Chapter 221 - No Mercy

Chapter 221 - No Mercy
The sense of power radiating off of my mate was astonishing. I couldn't help but notice the intense admiration and pride emanating from my wolf, who was grateful that my mate had won the challenge and had put an end to Alpha Kelvin's reckless leadership. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw the crowd lowering their heads out of respect for their new leader. He had overthrown their old leader in a challenge, and through the purge, the Crescent Moon Pack was now his to lead.
I relaxed slightly, knowing that our trouble and problem was finally over. From coming to this pack to search for Sasha, only to find ourselves in a more terrifying situation. An unexpected battle challenge that my mate had eventually won. It was extremely something to be grateful about. We had even discovered Owen, who had been secretly hiding in the pack with Sasha, and knowing that the people that had been putting us in danger were finally dead brought an immense amount of peace to me.
Last night, I discovered that right after we left the field, Kelvin had ordered for Sasha to be beheaded. She was now dead, and so was her mate, Owen. I can't help but be grateful that I could now leave in peace and without fear of harm coming our way now that those two were no more. We had even gained more pack members after Raphael had defeated Kelvin.
I barely noticed what was happening as Raphael turned to Alex, focusing his attention on him. The two began to converse quietly, and I realized just how much work my mate had ahead of him. If the Crescent Moon Pack was going to join us, how exactly would we go about it? The two territories were so spread out that it would be difficult for Raphael to go back and forth. I'm certain there would be a lot of logistics involved.
Raphael strode over to the large multitude of bodies clustered in the large space in the center of the field. I peeked around Raphael's broad shoulders and noticed how they seemed frightened and intimidated by him. My mate eyed them, staring them down. It was absolutely silent, and I was sure everyone could hear each other's heartbeat.
“As you know, your former Alpha here issued a challenge against me.“ Raphael's eyes were unfathomable black pitch that seemed to absorb the sunlight, giving him a hauntingly ethereal appearance. He continued, his tone clipped. “He lost. I cannot mindlink with you until the ceremony is completed tomorrow night. Until then, we will work on plans for integration.“ He shifted his position, crossing his muscular arms in front of his bare chest. “I know most of you hate me and my pack, but I expect obedience and collaboration from all of you. Punishments for disrespect will be severe. We don't have to fight amongst ourselves.“
There were a few murmurs in the crowd now. I saw a few wolves who seemed to reluctantly agree with his statement, while others agreed right away. Raphael's gaze was hard and roved the crowd, causing many wolves to flinch away from his penetrating eyes.
“However, I will lead all of you as if you have always been members of my pack.“ With a jerk of his head, he indicated me as I stood by his side. “This is Camila, your Luna. She will assist in tending to you and assure you all can take care of yourself. Since the Royal Empire Territory is more spread out and wider than this land, you all will need to join us. You will go to your respective homes right now and prepare to move out by tomorrow's sunrise. We are all journeying together to your new homes.“
With a few more words, Raphael dismissed the pack and turned away. I noticed he specifically addressed Caden, indicating that he wanted to meet with him later.
“Take him to the pack's dungeon, Alex,” Raphael said, turning to Alex, who nodded in response before walking towards Kelvin. Alex, along with another wolf, lifts wounded Kelvin up and begins to drag him away, probably to where the dungeon was.
I focused my attention back to Raphael, wrapping my arms around myself. “You are really going to kill him?"
His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed, boring holes at me. "I'm giving him what he deserves."
I pursed my lips, slowly walking closer to him. “What if..."
“Camila, I suggest you don't even go there. I'm killing him, and that's final." He snapped, his eyes emotionless and merciless. Then, just as he spoke, he turned away from me and began to walk in the direction of the pack house. I was all too aware of the fact that he was still shirtless, putting his sculptured muscle on display for everyone to see. My Wolf was very appreciative of his form, but I had to remind myself to focus on the matter at hand.
“Raphael…” I whined, walking in fast stride to catch up with him. “His life is miserable anyway, and he will start to suffer more for his losses. I think it's better you just keep him alive and let him live in constant regret for his action.“
Raphael halted abruptly, and I quickly stopped walking, almost bumping into his back at the unexpected action. He slowly turned to face me again, and I felt my stomach drop at the strange expression in his eyes.
“You want me to keep him alive after he disrespected me, you, and the pack?” Wincing at his tone, I slowly lowered my head and stepped away. I could feel the eyes of some of our pack members staring at us, but I ignored them.
“I understand how you feel, and I’m not trying to justify him. I'm just telling you to give it a second thought. There's no sense in killing him now that he has lost everything he owned to you. He will suffer the consequences already by living in regret for the rest of his life. I know he deserves death, but I think it's best to just watch him suffer.”
Raphael huffed and ran a hand through his hair. “Camila, have you forgotten what happens when people like him continue to live despite their crimes? They come back seeking revenge. Remember Owen? If I make the same mistake of not killing Kelvin like I did with Owen when I had the chance, the consequences will be no different from what Owen did to us. It could even be worse considering the fact that Kelvin was an Alpha. Do you want to go through another danger?“
I kept my mouth shut, knowing Raphael was right. Kelvin's blind hatred for Raphael could make him try to seek revenge for everything he lost. He could turn out to be like Owen or even worse, and the peace that I ever wished for could turn to nightmares. That thought alone sends a shudder down my spine, and I rub at my arms in comfort.
“I'm sorry, I didn't think that through before speaking. I would never want something as such to happen.” I felt like I was about to cry as tears were threatening to spill at the corners of my eyes. My emotions were going haywire. I wasn't sure how much more I could take after all of today's events. I heard Alex calling him from a distance, and he tossed him a look before staring down at me again.
Raphael sighed heavily as his expression softened. “It's fine. Just stop giving me that look. I can barely stand it.“
“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—”
"Stop apologizing!"
I shut my mouth. He ran a hand through his hair, his customary agitated habit. He took a step closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Sorry for shouting." He says, placing a kiss on my head. "I just don't want any more discussions about Kelvin, for I've made my decision about him."
I nodded mutely and sagged against his muscled physique as I felt my body about to crumple to the ground.
“You need to rest, Camila. You look exhausted.“ He said, his eyes scanning my features in concern. "We are leaving for the pack as early as possible tomorrow. I have to discuss logistics with Alex, so I'll have Kylie go inside with you instead."
Just as he spoke, Alex and Kylie got to us, and I disengaged myself from Raphael before proceeding to walk with Kylie into the pack house.