Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13 King’s decision

CA SSANDRA

My voice caught in my throat as the Alpha King’s words set in. He was absolutely correct and I understood the potential consequences of my actions

completely.

Things in Anemond were different than they were here. In Anemond, going) against the Alpha’s wish or running from the Pack was considered treason, and furthermore, a felony. They were strict in their laws and highly set in their ways in the capital, something I knew all too well. I’d lived in that terrible city for eighteen

years.

Asher Collins’ cold gray eyes bore into mine with horrible intensity as he waited for me to respond to his accusation, but I didn’t know how to answer. If I owned up to and admitted that I was trying to run away, I would be arrested and tried for treason. But I didn’t have another reason to justify my actions.

Who would run into the forest at midnight with all of their belongings other than

a deserter?

Luckily, before I could respond, Rayden rushed to his feet.

“You’re taking her to Anemond?” he demanded in surprise, and his hands balled into a fist at his side.

Alpha Gareth and Sofia’s cheeks darkened at their eldest son’s sudden outburst, and they looked at the Alpha King with apologetic expressions.

“Please forgive him, Your Majesty,” Gareth pleaded, and his dark eyes shot daggers toward his son.

“Yes, please, Your Majesty,” Sofia insisted, but Asher raised his hand to cut her off. Sofia closed her mouth and nodded, and then the Alpha King turned his

attention to their son.

“Young prince, have you learned nothing from your time with the Myriad?” he asked in an amused yet irritated tone. “Your father was just telling me that

you received a Medal of Honor during your services. Was questioning your commander something you learned during your service?”

Rayden’s eyes dropped to the floor and his hand released from its fist and relaxed. His expression said it all- he’d made a mistake in addressing the Alpha King directly like that, and he was in the wrong.

After a moment, he looked Asher Collins in the eyes and straightened his

posture.

“My apologies, Your Majesty,” he said in an even tone. “But you can’t take Ca ssy away from us-”

“Rayden!” Gareth cut him off in a loud and surprised tone, and then he shook his head and turned to the Alpha King. “I’m so sorry, Your Majesty.”

He then turned to his son.

“Leave us,” he ordered, but Rayden’s nostrils flared.

“Father, I have every right to remain here,” he insisted and even I was taken aback by the prince’s declaration. Why was he sticking up for me so much and risking his fate? The Alpha King could have his head for his indignance, and yet Rayden didn’t seem to care.

“Let him stay,” Asher declared, and he raised his hand toward Fareth. “I wish to hear the young man out. He seems to have a very good reason for remaining and a decent case to make. So, please, Rayden, explain yourself.”

He fixed his steel gaze on Rayden and a lump formed in my throat. I was scared for Rayden. Asher Collins wasn’t someone to challenge, and I was worried for his

well-being.

Rayden swallowed and then took a long, deep breath. His eyes seemed nervous, but his posture remained strong.