103

103
Aaron’s POV
I watched as Isla's words settled in the air, the weight of her proposal heavy on my shoulders. She was right. We couldn't simply imprison Mrs Jenkins and consider the matter resolved. This woman had caused so much pain and suffering, not just to our pack but to countless others. It was time for her to face the consequences of her actions.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded at Isla, my determination matching hers. "You're right," I said firmly, my voice filled with conviction. "We can't let her escape without being held accountable. A trial is necessary."
“Yes! The hybrids need to feel safe once and for all. I will not allow another day to go by with my mind living in fear.” Esmeralda made her feelings clear as she glared at the silent Mrs Jenkins.
Sasha, always the pragmatist, stepped forward and voiced her support. "I agree, Alpha Aaron. A trial will not only ensure justice is served but also send a clear message to anyone else who may have been contemplating following in Mrs Jenkins' footsteps."
Emma, still trembling from the ordeal, spoke up, her voice laced with anger. "She needs to be held responsible for everything she's done, not just to us but to all the innocent lives she's ruined. We can't allow her to escape punishment. She murdered my poor, beloved mother.
I looked at the women standing before me, their determination reflected in their eyes. They had endured, sacrificed so much, and finally ended Mrs Jenkins' reign of terror. We had a responsibility not only to our pack but to all those who had suffered under her rule. Justice needed to be served, and it would be.
"Very well," I said, my voice steady. "We will bring Mrs Jenkins to trial. That is final. We must gather evidence, compile a list of charges, and ensure a fair and unbiased process. No matter who she was before, she will face the consequences of her actions."
“She needs to be punished. She has caused lots of unnecessary pain and heartache to many around us.” Esmeralda added with hands on her hips.
Isla's nod conveyed a deep gratitude that resonated in her voice. "Thank you, my Alpha Aaron," she said earnestly. "This means so much to all of us. We need to exemplify the triumph of justice for our pack and for all others to witness."
Acknowledging her words, I shifted my attention to Emma, fully aware that uniting our packs held the key to a stronger case against Mrs Jenkins and her venom. My determination prompted me to seek Emma's assistance, as I knew the importance of showcasing Ethan's release to her. "Emma, I need your help with something," I addressed her, aware of the surprise in her eyes but confident in her willingness to comply.
“Yeah, Alpha.” she bowed respectfully.
"Beta Nigel, Father," I projected through our mind link, summoning my father and my Beta to my side.
Within minutes, they arrived, ready to execute my instructions.
“Son, this witch was put into that cave for a reason. Yet I am pleased to see she has been ridden of her powers.” my father stated as he assessed the situation. He was right; it had been risky of them to do what they had, but they had done it, and now we would ensure Mrs Jenkins wouldn't be able to fight back.
Nigel took Sasha in his arms and kissed her forehead as she clung to him.
“My dear, I am glad you are safe, but please do not leave without telling me where you are. Anything could have happened to you.” he was concerned about his mate, but she was strong and could handle herself well.
I turned my attention back to my mate and thought how lucky I was to have her. Being pregnant made me want to wrap her up in cotton wool, but she did not like me to fuss so much. But for now, I needed her to be home and safe. The stress of all this would surely take its toll on her eventually.
She met my gaze and rolled her eyes at me, and I smiled, knowing she was reading my mind.
“Luna Isla and Emma," I declared, the gravity of the situation apparent in my tone. "Let us proceed."
“Of course.” they both agreed, not that they had a choice. I was the alpha, and they would follow my orders.
With a swift transformation into my powerful wolf form, Emma and Isla gingerly climbed onto my back, their trust firm. I propelled us forward, my focus solely on the pack's vicinity. Isla clung on tightly, and I ensured her safety, knowing that without the ability to shift due to pregnancy, she needed my watchful presence close by.
Swiftly manoeuvring through the terrain, every stride took us closer to the pack. As the wind whipped through my fur, my senses heightened in anticipation of the task ahead. I held the power of alpha within me, and now, it was time to solidify it.
As soon as we arrived at the front of the pack house, I shifted back to my human form and pulled on the clothes that were already laid out waiting for me.
Isla looked exhausted and did not say a word as I held her in my arms and kissed her beautiful face.
“Escort my Luna to her room, have a bath ready for her and wait for my return,” I ordered the omega who stood by the door; she nodded and sprung into action.
As I grabbed Emma’s hand, we walked through the dimly lit corridors leading to the cell block; a mixture of determination and nervous anticipation coursed through my veins. The weight of the upcoming conversation with Ethan bore heavily on my shoulders, but I knew this was a pivotal moment that could change our lives forever.
Finally reaching the barred gate that led to Ethan's cell, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. The stench of sterility and despair permeated the air, a constant reminder of the harsh realities faced by these prison walls.
“Ethan," I spoke, barely above a whisper, "I have a proposition for you."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I prepared to reveal my proposition. But before I could utter a word, Ethan's gaze shifted past me, fixing upon Emma. A profound realisation washed over him, causing her to stand frozen, tears streaming down her face. "My mate," she whispered.