Chapter 141 Chapter One Hundred and Forty One

Chapter 141 Chapter One Hundred and Forty One
The next couple of days were busy. I had Salem moved out of the twins' room despite their protest. 

Salem didn't seem to want it either but she'd confirmed it'd be better if she slept with the lights on.

After explaining the need for them to sleep separately, the girls understood. 

I was relieved by their quick understanding and began setting up a room for Salem.

My relief didn't last long because as soon as the preparations began, Freya wanted a separate room too. 

She was persistent enough and I eventually gave in so all three girls had their own spaces and they were being decorated how they wanted them.

Mama, Papa, and Farron left a day later. I already missed them so much but they had to head back and Xander was too glad to have Farron gone from our home. 

I walked outside our wing, heading downstairs to check out the final deliveries for the girls' room. 

"Luna" I heard Gabriel's voice and came to a stop.

"Fancy seeing you out of the office" I said with a smile and he snorted.

"I swear the alpha is more of a workaholic than ever. Can't you take him on a trip or something?"

"That only means more work for you Gabriel" I noted.

"I can be lazy about it. He's always breathing down my neck to have things done quickly"

"Then just do it"

"You're forgetting I'm lazy. I'd give anything to get an assistant right now"

"So ask" he scoffed.

"He'll think it's ridiculous" 

"Having help isn't ridiculous because if it was, he wouldn't need you and the others" Gabriel hummed as if agreeing with what I was saying. 

"I'll ask when he's in a good mood"

"He was in a good mood when I left him"

"He's only ever in a good mood when you're around" Gabriel snapped his fingers like an idea had come to him.

"Become my assistant. The king will be much nicer to be around if you're close by"

"You do know I won't do any actual work. He won't let me and you'll end up doing all the work. Besides, who will look after the children"

Gabriel sighed. "You know what, I can bring it up to him"

"You'd do that?" I nodded.

An assistant meant a reduced workload and I'll gladly make it happen if it meant I could spend more time with my mate.

"Just don't tell him I complained" Gabriel added just as we crossed the kitchen and I heard a loud commotion.

Angry shouts and yelling. Unable to ignore, I turned in the direction of the noise and he followed me. The narrow hallway behind the kitchen was packed, servants yelling angrily.

"Order" Gabriel's voice rang loudly and the hallway instantly quietened. 

The servants at the back stepped away once they recognized us and we passed through the sea of bodies to the front where a woman was on her knees, clothes ripped apart and her shoulders shook heavily. 

"What's going on?" Gabriel asked and I crouched in front of her, offering my hand. She took it and I helped her up. Then I glanced at her face. 

It was the woman from last night. The one who had her entire face burned.

"She's a thief" someone shouted from above us. I let go of her hands and took a step back, standing beside Gabriel.

"What did she steal?"

"Money. We found it all with her" the woman shouted.

"And what's the proper way to deal with a thief?" I asked in a calm voice and silence descended on the hallway.

"I need an answer" I ordered firmly and they exchanged nervous glances.

"Didn't you think it's proper to report to your superior and have it handled rather than taking matters into your hands?" Not a single word was uttered.

"Dismissed. All of you before you're punished" they bolted faster than anything I'd ever seen and under a minute, the woman, Gabriel, and I were the only ones in the hallway.

"Where is the money?" Gabriel asked, stepping forward.

"They took all of it" she mumbled in a small voice. 

"I'll have her escorted to the dungeon" Gabriel stepped in but I stopped him.

"Why?"

"That's proper procedure. She stole, the others have confirmed it and she'll need to face the consequences"

"I didn't..." she started but one look from Gabriel instantly shut her up.

"I'll handle this" I said to Gabriel.

"Anna?" He sounded unsure.

"Yes. Just continue with whatever you have to do"

"Very well then" he shot the woman a meaningful look and then he walked away.

"What's your name?" I asked her once we were alone.

"Val..."

"What?"

"Valerie. That's my name Luna" I stared at her with a mix of doubt and unease. 

For a moment I thought she had the same name as the dead friend mama talked about.

"Where are you from? I haven't seen you in this pack before"

"That's right. I'm from the neighboring pack. I came here for work when I heard the pack house needed servants" I nodded. 

"And did you steal?"

"No. I'd never. I don't know how the money ended up with my things but I'd never steal from anyone" she sounded sincere enough and I nodded.

"But it's hard to disprove their claims when the money was found with you. Is there anyone who can stand in your d'avoir as a witness"

She shook her head.  "Sadly, no. I don't have many friends here because of my...appearance"

"Are you being mistreated for your burn scars?"

"It's not an issue. My look can be frightening. Even with children" she said, referring to the incident of that night.

"I apologize for their reactions"

"It's fine. They're children. They must have been shocked by my look. I hope none of them had nightmares"

"No" I said quickly.

"And I hope you don't feel bad about it"

"It's fine Luna. I'm really honored to serve in this pack and I hope these recent events won't be a reason to send me away"

"Nobody will ask you to leave because of how you look. But the matter of theft....."

"I can assure you I didn't steal anything" she cut me off.

"Sadly, we can't prove that but Gabriel will handle the investigation and the truth will come to light"

"He doesn't seem to like me much"

"You can tell just by a look?"

"My appearance..."

"Has nothing to do with this. Theft is a serious crime and he'll handle it fairly. And you'll get justice"

"Maybe we should let it be. I don't want anyone getting into trouble. They'll only hate me more"

"Relax Valerie. I'll handle all of it. In the meantime, you won't stay amongst the servants"

"Are you firing me?"

"No. I don't want you around them. There's a spare room in the beaker's quarters. I'll have you moved up there until the investigation is complete"

"Thank you" she muttered but I couldn't tell if she was pleased from the sound of her voice.

"I'll have it arranged. You go and wait at the healers"

"Thank you Luna" she bowed and I turned away, heading to my mate's office.

I needed to find out something.