Caleb’s POV
Understanding that the Alpha’s hands were tied since all clues were pointing to Ashley and me, I remained cooperative so as not to worsen the case for Ashley.
“Where is he? Did you have him locked up here like a fucking criminal?” I heard Luna’s angry screams from outside the door.
She barged in the next minute, panting like she had just run a marathon.
“On the king’s orders, he is to be released. Ashley and Caleb were in the surveillance room on my orders. As you all know, they are one of my most trusted allies. The perpetrator must have timed it perfectly, seeing that it would be easier to push the blame on someone else.” She explained, and I sat there shocked to the bone that The Luna was lying for my sake.
It brought tears to my eyes.
“Is this true, Caleb? I don’t enjoy holding you here myself.” The officer asked me.
“Yes. It is.” I answered simply, and the officer bowed to the queen and left.
“Caleb, are you alright?” She asked me, hurrying towards me with a bottle of cold water.
“Yes. The Alpha did what he had to do. I understand what it looks like, but I swear on the moon goddess and my honor that I know nothing of it. I have been watching Ashley like a Hulk.” I explained.
“I believe you, Caleb. Things are different with you men, so I’ll let you and my husband sort out things. Somehow, I don’t know what to make of the note and the skinned fox.” She noted sadly.
She suddenly looked at me, her eyes wide with shock, like she had just realized something.
“Where is Mrs. Edna’s hospital? Rolan has refused to tell me about it because he thinks I would want to go and see her.” She said and I smiled.
“My Luna, I see what you did there. I will give you the location, but the Alpha must never find out it came from me. Here’s the Director’s number so you can arrange for a convenient date.” I said and scribbled the director’s phone number on a piece of paper, handing it over to her politely.
“Thank You, Caleb. When all of this is over, come out publicly with your relationship. Why are you doing hide and seek all over the place anyway?” She asked me.
“Just the thrill of it,” I answered, trying to mask the true reason.
Even though I was Ashley’s mate, she was hopelessly and helplessly in love with the Alpha. The only reason why she indulged me was to satisfy her wolf craving for me.
“Are you sure?” She asked, studying me intently.
“Yes My Luna,” I answered as politely as I could.
“Alright then. You are free to go but stay around, and I want you on top of this case. It is the only way we can sort all these accusations out.” She said and walked out.
I quickly picked up my phone and dialed Ashley’s number. It rang twice before she picked up.
“Hello, Caleb.”
“Hello, Ash. Are you okay?” I asked her, the worry threatening to stop my heartbeat.
“I am. Heard you got arrested. Are you fine?” She asked coldly.
I was thrown back by her nonchalant reaction to me getting hurt. It was almost like a fog had been lifted off my eyes, and the searing pain that, I felt, was so heart-wrenching that I struggled not to cry.
“I am. You know, I would have expected you to be more concerned. Considering that, you are also a prime suspect in this case. Where the fuck are you? We need to talk.” I said angrily, struggling to control my temper.
“Your chambers.” She answered and dropped the call before I could say anything.
Never in my life have I remembered driving as badly as I did while I hurried home. As soon as I entered the house, Ashley threw herself on me and kissed me deeply. Even though my resolve was weakened I was still clear headed enough to have an honest conversation with Ashley.
“Stop. We need to talk.” I said, peeling her slowly off my body.
“Are you serious? We didn’t do anything. That is why I was not worried.” She huffed coldly and walked away from me.
“Ashely, we can actually be tried for treason if we can not clear our names,” I explained the severity of the situation to her, hoping that she would understand and act better.
“And so? We didn’t do it. You are a skillful and valuable asset to the pack, they won’t have the heart to hurt you. The Luna won’t let me be hurt by anyone either. We should relax. There’s really nothing to be worried about.” She said playfully and blew me a kiss.
My mind began to rummage through the memories of the past few months, I felt like I was missing something. Maybe it was today that I was just seeing how cold Ashley really was.
“Ashley, are you hurt that Rolan took your mom and your brother away?” I asked calmly, hoping and praying that my suspicions were not true.
She looked at me and hissed before sauntering off to the bedroom.
“Ashley, I am talking to you!” I yelled.
“Well, what the fuck do you want to hear from me? That I’m happy? Of course, I’m bloody not. I did threaten the Alpha, but it doesn’t mean that I do not hold a little resentment for how he took everything away from me” she fired back.
Her eyes were red from fury and her chest heaved up and down.
“Ashley, Your brother begged Rolan to take you. He begged Rolan to let him pay for killing Kirsten. But I know you were a party to all of that. You are my mate, but I will not hesitate to take you down if you try to hurt Rolan or Pandora.” I started, making sure she understood every word that I said.
“In that case, we shouldn’t be mates then. Reject me if you can!” She dared me and walked into the room.
“Fuck!” I exclaimed and punched my sofa.