, and he was painfully aware of what his father thought of him. In the nightmares that tortured him every night he could see the look of disappointment in his father's face. The fact that Jacob was a coward didn't escape him. The idea that the son of the Aleph was a weak foolish little boy was present in everybody's mind. Jacob's weakness had been fatal, it cost everybody dearly, especially him. It was proved that Jacob couldn't be counted on.

To Jake everybody else's opinion meant shit, but the submissives opinions meant even less. It was like caring what a gimpy, mangy dog thought of you. The fact of the matter was that Seth's involvement in the whole situation hurt him, he trusted the little dog, fuck he took care of him, gave him warmth and some of his own clothes. With every thought his anger kept rising, he was going to hurt Seth, after he was done with the insignificant piece of shit there wouldn't be anything left of him but a stain on the floor.

Oblivious to everything that permeated between his master and the others, Seth hummed absentmindedly as he cleaned the baseboards. He didn't want to be hopeful, but the possibility that at the end of the day he could be a free man filled him with hope. He smiled while making a mental list of everything he was going to do once he was granted his freedom. The first thing he wanted to do was run, to run like he had never been allowed to do. He wanted to see the ocean and decided follow the coast as he went south in an attempt to find his sister. Seth knew she was engaged to a very powerful man from South America. They were probably already married since they were desperately in love the last time he saw her. He wondered how many kids Leah had been able to have; he hoped they were a lot. Seth adored children; he would never be a father seeing that submissives were sterile; some could become pregnant making them the most sought after creatures in the planet, but never the other way around. Even if he could impregnate someone, submissives were not allowed to claim a female and mating with another submissive was out of the question. But being an uncle was something he could do very well.

Seth's mind was a thousand miles away when his master walked in the room. "What the hell did you think you were going to achieve by blabbering to Edward? The only way you will ever leave this house is when you cold lifeless body is dragged outside to be burned." Jacob's voice reached Seth's ears filling him with fear. In three big lunges Jacob stood before Seth and without even giving him a chance to breathe backhanded him so hard the sub fell backwards.

"You damn dog, what the fuck possessed you? Answer me!"

"I didn't say anything to Edward master."

"So you're telling me this was Edward's idea?" Questioned Jacob while watching as a deep bruise formed on Seth's face. Jacob was already feeling guilty. Why did he have this sick need to hurt the only person in the world that provided him with joy? Seth knew it was futile to deny what his master already knew to be true. He didn't want to throw Ed under the bus but his allegiance was first with his master. It didn't matter that Jacob was a heartless son of a bitch, he couldn't lie to him. When it came to obedience Seth was nothing but a drone. After kneeling before his master Seth nodded as an answer to Jacob's question.

"You didn't ask him to go to my father?" Asked Jacob getting more confused with each passing second. Seth shook his head from side to side as his only answer.

As it always happened, Jacob felt like the worthless piece of shit he was. With the pad of his thumb he cleaned a trickle of blood emanating from Seth's busted lip. He felt like his heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand that reached inside his chest to torture him. He agonized as the feeling of impotence and shame filled him. In the past he wouldn't have given the submissive even a chance to inhale before breaking his neck. For better or for worse Seth was different. Jacob secretly hoped this had all been a misunderstanding. He paced back and forth while tugging his hair at the roots. If he could've reached into his mind to spoon out all the sadistic ideas that dominated him he would've. He was so conflicted; it was like there were two people living inside his body. The one that was always present was the despicable dominating son of a bitch. Every once in a while the other one would peek around the huge boulder it always hid behind. That was the good twin, the caring loving child his mother tucked in at night and loved unconditionally. The boy with big brown eyes and soft black hair his father lived proud of, raving about him every chance he got.

Unable to look at Seth any longer Jacob hid in his office. His mouth was filled with bile and acid ran through his veins. If he didn't stay away from the slave he risked losing it in front of him. At least he had not killed his slave, how many others would've survived if he had given them a chance to explain, not shoot first and ask questions later.

One by one Seth said goodbye to all his hopes and dreams as each one turned into dust and was blown away by the soft wind. He walked to his bathroom where he examined his face and spilt a few tears, not for the bruise, those were a daily happening for him. Every time he closed his eyes tears flowed forth to wash away the freedom that begun to creep inside him. He should know better, he was born to be a slave and he would die a slave.

After a few minutes voices alerted Seth to the presence of visitors. He ran to his spot and kneeled down as was expected of him. He recognized the voices as belonging to Emily and Paul, by her scent he knew that Sophia's was there too. They were whispering, their voices so low that even with his enhanced hearing Seth couldn't discern what they were saying.

"I'll give him the message." Stated Jacob slightly annoyed. He didn't appreciate having visitors and only tolerated the pack in his room for their weekly meeting.

"Jake we want to thank him. I was so happy yesterday that didn't even look his way when he came in. Sophia has not stopped talking about him. Your submissive really left an impression on her. She baked him some sugar cookies and even drew him a picture." Emily only had eyes for her daughter, after coming so close to losing her less than twenty hours before she didn't want to spend one minute without enjoying her company. Paul carried her like she was not meant to touch the floor ever again. Sophia had her daddy wrapped around her little finger and Paul was more than happy to spoil her.

"They're yummy; mommy helped me make them." Seth felt the corners of his mouth creep upwards as the little girl's voice reached him.

"Seth is busy and so am I, please go." Jacob was assertive but respectful to Emily.

"Emily you heard the man, let him get back to his work."

Paul turned to walk out of the room when Emily's angry voice stopped him. "Why doesn't it surprise me that you would say that? God forbid you go against your alpha even if he is acting like a dick." Emily was never one to be shy with words; her tongue was as sharp and venomous as a snake's. She understood her position in the hierarchy and took advantage of it without abusing her power. Paul huffed in annoyance and ignoring his wife's words kept walking.

Jacob made an effort to remain calm for Emily's and Sophia's sake. He was a number one asshole to most people but he honored, respected and veneered women as the givers of life and the future of humanity. "Maybe in some other occasion." Jacob's words came out more like a growl than anything else.

Something clicked in Emily's mind and with wide eyes she searched Jacob's face for the answer to a question she didn't want to ask. Just like everybody else she was well aware of Jacob's cruelty and instability. She avoided coming to the house because she could swear the house stunk from the blood of the alpha's victims. Every time she saw the yellowish grey smoke she knew that one more innocent victim had gone to the land of their ancestors. Many times she asked Paul to move away, feeling like her daughter should be as far away as possible from such a toxic individual as Jacob. Every time she was convinced by Paul and Billy to stay. Their logic made much sense; she had to put in a balance the benefits of raising her daughter away from Jacob versus the unnecessary risk of living without the pack's protection.

With all the commotion she didn't know if Seth had been asked to go look for Sophia but she doubted it. If he had gone without his master's authorization there was the distinct possibility that Seth was either dead or dying from his injuries. "Jacob, he is still around, right?"

Understanding shone on Jacob's face before he answered. "He is fine Emily." He answered curtly.

"Then why can't Sophia see him?" It was a cheap shot but she didn't last for so long among all the dominating, possessive wolves by being stupid. Dominants could be easily managed with the right words.

"Please Uncle Jay, he is my friend." Asked Sophia in her piping voice.

"Sorry sweetie, not today." Jake had no intention of letting Sophia see Seth. The submissive was his, only his and he was not willing to share him with anyone… not even with a little girl.

"Daddyyyyyy" Whined Sophia her eyes swimming in the moisture that was rapidly accumulating.

"C'mon man, it's my kid we're talking about; we'll be in and out." Even though Paul was a very proud man he pleaded to his alpha, he would do anything for his daughter not matter how humiliating, painful or difficult.

Sophia reached out with her small soft hand and touched Jacob's face giving him her best smile. If Jacob refused her gesture he indeed had a heart made of rock and wrapped in barbed wire. "Fuck…" He mumbled as he signaled the trio to follow him.

"Seth!" Exclaimed Sophia as she wriggled out of her father's arms. Running to the sub with a slight limp she threw herself at him with her small arms wrapped around his neck. Paul growled loudly in disgust and as a warning to Seth. Her sweet angel hugging a disgusting dog made him cringe internally. The submissive on the other hand remained motionless uncertain as to how to proceed. Paul's warning was clear and he had not been given permission to interact with anybody.

Sophia pulled back to look at her new friend whose gaze never crossed hers. Seth kept his eyes glued to the floor and his hands by his sides, his behavior was puzzling. "Mommy I don't think he likes me anymore." She was starting to get teary eyed and looked at her mother for comfort. Her innocent mind couldn't make heads or tails of Seth's conduct.

Initially Emily didn't pay attention to her daughter; her eyes were fixated on the thick chain bolted to the wall. Her brows pinched together as she realized she had never been to that part of Jacob's room. She had seen the subs on several occasions but never wandered so close to that part of hell. She closed her fists in frustration and breathed deeply to stay calm.

She regained her composure enough to glare at Jacob before speaking. "Jacob Black…" By her tone both dominants in the room knew two things, one she meant business and two she was pissed.

"Seth you can say hello to Sophia." The submissive's eyes met Sophia's and he gave her a sweet smile that she happily returned.

"Hello sweetie." Greeted Seth while surrounding her with his arms and tucking a kiss onto her hair.

Paul growled loudly and motioned to remove his daughter from Seth's arms but was stopped by his wife. "What's your problem?" Asked Emily.

"I can't stand to see his filthy hands on my daughter; I don't know how you can stand it."

"Are you for real Paul Lahote? This filthy sub carried your daughter through the snow. His filthy hands held her, keeping her close to his chest to keep her warm. He risked his filthy life to save our daughter. In my opinion there are two disgusting males in this room and he is not one of them"

"Emily I've never disrespected you, control your mouth." Warned Jacob.

Noticing how Sophia crept closer to Seth Emily kept quiet; that was a discussion she will revisit sooner than later. It was obvious they were upsetting her daughter and that was the last thing she wanted. Emily's expression softened the instant her eyes fell on her daughter's sweet features. She was sitting on Seth's right leg while resting against his chest. "Uncle Jay what's that?" She pointed to Seth's chain.

"That's Seth's chain, it attaches to his collar, he is a slave and slaves sleep chained to the wall." He volunteered the information knowing very well how she would just keep asking questions. He had been submitted to Sophia's interrogations in the past; once she got started she wouldn't stop. Maybe this way she would be persuaded not to start at all.

"This thing gets very cold, it made my hands hurt. Uncle Jay, take this off please." She tapped Seth's collar with her index finger.

"I can't Sophia it's against the law." She frowned and shrugged apologetically. Being an army brat one thing she understood was the importance of following orders and obeying the law. In a world without government it was indispensable to abide to the rules to prevent chaos. Seth held her hand softly and mouthed it's ok. It was incredible that at such a tender age she had more common-sense and sensibility than most grown-ups.

The bruise on Seth's face caught her attention and she brought her hand up to run it over his tender skin making him flinch. "You have a boo boo, did you fall?" She asked innocently. Seth panicked not knowing how to answer, he couldn't lie to her but he couldn't unmask her uncle for what he really was. The submissive decided to redirect her, trying to shift her attention away from him.

"What's this?" Seth pointed to a colorful crumpled drawing she held in her hand. It worked and in no time she was describing in detail everything in her picture, from the flowers with happy faces in the center to the red sun and the purple clouds. It was beautiful and filled with imagination.

"I made it for you, I also made you cookies." Emily handed her the container which Sophia gave to Seth.

"Thank you Sophia." Seth took the container and set it next to him on the floor. He wouldn't dare take one in front of his master. Jacob had made it very clear that all his sustenance must come from him.

"Try them; mama helped me make them to thank you for finding me."

"I had a big lunch; can I save them for later?" Seth made the call and decided that lying to Sophia was necessary and excusable.

"Okey dokey, oh…" Sophia stretched from her spot to kiss Seth's bruise, everybody in the room was certain she had forgotten about it and everybody in the room was wrong. "I forgot to kiss the boo boo to make it go away, you didn't tell me, did you fall on your face?" She giggled amused with herself.

Emily couldn't stand it any longer; she had been controlling her temper, but felt indignant knowing very well where Seth's bruise came from. The whole time she had been sitting across from Seth on the floor all she saw was a tortured man who instead of being bitter and angry was polite and tender with her daughter. It was not fair that such a gentle soul had to suffer at the hands of a monster. "No baby girl he didn't fall on his face, Jacob hit him. Didn't you Uncle Jay?" She spat at him while looking at her husband daring him to come to the defense of his alpha.

Jacob's eyes widened as he took in the scene in front of him. "Uncle Jay why did you hit Seth?" Asked Sophia, her voice cracking.

"I do not have to explain myself to anybody, not even your mother." Hissed Jacob, his face red, an undertone of blind fury enveloping him.

"You see sweetie some people believe that hurting others just because they are different is acceptable…" Emily was interrupted by her husband who moved towards Sophia to take her away.

"Ok baby say goodbye to your uncle we've intruded long enough."

Instead of going to her father Sophia held on to Seth with her arms around his neck. Her tears were flowing freely ending up on his shirt. "Jay you're a bad man! I don't want you to be my uncle anymore!" Yelled Sophia almost chocking on her words. Paul ripped her out of Seth's arms and ran out of the room with the screaming child in his arms.

The thing was that Sophia was right, Jacob was a bad man. He didn't deserve to be loved by anyone; he didn't deserve the love and devotion of a little girl. Even scary monsters deserve a chance and somebody to help them redeem themselves, but Jacob was too far gone. Was Jacob the product of a cruel world? Or was the world a product of men like him whose only morality was survival of the fittest? The reality was that they all had it wrong, survival depended on their ability to adapt and that's where they failed. Instead of adapting to their new reality they adopted the worst of the old world.

Feeling defeated and exhausted Jacob plopped himself onto one of the dining set chairs. The dim winter light illuminated his back as he hid his face behind his hands. Sophia's words had been like a sharp dagger ripping his soul in half. Part of him wanted to admit he was wrong and make things right. The other half just wanted to say fuck this shit and do whatever it wanted. Jacob felt Seth's eyes on him; from the short distance the warmth of his gaze was tangible.

"What do you want? Stop fucking looking at me! You have something to say? Say it now, apparently everybody wants to put their two cents in to let me know the kind of mother fucker I am." Yelled Jacob.

"Master you are not a bad man." Stated Seth from his spot on the floor.

"Slave are you stupid or are you trying to butter me up? I'm a fucking monster with no redeeming qualities. Even a four year old can see that. Why can't you?" Jacob's voice faltered, emotionally drained and morally bankrupt.

"I see you master and I know you are not a monster. Even the gentlest creatures' attacks when they feel cornered and you master have been cornered far too long."