Chapter 75 CHAPTER 75

Chapter 75 CHAPTER 75
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I woke up with a heavy weight on my chest, the reality of Alina's situation pressing down on me. She was in danger, and the whispers in the pack court were growing louder. I couldn't shake the fear that her name would be dragged through the mud simply because of her association with me. As I prepared for the day, I felt a determination building within me I needed to clear her name.

The next morning, I entered the pack court, and the atmosphere felt charged. Conversations hushed as I walked in, eyes following my every move. I could feel the weight of their judgment. When I took my seat, the court was soon filled with a mix of members, including farmers and lords. The first to speak was a farmer who looked distraught.

"My daughter is dead!" he cried, his voice breaking with emotion. " She was taken from us by the skin walkers. We've lost too many of our kin. We can't keep living like this!"

My heart ached for him. "I'm sorry for your loss. We will take

measures to protect our pack from any further harm," I assured him, hoping my words would bring some comfort.

But before I could continue, a voice from the back called out, "It's probably that witch mate of yours!"

My blood ran cold, and I spun around to face Olly, who sat there with a smug grin plastered across his face. "Don't you dare speak about Alina that way," I said, barely keeping my anger in check.

"Oh? Is that how you're going to protect her? By ignoring the truth?" he retorted, leaning back in his seat as if he were enjoying the spectacle. "Your father, the former alpha, would never have allowed such a disgrace."

"Shut your mouth, Olly," I snapped. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Maybe I do," he continued, undeterred. "You're just proving how weak you are, Kai. Allowing a witch to hold you back—"

"Get out!" I yelled, the room silent except for the echo of my voice." I'm done with you spewing lies and accusations."

"Why should I? You're the one who looks foolish defending a witch," he shot back defiantly. “What does it say about you? Can you even lead a pack if you're so blinded by your affection?"

I was about to respond, but I could feel the tension building in the room. "You will not disrespect her," I warned, my fists clenching.

"And what are you going to do about it?" Olly challenged. "You're just a puppet in your father's shadow."

That was it. I called over the guards and ordered them to seize Olly. " Take him to the dungeon," I instructed, fury coursing through my veins.

As he struggled, shouting insults, I stormed out of the court, the whispers of the other members following me like shadows. The last thing I heard before leaving was Olly yelling that I was making a mistake.

Back in my room, I tried to calm my racing heart. The weight of the throne felt heavier today, and I needed to figure out how to protect Alina.

Lily entered shortly after, her expression serious. "What happened in there?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"Olly's a coward," I said, pacing the floor. "He disrespected Alina, and I won't stand for it."

"I can't believe he accused her of witchcraft," Lily said, shaking her head. "He's trying to turn the pack against you both."

"Exactly!" I exclaimed. "And then he has the audacity to call me weak for defending her." I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "He's a threat, and I need to make it clear that we won't tolerate such talk."

"Is that why you stormed out?" she asked, her brow furrowed. " Because of Alina?"

"Yes," I admitted. "When I was in the court, I was reminded of how everyone sees her. They don't know the truth about her. They see only what they want to see a witch."

"We need to figure out a way to clear her name," Lily said. "You can't let the pack turn against her."

"I need to protect her, but I don't know how," I replied, frustration rising within me. "If they continue to spread these rumors, she'll never be safe."

"Then you need to do something about it," Lily insisted. "You can't keep waiting for the right moment. You need to take action now. Otherwise, she might not be around much longer."

I felt the weight of her words, and my heart sank. "But what can I do? I've only just gotten her back. I can't risk losing her again.”

"We need evidence," Lily said thoughtfully. "Something that proves she's not a witch. You could speak to the elders about how witchcraft is just a rumor-a lie that was made up to control those who are different."

"Are you suggesting I just sit down and have a chat with them?" I asked incredulously. "They already think I'm weak. They'll see it as a sign that I'm backing down."

"No, Kai," she said firmly. "You need to go in there and assert your authority. Show them that you're the alpha, and you won't tolerate anyone disrespecting your mate."

I nodded slowly, feeling a flicker of determination igniting within me. "You're right. I can't let them get away with this."

"Good," Lily said, a small smile appearing on her face. "Now, go to Alina. She needs to know you're on her side."

I hesitated for a moment before making my way to Alina's room. I knocked on the door, anxiety knotting my stomach. When she opened it, I was struck by how fragile she looked.

"Hey," I said softly, stepping inside. "How are you feeling?"

"Not great," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I heard what happened in the court. I can't believe they would go that far."

"Neither can I," I said, anger rising within me again. "But I'm going to make sure they don't hurt you. I won't let them."

She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. “Kai, you don't have to fight my battles. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can, but this isn't just about you anymore," I replied, my tone firm. "You're my mate, and I will do whatever it takes to protect you."

"But what if they really believe I'm a witch?" she asked, a hint of fear creeping into her voice.

"Then I'll show them they're wrong," I assured her. "I'll talk to the elders. I'll find a way to clear your name."

"Promise?" she asked, her eyes pleading.

"I promise," I said, squeezing her hand. "I won't let anything happen to you."

As I left her room, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I had to confront the pack, to reclaim my position as their alpha, and to protect Alina at all costs. I would not let their ignorance dictate our fate.

I stepped into the pack court with my head held high, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The whispers faded into silence as I took my seat, and I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on me.

It was time to put an end to this madness.