Chapter 9

Valerie Pov..

Now thinking of what yo say the words were failing me. What exactly can I say at this moment? ‘The truth’ the soft voice in my head responded. Heaving a deep sigh, lifting my head to begin speaking.

“My lord, I grew up with my father spending his entire life for you. From missing my birthdays to forgetting his anniversary with my mum. Yet, it was for a just cause.” Thinking of those moments again caused a swell to rise in my throat.

“…serving beside you as your trusted beta for years. Risking his life time and time again.” Wiping the lone tear that escaped my right eye. “He loved you, my lord. And I know you are angry due to the allegations but…deep down you know it.”

“Hmmm…” was all he said, twitching my confidence. Threading on egg shells, there’s very little I can do right now to avoid stepping on his toes.

“He imbibed in me the teachings of integrity that I have held on to for years. He would never betray the pack.”

“You sound so sure.” The queen said, leaning forward. “Is there something you know that we don’t?”

My tongue stuck firmly some seconds before wagging my head. “Nothing, apart from the fact that he was my father and I saw his earnest desire and love for the pack.” Swallowing hard as I continued. “We all know how he died.”

Talking about it was opening wells of pain I had left buried a long time ago. Taking me to that rainy night of an invasive attack by some of the alpha’s enemies.

“Apart from the fact that he served beside you all his life, he also laid down his life for you to be here today.”

The alpha adjusting slightly on his chair. His eyes fixed on me. I’ll give anything to be able to read his moment but in that moment, I had to take the wild guess that he was getting more and more interested.

“Nothing thinking of the reality he had as a father and a husband. He laid his life did you and the pack.” A swell rising in my throat.

“Valerie, are you here to remind us of what we know? And from the records, it turns out your father planned with the attackers just to look like the hero, too bad he stabbed himself in the leg.”

Subtle rage swelling in my belly, “with all due respect, my lord.” Trying to keep my tone as respectful as possible. “That’s not true. You were there.” Wiping the tears streaming down my face. “Despite dying for the pack, my father made us swear to serve the pack with our last blood.”

Looking at their faces and fur the first time reeling the urge to blame them for making me an orphan. “Even in my young age, despite my friendship with Xandia. My father never failed to remind me of my place…” catching my breath, “and that’s to protect her and by extension the entire royal family. He made us swear it. My lord, my father was a loyalist even to the end of his life!” Breaking down in tears that had welled without bounds. Almost like I just relived the most heartbreaking moment of my life.

Feeling a warm sensation on my back, soft and gentle. “It’s fine, Valerie.” Xandia whispered, “and I believe you.”

Her hands still caressing my back when her voice resounded in the chamber. “Father, what more does she have to say for you to believe that her parents were framed?”

“Xandia!” The queen shunned her but almost like she got even more fired up.

“I still remember how many times, Valerie’s dad saved me. From the swimming pool during one of my birthday party to many others that I can’t mention now.” Turning to her mother, “what about when he risked his life to save you from the pack house fire years ago? You all can’t act like you don’t remember that he is an unsung hero…”

“Xandia!”

Falling to her knees beside me. Her hands clasped. “Dad, you’ve always reminded me that I should be grateful about all that is done for me. So why are you both now being ungrateful?!”

“Now, that’s enough!” The alpha jolting to his feet. His face beet red like he could tear us into pieces if we come any closer. “Guards!” He thundered, the ground beneath us shook.

Three hefty guards rushed in almost immediately. “Yes, my lord!”

“Take her to her chambers, now!”

Xandia becoming more alert, her eyes bulging, voice even louder. “Dad, no! Please….don't take me away from Valerie.” Resisting the grip of the guards, “I don’t want to go to my room.”

“Young lady don’t make me place you on confinement!” His hands going up. The guards immediately seized in their struggle. Xandia crying louder, “dad, I’m sorry. Just don’t take me away.” Facing her mother, “mum, please can you help me beg dad.”

“Xandia, you are just making things worse.” The luna affirmed, “listen to your dad and leave.”

Whimpering under her breath as she slowly wiped her eyes. Wrapping her hands around me. “I’m always going to be here, ok?”

“It’s fine, Xandia. I love you.” Pushing tears back. With that, she dragged her legs behind the guards as they led her out of the Alpha’s chamber.

My heart began racing again. I didn’t know her absence affected me as much as it did. My palms jittery, for the first time realizing the ones in whose presence I stand. I’m not their daughter to get a soft landing. He’s the alpha of this great pack. Able to do and undo just at his words.

“Rise!”

Not sure I heard correctly, I bowed my head lower. The voice came again this time it was sterner. “I said, rise!”

My feet jolting my body to a standing position like the Alpha’s order overrided my brain. Lifting my eyes slightly to catch a glimpse of the alpha and his luna. Their countenance sterner than it was earlier. Almost like they were blaming for their daughter’s defiance.

“Valerie, I’ve heard all you said.” His vice as cold as ice, “but I don’t care. Just like every other guard who have sworn their life to keep the alpha safe, your father did the same.” He paused, “just that your father conspired with the enemies of this pack against me.”

“But, my lord that’s-“

“Are you mad?!” The queen’s voice pierced the air. I could feel her burning gaze on me, wearing sheer disgust on her face.

“As I was saying, I can’t afford to have my only daughter and the future alpha of this great pack to be friends with the daughter of a traitor.” His words pierced like a burning dagger. After all said and done, all I am, is the daughter of a traitor.

Not trying to hold back the tears impending, I let his flow down my cheeks. They didn’t seem to care about my emotions.

“I know you and Xandia have been friends for years.” Throwing a glance to his Luna, before saying. “It’s time for you both to split up and go your separate ways.”

My ears tingled, my heart shattering all in place. Xandia is the only friend have known. For years, we have been together. Like soul sisters from the same parents. Now they want me to throw it all away?

“My lord, Xandia and I have been friends since birth.”

“We know that already.” The Luna said, this time more calmly. “You want us to forgive your parents, right?”

Wagging my head at the opportunity of vindication. “Yes, my lady.”

“Good! Then you have to accept the alpha’s condition.”

My throat went dry immediately. Their explanation still appeared vague to me. Is it actually possible to stay away from Xandia?

“So…you want me…to leave the…pack house?” I stuttered unable to put the words together.

“No, you can return back to the pack house. But on no condition whatsoever do I want you anywhere close to my daughter! If you are found anywhere close to her, it will cost you your life!”

Now, this is impossible. The pack house is huge enough for that to happen. But, then again, it’s Xandia, how do I avoid contact with her? This just an automatic death sentence, isn’t it? Looking a

round as if trying to find my answer on their faces.

“Have I made myself clear?!”