The Alpha's Rogue ✔️

51 | Willing To Surrender

4062 words

The sky was overcast, the atmosphere heavy with moisture that made it difficult to breathe.

Savannah took another breath to calm herself, ignoring the questioning look Justin gave her.

If he thought coming here was easy for her, that she was ready to watch as her mate faced the Council for his crimes, then her Beta really didn't know her that well.

She'd barely slept all week. Zion had been wrong when he'd said their bond would weaken given time apart. If he really wanted to sever all ties with her, he should have just rejected her himself, instead of insisting she keep away and hope for the mark to fade.

Nothing was fading between them.

In fact, as the day of his trial drew closer, her heart ached even more for him, for them to be close, to see him and touch him. To wrap her arms around him and bury her face against his chest. For him to whisper sweet words in her ear that everything would be alright. That they would be okay. That together, they'd get through this and begin their life on the other side as a strong and steady couple.

Instead, he'd pushed her away again, demanding that she stop caring about him. If he really didn't want to be with her, why hadn't he rejected her?

This question festered from the back of her mind, like a seed of hope that wriggled and squirmed, searching for water and light so it could sprout and bloom.

His words had hurt momentarily, but she'd promptly brushed them off once she'd had time to think it over and recognise the pain in his voice. Her heart thudded with the possibility that Zion, deep down somewhere in the shattered heart of his, actually didn't want to give up on her just yet either. Maybe he really did believe in a future together, or at least hadn't dismissed the idea entirely. Maybe they really could accept each other as mates, live as one, and begin a family.

But none of that was possible while he remained imprisoned under highest security. Her mate, the notorious Silver Rogue, was now on trial for his violent and brutal crimes against multiple packs, including her own. His fate lay in the hands of the Council, but, if she presented her case right, she just might be given full rights to his sentencing.

And she'd be the most merciful, forgiving Alpha there had ever been.

"Just remember, don't let it get personal," her mother, Alpha Chesca, cautioned as she walked by her side into the courtroom.

The Supreme Courts were positioned in Villawood Pack, territory to the Head of Council. It was especially important to hold Zion's trial here since he was the one who had murdered Lord Alistair. The Alpha's eldest son, Finley, would be presiding over the Council, and Savannah was afraid he would show about as much leniency as a stone fortress. The young Alpha had more than enough reason to order Zion's instant execution.

"But this is personal," she whispered back to her mum, trying to keep the tremble from her voice as she sat near the front of the courtroom. She would get the chance to testify for Zion's defence, but only at the end of the proceedings. The prosecution had a long list of crimes against him to get through.

"You know the council isn't swayed by emotion."

"Then Finley should have no trouble understanding my point of view. Based on facts, Zion had every right to defend himself against Alistair. The lord's death was perfectly justified given his illegal and treasonous activities."

"Not everyone will comprehend how rotten he really was. Remember, most of the Council were his close friends."

Savannah fought the urge to scoff. "Friends, indeed. Isn't their motto to never trust anyone, especially allies? A close friend is someone with the most opportunity to stab you in the back."