Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 218

Chapter 218: A Gift and a Bargain

Chapter 218: A Gift and a Bargain

(Celeste’s POV)

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as I watched Nina guiding Matthew’s family through

their new home. Her efficiency had amazed me within hours of my request, she had secured

this beautiful property just on the edge of Winter Pack territory.

“And through here is the kitchen,” Nina announced, her silver–gray eyes alight with enthusiasm.

“It’s been fully stocked with moon–blessed preserves and fresh meat.”

Sarah Sterling’s hand flew to her mouth. “This is too much,” she whispered, her voice thick

with emotion.

The modest two–story house wasn’t extravagant by Winter Pack standards, but compared to their previous home, it was certainly an upgrade. Large windows allowed natural light to flood

the space. The furniture was new but comfortable–looking, chosen specifically to make the

Sterlings feel at home.

“The bedrooms are upstairs,” Nina continued, gesturing toward a polished wooden staircase.

“Four in total, with the master bedroom overlooking the silver birch grove.”

Daniel Sterling stood in the center of the living room, his weathered face a mixture of disbelief

and gratitude. “Miss Winters, we can’t possibly accept-”

“Please,” I interrupted gently. “Call me Celeste. And yes, you can accept it. Consider it compensation for what my former pack put you through.”

Emily, who had been suspiciously quiet throughout the tour, ran her fingers along the

mantelpiece of the stone fireplace. “Why are you doing this?” she asked, her silver–gray eyes-

so like Matthew’s–studying me intently.

Before I could answer, Matthew stepped forward. “Because that’s who she is,” he said simply.

The warmth in his voice made my silver–scarred wolf stir beneath my skin. Nina tactfully led

Daniel and Sarah toward the back garden, giving us a moment alone.

Matthew approached me slowly, something clutched in his palm. “I want to give you something,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically nervous.

He opened his hand to reveal a small circular pendant made of polished wood, hanging from a simple leather cord. Carved into its surface was a single word: “Peace.”

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Chapter 218 A Gift and a Bargain

“What’s this?” I asked as he gently placed it around my neck.

The pendant felt warm against my skin, as though it carried traces of Matthew’s body heat. My fingers traced the carefully carved letters.

“A protective charm,” Matthew explained. “I’ve carried it with me since I was fourteen. It’s

saved my life in pack battles more times than I can count.”

I looked up at him in surprise. “Matthew, I can’t take something so important to you.”

His silver–gray eyes held mine steadily. “You can, and you will. It was made by Jacob Ward.”

My breath caught. “Jacob Ward? The beta wolf Jason mentioned?”

Matthew nodded, a sad smile crossing his face. “He wasn’t always just a training partner.

Years ago, he was my mentor in Alexander’s guard unit. One of the best warriors I’ve ever

known.”

He guided me to a window seat, sitting beside me as he continued his story.

“During my first year in the elite guard, we were ambushed by rogue wolves on a border patrol. I was separated from the unit, cornered by three rogues.” His voice grew distant with the

memory. “I was certain I would die that day.”

I listened intently, my silver–scarred wolf attentive to every word.

“Jacob appeared out of nowhere, fighting like a demon to reach me. After the battle, he gave

me this pendant. Said it had protected him for years and would now protect me.” Matthew’s

fingers brushed against the wooden circle at my throat. “He disappeared two years later on a

mission. His body was never found.”

“And you think he’s still alive?” I asked quietly.

Matthew’s eyes flickered with hope. “I never stopped believing. Recent rumors suggest he

might be in the Northern territories.”

The significance of his gift wasn’t lost on me. He was entrusting me with something precious,

something connected to a wolf he clearly admired.

“It will keep you safe when I can’t be there,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper.

The tenderness in his expression made my heart ache. Without thinking, I reached into my

pocket and pulled out a small sachet made of silver–blue fabric.

“Then you should have this,” I said, placing it in his palm.

Matthew looked at it curiously. “What is it?”

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Chapter 218. A Gift and a Bargain

“A moon–blessed sachet,” I explained. “I made it myself. The herbs inside were collected under the full moon and blessed in an ancient pack ritual my grandmother taught me.”

He brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply. “It smells like you,” he said softly. “Like moonlight

and violets.”

His words made me blush. The sachet was indeed infused with my scent, a deliberate choice

that carried significant meaning in wolf culture. By accepting it, Matthew was symbolically

carrying my presence with him.

“It’s beautiful,” he murmured, carefully tucking it into his inner pocket, close to his heart.

“Thank you.”

We sat in comfortable silence, the exchange of gifts cementing something between us that

felt both fragile and unbreakable.

Nina’s voice from the kitchen broke our reverie. “Miss Celeste! It’s getting late. We should

return to the pack house before dark.”

Reality crashed back. No matter how perfect this moment felt, I couldn’t escape my obligations to the Winter Pack.

“We should go,” I agreed reluctantly.

Matthew helped me to my feet, his hand lingering in mine. “I’ll walk you out.”

The goodbyes were brief but warm. Sarah hugged me impulsively, whispering thanks in my

ear. Daniel shook my hand formally, but his silver–gray eyes conveyed deep gratitude. Even

Emily managed a small smile, her earlier hostility softened by the generosity of the gift I’d

given her family.

As our car approached the Winter Pack house, I noticed Alpha James’s vehicle parked in the

courtyard. My silver–scarred wolf immediately tensed beneath my skin, sensing trouble ahead.

“Your father has returned,” Nina observed quietly.

Matthew squeezed my hand. “I’ll come in with you.”

We entered the pack house together. Beta wolves moved through the halls, carrying Alpha

James’s luggage from his trip. One of them spotted us and hurried forward.

“Miss Winters,” he said with a quick bow. “Alpha James requests your presence in his study immediately.”

I suppressed a sigh. “Very well.”

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Chapter 218: A Gift and a Bargain

“Good evening, sir,” Matthew greeted Alpha James respectfully as we approached.

Alpha James barely glanced at him, his cold gaze fixed on me. “Celeste. A word.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and entered his study, clearly expecting me to

follow.

“Wait for me?” I asked Matthew.

He nodded, his silver–gray eyes conveying silent support.

Alpha James stood by the window as I entered, his back to me. The setting sun cast his silhouette in sharp relief against the glass.

“Close the door,” he commanded without turning.

I complied, my silver–scarred wolf bristling at his tone.

“You seem different,” he observed, finally facing me. “Almost cheerful with that Sterling boy. Yet now your face is a mask of indifference. Interesting.”

I remained silent, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a response.

He moved to his desk, picking up a cream–colored envelope embossed with a familiar crest. “Senior Council Member Moore has extended a personal invitation to you.”

My heart sank. After my encounter with Jason Moore, I had hoped to be done with the Moore

family.

“I’ve already made my position clear to Jason Moore,” I said coolly. “I’m not interested.”

Alpha James’s eyebrow arched. “This isn’t from Jason. It’s from his grandfather. The Senior

Council Member himself.”