08. Accused (c)

ELISSE

Alaric stepped closer, gripping my chin firmly and forcing me to meet his gaze.

He said, “it’s suspicious that the alpha’s scent clings to you. Are you really that desperate to steal my sister’s mate?”

“What? No! That’s not true!” I denied his accusation.

“Tricks like this have been used for years, Elisse. Trying to take someone else’s mate by offering yourself. I never thought you were this low. Don’t expect a light punishment, this is disgraceful.”

"He's my mate not Selena's."

“You really are just like your late mother, a damn whore. We barely tolerate a whore’s daughter in this pack. If we were truly merciless, you’d have been wiped out long ago.”

“Don’t you dare bring my mother into this.”

“Oh, why not? She stole my uncle from his true mate, and now look at you ... doing the exact same thing to my sister.”

“My mother didn’t choose that! Fate binds mates, given by the Moon Goddess herself!”

He laughed coldly, eyes full of contempt. “Fate, huh? And I suppose fate can be twisted and bought with lies and seduction, just like you, trying to snatch my sister’s mate right under her nose. Hoping he’d reject her for you.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He smirked cruelly and jabbed his finger against my forehead. “Oh, I know exactly how women like you work.”

Without another word, he spun on his heel and strode toward the door. “Take her down to the room. We’ll prepare the trial.”

His men grabbed my arms with iron grips. No matter how much I struggled, I was no match for them. Physically, I was weak compared to these elite pack warriors.

Alaric glanced back at me, a cold, ruthless gleam in his eyes. Quietly, almost mocking, he said, “And, Men ... enjoy her while we get the trial ready.”

His words slammed into me like a punch to the gut. I gasped, burning with disbelief and rage. “What the hell are you talking about?!”

“You’re already marked by Alpha Dravenhall. Might as well add another scent to your skin. Let’s see if that alpha still wants you after.”

“I’m family, your cousin! How can you be so heartless? At least wait for Alpha Dravenhall to explain.”

“Explain? Nobody gives a damn. My sister’s mate is one in a million. You? You’re worthless. You’ll never have someone like him.”

“You’ll regret this,” I spat. “Alpha Dravenhall will tear you apart for what you’re doing to me! He must be able to feel the pain I’m going through because of you."

He laughed, sneering. “Oh, I’m shaking in my boots. Truth is, I think he will thank us for keeping the cheap girl away from his true mate ... my sister.”

"Just—"

"Shut up, enjoy free time while we prepare the trial ... locked up with two of our strongest warriors.”

"NO!"

"Don’t act so innocent, you’ve already been caught being a whore.”

He didn’t wait for me to say anything. He just turned around and walked away, his loud laughter echoed in my ears.

I always knew he was ruthless, but I never imagined he could be this merciless.

“Alaric!” I screamed, struggling harder. “Alaric! Don't do this! Alaric!”

They dragged me off, grinning with savage delight. Their eyes promised nothing but pain. My throat tightened, nausea creeping up as anger and fear churned inside me.

I lashed out. Kicking. Hitting—desperate.

“Let me go!”

They ignored me, pulling me faster toward whatever nightmare awaited.

I had to come up with a plan to escape before they could lay a hand on me. No one got to touch me, but my mate.

Besides, I refused to accept how they treated me earlier. Did they really think they could get away with humiliating and pushing me around like that?

Now, I knew my true mate was Dario Dravenhall, the strongest Alpha in this territory. All I had to do was make sure he’d avenge me later.

***