BLACK

(14) Truth

EDITED

I only cry harder after the doctor comes in, confirming what I already knew. Shredding that last hope that maybe it wasn't true, that maybe I didn't really miscarry.

Only I had. They sucked my baby out of me after I wasn't a strong enough home for them to grow. I couldn't keep them alive, my own baby! And Cesare, my very sweet Cesare. After everything, he was gone. Taken right out from under me. I tripped down those stairs, and I killed my own baby. Cesare, however, he promised me he wouldn't leave me. He promised no one would take him away from me.

Things had calmed down now, or at least I had. I was no longer constantly crying, but lying down on the hospital bed browsing Aris' phone. He had gone outside the room to sit on a chair while a recommended psychologist from the doctor evaluated me. He just wanted to check and make sure I wasn't going to do anything restless after all of the distraught and trauma I'd been through. I fell asleep during my crying, so when I woke up for the recommended Doctor, I'd been out of sorts. I replied to everything monotone, trying not to think too hard and puke up more emotions.

He was keen on reminding me that I still had Ajax, my real, very much alive son who needed me in his life. And Aris, he was very persistent that I stay well for his sake. He didn't have to explain much. Everyone knew in shifter politics that if Aris lost his mate, me, things would not go well. I don't even want to think about what could go wrong with Aris if I passed.

The nurse alerted me Aris fell asleep in the chair outside the room, arms crossed and heavy lids shut. I asked her not to wake him, that he rarely slept. She complied, and now his soft snores kept me calm in my hospital bed a few feet away. She told me they flew him down here as soon as possible, that the second they brought me to the hospital everyone recognized me. I'm sure if Aris hadn't banned it, the room would flourish with bouquets from concerned and apologetic pack members. Their Alpha had died, their Luna almost too. Difference was Cesare was murdered, and I had tripped. Though now I lived with the guilt of many things, and I had no idea where Cesare's spirit would go.

Aris' phone chimes, and I read across the banner in case it was an important message from the pack or an email. I almost ignore it, going back to browsing the web, but I can't. I know I shouldn't, but the hollow of my stomach makes me.

MURDER FOR POWER: THE CONSPIRACY

I rest my eyes as the news stand loads, knowing in the back of my mind this is a bad idea. I blink, letting the times new roman font settle in.

"No more Mr Nice Guy, it's no secret what's going on. A good laugh in the office has everyone starting to drown in horror. The all too famous Noire Vierr of Oeta Mountains, is quickly earning more land. And by quickly, we mean at the drop of a hat! In the last four months three Alphas have died, passing their lands into the cruel hands of Alpha Aris Kostas. Despite the distance, ruling Alaska all the way from Greece is no problem here! But as time passes, suspicion is rising and the murderers are getting faster and braver. If Kostas can rule Alaska, it's a very scary thought how many lands he can lead within reach. In the past year, the merciless Alpha has gained four packs, all in thanks to his mate. It doesn't sound like she's involved much, but we've just had an inclusive interview with a man close to Kostas mate. Psychology Doctor Antonio Millenia was in the Italian hospital the girl currently rests in. The scare has shocked many of the pack, but our theorists advice otherwise. During the evaluation, Dr Millenia says Vierr was very detached, and distant. Said nothing was wrong with Vierr's answers, almost too much like she'd been rehearsing them for hours in the anticipation of his arrival. 'When I asked her had she any more fears or worries in relation to the deaths,' Dr Millenia said. 'She replied, very dull and without intonation, that she knew Alpha Kostas would protect her and keep her safe from anything alike in the future.' If that doesn't say much, our theorists of State Magazine have analyzed all detail and reports that could be given. Though it may seem the life and love has been drained out of Vierr, there's still one thing too valuable to be crossed off. Her and deceased Alpha Jonneth Andrōclés  sixteen month old son. The fact only further proves the conspiracy. Vierr is the perfect candidate for innocence and truth, yet she is anything but. Vierr is just as self loathing and cruel as Kostas. Together, they work in conspiracy. She lures the Alphas, convinces them of being her mate, and leaves Kostas to do the dirty work. It's their perfect, power hungry plan to become the most famous leaders in shifter history. So why Andrōclés son? Why the trip to the hospital? It's all small distractions. They want the packs to feel sorry for them. To feel as if they owe the couple anything, like their submission. And their land, and their money. Why hasn't the baby been killed yet? Because it's hers. Vierr is related to that baby, more than she is related to any of the Alphas. It's all a hoax, up to the public to decide. One things for sure, Kostas was never a nice guy. But are the theorists right, is Kostas truly capable of killing other Alphas? Is Vierr a part of it? Send in your thoughts at StateMagazine.org/MateMurderers"