Nonetheless, his words provide me with little solace. Ultimately, it is King Arthur who summons me, not my father. To him and all of Scarlett Haven, I am the insignificant mongrel who is unable to articulate. What benefit might arise from returning there?
“Thus, this represents a significant opportunity for you,” Rocco asserts. “They are providing you with a position and accommodation.” It is uncommon for a someone ostracised as a rogue due to an alleged r**e offence, irrespective of its veracity. I am confident we can arrange for your friend to reside with you.
“I will not depart from River Moon,” Ricky asserts, shaking her head at him. “You will not take my companion to engage in this conflict,” she asserts, her hand quivering in mine. “That is not permissible,” she retorts, rising abruptly and directing an accusatory finger at him. Your pack has already rejected him. He belongs to me now. We possess a home and a family, hence we require none of the offerings from your pack.
My heart races with each syllable she utters, a warmth enveloping my face in pleasure. We are now her family.
Even Jimmy cannot resist admiring our companion as she steadfastly confronts my old Gamma, his tail wagging vigorously from side to side.
“Madam, I believe you may not comprehend.” We are lycanthropes. “We must adhere to specific regulations that I am certain a human would not comprehend,” Rocco states quietly.
Unbeknownst to him, he is conversing with a past Luna, as Jimmy chuckles and prepares to observe the spectacle.
Ricky remains silent, however I observe a subtle, irritated sneer forming on her lips.
“I am not providing Jadi with an option,” Rocco states, as though elucidating a concept to a juvenile. “His King is summoning his return, and as a loyal subject of the Crescent Mane Kingdom, Jadi is obliged to comply.”
A chilling giggle escapes from Josie’s lips, a document suspended from her fingertips.
“This decree is a farce,” Josie remarks nonchalantly before commencing to read the document aloud.
“By decree of King Arthur of the Crescent Mane Kingdom, Jadi Jay is hereby reinstated to his original omega rank.” Mr. Jay is additionally elevated to the Warrior rank and will be granted all titles, responsibilities, and privileges associated with his position. This encompasses, but is not restricted to, training, sustenance, accommodation, and an assurance of promotion contingent upon shown merit.
By will of the King, Mr. Jay has two weeks to present himself at the Crescent Mane castle or face charges.”
She clenches the paper in her fist, her palm igniting and consuming the decree until only ashes remain.
“As of my last inquiry, a rogue is no longer under the authority of any King or Queen.” Consequently, they are considered rogues,” Josie smiles courteously. “Furthermore, Jadi was never a complete member of your pack, was he?” Your Alpha never established a mindlink with him, did he?”
Rocco keeps silent for a minute, a smile of satisfaction emerging on Josie’s lips. “You lack a valid case, Gamma, and you do not possess the authority to remove one of my guests from my pack unless you intend to instigate a conflict.”
I am astonished as I gaze at the Queen. Her pack is now mobilising for conflict against the French packs. She cannot genuinely be contemplating the creation of another adversary with Crescent Mane. They are little yet vengeful. They will not capitulate without resistance.
“Unless Jadi consents to your conditions voluntarily, you will not be transporting him anywhere.” “That is my decree,” she retorts.
Rocco stands, his gaze imploring me to rethink my decision. Therefore. This is your opportunity to demonstrate to Noel that you are an Alpha. You are the genuine Alpha destined for Scarlett Haven. “If you exert sufficient effort, your life will markedly differ from its previous state,” he implores me. “Please.” Contemplate it. I am confident that you possess the qualities necessary to become our Alpha.
I glance at my companion and realise there is nothing to contemplate. I have found my family in her, in Melina, and in Bray and I do not plan on leaving them all behind for a title. For the first time in my life, an individual recognises my intrinsic worth, not as an Alpha, but as a human being. I have returned home now. Scarlett Haven is merely a scar, one that is gradually healing but will ultimately disappear entirely.
I shake my head at Rocco, conveying my intention to stay in River Moon. Rocco gazes at me with incredulity and even a hint of disillusionment.
“Thus,” he commences his explanation. “Stonecold murdered your mother and brother.” They have obliterated every facet of your existence. Do you not experience even a modicum of responsibility or motivation to eradicate the wolves that have deprived you of so much?He enquires. ‘Don’t you want to avenge your family?”
Fury surges within me at the implication that I lacked affection for my family. Rocco is acutely aware of the depth of my affection for my mother. She was the inaugural one to safeguard me and to love me without conditions; yet, although I mourn the loss of my mother, brother, and uncle, this conflict is not mine to engage in. Scarlett Haven never regarded me as a member of the pack. What prompts them to perceive me as a warrior at this moment?
I remain silent and rise to open the door for Rocco, my former guardian, who gazes at me with a solemn expression.
“Therefore-”
I motion towards the door, no longer inclined to entertain any further appeals from him. Hurt and despair manifest on Rocco’s face, yet seeing he has overstayed his welcome, he proceeds to the door.
“I implore the Moon Goddess that you do not come to regret this decision,” he states gently, lifting his hand to massage my back but withdrawing it to avoid disturbing me.
I forcefully shut the door as he enters the doorway, my knuckles blanching from my tight grip on the doorknob. My thoughts are tumultuous following Rocco’s visit, and I rest my forehead on the door, seeking tranquilly while counting my breaths. A pair of little hands encircle my waist, and Ricky’s solid form presses against my back. She remains silent as she embraces me, laying her head between my shoulder blades while caressing my abdomen.
“Everything will be fine,” Ricky whispers. “I will also contend if it ensures your retention.”
