Alpha Luciano’s POV
The pressure was mounting on me.
“What on earth are you waiting for to execute her? And don’t give me that cock and bull story you gave Anastasia about the law of this pack. Do you know what the Espositos will do to this pack if they think we had a hand in Alec’s death? If they think you used Arabella as an assassin to get to them?”
“Uncle Tommaso lower your voice when you speak to me. This is my last warning to you. More than anyone I care about this pack, its welfare and the rules that govern it. Be it the Espositos or whoever, the rules will not be changed. Yes, she killed him but until I ascertain the truth behind the matter in front of the entire pack, there will be no execution. If the Espositos want her dead so bad, they can spring her from the dungeons and kill her themselves.”
“Luciano, you can’t let your pride come into a matter such as this–” He attempted to push forward again but I cut him off.
“I think I will be the judge of when and where to let my pride come to play.” I said sternly letting my dominance suffuse me.
“You may leave, Uncle Tommaso.”
“Luciano–”
“It wasn’t a request.”
Uncle Tommaso threw his hands in the air in a show of frustration and stalked out of the office slamming the door.
I placed my fingers on my temples massaging them as Mikah stepped out of the spot he hid himself in as Uncle Tommaso entered the room. He had been about to give me his report before the interruption.
“Please tell me you have something for me. Anything.”
“There was nothing Alpha, just some petty debts with loan sharks.”
I released a sigh. Of course, it couldn’t be that easy.
I was deeply disturbed. It was like I had no control over the affairs in my life. I was disturbed that our bond had progressed to the extent that I had been able to feel that something was wrong with her. That I had been able to track her down.
What else would the bond do that I was unaware of? Could Arabella also track me down?
Aside from that, I had never really liked that slimy Alec and felt he had deserved what he got although it had been faintly unnerving to see Arabella standing over him with his skull bashed in. I would never have thought that she had it in her. I had to stop underestimating her. What if she tried to do me in next?
I held her while Anastasia keened over her cousin. “Arabella, tell me what happened here.” But she just stood blankly without saying a word. She didn’t look guilty or afraid, just resolved. Like she had come to terms with the fact that her life was in our hands.
When Anastasia had bayed for her blood, I had her thrown in the dungeons. At least she would be safe there. I didn’t know when I started caring so much about Arabella Bianchi’s safety but I had and now, now I didn’t want to execute her because she had simply beaten me to killing a common enemy.
Now I was investigating. Looking for any way to guarantee Arabella’s safety because by invoking a trial I had removed the decision from my hand. The elders would now decide on this issue, not just me. The trial would be held tomorrow and I still had nothing as evidence for Arabella. Goddess, would she really die like this?
What could I do about it now?
***********
Arabella’s POV
I woke up when I heard the slam of the door. Was Anastasia here to torment me? I was parched and starved. I felt weak and couldn’t do anything. My throat was dry and my stomach rumbled. When was the last time I ate anything?
The shuffling of steps ended and the person came into view. It was Margaret.
“Margaret? What are you doing down here? If they see you then–”
“Oh, keep quiet. Do you really expect me to leave you like this? Do you know how difficult it was to get to you? I’m not leaving.” She said sternly before taking stock of my condition.
“Look at you. You look so sleep-deprived and tired. How are you? Of course, you are not fine. Don’t worry. Everything will soon be resolved. I know you would never hurt a fly, much less a person. Alpha Luciano will clear your name over at the trial.”
I averted my gaze from Margaret’s caring one. “But I killed him. It was out of self-defence but I did it and I don’t regret it. It’s safe to say I might get executed whenever they hold the trial.”
Margaret’s eyes widened with shock. “You killed him?”
“I guess I’m stronger than I look.” I laughed without mirth.
Margaret looked more worried for me than I was for me. “So what are you going to do now? Anastasia will not let this go.”
“I have no idea.” I sighed deeply then I inhaled again. “Is that food I smell?”
“Yes, I got you something to eat when I heard Anastasia order you not to be given food.”
Margaret passed me a bag that held fresh bread, cheese and some chicken nuggets with a bottle of water and a yoghurt. I was so happy I could have kissed her.
“Thank you, Margaret.”
I drank some water then the bread and cheese, then I took the nuggets. It was simple food that felt like a feast in these times.
Margaret watched me as I ate quietly as I ate, telling me to slow down and take my time with the food so I wouldn’t feel sick.
When I was done eating, I noticed Margaret was lost in thought.
“Hey. What’s wrong?”
She hesitated then she spoke.
“It’s just that I was wondering if I told Alpha Luciano about the conversation I overheard between Alec and Anastasia before he died, maybe he wouldn’t punish you for killing him and maybe the council might even take your side.”
I sat upright. “What did you hear?”
She told me and my eyes must have been the size of a saucer when she was done.
“No. You absolutely must not say a word. If you do, she’ll come after you. Swear you won’t tell him anything.” I said earnestly. If she could poison the women in the harem for merely out-dressing her, for this she would… no I couldn’t let this anything happen to Margaret.
“So what am I supposed to do? Let you die? The trial is tomorrow, and you have no plans to get yourself out of there alive. Do you want to die so desperately?” Margaret asked, tears in her eyes.
“I refuse to risk your life to save mine. I will not do that.” I said firmly.
I would never allow Margaret to do something so foolhardy that might not even work. She seemed to have such a high opinion of Alpha Luciano that I didn’t know how to tell her that he might not even want to save me to start with.
“Well this is touching and all but you can’t tell me you really plan on surrendering yourself to the council’s justice tomorrow.”
Emery stepped out of the shadows and I wondered how she had come down the stairs without us hearing her approach.
“What do you want, Emery? Come to gloat? Too bad I don’t want to listen, you can save it for someone who cares.” I turned away from Emery.
I was in no mood for her antics today.
“On the contrary, I want to help you.”
Margaret and I turned sharply to look at her.
“And why would you do that?” Margaret asked. “You have always detested Arabella and wanted her out. This is basically your dream come true.”
“That is true.” Emery admitted. “But that was before Anastasia came. If what you said is true, Margaret then she will put the entire pack at risk. Already three hard women have succumbed to the poison and she has covered up their deaths with the investigation into you, Arabella.”
“Those women didn’t deserve to die. No one does. We need to put an end to her once and if I have to save you to do it, Arabella, I will.”
I looked at her. Her gaze was honest, open. Margaret looked at me waiting for my decision. Emery was asking me. Me of all people to join forces with her. Could I do it? Could I trust her?
“Do you have a plan?” I asked.
P
Emery smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”