03-Strength of the Mate (31 page)

Noah consulted the email he held. “To clarify, you’re saying that Granger didn’t just turn a blind eye to the rampages aboard Camp Fallujah, but he actively encouraged it, and also participated?”

“Yes, Alpha, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” Dawson stood with his arms in front of himself, one hand clasping the opposite wrist.

“What did these behaviors consist of?” Noah picked up a pen. He looked ready to check items off of a list.

“The werewolves would stalk the base, searching for weaker victims, in much the same way we stalk game during the full moon runs. Some would molest their victims, in the fashion described by my companion, Adam Madison.” Dawson glanced at Adam briefly, before he turned back to Noah. “Others would physically intimidate their victims and subject them to violent beatings.”

Noah pinned Granger with his flinty silver gaze. “I heard non-specific complaints and rumors from people coming out of Camp Fallujah, but never received a direct complaint. If I had, I would have intervened directly, long before now.” He turned back to Dawson. “Do you have any information on why no one was willing to bring this to my attention?”

Dawson set the folder on the table and gave it a push, sending it sliding over to Noah. “Lance Granger and Nick Carson conspired to keep Marine Corps command aboard Camp Fallujah believing that this behavior was not only typical, but necessary. This misinformation was shared with civilian staff, including that of Ares International. As a result, complaints went nowhere. These two factors combined to prevent anyone from submitting formal complaints. Carson, Granger, and all werewolves who took part in this behavior, did so without fear of reprisal or discipline of any kind. Anyone who knew this type of behavior was wrong and insisted action be taken, was set upon by werewolves acting at the behest of either Granger or Carson. All were badly beaten, and most had to be sent home as a result of their injuries.”

Noah read through the file as Dawson spoke. “I see you have strong evidence of the conspiracy, but not the acts of retribution.”

“That’s correct, Alpha.” Dawson’s shoulders dropped almost imperceptibly. Adam noticed because he knew Dawson was frustrated that he couldn’t persuade anyone stateside to talk to him. “It’s my hope that once you return to the States, you’ll be able to locate victims of these beatings, and question them to your satisfaction.”

Noah narrowed his eyes as he read through several documents. “Summarize, please, how Nick Carson and Lance Granger manipulated their command and put many of my werewolves in extreme and unnecessary danger. Were you able to show direct links from the actions of these two, and the maiming or killing of any of my werewolves?”

“Yes, Alpha.” Dawson pointed toward the file he’d given Noah. “You’ll see before you a signed statement from Major Aceves, which verifies all of this information. At Carson’s direction, Granger made himself the only recipient of all updates from TECOM’s Werewolf Training and Command. He withheld all information regarding werewolf injuries, and the proper utilization of wolves as an asset in combat situations. Marine Corps officers have been unknowingly putting werewolves in extreme, unnecessary danger. They were unaware that wolf body armor had become required equipment, resulting in several avoidable and crippling injuries. I’ve also provided you with documents and communications, wherein Granger requests or recommends specific werewolves for hazardous duties. In every case, the werewolves sustained grievous injury, up to and including death. Granger and Carson are guilty of using combat situations to cause pain, injury, and sometimes death, in their personal vendettas against specific werewolves.”

“And all your evidence is here?” Noah gestured at the folder.

Dawson nodded. “In addition to the written statement from Major Aceves, Captain Murphy can answer questions regarding what he and I uncovered in this regard, when we looked into the reason the battalion’s information was out of date.”

“That’s all I have for now, Dawson.” Noah motioned for Dawson to resume his seat.

When Dawson was seated again, he bumped his shoulder against Adam’s. It was very reassuring. Adam’s stomach had rolled sickly as he’d listened to Dawson explain how Granger and Carson were responsible for getting werewolves killed because of petty grudges.

Noah set the folder aside and turned to where the additional witnesses sat. He gestured for a young Marine to stand.

Carson moved restlessly in his chair, still glaring at Dawson. He made an impatient sound that Adam could barely hear. There was no question Noah heard it, though.

“If you don’t like the way I’m handling this tribunal, Carson, I don’t really give a shit.” Noah’s voice boomed. It wasn’t that it had a lot of volume, but Noah packed it with power. “If you hadn’t been so manipulative, I would have been much more generous with you when I adjudicated. There’s nothing I can think of that could possibly justify the things the two of you have done.”

“This is a kangaroo court,” Carson replied heatedly. “You’re taking the word of dozens of humans against your werewolves. True Alphas are supposed to protect their wolves. This is a betrayal. True Alphas don’t side with humans against their pack members.”

Noah glared at Carson for several tense moments. Adam’s heart raced. He felt Dawson grow even more tense beside him. Adam half-expected Noah would leap over the table and throttle Carson. He reminded himself that Noah’s self-control was stronger than his temper.

“I gave you the benefit of the doubt when I gave up my Omega wolf, and sent him here to repair the issues quietly, and discreetly.” The cold anger in Noah’s voice raised Adam’s hackles. “I gave you both the benefit of the doubt when I took action that would leave your existing hierarchy intact. I’ve had numerous conversations with your victims over the last few days that nearly made me rip out your throats, without the benefit of tribunal.”

Slowly, Noah placed his palms flat on the table. Adam’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched Noah’s fingers grow into wicked-looking claws. Noah snarled, his lips drawing back to reveal his fangs. Adam tensed. He wondered if Noah’s legendary self-restraint had broken.

“I haven’t betrayed you.” His fangs changed the way Noah spoke. “It’s you who betrayed me. You’ve caused harm to my werewolves for no other reason than your own gain. Why do I take the word of several humans over two members of my pack? Because, the two of you are liars. And the humans are not.”

A strained silence fell over the room. Granger squirmed uncomfortably. Carson clenched his teeth, never making eye contact with Noah. Adam recognized the open defiance that Noah and Dawson had talked about.

Turning back to the young PFC who had stood at attention through the entire angry exchange, Noah’s expression softened. “At ease, Private. At ease,” Noah said gently. “This is pack business, not military. Just be precise, honest, and respectful.”

The Marine clasped his hands behind his back, stood up straight, and looked Noah in the eyes. “Yes, Alpha. I’m sorry, Alpha. This is new to me.”

“Thankfully, tribunals aren’t that common,” Noah replied. “At least not in my pack.” He leaned on his elbows on the table top. “Your experience has been with Lance Granger?”

“Yes, Alpha,” the PFC answered hastily. His eagerness to please was obvious. “He and whatever weres might be with him would corner me. They’d gang up on me, finding fault with something, even if they made it up. Then they’d kick my ass, just for fun.”

Adam felt sorry for the young Marine. Dawson brushed their shoulders together comfortingly.

“They assaulted you under the guise of discipline?” asked Noah.

“Yes, Alpha. None of the infractions Granger would name, even if they had been true, rated physical punishment.”

“You’ve witnessed this, Dawson?” Noah asked.

“Yes, Alpha. As has Adam, as well as Mercer, Rodriguez, and Borovec,” answered Dawson.

Noah turned to look at Carson. “As you know, that young Marine is a werewolf. I’ve spoken with him before about these charges. When I asked the two of you for your sides of the story, you lied to me. And that is why I take his word, and the word of all witnesses here, over yours. You two stink of lies.” Noah spoke his last sentence as a growl.

Granger fidgeted in his chair. His face was shiny with sweat, and he ran a trembling hand over it. One leg bounced violently.

Carson turned to look back over his own shoulder. He glared at the young PFC menacingly.

“Your attention belongs on me!” Noah snarled. Carson whipped his head around, anger and resentment written all over his face. “I’m your Alpha. I’m deciding your fate. I will not tolerate your attempts to further intimidate your victims.”

As Noah continued to question the victims and witnesses, the picture of just how selfish, cruel, and manipulative Carson and Granger were, became clearer. They both got their rocks off on power and fear. They used their greater strength as werewolves to get what they wanted. They manipulated their commanding officers so they had free rein of the base, and a way to eliminate anyone who could or would challenge them.

No one had been raped, though. Adam was relieved about that, even as it surprised him. Power and fear seemed to be all these assholes needed to get their jollies. Adam abruptly remembered a string of drivers who had cut their contracts short and gone home, with almost no explanation. Now he wondered if something more had been done to them.

“Can I ask a question?” Adam whispered to Dawson.

“Ask Noah?” Dawson clarified.

Adam shrugged. “I’m not sure who would know the answer.”

“I beg your pardon, Alpha?” Dawson turned toward Noah and asked. “Adam has a question for anyone who might have the answer.”

Even as Noah gestured for Adam to speak, his claws and fangs disappeared. Carson blew out an angry breath, shooting Adam a look filled with hatred.

Adam wanted to laugh, but he respected the solemnity of Noah’s tribunal. It was still laughable that Carson thought his opinion of Adam mattered. Especially to Adam. Rising to his feet, Adam stood at ease, as he’d learned this stance was called. “I just realized that all of us here were either beaten up, or sexually molested. No one has said they were raped. If that’s true, I admit, I’m relieved. I’m just afraid that some of the victims, who are already back in the States, were sexually assaulted, and no one has talked to them.”

Adam was surprised when Lucas sat forward. “While Noah and Dawson talked to all of you still here aboard Camp Fallujah, I contacted as many people stateside as I could locate. Noah’s line of questioning here sought to identify anyone who might have been raped. We didn’t locate anyone, so we’re confident this is as bad as things got. Which is pretty damn deplorable, as it is.”

“I agree, Lucas. Thank you. If someone is too traumatized now, but comes forward later on, they’ll be heard, won’t they?”Adam could guess the answer, but he wanted Carson to know this all might still come back to haunt him, even after the tribunal was over.

Noah met Adam’s gaze directly, unblinking. “I promise you, Adam, if that happens, I’ll handle it with the same gravity I’ve given to this tribunal.”

“Thank you, Noah.” Adam started to sit down.

“You claim you don’t give humans preferential treatment,” Carson said angrily, glaring at Noah. “But you play favorites with him.” He gestured sharply at Adam.

Adam was taken aback by how personal Carson’s outburst was. He wasn’t the only human speaking up against Carson, so why was he so much angrier at Adam?

“Adam Madison is truthful about his encounters with you and the werewolves who followed you,” Noah said coldly. Even Adam could tell his patience was nearing its end.

“He’s your boss’ brother, and he lets your Omega fuck him.” Carson spat the words. His face and his voice were so malicious, it was scary.

Adam’s face burned at the base description of his association with Dawson. It was true, and the word meant something different to the werewolves than it did to Adam. He took a deep breath, clenching his hands into fists on top of his thighs. Dawson covered one of Adam’s fists with his hand. The touch was light and gentle. Adam took another deep breath, struggling to relax.

“Neither fact makes him a liar,” Noah declared. His upper lip curled to reveal his fangs again.

Carson was pushing Noah too far. Things were turning ugly, fast. Adam caught Paul and Jason exchange a look. Jason looked at the back of Carson’s head with narrowed eyes. He wondered what they were thinking, and if it was something they needed to share with Noah.

“He was nothing but a human truck driver, the entire time he was here.” Carson’s voice rose in anger. He looked at Adam with hate-filled eyes. “Then your Omega shows up, pushing us around, and acting like he’s better than all of us. He sticks his nose where it doesn’t belong, making changes like he knows better than any of us. Then suddenly he’s pack leader. He sends werewolves around camp planting stories about us, werewolves that are friends of Madison’s. Now Madison’s a convoy commander, and he’s got the new pack leader fucking whipped.”

Adam’s mouth hung open, shocked at how Carson tried to rewrite history. He was giving Adam a hell of a lot more credit than he deserved for the way things were going down.

Dawson was on his feet in an instant, fists clenched at his sides. He snarled viciously, his fangs obvious behind his lips.

“Hold, Dawson!” Noah shouted, raising a hand toward Dawson, palm out. His claws were back, and his fangs were on display, too. “Carson, you’re not only a cruel bully whose pleasure depends on the fear and powerlessness of others, you’re also really fucking stupid. Whatever punishment I sentence you to is going to be administered here, at Camp Fallujah.”

Carson fell silent. His throat worked as he swallowed several times. His expression was still defiant, but Adam thought he saw a little fear in his eyes, now. Eyes that seemed to be colored differently than they had been earlier. Adam was afraid a werewolf fight was about to break out, right in front of them.

Mercer stood and loomed over Carson. “If you shift, I’ll rip your throat out myself,” he said with icy conviction.