Chapter 403 403
Maurice’s POV
You don’t want to tell him about your father?
Bee’s voice slips into my mind, soft and curious. I have to bite back a satisfied groan at the simple fact that I can still hear her proof that her wolf remains with her.
“No.”
Why?
“Because his father was under the influence of darkness,” I reply honestly. “There’s no need to add to Damien’s guilt. He’s a good man. Knowing the truth would only destroy him and there’s nothing he could do to change it.”
My fingers drift through her long blonde hair, slow and careful, before I press a kiss to the crown of her head.
But he’ll never know, she says, lifting her gaze to me. Curiosity sparkles in her eyes.
“I know,” I answer quietly. “And I’m at peace with that.”
You’re a good man, Maurice.
“Only because I have you beside me.”
The following morning, I make no attempt to hide my urgency in getting Bee back to Ash Valley. An overwhelming, instinctive need drives me an Alpha’s pull to return his Luna to her pack.
Perhaps part of me is aware that her wolf is still healing. Perhaps I simply need to feel the pack bond, confirm for myself that it remains intact. Of course it does but reassurance is a powerful thing.
Maxime is waiting when we arrive, already moving to open Bee’s door and help her from the car.
“Luna. Alpha,” he greets warmly. “It’s good to have you both home.”
“Maxime,” Bee says with a smile as I circle the car to join her, my steps quickening. “It’s good to see you back on your feet.”
“Thank you, Luna.”
The moment I step over the threshold of the Alpha house, a deep breath escapes me. Home. Finally.
Bee follows me into the Alpha office. The second I sit behind the desk, I pull her into my lap without hesitation. Maxime remains by the doorway, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
“Well,” I say, rolling my eyes at him, already eager to be done with formalities. “Let’s have the update.”
And get my Luna upstairs.
“The high-risk status has been lifted,” Maxime begins. “All pack members are back on site. Those injured remain in hospital but are expected to be released today. The doctors have also requested to examine Luna themselves”
“She’s already been thoroughly checked by Fabrice,” I cut in.
“They were quite insistent, Alpha.”
“I don’t mind,” Bee says calmly, ever diplomatic. “I’m happy to see them if it puts their minds at ease.”
I arch a brow at my beta, irritation simmering beneath the surface. I don’t like being dictated to when it comes to my mate but I remind myself that she is their Luna now. Their concern is understandable.
“Anything else?” I ask.
“One more thing, Alpha…” Maxime clears his throat.
“Yes?”
“There’s still the matter of Odette.”
“Odette?” My face twists instinctively at the sound of her name.
“She’s still being held in the pack cells.”
Fuck. I’d completely forgotten about that.
“Still?” Bee tuts sharply.
“Yes. She conspired against you,” I growl, anger flaring before I force myself to take a steadying breath. “Plotting against your Alpha and Luna is punishable by death.”
I stop myself there.
We are partners now. These decisions must be shared.
“What do you want to do?” I ask Bee, turning fully to her.
“Me?”
“This is your pack too,” I remind her. “You have equal say.”
She bites her lower lip, thinking carefully before answering.
“Spare her,” she says clearly.
“Luna?” Maxime questions.
“Spare her,” Bee repeats. “I want her to see what kind of Luna I intend to be. Don’t misunderstand I’ll keep her under close watch. But the greatest punishment for her will be witnessing me every day as I prove her wrong. She’ll serve as my reminder.”
I don’t like it but I understand it.
She will make a formidable Luna.
“You’re certain?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“I’ll inform the guards to release her,” Maxime says.
I nod, and he steps out, closing the office door behind him.
“You’re a better person than I am,” I admit quietly. “I wouldn’t have freed her.”
You are the better person, Maurice, Bee counters gently. You did the same with my brother. You chose not to tell him about your father.
“That’s different.”
Forgiveness is still forgiveness, she replies. No matter how you dress it.