Chapter 8

Valerie's Pov.

With every step my heart raced faster, we were far from Claven’s cabin when I realized that o was really doing this. Stepping back into the place that nearly took my life. Getting to the gate of the pack house, the air heavy with uncertainty and tension. My feet stuck to the ground for some minutes, looking around the gate. The sight brought back nostalgic memories.

A warm sensation filled my palms. It was Xandia’s palms locked in mine. “What’s wrong?”

Not sure whether my fears were valid. “It’s nothing. Just a little nervous.”

She tugged my arms, “don’t worry about anything. I’m with you.” Her firm voice gave me some confidence to enter into the pack house. Stared and shock on the faces of some guards and maids caused my stomach to growl.

“Good day, my lady!” One guard blocked us before stepping further into the alpha’s chamber. “The alpha is having a meeting with some delegates.”

Valerie nodded, “then we’ll wait by the side of the door.”

He threw me a weird glance, “the meeting is quite confidential. If you can just wait here until the meeting is over.”

Valerie kissed her teeth, “fine, since that’s your condition. We’ll wait here.” Tightening her grip on my hand as she led me to some waiting chairs. Glad that we didn’t have to barge in like that. I let my eyes wander. I’ve lived in the sick house but the alpha’s chamber has always been secluded for the alpha’s family she other important cabinet members.

The large railings on the windows and doors. Grand designs for the waiting area. The tiles designed with a large portrait of the alpha. The space so huge that despite the antiques and armors that furnished it, if o should shout my voice would still echo.

“Wait, until you see the actual chamber.”

Xandia commented, she must have read my expression before saying something. Feeling a little embarrassed , I lowered my gaze.

“I didn’t say you can’t look, Valerie.”

Lifting my head again, I noticed the guards in their black and purple leather uniforms. Swords and all sorts of ammunition on them. Their faces stern and without any emotion. They looked really scary making me imagine what would happen if things go wrong.

A large alarm blew off and all guards formed a sequence in front of chamber door that was opening. Cabinet members walking out of the chamber. Dressed in their usual expensive silk. Some of them had eyes contacts with me and I could see their shock.

Holding on to Valerie’s hand, I tried to not look until they were out of the court.

“You can go in now, my lady.” The guard that restricted us earlier said.

Swallowing air, I rose beside Xandia. She had a strange familiarity to her walk. Not being courteous as a princess just hype and jolly like a child.

She is the alpha’s daughter, I am not, so I had to ensure I walked in as slowly and graciously as o could.

The large bean of light that filled the chamber. From the golden timeless that covered the vast space. To the portraits of several alphas from the beginning of pack history. More guards stood at several axis. A silver tip design in the center of the chamber was as where we were directed to stand.

Close enough to see the alpha and his mate on the throne. Their eyes fixed on us with a shocked facial expression. Valerie bowed first and so did I.

“What is the meaning of this prank you are playing?”

Valerie confused, “what prank, dad?”

“Did we send for you?” Her mother’s softer voice asked. Valerie flashed a smile, I don’t know how she was able to smile in that moment.

“Sorry…but I needed to show you both my friend, Valerie.”

They stretched their necks to scan my face. I lifted my head to aid their identification process.

“Isn’t this the daughter of this traitors?!” The alpha roared, his voice resounding in the chamber.

All the hair in my body stood erect. “She is…my friend, Valerie. The one I was trying to convince you about earlier.”

They stared at each other for a while.

“So why is she here?”

It confirmed Claven’s suspicions, they didn’t send for me. It’s just Xandia trying to push her luck.

“Dad,” Xandia pouted, “remember, you said you were going to consider the case again. So I brought her to explain herself to you.”

“Xandia!” His mate jolting to her feet, “do you realize the gravity of your actions? This young lady has been banished from this pack and you bring her back without an official statement?!”

Xandia just stared at her father hoping he would say something to rescue her from his mate’s claws.

“So what is she here for?” The alpha asked in defeat.

Xandia smiled, “I brought her so you can hear the truth from the horses mouth.”

The alpha wagged his head in frustration.

It was obvious they didn't need my explanation.

“Dad, I’ve known Valerie all my life and she is not guilty of the accusations labeled against her.” She pulled me forward although it didn’t seem to be helping. She continued, “her late parents served you when they were alive and they did it dutifully.”

“Really?” He asked, not interested in the words she was spewing. “And how do you know all that?”

“Because Valerie and I have been best friends for the longest and her parents have always been kind to me.” Her eyes glistening and voice getting louder, “they gave everyone their loyalty before they were killed.”

Her parents didn’t seem to care about the words she was saying. From their eyes they seemed more concerned about the speaker than the speech.

“Come on, dad. I know you said you’ll consider. I brought Valerie to speak so it will help you figure out the truth.”

“Where did you find her?” The alpha’s question shut her up.

“In…the woods.”

Their eyes bulged nearly popping from its socket. “You left the chamber to go to the woods?!”

Her mother trying to calm the alpha, “Xandia, did you go with any guard?”

Her face puffed, “no…it wasn’t a far distance so I thought-“

“Stop thinking like that!” His voice thundered, my insides quaked. “You are my heir. That means you are the future alpha of this pack. You can’t be making stupid decisions.”

Her confidence deflated, head lowered. “I’m…sorry, dad.”

Just rocking in his chair, “you can’t afford to be fragile, Xandia. I’m here trying to convince my cabinet members that you are fit to be the next alpha and you are out there making….” He eyed me again, “…reckless decisions.”

“I’m sorry…didn’t mean to-“

“Shut up! I’m still talking.” his eyes darted in my direction, I swallowed hard especially feeling his fury on me. “Valerie’s parents committed a sin by siding with my opposition and that can never be forgiven.”

“But dad-“

“Xandia!” Her mother shunned her, “let your dad speak.”

She went mute letting the alphabet continue. “Of course I am not heartless for sending Valerie out of the pack house but it is the law of the pack. There was already news that I was being a bias alpha so I had to prove justice.”

He stared at me longer, “I know she is your friend but…the law stands.”

From beside me, a large wailing break out. Xandia talking to her knees and sobbing loudly. It was the most confusing moment for me. Not knowing how to react, I fall on my knees too.

“Dad, please!” Her hands clasped together, “will you punish the just with the unjust? Father, please give her a chance to prove her innocence.”

The alpha and his mate stared at each other quizzically as Xandia continued to cry even louder. “Please, consider my mate beta’s loyalty. Mercy!”

Seeing her in a pool of tears for me, pricked my heart. Tears welling up inside began to stream down. Xandia has gone through hell to get me to this place and now she was pleading against her parent’s wish. My palm found hers as we held on to each other. Tears streaming down in a pain that no words could express.

“Enough!” The alpha declared, his eyes looking away from us. “This is not a crying ground. So you both rise to your feet, now!”

I helped Xandia up, wiping my eyes gently. He turned to his daughter. “You really think she has something to tell me?”

“Yes dad.” Pushing me forward. My legs fidgety and heart thumping. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. What exactly did I have to say?

“Fine, since you insist.” Facing me, “Valerie, you can speak.