The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 44

Damon

Serena raised her eyebrow and answered Alexei with a straight face. "Tori was far from innocent in all of this. Of course, she will not be spared. Like her mom, she will receive the necessary punishment for her actions.

"But you can't do that!" Alexei exclaimed as he stood up from the table, pressing his hand violently against it.

"And why not?" This time, it was Serena who stood up from the table, accepting Alexei's challenging stare. "Did you forget how Mathilde landed her feet on the Blood Rose Pack? It was because of Tori! Tori was the root cause of this mess!"

"You're wrong, Serena! It wasn't Tori's fault. She was just being used by her mother, and she couldn't do anything about it."

"Oh, come on! Are you that blind?" Serena exclaimed in mockery. "You didn't know what Tori was capable of doing. Don't tell me you fell for her innocent facade."

"I didn't, but I know that she was telling the truth."

"How come? You've only seen her twice, while I've been with her all my life!" Serena adjusted her hair and continued to recount her past experiences with her sister. "She mocked me, humiliated me, and conspired with her mother to make my life a living hell!"

"I know that Tori is not perfect, and I understand how deeply she hurt you," Alexei responded in a milder tone. "What I am saying is that Tori didn't want to become the Alpha's bride. In fact, I saw in her eyes how desperate she was to be freed from her mother's manipulation. All I am asking for is a little leniency. If you guys are willing to be lenient with the officials who stole from the pack, why can't you do the same for Tori?"

"Oh, my goddess, are we really having this conversation?" Serena exclaimed, frustrated. "What about me, Alexei? What about the things she did to me? Don't I deserve justice for that?"

"Of course, you do! I didn't ask you to spare her. I am just not comfortable with the fact that you guys are treating her and her mother's sins the same. Tori was controlled by her mother like a puppet. She was a victim too, in this situation."

"So now, she's a victim," Serena exclaimed. "You know what, I'm done with this conversation," she said as she left the cabin.

"Serena! Wait!" I was planning to follow her, but Ashford stopped me. He shook his head, indirectly signaling for me to leave Serena alone for a moment. As much as I wanted to disagree, Ashford was right about giving her the space she needed at this point.

I couldn't believe it. My anger boiled inside me, threatening to erupt like a volcano. Serena had stormed out, upset and hurt, all thanks to Alexei. I was left in the cabin with him, and the tension was suffocating.

"Why did you have to upset Serena like that?" I seethed, my voice heavy with anger as I grabbed his shirt.

But Alexei just shrugged, as if he had done nothing wrong. "I just asked her a question, Damon," he retorted casually. "I didn't see any problem with it."

I couldn't fathom his lack of remorse. He acted as if he had the right to invade Serena's feelings and stir up trouble. My fists clenched at my sides, and I took a step closer to him, ready to unleash my fury in a punch that he so rightfully deserved.

But before I could act, Ashford intervened. His firm hand on my chest stopped me in my tracks, and he urged me to calm down.

"That's enough, Damon," Ashford warned, his tone as serious as the situation warranted. "We don't need a fight right now."

Alexei remained indifferent, unbothered by the chaos he'd caused. He had no intention of apologizing or making amends, and that infuriated me even more.

"You have your mate too, Damon," he added with a hint of mockery, "so you should know where I was coming from. I'm not your enemy, but if you guys decide to hurt Tori, I won't hesitate to fight to defend her."

With that, he turned and sauntered toward the cabin's exit. His parting words were a cold reminder that he wasn't to be trifled with.

Ashford stepped in once more, urging me to leave the cabin and cool off. As much as I wanted to confront Alexei, I knew that Ashford was right. We all needed rest, especially Serena. Reluctantly, I left the cabin, my anger still simmering beneath the surface and with a heavy heart. Alexei had stirred a hornet's nest, and the consequences were unpredictable.

The next day, Ashford took the initiative to gather us all at the table to discuss what happened the other night. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, and the matter about Tori and how to resolve it loomed large.

Ashford's voice broke the silence as he presented an idea that seemed to carry a glimmer of hope.

"We need to address the matter of Tori," he began, his tone serious and resolute. "It's time we fix this situation. I have an idea."

Serena, who had remained mostly silent since the previous day's turmoil, spoke up with unwavering determination. "If you're trying to convince me to spare her just because Alexei is her mate, then please know that I won't do it."

"I won't suggest anything like that," Ashford answered. "Tori's actions toward you are a separate matter. What we should focus on is defeating her mother."

"Stop talking in circles. Just get to the point," I exclaimed impatiently. Ashford took a deep breath and turned to Alexei. "If you can convince Tori to fight alongside us, then we might consider a lesser punishment for her. She won't be spared or pardoned, but at least she won't end up like her mother. She will be given a chance to redeem herself and move on with her life after that."

"Huh! As if my sister would sell out her mother like that," Serena smirked. "Tori will never betray Mathilde."

"Will I get your word for this?" Alexei asked, determined.

Ashford looked at me to share my thoughts. "If Serena agrees, then yes, I would too."

"Fine," Serena exclaimed. "But I bet my life she wouldn't."

"I'll accept the challenge," he declared, his gaze unwavering. "Just give me an opportunity to speak with her."

"Leave that to me," I exclaimed. "Tonight, I will sneak you into her chambers, and you will have your chance to convince her."

The night arrived as planned, and I provided Serena and Alexei with some guard uniforms to use to sneak inside the packhouse. Meanwhile, Ashford was making up all the excuses he could to divert fewer guards to the corridor leading to Tori's room.

As we walked down the corridor, I could sense Serena's nerves, while Alexei remained expectedly quiet, likely contemplating what to say to his mate. I knew it wouldn't be easy for Serena to face her sister, and I was determined to support her every step of the way.

Finally, we reached the door to Tori's chambers. With a knock, I announced our presence. Luckily, Mathilde wasn't in her room, and it seemed fate was on our side.

At last, the door swung open, and we all stepped inside. As soon as the door was locked, Serena and Alexei removed their helmets, revealing their faces to Tori. At that moment, I saw the color drain from her face.

"Serena… Is that you?" she asked, trembling.

"Hello, Tori," Serena answered. "It's been a long time."