Chapter 76

The two hours seemed to pass by slowly, as everyone waited around for the Council to be finished reviewing all of the testimony and evidence. They had to review some of their laws, and make sure they hadn't missed any loop holes. Once that was done, everyone was called to return to meeting room.

The Council had requested that each prisoner be brought in separately to receive their verdict and punishment. Hushed whispers amongst everyone seemed to indicate that this was unusual, but it was the Council's prerogative on how to proceed. Their authority was only superseded by the Werwolf King and his Council, which resided in Italy.

Prior to having the prisoners return, the Council wished to address Alpha Gabe and Alpha Garrett before the sentencing. They strode forward to the front of the room, standing stiffly as the Council shuffled some papers around and whispered quietly. Councilman A, who seemed to be the one primarily in charge of this trial, raised his hand to indicate he wished for everyone to remain silent.

"We wish to address the both of you, as you have brought these issues before us. I want you to know that we did contact the pack in Oregon, regarding Wyatt. They were unaware of his reason for coming out here. I am inclined to believe them, as they seemed genuinely shocked. We had one of our representatives there in person to visually assess their response while we spoke to them on the phone. Once we are finished here, the werwolf Robert, will be returned to the Pack as soon as possible. He has a mate waiting for him who is about to give birth." He shuffled some more papers around and then raised his gaze to Alpha Garrett. "Alpha Garrett, we are uncertain as to why you never reported the ongoing feud between your packs, or the missing wolves. I'd like an explanation for that before we continue."

Alpha Garrett cleared his throat before speaking. "We did not think it was worthy of Council involvement. We actually were not even aware that the missing wolves had anything to do with our war, especially since they had both disappeared before Alpha Chris declared war. I am regretful that we did not seek your assistance now that I know what they have done to my pack members." Alpha Garrett hung his head, his regret evident on his face.

Councilman A nodded his head and then turned to Alpha Gabe. "Had you known about the ongoing harassment of Carolyn Cane? Further, who was informed of the execution of her mate?".

"I was not aware of the harassment initially. In fact, I really only heard of it right before the situation involving the dead rabbit. As for the notification, it was sent to the werwolf king for approval, which is why it was delayed. He had to review the charges and then give permission to proceed", Alpha Gabe advised the Council.

"Very well, you both may return to your respective places." Councilman A waved his hand in dismissal, garnering a perturbed look from Alpha Gabe. The Council was no different than them. They had once been Alpha's of their own Packs, retiring to take appointments on the Council.

***

Alpha Gabe

As the Council waved us off rudely, I found myself angry, clenching my fists at my side. None the less, I returned to my place at the side of the room and waited for justice to be served.

The first to be pulled from his cell was Wyatt. I looked at him as he walked into the conference room, a smirk on his face. I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face with my fist. I watched as he turned his head to where Carolyn sat, giving her an icy stare before the Protector shoved him down to his seat and chained his shackles to the clasp on the table.

Councilman A looked up at Wyatt, disdain clear on his face. "Wyatt Cane, you are aware of your charges. We have done our due diligence to explore every aspect of our laws as to how they apply to you, as well as investigating the entire situation prior to your sentencing. Were you aware that your brothers execution was approved by the King?", he asked.

Wyatt squirmed in his seat before answering. "I was not."

The entire Council looked down at him with surprise. "Your brother committed a crime against his mate, which is punishable by death. Were you not aware of that either," Councilman A kept his tone level.

"Ummm well I knew they didn't get along. I hardly see how that deserves the death sentence," Wyatt spat his response. This caused a growl to come from Cody's throat. I looked back at him shaking my head. It was clear by the surprised look on his face that it was his wolf that had come forward before he could push him back.

"I'd hardly think that beating his mate to the point that she lost a pup, or had broken bones and scars on her body, to be called not getting along. That being said, we are not here to discuss the criminal actions of a man who was already sentenced, we are here to discuss yours. We find you guilty of all charges. Your Alpha does not wish you to return to your pack. He asks that we allow you to serve your prison time elsewhere. I can only assume that Alpha Gabe does not wish you here either," Councilman A looked up at me for confirmation. I nodded in response. "Very well. Wyatt Cane, you will serve no less than twenty years in a werwolf prison. You will be subdued with daily doses of wolfsbane in order to keep you from shifting and your wolf to become feral. Your mate will be released of her bond to you, should she wish it. Your Alpha has agreed to allow her to stay in the pack that has always been her home," the entire Council stared down at Wyatt, who had gone completely still, a look of disbelief on his face.

"Since you cannot serve your time here or in Portland, the Alpha in Santa Fe has offered for you to serve your time there. It's hot and dusty and probably not anything like you are used to. Not that it matters, you won't be spending time outside. Should you live out your sentence and are released in twenty years, you will be sent to a South American Pack to live out the rest of your days. Do you have anything to say before we remove you from this meeting room and prepare your transport to Texas?," Councilman A asked him.

I could visibly see Wyatt swallow, his eyes darting back and forth between the Councilmen. "Is there anything I can do to sway you or change my sentence?," he asked nervously.

"No, you cannot. You will be allowed one telephone call to your mate and then you will be readied for transport," He turned to one of the Protectors standing by the wall. "Byron, escort the prisoner back and prepare him for his sentence." The Protector walked to the table and unlatched the shackles. As he went to pull Wyatt from his seat, Wyatt threw his arms up towards the Protector, catching him on the side of his face with his shackles. The Protector stumbled back slightly surprised, but before Wyatt could even move, The Protector had swung his fist back and knocked him out cold. He then picked his limp body up and swung him over his shoulder, as if he weighed nothing. There were a few snickers from the other Protectors, but then the room went quiet again as they exited.