Griffin’s POV
She was weak and barely alive when I got to her. Whatever had happened to her these past few days in the forest had not been nice to her at all.
I carried her gently and took her back to the car, taking great care not to hurt her any more than she already was. The only reason Rolan had asked me to be nice to her was the fact that Caleb had managed to survive the gunshot wound.
The drive back to the pack was short and less harrowing than when I was coming as I had not known what to expect. Ashley stirred and opened her eyes, recognition slowly creeping into her eyes.
“Where’s my mother?” She asked, her voice weak and groggy, the events of the last few days evident in her voice.
“I don’t know. Some of the men are still looking for her. I found you weak, and you were about to be attacked by some wild animals.” I told her calmly, trying not to instill any dread in her at all.
“Caleb. Where is Caleb? I didn’t mean to hurt him, but my mom shot him as soon as he entered the room. I didn’t even know she had a gun. I would never kill my mate. My heart has been torn apart.” She cried.
I have been dealing with criminals all my life, people who have been guilty of the crimes that they had committed but acted the total opposite, crying and wailing even more than the bereaved.
This was not the case, I could see the fear in her voice and her eyes, even though she was still disoriented and weak.
As soon as I got to the palace, I was met at the door with Pandora and Wilson waiting eagerly for us. The doctor had been invited and even though I would have taken her to the clinic first, Wilson had insisted that he wanted to see her first.
“Oh my. She doesn’t look good. Have her attended to by the doctor immediately.” Pandora ordered.
I was a bit upset that they were teething with her this way because Pandora liked her. Even though I have never had altercations with Pandora, her presence in Rolan’s life made him soft.
There was no way the old Rolan that I used to know would have given her medical attention first, unless, of course, he needed her health to deal with her properly.
Ever since Pandora came into his life, it was a side of him that I had never known existed was born. All he wanted to do now was please her and make sure that everything she says is what he did.
“I found her first. The rest of the men are still combing the forest for Ms. Edna and the lover.” I reported promptly to Rolan as soon as we were alone in his study.
Wilson and Pandora were busy tending to Ashley’s health like she had not committed a grievous crime. Even though she was not guilty of pulling the trigger, she is still an accessory to murder and must be treated as such.
“I want the two of them found. They are very important to me. I want them brought to me alive too.” He said to me and I nodded my head.
“Alpha…” I started, stopping in my tracks as I did not know how he would take the news.
“You can say whatever it is you want to say.” He nodded at me.
“Alright Alpha. I want to know if we are just going to let Ashley get away with what she has done. Considering that the other party involved is one of our wolf warriors.” I inquired, making sure my voice was as humble and calm as possible.
“She will be punished but aside from aiding her mom to escape with her, she didn’t really commit a crime. I would like to speak with her to know exactly what happened that day, but it would be after everyone else later today. Pandora won’t let anyone close to her” he answered, a small smile appearing on his face.
He was thinking of Pandora fondly at a crucial time like this. It made me hate the mating bond a bit and I just wanted to be out of his presence as fast as I could.
“Alright Alpha,” I said hesitantly.
“Did she say anything to you when you found her?” He asked me, looking at me intently.
“Yes. She mentioned not killing Caleb and not even knowing that her mother had brought a gun with her.” I replied.
“Well, that goes further to prove my initial thought. I have studied Ashley since my wife likes her so much. She would do anything because she was a fast thinker, but she wouldn’t be stupid enough to try to kill her mate. Especially one that is very important to me.” He hummed and I wondered if he could not see what they were doing to him.
His wife was undermining his powers because of her emotions, and he was entertaining them too. Very soon, he will ask that Wilson and Ashley be made comfortable since we have taken over their pack.
“That is really what you think, Alpha?” I asked him, just to make him see the need to punish her for her crimes.
“Yes. Is there anything else that I need to think about, Griffin?”
“I just thought you would be more upset about the condition of Caleb. How do you think he will feel when he wakes up to the betrayal of his mate and finds out that you didn’t give him the justice that he deserves?” I asked him again, the anger seeping out through my tone even though I had tried my best to curtail it.
“Why don’t you try to be the Alpha, Griffin?” His voice was sharp, his face clearly displeased with what I had said.
“I’m sorry. It was not my intention.” I quickly apologized.
“You may leave now. Make sure Zach and Ms. Edna are brought back unharmed.” He instructed before waving me away.