The lost mate

Chapter 111: Safe for now

Anne’s heart was pounding as the reality of the situation hit her. The council was about to take her away, to strip her from everything she had worked so hard to protect—her family, her son, her future with Damien. She couldn’t let that happen. Not when Ryan needed her.

"I can’t leave." Her voice broke, desperate but determined. "Ryan can’t live without me. He’s just a child. You can’t do this!" She looked around the room, searching for any sign of empathy, but the council members remained stern and unyielding.

"All of this wouldn’t have happened if Damien hadn’t involved himself," Liana said, her voice calm but cutting.

"He never should have gotten tangled in this mess." She paused, her eyes locking with Anne’s in a way that made her stomach twist. "But he did. And now we’re all dealing with the consequences of his choices."

Anne opened her mouth to protest, but Liana raised a hand, silencing her. Then Liana did something unexpected. Her harsh gaze softened—only slightly, but enough to catch Anne off guard.

"I don’t like you," Liana said flatly, her voice void of malice, almost resigned. "I never have. You’re reckless and impulsive, and you’ve brought shame to this family more than once." Anne felt the sting of her words.

Liana took a breath.

"But..." she continued, her voice steady now, "Damien loves you. And as much as I despise this situation, I can’t bear to see him heartbroken. He’s my son, and if you’re what he wants, I can’t stand by and let him lose you—especially not like this."

Anne stared at her in disbelief. Liana, who had spent so much time standing against her, was now offering her protection. It didn’t make sense, but there was no denying the sincerity in Liana’s words.

Liana turned to the council members, her voice taking on the regal authority of her position.

"Anne is under my watch and protection," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. "There’s no need to take her away. You can investigate her right here. Question her, scrutinise her, and do what you must. But she stays within the pack."

Alpha Raymond exchanged a look with Cecilia, both of them weighing Liana’s proposition carefully.

"Liana," Cecilia said after a long pause, "the council understands your position. But we can’t simply overlook this. There are rules, laws that must be upheld."

"I’m not asking you to overlook anything," Liana shot back, her tone still firm but composed. "I’m telling you that you’ll conduct your investigation here. Anne will not be removed from her son, nor from Damien’s pack. Not until you have proof that she’s guilty of something more than defending herself."

The tension in the room grew thick as Raymond glanced between the council members. There was an unspoken power struggle playing out, one that Anne realised Liana had expertly manoeuvred herself into. It was a gamble—Liana wasn’t defending her out of affection but out of a strategic decision to keep her son from suffering. And as much as it pained Anne to admit it, she was grateful.

Cecilia finally spoke, her voice calmer but still firm. "We’ll allow it—for now. Anne will remain here, under Liana’s supervision. But make no mistake, Liana, this is a serious matter. If the investigation reveals further transgressions, the council will not hesitate to act."

Liana gave a curt nod. "You’ll get your investigation. But Anne stays here."

Anne exhaled a breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding. The immediate threat of being taken away had passed, but the looming investigation still hung over her head like a prisoner.

"And when Damien returns," Liana added, her voice softening just a touch, "you can question him as well. But until then, Anne remains where she belongs."

Anne felt her chest tighten at the mention of Damien. He had no idea what was unfolding here, and when he returned, he would be walking into a storm he hadn’t anticipated. She missed him so much it hurt. But for now, she could only focus on keeping herself and Ryan safe.

Blaze’s suddely spoke up, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, well, Liana," he drawled, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. "I’m touched by how nice you’ve suddenly become. Who knew you had it in you?"

Liana shot him a sharp look, her expression hardening into something cold and unflinching. "Don’t mistake my actions for kindness, Blaze," she said icily. "This isn’t about being nice. It’s about protecting my son."

Blaze chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Of course it is. Everything you do is for Damien. But it still surprises me to see you stepping up for Anne like this."

Liana didn’t dignify Blaze’s taunt with a response.

"But the issue here is the misuse of power by the Royal family, and Liana did just that right now. Stopped the council from using its authority. Cant you all see ?"

Liana’s eyes narrowed, but her composure didn’t waver. "Don’t be dramatic, Blaze," she said, her tone calm but with a steely edge. "I’ve merely asked that we approach this situation with logic and caution. It’s in no one’s interest to rip a mother from her child before the investigation is complete."

Blaze smirked, clearly enjoying the tension he had sparked. "Oh, I’m not being dramatic, Liana. I’m just pointing out the obvious. You’re playing your cards carefully, as always."

Alpha Raymond cleared his throat, stepping in before the tension could escalate further. "Enough, Blaze. We understand your concerns, but this is not the time for accusations against the royal family." His tone was authoritative, though there was a hint of weariness as he glanced at Liana. "The council will conduct its investigation, and we will ensure that it is done fairly. Liana has made a point, and while we disagree with some aspects, we will allow Anne to remain under her supervision—for now."

Cecilia, who had remained silent during the confrontation, finally spoke, her tone more gentle than before. "This situation is far from over, Anne. We will respect Liana’s decision for now, but the council’s investigation will proceed, and the truth will come to light. If there’s more to this than self-defence, we’ll find out. I suggest you prepare yourself."

Anne nodded.

"Go back to your room and stay there, Anne," Liana commanded. "Do not call Damien; I will call him and explain the situation."