More Than An Alpha

Trial Part One

I scratched my head looking at one of the two large bookcases that my father invested in and groaned. Who knows how long it would take me to find the book he left behind. I was trying my best not to look at the furniture and breathe in too deeply. The memories of my father were the strongest here, I knew I'd break down and start crying again the moment I saw or smelled something that triggered a new memory.

I wouldn't cry in front of Jeremey, he still hung around the house, though I was thankful he wasn't breathing down my neck anymore. It was awkward enough that we used to be somewhat friends and now he was treating me like I was a criminal. He couldn't look at me in the eye, always averting his gaze when he had to address me. It wasn't his fault. If his father wanted me to look like the bad guy then I will to everyone he has influence over.

The Art of Science, I repeated inside my head while I scanned each shelf, running my hand along the spine of the books as I went. If I didn't find this book today I might not get the chance again, Darius was on my case, why, I'm not sure but if I'm found guilty then it's over for me. I paused on the second bookcase, there on the fourth shelf down in a white hardcover was The Art of science. I slipped it off the shelf eager to finally see the contents.

I looked behind me, making sure Jeremey wasn't anywhere in sight, I listened carefully and could hear his slow footsteps downstairs. Exhaling I pried open the book, it was empty, there was no text, no pictures, nothing. I flicked through the book confused until an envelope fell out, dropping to the floor.

I placed the book on the desk, then swooped down picking up the envelope. It wasn't sealed but there was a letter inside. I slowly pulled it out and unfolded the paper, it was a letter for me handwritten by my father, and I couldn't mistake his messy writing.

My sweet Calla,

If you are reading this then I didn't have enough time to explain in detail our family secret, for that I am sorry. I have probably reached the end of my days and I can only hope that you are old enough to take care of yourself and your mother. Thankfully I told you about this book, it contains all the answers that I'm sure you are looking for. Guard this book with your life, it depends on it.

I let out a strangled sob. He thought my mother would still be here when he died, not that they'd be both ripped from me at the same time. My tears blurred my vision to the point where I couldn't read anymore. I wasn't prepared for this.

Wiping my eyes I put the letter back into the book, I carried it back into my room and placed it into the bag that I had already filled with some of my favourite clothes and some possessions of my parents. At the sound of creaking stairs, I pulled myself together, zipping the bag quickly and putting it under my bed.

"Alpha Darius wants you to know that the trial will take place tomorrow afternoon." Jeremy said softly, "You can stay here for the evening with your mate and his pack. There will be wolves watching the house so don't try anything stupid."

I turned to look at Jeremy finally sick of his submissiveness, "Do you honestly think I killed my own parents?"

He looked uncomfortable. "It's not my place to say."

"You've known me my whole life, you knew my dad your whole life. Is this how this pack will repay him? By making his daughter the criminal here." I shook my head at him "You should be grateful this pack lived as long as it did. You and I both know that your father almost led us into war. He's doing it again."

"Calla, I know what he did, everyone in this pack knows what he did. But my father is the alpha, what he says goes, you know that we don't question his orders."

"As a beta, you should, if you know something is not right."

"And ultimately it's his decision." He said harshly.