An Alpha's Poisonous Pardon

My Alpha mate Damien and his Beta were talking in the study.

They were speaking in the ancient tongue of the wolves.

I had secretly learned it, wanting to be closer to his world.

"You only bonded with Elara to give Rosalie an Alpha's pardon," Mason's voice was laced with unease.

"You're giving her suppressants. Calling them 'nerve-calmers.' She'll break when she finds out the truth!"

My mate's cold reply echoed through the door.

"The point is to prevent a pup, not have one."

"As for Elara? I'll protect her... as long as she stays out of Rosalie's way."

They didn't know I heard every word.

I stood outside the door, the fresh mark he'd left on my neck still stinging.

In my hand, I held the pills he gave me to "calm my nerves."

So his love was a lie. My salvation was a cage.

If that's the case, then I'll make sure they get exactly what they wish for.

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1.

Without hesitation, I swallowed the suppressants.

They were more bitter than any dose I had ever taken.

Inside the study, the two men's conversation continued.

Damien's Beta, Mason Grey, was clearly troubled by his conscience.

"Let's not even talk about you giving her suppressants. Let's talk about what Rosalie did during the cliff challenge three years ago."

"Elara's mother risked everything to save her. But Rosalie ambushed her with a silver dagger, using her body as a foothold to send her plummeting to her death. Damien, anyone who's seen the magical recording knows it was deliberate. Elara was right to appeal to the council of elders."

"But you became Elara's mate, so Rosalie wouldn't be put on trial. You even signed that Alpha's pardon behind Elara's back. Yes, Rosalie is fine, but Elara's spirit was shattered, and her inner wolf has all but fallen silent. She's been blaming herself all this time. If she ever finds out the truth, she'll go mad."

My mate, Damien, sounded irritated, his voice cold and insistent.

"Rosalie didn't do it on purpose. She just slipped. It was a subconscious reaction. She regrets Elara's mother's death, too."

"I've hidden the pardon well. Elara will never know the truth. Besides, I'm good to her. I'll give her a home and spend the rest of my life making it up to her. She'll forget the pain and get better."

Mason sighed. "Calm down. My heart just aches for Elara. You appeared in her darkest hour, and she fell in love with you, but the person you truly love is Rosalie... Never mind. I hope you can keep this hidden and not live to regret it."

Damien, sipping his drink, said firmly, "I won't."

Those two words shattered my composure.

My world shattered, I fled the house I once considered my sanctuary.

I ran to the summit of the snowy mountain at the edge of the Pack's territory.

This morning, Damien and I had made love for a long time. In the heat of passion, he had whispered "I love you" in my ear over and over again.

Now, his confession had become the sharpest of blades.

It pierced my heart, making my inner wolf howl in agony.

I collapsed onto the snow.

Tears streamed from my eyes.

Just as I was completely disillusioned with love, memories I had buried deep within me began to resurface.