After My Alpha Marked Another, I Took Everything Chapter 11

After My Alpha Marked Another, I Took Everything Chapter 11

The tribunal preparations consumed the pack house Wolves moved through the corridors with purpose, carrying documents, setting up the ceremonial space, preparing for the Lycan Court’s arrival I watched them from the study window, my back straight, my hands steady on the windowsill

Nicolas entered the room He carried a stack of files–testimony transcripts, evidence logs, procedural documents. He set them on the desk without a

word

I turned from the window “The council is assembled?”

“Yes.” He straightened the files with methodical precision. “They’re waiting for your opening statement.

I moved to the desk. We stood on opposite sides, the wood between us. I reached for a testimony transcript He reached for the same document

Our hands brushed

The contact lasted half a second. Maybe less.

Electric current shot through my arm. Not pain. Recognition.

I looked up. His eyes were already on mine.

Neither of us moved. Neither of us spoke.

Sera stirred inside my chest. Not with alarm. With something else. Something that felt like home.

“Your father is waiting,” Nicolas said quietly.

I nodded I withdrew my hand first.

The council session lasted four hours. I sat at the head of the table. Aldric was to my right. Nicolas stood near the back wall, his arms crossed, his

attention sharp

I spoke when necessary I listened more. The council members–newly appointed, carefully vetted–presented their findings on Callan’s financial records The wolfsbane supplier had been located in a border town. The rogue war–band leader was already in custody

I made decisions I signed documents I moved the proceedings forward.

Nicolas did not speak unless directly addressed. But his presence filled the room. Steady. Certain. He deferred to my authority without being asked He stepped forward when needed, stepped back when not

When the session ended, I remained seated. The council members filed out Aldric lingered, then left with a nod

Nicolas approached the table. He gathered the documents I’d signed. His movements were efficient Professional

‘T’ll file these,’ he said

‘Thank you‘

He paused. Looked at me Something flickered in his eyes–uncertainty, maybe Or possibility

‘The tribunal is tomorrow,” he said

‘I know.”

He nodded once. He turned to leave.

After My Alpha Marked Another, I Took Everything

“Nicolas

He stopped Locked back

“Did you leave something at the cabin border? Years ago?”

His expression went carefully blank. “Why do you ask?”

“A carved wooden figure A wolf It was left near the property line No note No explanation”

He was quiet for a moment Then he reached into his coat pocket His fingers emerged holding a small wooden carving–a wolf mid–stride, its head turned slightly as if listening

“I wondered where that had gone,” he said quietly

I pulled the matching figure from my sleeve. “I’ve been carrying this one‘

His eyes widened slightly. “You found it.”

“I found it‘

He looked at the twin figures. Then at me.

“I didn’t leave a note,” he said. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to know I’d been there.”

I set my wolf on the table. He set his beside it.

“Why did you go to the cabin?” I asked.

He was quiet for a long moment. Then he said, “I scented you at the border summit three years ago. Just for a moment. But I knew

“Knew what?”

“That you were important.”

He said it simply Without flourish Without political calculation.

I looked at him–really looked–and felt something shift inside my chest.

“Thank you,” I said “For finding me”

He nodded once. He turned and walked out of the room

The news came at dusk

Melody had appeared at Ironvale’s outer gate. She was not asking for entry She was waiting For Callan

The gate guard reported it immediately I received the report in the study

“She’s been there three hours, the guard said “She won’t leave She says she’s waiting for Alpha Callan to contact her

I set the report aside “Watch her Report any changes

The guard hesitated ‘Should we send her away?”

“No.” I said. “Let her wart

The guard nodded and left

I sat in the quiet study Outside, the sun dropped below the horizon

Melody was learning what I had understood in the first week after the rejection What I had known with bone–deep certainty while I lay on the cold floor of the Omega quarters

Callan did not contact people who were no longer useful

I did not feel satisfaction. Or vindication. Or pity.

I felt nothing

Three days passed. Melody remained at the gate. She did not ask for entry. She simply waited.

On the third evening, the gate guard returned.

“She’s gone,” he said.

I nodded

“She left this He handed me a small envelope.

I took it. Did not open it.

“Thank you,” I said.

The guard left.

I sat alone in the study. The envelope lay unopened on the desk.

I did not need to read it. I knew what it contained. A plea. A threat. A promise.

It did not matter.

Melody had waited three days for a contact that would never come.

I stood I walked to the fireplace. I dropped the unopened envelope into the flames and watched it burn.

Tomorrow, Callan would stand before the Lycan Court

Tomorrow, justice would begin

I turned from the fire Sera stirred inside my chest

“He is coming,” she said

I knew she was right