After My Mate Betrayed, I Fought Back Chapter 09

After My Mate Betrayed, I Fought Back Chapter 09

The Alphas of the neighboring packs arrived first, their heads bowed in submission as they approached Prince Lucas and me. They were followed by their Betas and other high-ranking members, all of whom showed similar signs of deference.

“Your Highness,” one of the Alphas said, his voice trembling. “We had no idea. We were misled by Luna Madison’s claims. Please, forgive our transgression.”

I raised an eyebrow, my expression skeptical. “Misled?” I repeated. “It seems to me that you were complicit in her plans, that you willingly participated in the attempted humiliation of a Royal Guard.”

The Alpha fell to his knees, his head bowed. “No, Commander,” he said, his voice desperate. “We swear it was not intentional. We were deceived by Luna Madison’s lies. Please, have

mercy.”

I sighed, my expression unyielding. “Very well,” I said. “I will take your pleas into consideration. But let this be a warning to you all: any further acts of disobedience or disrespect will be met with swift and severe punishment.”

The Alphas and their packs breathed a collective sigh of relief as I nodded to the guards. “Release them,” I said. “But keep a close eye on them. I don’t want any more incidents.”

As the guards escorted the packs from the hall, I turned to Prince Lucas. “Thank you for your assistance, Your Highness,” I said, my voice sincere. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Prince Lucas smiled, his eyes warm. “It was my pleasure, Commander,” he said. “You are a true asset to the Lycan throne. I am honored to serve alongside you.”

I smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude toward the prince. He had been a true ally in this situation, and I appreciated his support.

As the hall emptied, I turned my attention back to the matter at hand. Dylan and Madison were

still being held, awaiting their fate.

“What shall we do with them, Commander?” one of the guards asked.

I thought for a moment before responding. “Take them to the royal dungeons,” I said finally. “They will be held there pending further investigation into their conspiracy and treason.”

The guard nodded, saluting before turning to follow my orders. I watched him go, my expression grim.

It was over, but it was far from the end. I had won this battle, but the war was far from won. And

I would have to be vigilant, I would have to be prepared to face whatever came next.

As I walked away from the pack house, I could feel the weight of their eyes on me. I knew that I had made a lasting impression, that I had shown them the true extent of my power. And I knew that they would never forget it.

The guards fell into step behind me, their presence a reminder of my status, of my authority. I was no longer just Aria Blackwood, the weak and submissive Omega. I was Commander Aria Blackwood, personal guard to the Lycan Royal Family. And I would not be ignored.

As we disappeared into the night, I could feel the pack’s eyes on us, their minds racing with questions and doubts. They knew that they had crossed a line, that they had made a grave mistake. And they knew that I would not hesitate to carry out my threats.

The game was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning. And I was ready to play.

In a shadowy corner of the pack house, I could sense Dylan’s presence. He was waiting for me, his eyes pleading.

“Aria,” he said, his voice trembling. “Please, don’t do this. We’re mates. The bond-it’s sacred. You can’t just throw it away.”

I turned to face him, my expression icy. “The bond was broken the moment you decided to betray me,” I said, my voice cold and unyielding. “You made your choice, Dylan. Now you have to live with it.”

Dylan fell to his knees, his face pale and sweaty. “Please,” he begged, his voice trembling. “Aria, please. I was wrong, I know I was wrong. Please don’t do this.”

I looked down at him, my expression unyielding. “You should have thought of that before you betrayed me, Dylan,” I said. “You made your choice, and now you have to live with it.”

Dylan’s eyes were filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. “But the bond,” he said, his voice breaking. “It’s not just about us. It’s about the pack, about our place in the world.”

I laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. “The bond?” I repeated. “You really think that’s what this is about, Dylan? You really think that your feelings for me are strong enough to overcome what you’ve done?”

Dylan nodded, his eyes pleading. “Yes,” he said, his voice trembling. “I know I made a mistake, Aria. But I love you. I want to make it right.”

I shook my head, my expression cold. “It’s too late for that, Dylan,” I said. “You made your

choice, and now you have to live with it.”

Dylan’s face crumpled, his body shaking with sobs. “Please,” he begged, his voice breaking. “Aria, please. Don’t do this.”

I turned and walked away, leaving him kneeling on the ground. I knew that this was the end, that

there was no going back. And as I disappeared into the darkness, I felt a sense of closure, of finality.

It was over, and I was moving on.