152 Restless

As he lay on the hospital bed, Ed considered his good fortune in being there. By rescuing the Alpha's best friend and his children, he had won his trust. Caiden promised him safety and a place to live, for which he would be eternally thankful.

When the door of the doctor's office opened that morning, it was bitterly cold, and a gust of wind entered, filling Ed's nose with the scent of werewolves. He didn't bother opening his eyes since he thought the doctor was coming in. His ribs hurt, though, and he bolted out of bed as soon as he heard Cornelius' voice.

"Hello, Ed," he said, his eyes trembling.

"How are you in this pack?" Ed's voice trembled, revealing his dread for his life. "How did you find me?"

"It wasn't too tough." Cornelius answered. "As I am Alpha Caiden's friend."

"I know Caiden wouldn't do that to me." Ed felt as though his heart would burst from his chest and his mouth dried up.

"But Caiden wasn't the one who gave me your location." With an air of composure, as if he were not facing the killer of his daughter, King Cornelius walked up to him. "In actuality, you used kindness to deceive him in order to win his trust and hide your wrongdoings."

Ed felt his blood boil. Caiden must undoubtedly be aware of the whole truth by now.

"But Alpha gave me permission to come here." He could feel his blood freezing inside of him now, "though reluctantly at first, believing he owed you some respect."

But Caiden is a just leader, and he would never deprive a parent who lost his daughter in such a cruel way of justice.

"You understand that was not the case." Ed yelled. "She was by the man I was supposed to kill, alone in the middle of night. Sir, that was an accident."

"You're using my daughter as an excuse for your error." Cornelius gradually lost his cool till he was unable to handle it any longer. "You will pay for stealing the purpose behind my life."

Ed made a forlorn attempt to defend himself as the guards moved closer to him. He was so weak from his broken ribs that he was unable to fight.

"What will you do to me, exactly?" Ed moaned in agony as the king's men carried him outside. "Right now, I would like to talk to Alpha Caiden."

Cornelius said, "I highly doubt that Caiden wants to talk to you," as the men shoved Ed into the van, making his injuries worse. "But Ed, I promise not to hurt you; Caiden asked me to spare your life."

Ed didn't know if he should be grateful for this kindness from Caiden? He would carry the weight of his decision to kill a criminal even though it was the wrong target for eternity. Ed, though, was aware that it was more than that.

He was not innocent of the other crimes he had committed during his life, even if he didn't think he had committed this one. He was unable to avoid the fact that life was holding him responsible for the mistreatment he had inflicted upon Kamara and the other people he had mistreated and extorted.

Seeking the king's pity was the only option to avoid such punishment. Still, it didn't seem conceivable. Ed squirmed inside the moving van, kicking and shouting. He was in complete shock at what Caiden had done to him. He would always hold this against him.

Jessie wondered why the Full Moon king was in the pack if not to save Ed as she stood by and watched them take him away. There were rumors within the pack that a human was present, having a meeting with the Alpha. Alpha Caiden's dealings with humans would never be accepted by the pack because they were viewed as liars and haughty. The idea that Caiden wasn't making deals, but rather something about the quads' kidnapping, made Jessie shudder.

She bolted in the direction of the building. She was stopped by some pack members who wanted to know the purpose of the gathering. Jessie was unable to respond. When she eventually made it inside the building and went to the top floor, a hunter prevented her from going through the main floor.

"Are you sure you know who you're speaking with?"

"Yes, ma'am," he answered. "However, the Alpha gave clear instructions that even the Luna is not allowed to interrupt him. I apologize."

It was all so hypocritical, in her opinion. This would be the first time in their years of marriage that Caiden had kept Jessie from going anywhere in the pack. Previously, she had unrestricted access to every location. Jessie felt very uneasy in the pack because of the air of change. How had she let the issue get out of hand?

"If nothing else, could you tell me the purpose of this meeting?" Once more, she aimed her query at the hunter. "Why is Caiden having a meeting with a human? Tell me, is everyone in agreement with this?"

The hunter refused to budge, despite Jessie's best efforts to convince him that having a human in the pack would put everyone at serious risk. His expression did not change, demonstrating his allegiance to the Alpha.

He also had a rather scary appearance. Huge ears, scruffy eyebrows, a massive beard, and a shotgun in his palm. He watched Jessie as he stood in front of the door, his head lowered. He was undoubtedly taller than her by at least half a meter. There was nothing Jessie said to change him.

"I apologize, Luna, but I have no involvement in the Alpha's business. My job is to keep him safe."

Growing increasingly agitated, she paced the narrow hallway, trying to figure out how to get in and discover why Caiden was indide with a human.

"At least, can you tell how long this meeting will last?"

His cold, unpleasant manner offended Jessie. "I don't know, ma'am."

Frustrated, she exclaimed, "Damn subordinates. I'll send you all away when my son is born and becomes this pack's Alpha."

It did not, however, frighten the hunter. He stuck to his job. Jessie refused to go until this was done. She closed her eyes to block out the misery as she slid down the wall and sat.

If only Enzo were here, he would know just what to do. However, he wasn't, and Jessie didn't know where her brother had disappeared. With a silent sadness, she realized there was no solution to this issue.

Finally, the door opened, and Jessie leaped to her feet. Her eyes expanded upon seeing Caiden staring at her from the doorway. His expression was unlike anything she had ever seen in that it seemed empty and emotionless. She forcefully swallowed.

"Please come in, Jessie," he gave the command.

It took her longer than it should have to obey. She took slow, measured steps and fixed her gaze on Caiden's as she attempted to figure out what was going on. She discovered the human inside the room when she went in.

His scent was embedded in the space by someone. Jessie experienced an odd feeling that she was unable to shake when Caiden locked the door behind her.