Chapter 28 CHAPTER 028
Ari POV:
As soon as Harry turned around and left, I walked to the closet and grabbed the first outfit I lay my hand on. The same green dress I had worn the last time I went for my hearing.
The council hall was already packed with everyone when I arrived. Among the elderly men, I could only recognize the familiar face of Harry who flashed me a sad smile.
Their whispers died as soon as I stepped inside. Their heads turned and their eyes narrowed upon seeing my outfit. Some of them flashed curious gazes, but most of them were hostile.
At the raised dais, Stone lounged in his throne, keeping his fingers steepled, while his gaze slid over me like I was an insignificant flea he hadn’t decided how to squash yet. Beside him, Sierra perched on the armrest, withone leg crossed over the other, as her lips curled in a smirk that was meant for me.
Stone straightened and the room fell silent.
"Now that we are gathered here today to decide what happens with the strange girl my wolf brought in, I would like to hear your thoughts." He chose his words carefully.
A tall man, stout and dark skinned rose first. "I will like to say something, your highness."
"Go on, Gamma Bellum," Stone said, his voice sounding like falling rocks.
Bellum cleared his throat, his beady eyes flickering over me with undisguised disdain.
"She’s a liability, Alpha. A wolfless omega with no lineage we can trace. Her presence here has already caused unrest among the pack. The elders believe she’s a bad omen." His lip curled. "And frankly, her… condition makes her unsuitable to even breathe the same air as our Lycan King."
I clenched my fists, the fabric of my dress wrinkling under my grip. I could feel their disgusted stares coupled with Stone’s bored detachment, Sierra’s smug satisfaction, and the council’s collective hunger to see me torn apart.
Another man rose next, his silver beard twitching as he spoke. From his facial features, I could tell he was related to Harry. Could that be his father?
"She’s unnatural. No wolf should be able to calm a Lycan’s rage without magic. The only explanation is witchcraft." He leveled a finger at me. "She’s infiltrated our ranks to weaken you, Alpha. Mark my words."
Sierra let out a soft, mocking laugh, her fingers trailing possessively down Stone’s arm. "And let’s not forget how she parades around the palace like she belongs here. Wearing dresses like a slut?" She smirked. "Delusional."
My throat burned. I wanted to scream that I hadn’t chosen any of this, that I’d been dragged here half-dead by a wolf with a mind of its own. But the words stuck like tar in my lungs.
Then another elder stood, his hunched frame trembling with age, but his voice came out razor-sharp. "I propose banishment. Let the woods have her. If she survives, it’s the Moon Goddess’ will. If not…" He shrugged. "One less problem."
Stone’s fingers drummed against the armrest, his expression unreadable. I dared to meet his eyes just for a second, but there was nothing there.
Sierra leaned in, whispering something that made his jaw tighten. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Stone silenced the room. "Enough." His gaze finally settled on me, but it wasn’t the look I’d secretly hoped for.
"Ari Shimmer," he began, his voice rising through the room, "will remain in Ricko, under my protection."
Protesting murmurs erupted, but a single glance from him silenced them. "But she will abide by my rules. She stays in my chambers unless I require privacy." His gaze flicked to me, and I could sense the darkness in his eyes. "And she will do as I say."
My nails dug into my palms. A decorated cage was still a cage. But what choice did I have?
"Fine," I muttered, lifting my chin. The agreeing tone with which I said it made me feel like throwing up.
Stone rose, and the assembly bowed as he strode out without sparing me another glance. The room emptied quickly as the council members scattered, all eager to gossip. Only Sierra stayed back. She prowled closer, her four inches strapped heels clicking against the floor.
"Looks like someone is trying to force her way into a pack she doesn't belong."
I turned to face her squarely, but my attempt to stare her in the eyes failed. With my gaze shifting to the expensive looking jewelry around her throat, I responded, "If I could have it another way, I would. Trust me."
"And why, pray tell," she folded her arms, just tight enough to flaunt her boobs that were significantly bigger than mine. "Should I trust you? Didn't you say you were banished from your pack? That doesn't happen without a reason."
"Listen—"
"No, you listen to me, right now!" She began to inch closer, her perfume, vanilla mixed with citrus, clogging my nose. "I have been in Ricko my whole life, and I worked so damn hard to get to where I am right now."
Does working hard involve kneeling before the Alpha and sucking his humongous dick? I could feel my nipples almost harden by the thought.
"So, if you think even for a second that you can just waltz in here and take what’s mine, then you are in for a long ride." Sierra’s breath was hot against my face now, her manicured fingers twitching like she wanted to claw my eyes out.
I kept silent, letting her words slide off me like oil on water. But she wasn’t done. "You think just because Krai dragged you here like some stray, that suddenly makes you special? You’re nothing. You are less than nothing." Her voice dropped to the lowest, lower than a whisper. "You’re a wolfless freak who should’ve died under the bridge."
My fingers curled into my palms, the nails biting into my flesh. Still, I said nothing in response.
She smirked, tilting her head. "Oh, so you finally learned your place?" Her hand shot out, gripping my chin so hard I inhaled sharply. "Here’s a lesson, freak. If you truly don’t want him, then leave. Stop pretending you’re not just another desperate bitch waiting for scraps."
For the first time, I met her gaze fully. "Because he asked me to sleep in his chambers?" My voice was steady and direct. "Is that what’s keeping you up at night? That he chose a cage for me over your bed?"
Sierra’s grip faltered.
I stood my ground. "I didn’t ask for this."
She leaned in, her lips brushing my ear. "You know what to do."