The Beast's Possession
16: You’re a sucky friend.

**Bane

pov**

A week had passed without any incidents. As suspicious as it was, I felt relieved to know there wasn't anyone who was trying to stir up shit behind my back. The last issue that came to my attention was some bullshit at the rejects housings.

Of course, I knew many would act up for the sole fact Corden didn't choose them, but I managed to silence them when I announced that next to choose was Beta.

I didn't have any attacks planned for the upcoming months, so if any of my men wanted a woman by their side, they had to pick from the leftovers or wait until we got more.

"I can hear you thinking from here. What's up?" Zion sat on my desk and reached out to ruffle my hair. I hated this habit of his, but tried to remain as calm as I could because he was my friend. "Nothing." I grumbled.

Zion pulled his hand away and laughed. "You can fool the Beta in me, not the best friend in me. Spit it out, what's on your mind?"

I ran my hand through my hair to undo the damage he had done and sighed. "I don't know. Something's off. It's too... quiet? I feel like we're stuck in the state of calm before a storm, you know? There's always something going on around us, so I suppose I'm growing suspicious."

Zion hummed and nodded as he listened to me talk. He took a moment to ponder my words and finally agreed. "Actually, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with you. Have you tried to talk to Corden? He's more in touch with everyone than both of us put together, he surely would notice if anything was off."

Now that Zion was pointing this out, I realized that the only times when Corden crossed my mind was when I thought about the fuss the rejects created.

In fact, I didn't ask him anything about the new bitch he chose and if she's adjusting well. Also, I never bothered to ask how Amelia was.

Honestly, it sucked to admit it, but I was a truly shitty friend.

Most things I did were based solely on the obligation I had to my pack. I couldn't think with my heart, I had to use my brain, so most times - I came across as a heartless moron.

The more human side in me knew that what I did was unfair. Disregarding Amelia as unfit just because she couldn't have children was a dick move. I knew how much they loved each other, I saw the happiness they brought to one another, but still ignored it.

The leader in me knew how important the next generations were for us. If I let Delta ignore the law and do whatever he pleased, the rest of the pack would accuse me of playing favorites and demand the same treatment. Nope, couldn't let that happen.

"Bane? Are you still with me?" Zion shouted, waving his hand in front of my face.

Shit, I was getting too distracted lately. Once I started thinking about one thing, my thoughts brought me somewhere far away.

"Yeah," I cleared my throat and rose from my seat. To avoid the uncomfortable look Zion was giving me, I walked to the window and looked outside. "I haven't seen Corden around since the day of the exchange. He came over before he left to grab one of the rejects, and since then, we've only spoken over mind-link." I admitted.

As expected, Zion groaned. "You're a sucky friend."

"I know," I chuckled, somehow finding the situation amusing. "He's on patrol duty today, so I will talk to him a little later when he comes here to fill out the paperwork."

Since Zion didn't make more sound and there weren't any sarcastic remarks, I knew he was satisfied with the answer I gave.

Zion, Corden and I grew up together. I kind of had a weak spot for those morons. They were my best friends, my forever partners in crime, so maybe that was why I felt so shitty after all. That, or I had grown a conscience. Not likely.

"When am I supposed to go there, though?" Zion asked. Now, I had to figure out if he had said anything before this or the question was just another random bit of his thoughts.

"I will need a little more context to that before I can answer the question."

"The rejects, duh," Zion huffed. I could picture him rolling his eyes and crossing his arms in front of his chest just so he could sulk like a proper toddler. "Still don't get why I'm the one who has to take a reject. Can't I find someone myself? I don't want those bitter bitches."

"And this officially marks the end of our therapy session. I'll see you next week, same place, same time," I groaned.

"You're a total asshole," he snarled. Zion was quick on his feet, so the slap on the back of my head that came seconds later didn't surprise me. "Total, total asshole," he added.

I ignored his attempts to anger me and just laughed at his outburst. "Of course, I'm an asshole. As for your question - the sooner the better. In fact, you can go now. Pick whichever you want." I laughed.

Zion didn't add anything as he stomped to the door and left the office, slamming the door so hard, the sound of his action echoed against the walls. My shoulders slumped as I pinched the bridge of my nose. Dealing with everyone's temper was getting too complicated.

Was one calm day without drama really too much to ask for? Speaking of which, I knew I had another thing to do. I had to apologize to Corden and Amelia. I had to explain my reasoning to both of them.

First, I tried to mind-link Corden. I checked the time and realized it was later than I initially thought. He had to be here fifteen minutes ago. I tried to reach him again, but nothing.

Then, I started pacing the office. Corden never blocked me out unless he was at home, busy having sex with his woman.

And that thought angered me. I could live with many things, but if someone in my pack chose pleasure before their responsibilities, I wouldn't tolerate that. Even if those were my closest friends running around and acting like damn teenagers. Before I made any rash decision, I tried to mind-link him again. Nothing. Bloody fucking nothing.

"Fuck this shit," I muttered and headed out.

If Corden wouldn't come to me, I would go to Corden.

Reaching his house took no time whatsoever. In less than five minutes, I stood at the main door of the building. At first, I thought about knocking, but quickly deemed the idea as useless if I wanted to catch my friend fucking around during work hours.

I opened the door as quietly as I could and stepped inside. The place looked the same as the last time I visited him, but something about the energy had shifted. That had to be because of the new woman.

As I entered the living room, I expected to hear sounds of those two going down at it, but there was nothing. However, what caught my attention was the voices that came from the kitchen.

I snuck closer like some damn criminal and stood at the door, listening in on the conversation behind the door.

Everything seemed completely normal until I heard Amelia's voice. Corden warned me she would stay around for the time being, so her presence didn't surprise me. It was her words that caught me off guard. *"Woman of the house or not, you're an Alpha, so you hold a higher position than I do."*

I didn't listen to what might come later. Instead, I kicked the damn door open and watched them both jump just to face another damn surprise. Next to Amelia stood Aife, the off-limits reject.