Free Breeder by Cara Bristol Page B

the short run would pay off in the long-term. Dak wielded such power that serving as his beta had conferred upon him almost as much status as an alpha, and over the years, Corren had garnered some powerful allies. So far, none of them had been able or willing to have him rightfully redesignated, but he felt certain that one day he’d meet someone who could.
    Corren plunged deep before withdrawing all the way, then drove home again. Enyi’s passage tightened around him, and Corren relished the power he reclaimed with every stroke.
    I —thrust— am —thrust— alpha . Confidence in his supremacy surged, and with a cry, he spilled himself.
    Afterward, Corren lounged on the sleeping platform while his beta dashed for the bathing chamber. Enyi returned to wash Corren; then he settled with cloying nearness next to him. Enyi was so needy, always seeking contact, reassurance. If nothing else, his anointment to Dak allowed Corren respite from Enyi’s smothering affection.
    “I missed you,” Enyi said in a breathy voice. His glowing dark gaze caressed Corren’s face.
    “I know you do.” Corren patted his beta’s thigh. “But my responsibilities are greater than ever since the Commander acquired a breeder.”
    Enyi fingered the alpha insignia Corren had donned before arrival. It was the sole contact Corren permitted Enyi, who didn’t recognize the ring was counterfeit. Every tug on the illegal ring renewed Corren’s sense of purpose. He had tried out the fake insignia at a private gathering more than ten years ago. No one questioned it, least of all, Enyi, whom he’d met that night. But he could not wear it in public lest someone speculate why Dak’s beta wore an alpha tag. One day, he’d exchange it for genuine Alpha regalia, and he’d melt his loathsome beta ring.
    Enyi had never questioned why an alpha would be anointed to the Commander—perhaps he’d assumed Alpha status disallowed a lowly beta to suffice as his helpmate.
    A frown creased Enyi’s otherwise smooth forehead. “I assumed owning a breeder lightened one’s burden.”
    “It is supposed to work that way, but this one is defective. She requires close and continual supervision. She cannot cook. She cannot clean. She cannot follow simple instructions. She fumbles and drops things. I have to stand over her as she works and correct her. It is such an arduous task. I have had to employ creative ways to motivate her.”
    To discipline her in a manner that did not leave noticeable bruises or other marks. He’d threatened her with even worse punishments if she reported the chastisements to Dak.
    Enyi’s face caved. “And I compounded your trials by failing in my deportment. I beg your forgiveness, alpha.”
    Corren had insisted Enyi address him as alpha at all times, but upon his visit, Enyi had rushed out of the habitation unit and in his exuberance, called him by his given name. Corren had dragged Enyi inside and disciplined him immediately, first using the sudon, then a switch he’d stripped off a nearby tree. Bringing his beta to tears never failed to arouse him, so of course, punishment had led to intercourse.
    Enyi looked so disheartened, affection welled, and Corren patted his cheek. “But you, unlike the female, are able to learn from discipline.”
    His beta’s crestfallen expression lightened. “Thank you, alpha.” He pursed his lips. “May I ask a question?”
    Feeling indulgent, Corren nodded.
    “If the breeder is so unsuitable, why does the Commander not exchange her for another?”
    Because Dak lusted for her. After Corren had banished her to the stables, Dak had installed her in one of the guest chambers. After mating, he’d come to their room reeking of her stench. Ever since, Dak had watched her when he thought no one was looking. But Corren logged every incidence in which the supreme ruling Commander, the overseer of Protocol, betrayed his weakness, his depravity, his unsuitability for command.
    “I cannot say.” Corren