The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 167: Chapter 167

: Lucas
I didn’t expect to hear back from Soloman for a while, if at all before we reconvened in the conference hall. We wouldn’t have the opportunity to safely meet before then anyway. I would have liked to get an idea of what direction the deliberations were going. The fact that they were taking as long as they were was a little unsettling. But Anders still had council members on his payroll. Depending on how they got there, they wouldn’t be likely to betray him regardless of the evidence in front of them.
It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that we finally received notice to return to the conference hall. Sutton and I made our way downstairs, heads held high. I received several supportive nods from my fellow pack leaders as we took our seats. The last to arrive were the Dawn Stalkers, looking decidedly less smug than they had earlier.
Sutton squeezed my arm suddenly. I felt a spike of anger cross our bond before she quickly suppressed the reaction.
‘Hannah…’
It wasn’t hard to see the cause of her distress. Hannah had accompanied Mason again, however, her physical appearance was somewhat diminished. The well-styled updo she had worn earlier in the day had been pulled loose. Her brown hair falling over her shoulders, almost covering her face. Yet not enough to hide the uncharacteristically heavy makeup I could spot across the room. Her movements were stiff as she sat down behind Mason. She looked timid compared to the bold and decisive girl I’d seen over the past two days.
I’d like to say I shared my mate’s outrage over the obvious treatment Hannah had received but I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong. Their behavior still disgusted me, and I wasn’t going to say she deserved this punishment. But after the pain and anguish she so deliberately caused Sutton, I also couldn’t bring myself to feel sympathy for her either. Still, I linked Max to make sure he was on top of the plan to get her back to Ironpaw territory.
I rested a hand on Sutton’s to reassure her as the door at the far end of the room opened. The Council started to file out, filling their seats in the same orderly fashion as always. Councilman Erhardt went to his lectern, ready to address the room.
“We have reconvened to make a decision regarding the complaint put forward by Alpha Anders of the Dawn Stalker Pack,” Erhardt began, skipping the niceties. “According to Alpha Anders, Alpha Lucas of the Ironpaw Pack was responsible for aggressions against the Dawn Stalker border, colluding with other pack leaders against his pack, the near-fatal attack on Beta Mason, and the abduction of one Sutton Langston. He has requested that we take action against Alpha Lucas to stop any further hostilities as well as returning Ms. Langston to his care.
“In response, we have heard the testimony of the accused. During that testimony, we witnessed a confession for the attack on Beta Mason and were provided evidence to support the story and circumstances of the event. As such, the Royal Council has chosen to claim its right of judgment and clear Ms. Langston of any proposed wrongdoing as the evidence supports, without any reasonable doubt, that any action taken against Beta Mason was in self-defense.”
I felt the relief wash over Sutton, feeling the same myself.
“As for the accusations of border aggressions, we are left with a less obvious answer,” Erhardt continued. “At this time, we are only left with hearsay and self-proclamations. Because we have not been given any evidence that supports either testimony, we have decided to propose a formal investigation into each pack. This solution will, according to the tradition of the Summit, be put to a vote.”
Anders jumped to his feet. “This is not the solution that was discussed. I will not have my reputation and integrity tarnished by this violent, power-hungry tyrant.”
“Then you should have thought of that before coming here without a stronger case, Alpha Anders,” Councilman Erhardt replied. “That is the solution we can fairly offer. So, all those in favor of a formal investigation into border aggressions, say aye.”
“Aye,” I announced confidently as I stood.
My allies quickly followed suit. I could see Anders working to contain his rage. He had to make a calculated decision now. If he voted against the investigation, especially since I have shown my support, he would all but confirm his guilt. At the very least, any further accusations would carry little to no weight moving forward.
“Aya,” Anders announced through gritted teeth.
“All those opposed, say nay.”
The remaining pack leaders voted against the investigation. Based on their expressions, Alpha Lemont and Luna Kimo seemed to think this whole thing was a waste of time. I was curious to see a little over half of the Council vote nay as well.
“Very well, there will be no formal investigation at this time,” Erhardt announced. “The matter of border tensions between the Ironpaw Pack and the Dawn Stalker Pack will be considered closed. That being said, during this process, a new and very serious crime has come to our attention.”
The murmurs that had been circulating through the room died down.
“The sanctity of the mate bond is one that our people have always honored and protected,” Erhardt continued. “To find out that a pack Beta had not only forced a bond on someone but then proceeded to abuse and terrorize that mate for years is not something we can ignore. Because of the overwhelming evidence and truly brave testimony of Ms. Langston, the Royal Council has unanimously decided to grant Alpha Lucas’ primary request for resolution. As of the end of this session, Beta Mason will be remanded into the custody of the Royal Guard until the end of this Alpha’s Summit.” Mason launched to his feet, screaming and yelling. Erhardt ignored him and spoke louder. “At which time, he will be transported to the Ironpaw lands to face whatever sentence Alpha Lucas and the Ironpaw Pack deems appropriate.”