Chapter 858: Book 8 Part 20
Kiran, Levi and Alex whispered to each other for a few seconds and I looked at the back of the wall above Kiran’s head. I could feel Kai’s eyes on me. I didn’t want to look at him, because he was there supporting another Alpha.
His disappointment in me was so evident that I could almost taste it in the air. Blaise was grumbling in my head but I ignored him. I wasn’t a monster and I felt guilty enough without him adding to my pain. I had to live with the knowledge of what I’d done, but Kai had just been cruel with his actions.
“Let’s move on to the next complaint. Aggravated assault in a public building. Care to explain that one?” Kiran asked as he leaned back in his seat.
“Yes, Alpha. I was in the hallway of our school building when I heard running. Harper came around the corner, running at full speed. She was afraid and I pushed her behind me when Rick and his Beta, Johnathan, also rounded the corner. I told him to back off to which he replied that Harper belonged to him. I told him that she had already pledged her allegiance to my pack and he lunged at me. I defended myself and only hit him once,” I said.
“Nick Jackson?” Kiran said and he spoke to Rick quietly for a few minutes.
“Alpha Sinclair, it seems that my son was distraught as he and Harper were betrothed and he still intends for that agreement to be fulfilled,” Nick said.
“Alphas, arranged marriages were voided by the king of Scotland on the day of his coronation when a new peace treaty was signed by all four kings. The marriage clause was effectively voided worldwide,” I said.
Kiran, Alex and Levi spoke quietly to each other for a few minutes and I saw Kai smile slightly. Levi glanced at me a few times and Alex nodded as he spoke to them. It felt odd to stand there in front of them to be judged with my father just sitting there, looking at me.
“Our decision is final and no appeal on this shall be entertained. These charges are dismissed and I suggest you reign in your son as future Alpha of your pack. It is within our power to hand that title to someone more deserving,” Kiran said as he looked at them.
“Alpha Jericho Cannon, henceforth, you shall be addressed as Alpha no matter your age. You’ve proven that you are capable and worthy to lead your pack and I declare Cloverdale as your territory. You’ve also shown that courage by appearing here alone today and had your facts ready as everything you’ve said today is the truth,” Alex said.
“Also Alpha Jackson, I shall remind you once again that having allegiance with a king doesn’t automatically grant you favor with the World Council. Don’t waste our time again,” Levi said. I almost chuckled because Levi just couldn’t resist giving Kai a dose of his own medicine.
“I would also like to mention that the future Alpha has been poisoning a young lone wolf with wolfsbane. He was threatening her with death from the current Alpha because her parents are human. She took it willingly for fear of being hunted. I healed her and her system is now void of any poison. I request permission to execute the future Alpha should he harm this lone wolf again since she is under my protection now,” I said.
“That’s a lie!” Rick yelled as he jumped up.
“I take it this lone wolf is not a member of your pack?” Alex asked me and I could see the anger flash in Kai’s eyes as he remembered the day he found me in the forest full of wolfsbane.
“Not yet, Alpha. She hasn’t felt the imprinting bond yet, but she will soon and then I will make her part of my pack,” I said.
“Congratulations on finding your match,” Kiran said and gave me a smile.
Kai stood up and buttoned his suit jacket. He looked pointedly at Nick. “Our allegiance treaty will also no longer be in effect.”
“Your Highness?” Nick asked.
“I’m disappointed, Nick. You contacted the Council behind my back and you thought that I’d go along with everything just because this Alpha is young and inexperienced. Today he proved much more valuable than your years of experience. Jericho Cannon, you’re going to make an exceptional Alpha,” Kai said and disappeared with Falcon as they ported away.
That revelation made me feel better. Nick had gone behind Kai’s back and knowing that Kai hadn’t actively gone against me made me rethink a few things. It was hard to cling to the fact that he hated me when he’d helped me get rid of the wolfsbane and broken his accord with Nick for me.
“Alpha Nick Jackson, should there be any rumor of your son harming wolves, whether they be pack members or lone wolves, this Council will grant the request of Alpha Cannon. Rick Jackson, you are hereby ordered to maintain your distance from this girl,” Kiran said.
Nick left with a fuming Rick following behind him as I remained seated at the table. Levi walked towards me first and he hugged me tightly. Alex gave me a look of approval as he joined us.
“You might have made an enemy today,” Levi said.
“We weren’t on friendly terms before this,” I said to him.
“Watch your back nevertheless,” Levi said.
“I’m impressed, Jericho, you’ve proven yourself worthy at sixteen,” Alex said.
“Thanks, Uncle Alex,” I said to him.
“Have you and Kai spoken?” Kiran asked as he joined us.
“Not really, he made his choice and I’ve made mine. I’m happy where I am now,” I said to him.
“This whole situation is crazy,” Kiran said.
“Isn’t that basically the story of all our lives?” I asked as he laughed suddenly.
“Yes, it is,” he said.
“You guys need new hobbies or something,” Alex said and Levi shook his head.
“And you all wonder why I stick to killing people,” Levi said.