149 Cornelius arrival
Through the main building's window, Caiden watched the sun brighten the sky. There was a knock on the door just as the first rays of sunlight reached his skin and lit up the entire space. It resembled the sound that jolted him back to consciousness. Even though Kamara and the children had not been back for more than twenty-four hours, Caiden was already missing them all.
Approaching the door, he opened it expecting to see one of his subordinates behind it, so he was taken aback to see Jessie there.
He inhaled deeply. In addition, he didn't want to argue with Jessie in particular to start the day off wrong. Caiden had a lot on his plate, and a talk would throw his plans into a loop.
"You didn't spend the night at home." Her voice carried a deep melancholy as she asked, "Caiden, how long will we continue like this?"
Caiden's displeasure with her inquiries was evident from the hand on his face. Caiden could take living with Jessie no more.
He chose to lie and say, "There were matters that needed my attention, Jessie," thinking that would conclude the conversation, but it didn't.
Turning aside, Caiden made his way back to the window. He had no shirt on. He felt Jessie's hands reaching out to envelop him from behind as he heard footsteps getting closer. Caiden flinched away from her touch at once, displaying disdain.
That was Jessie's last moment. Her already nearly wounded heart was destroyed by the Alpha's disdain.
"How many times must I apologize for my error?" she wailed, putting on a victim persona. "I will not cede my identity as your Luna."
"And I refuse to cede my right to feel betrayed." His tone came out as unforgiving, icy, and cruel. "Don't you think it would be beneficial for us both to spend some time apart from each other?"
Jessie dropped a tear.
"What you're requesting is impossible," she adamantly asserted. "Caiden, I can never stay away from you. This has to be fixed."
He responded anxiously, "But I have to stsy away from you. Jessie, please respect my decision and don't make me angry."
She was not comfortable with that choice, particularly in light of Caiden's hurtful remarks that were crushing her heart. Not even the phony pregnancy could make things right between them; the distance he planned to impose would slowly ruin her.
Using her last option, she said, "I am pregnant, Caiden. I need your presence. For me, being abandoned right now would mean the end."
But Caiden was determined. He'd been waiting a long time for Jessie to give him heirs, so it was odd that she was pregnant to him. Caiden believed that since there was no relationship to that pregnancy, she was probably also lying about it.
"It won't benefit this child either if you make me stay by your side." He spoke contemptuously. "You must develop the ability to accept the results of your actions." It was time for him to stop the talk and make sure Jessie couldn't bring it up again.
"Jessie, return home," he gave the order. "and for the next few days, don't expect me. Until I locate your brother and hold him accountable for his actions, I won't go back."
Jessie was at her lowest moment. She was unsure of her ability to withstand such strain for long. She was undoubtedly prevented from doing anything perplexing by the deputy's intervention. With Caiden's permission, Bruno made an announcement of his coming and entered the space.
His harsh voice, "Go, Jessie," did not intimidate her, but it hurt her terribly.
She gave him one last glance before bowing her head and allowing the anguish of her loss to consume her.
Caiden realized that the news didn't appear good as the door closed and he was left alone with Bruno.
"Bruno, what is going on?"
"The Full Moon Pack's Alpha is on his way here," shocked Caiden. "He sent word that you needed to meet immediately."
Caiden gave a forceful swallow, but said nothing. It was preferable for Caiden to keep Kamara and Nate's membership in the Full Moon Wolf Pack a secret from Bruno. Why would the Alpha of the Full Moon Pack come here, he pondered. Was Kamara doing alright?
The Alpha king's soldiers arrived at the pack an hour later and made their way to Caiden's office.
Since their time in high school, Caiden had been acquainted with Cornelius. Together, they had prepared to take command of their own packs. Perhaps even more than Caiden, he was a fair and vicious werewolf. Hugs and smiles were exchanged, and Caiden did not realize the seriousness of Cornelius's reason to be there.
Caiden inquired, "Has something happened to Kamara?" Before any other thing.
Despite only recently getting to know Miss Kamara, he remarked, "I can tell how special she is and how much you still care for her."
The King's expression did, however, chabge. His manner carried a tremendous load.
"Alpha, Kamara is doing great, and your friend Nate is healing beautifully." Caiden felt relief from Cornelius's comments.
"So, what is it that has brought you here that we couldn't discuss over the phone?"
Cornelius turned to face Caiden, getting ready to share his secret.
Caiden was astonished to hear, "I came to take one of your pack members. I know Ed, the hunter, is here; he is a fugitive."
Caiden was astonished to learn this.
"What charges are made against him?"
Feeling hesitant to look Caiden in the eyes, Cornelius dropped his head.
"He killed my daughter," he said, and his chest exploded with grief.
Regaining eye contact with Caiden required him to suppress his tears. "I didn't know anything." Surprised, Caiden muttered. "I never would have accepted Ed back if I had known about his crimes."
"Just give him to me, Caiden," he shouted, his hate now blazing in his eyes. "My daughter's death must be paid for by him."
Especially since Cornelius had agreed to host Kamara and Nate in his pack as their esteemed guests, Caiden was powerless to refuse that request. He would never turn down Caiden because of something about him: the idea of cordiality. A favor given in return for another. It was now Ed's turn to pay for his crimes.
"I will, of course." He said, forcefully swallowing. "I'll take you to him so you can give your daughter justice."