The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 377

Chapter 377

Laila’s POV

“Treason? How could that be?” asked at once, concern for Larry taking over me. He wasn’t a friend, exactly, but he had been an ally. Had he gotten into trouble for sneaking me the dose of the cure that I carried with me even now? Reaching into my pocket, my fingertips touched the glass of the vial. I hadn’t thought it safe to leave it behind anywhere, for fear it would be found and taken away from me.

The younger doctor started, his voice soft, “He acted against the Alpha’s wishes.”

“In what way?” Jason asked.

“Larry was plotting against me in secret,” said a booming voice from behind us.

I winced, recognizing my uncle’s voice. Beside me, Jason tensed, his jaw going tight. Slowly, we both turned around.

Richard was there, his arms crossed, glaring. “I do not tolerate that kind of insubordination from within, or from visitors to the pack.”

The comment was pointed, meant for us. My heart leapt up into my throat, but I did my best to keep my expression blank. The situation was contentious for us here and now, but I didn’t know how Richard could have thought it would be any other way around.

He had conspired to kill my father. His soldiers killed my mother. He had thrown Jason in the dungeon, and he clearly had it out for me. Any lingering friendliness was nothing more than a pretense now, as we all navigated to get what we wanted – and those wants were at direct odds.

Richard had done enough harm to this pack. We were going to defeat him and remove him from power one way or another. I owed it to these people, my pack, the place that should have been my home. The place that would have been my home if my uncle hadn’t arranged for my father to be killed. If I hadn’t been run out of the pack to save me from a similar fate.

In that running, if I hadn’t met Jason in the woods, I would have died.

“Maybe we should focus on today’s fight,” I said. “Now isn’t the time to be paranoid.”

“It’s only paranoia if it’s incorrect,” Richard said. “I would be careful if I were you, niece, else you’ll end up in a jail cell beside Larry’s, and Jason can tell you that’s somewhere that you don’t want to be.”

A low growl escaped Jason’s throat. “Do not threaten her.”

C Richard lifted his chin. “I am Alpha here. Something you keep forgetting, Jason. But I will be happy to teach you in our bout today. This time, I’ll make sure the lesson sticks so that you will never forget again.”

“We’ll see who learns what,” Jason said.

I lifted a hand and placed it on Jason’s arm, hoping to soothe him. Now was not the time for this.

Richard glanced at me again. “I’ve prepared prime box seating for you right up front, Laila. You’ll be seated among the Elder Council.”

“No,” Jason said, before I could reply. “She will stay ringside, well within my reach.”

Richard narrowed his eyes.

Before this could turn into another Alpha ego match, I said, “I would prefer to stay ringside if it’s all the same For one thing, I’d have a better view from there. I’m sure you want me to be able to see everything, uncle?”

He sneered but did not argue. “Yes. I had hoped to spare you from seeing your mate being pummeled too closely, but it seems you also have a lesson to learn, niece. Stay ringside if you must, and be as close as you need to be to your mate’s failure.”

“We’ll see who fails,” Jason replied through clenched teeth.

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