The lost mate

Chapter 143: Consequences of the actions

The grand hall fell silent as the murmurs and laughter of the celebration died down, every eye turning towards the entryway. Two of Damien’s warriors struggled to restrain a dishevelled and wild-eyed Malcom as they dragged him into the centre of the hall; his pants were off, and his face smeared with rage and desperation.

"Let go of me!" Malcom roared, his voice thick with fury and barely-contained emotion. He thrashed against the warriors’ hold.

"Malcom!" Alpha Falcon’s voice thundered over the crowd, piercing through the shocked silence. "What is the meaning of this?"

Damien stepped forward, his face hard as stone, his presence commanding. He surveyed the gathering, his gaze settling briefly on Alpha Falcon and then on Liana, who looked both horrified and confused. "Malcom was assaulting Jessica in the guest quarters," he announced, his tone calm but laced with unmistakable disgust.

A ripple of shock spread through the hall as people exchanged looks of disbelief and outrage. Liana gasped, a hand flying to her mouth.

"She’s mine; I must have her!" Malcom’s voice was raw, filled with a frantic edge that silenced the murmurs. He looked from Damien to Jessica, his face pleading, a madness glinting in his eyes. "She’s mine! I was only claiming what was meant to be!"

Alpha Falcon’s expression morphed from shock to fury as he stepped forward, fists clenched. "Malcom, have you lost your senses? You cannot claim her forcefully. Do you understand what you’ve done?"

"Damien," Richard, who had been observing silently with a growing scowl, finally spoke up, his voice edged with concern. "Are you certain of what happened?"

Damien met Richard’s gaze. "I witnessed it myself. He was caught in the act."

Murmurs of dismay and shock ran through the gathered pack members.

Malcom’s head whipped around as he glared at Damien. "You think you know everything, don’t you?" He spat, his eyes glinting with a dark intensity.

Alpha Falcon’s face turned crimson with rage. "Enough!" he bellowed, his voice resonating through the hall. He turned to the warriors holding Malcom. "Take him to the holding cell. He will await judgement."

As Malcom was pulled from the hall, his shouts and curses echoed in the silence left behind, his voice hoarse with desperation.

Alpha Richard cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

"I am sorry about the situation. This party was meant to be a celebration of unity and peace. But I need to attend to this matter now. Please continue enjoying the festivities and rest assured that justice will be served."

Damien followed his father, mother, Alpha Falcon, and a few council members to the Alpha office. This was going to blow up.

In the Alpha’s office, a sombre air settled over the group as the heavy oak door clicked shut.

"What the hell happened Damien ? Jessica was supposed to be in the party !" Liana asked him. "And Malcom... he would never do anything like that..."

"It was Elara’s plan, mother." Damien declared.

As if on cue Anne arrived. All eyes turned towards her.

"How is Jessica now ?" Liana asked her.

"She is fine, but she is in heat. That’s why I didn’t bring her here; it will take a few hours for the effect to go away."

Anne’s words lingered in the room, and an uncomfortable silence fell.

Richard’s face was unreadable, his gaze sharp as he turned to Damien. "You mentioned Elara’s plan, Damien. Do you have proof that she orchestrated this?"

Damien nodded. "Elara was the one who convinced Jessica to wait in the guest room, claiming that I’d be there to meet her. She knew Jessica would be vulnerable. Instead, Malcom found her and was unable to resist her heat."

Alpha Falcon’s fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight. "If Elara was manipulating Jessica and Malcom both, I would kill her. Fine her !"

Damien nodded. "I agree. Elara’s manipulations have crossed a line. And I am sure she did this on Jackson’s instruction. I have already sent my trackers to find her."

Alpha Raymond chimed in.

"Let’s summon Alpha Jackson."

Anne bit her lips, if Jackson would come here then he would definitely spill the secret of Damien’s parentage. Her eyes met Liana and she was sure Liana felt the same. True to her guess Liana spoke up.

"We can resolve this matter among ourselves; I don’t want to waste everyone’s time. Malcom assulted Jessica because of her heat. So let him claim her. It wasn’t his fault that he fell for Elara’s trap !"

"Impossible ! That girl will never become my pack’s Luna." Falcon interjected.

"But dad, everyone knows that Malcom assulted Jessica. If you refuse to acknowledge this bond , it will only cause more conflict." Liana argued, trying to reason with her father. Falcon sighed, knowing that this situation was more complicated than he had anticipated.

"She is right, Falcon," Alpha Raymon said.

"As the council member and the witness of this mess, I think you must let this union. That would be the best for everyone."

"We need to inform Jackson though." Cecilia said.

Knowing that Jackson’s approval was necessary.

"I will talk to him." Liana said quickly.

The meeting was over, and Anne went out with Damien.

"I am going to check on Jessica," Anne said.

"Jessica?" Anne called softly, moving towards the bedside. "It’s me, Anne. How are you feeling?"

Jessica turned her head slightly; her eyes dazed and glassy, yet she managed a weak smile. "I... I don’t know," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel... lost."

"The council has decided that you must become Malcom’s mate." Anne said.

Jessica looked away, her gaze falling to the floor.

"But if you don’t want this union, just let me know. I will support you no matter what decision you make," Anne added, placing a comforting hand on Jessica’s shoulder.

"Anne, I am sorry." She suddenly said.

Anne blinked.

"For what ?"

"For everything, I bullied you. I tried to take away your mate.

Anne’s heart softened at Jessica’s admission. She gently squeezed Jessica’s shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding.

"I let jealousy and ambition cloud my judgement. I hurt you, and now... now I’m facing the consequences of my choices."

"Listen, Jessica. I can’t say that I have forgiven you. But the important thing is that you’re recognising them now. "

A tear slipped down Jessica’s cheek as she reflected on the weight of her predicament.

"Thank you."