I fell for the Hybrid.

Chapter Twenty Eight

Marissa's POV

For a week, Chris and I stayed apart. After that we spent three weeks together in 'nicer' accommodations. Traitors can't complain we were grateful for whatever mercy was shown to us. Our holding cell had a tiny bathroom, a bed to fit us both, a table and two chairs. It was adequate to say the least. Every morning Cristal would bring a basket of food for us. She would tell us about the happenings of the wolf and vampire world. At the moment, both she and Courtney were taking care of the formalities with the Mystics. Alpha Chace (Britney's mate) was back in charge. However, no one knew about his relationship status with Britney. 

Britney and the others were touring the different territories establishing their rule. They made sure that all packs had alphas. Even rogue packs had alphas. They were still temporary. The elders had decided that they would be officially declared the council after a three month trial period. One factor which would influence the elder's decision would be the punishments given to those wolves who went against the council. The vampires were handed over to their King and Queen. On the full moon of the second month the King and Queen of the vampire world would meet with our temporary council to declare the punishments. 

This was something both the vampire and wolf worlds would do to show their power. This was an illustration of their authority over everyone else. Their pure bloodlines is what made them 'superior' per se. 

-1 week before the Full Moon-

Chris and I spent every waking moment together. We learnt a lot about each other. Chris loved to sing and would spend a great deal of time serenading me with all my favorite songs. Cristal visited often until she was called to fulfill her duty in the council. Her duties were rotated with Regina so in the end I got to see both my friends. Courtney visited me from time to time but her visits were few and far apart. As the Beta female she had a lot of responsibilities. That I understood. I enjoyed every moment with everyone. I was myself. I may not have been free but I was alive and for that I was grateful. 

It was Monday morning and I was greeted by Regina, Cristal and Courtney. "C'mon girlie. We're going upstairs today." With that look I knew what it meant. It was the trial before the declaration. The council would listen to everything and then make their decision. I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried. It was a long time since I had a hot bath and I welcomed it. Both Chris and I donned our trial wear which consisted of black pants and dark blue tops. We were taken to the meeting room where the council as well as the Beta and Alpha of the Mystic pack also took their positions. We all sat in silence. I took this moment to look at my friends. They all looked so mature and experienced. 

Regina came and stood in front of me. She held out the moonstone. I reached out and touched it. I knew the vows by heart so I said them without missing a beat, "I, Marissa former Beta of the Dalton pack, will tell the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. This I swear on the sacred moonstone."

Christian followed suit. Britney cleared her throat and began, "You will recount every detail to the council. Marissa first. Then Christian shall follow." 

"Christian received a letter from them. It said that he should join them or else they would kill him. I thought it would be a good idea to infiltrate them from the inside out so that night..."

Christian then interrupted me, "That's a lie and you know it. Babe, I'm sorry." I shot him a glance but he didn't shut up, "I got many letters but never once did I even consider their offers. I consider you my family. You all made me feel more welcome than my own pack ever did. I was prepared to fight. Marissa and I did go on a run that morning. She severed the pack links so that we could join them in entirety. It was about survival and nothing else. It was a surprise even to me but I went along with her because she's my mate. I beg for mercy. She just wanted us to be safe. Please show mercy to us." 

"Alright. That's enough." Britney indicated. The cameras were turned off. Everything was now off the record. She began again, "I thought you were our friend. How could you do this to us?"

"ME? HOW  WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT PROTECTING YOUR MATE FEELS LIKE?" I yelled at her.

She simply shook her head. "You're absolutely right. What would I know about that? I only have a few thousand people to care for." She got up and left. The rest of them remained. Their gazes burning into me. Regina stood and hugged me," I know that you wanted to protect Chris. None of us wanted our mates to be hurt. Look around. None of us are the same naive teenagers we once were. We've lost a lot. It's taken a toll on us all. Go now. You will know the outcome on the night of the full moon. We will try our best for it to be as minimum as possible.

-------Night of the full moon------

We were dressed simply compared to the council. The room had balconies right around for the elders to look look down on the proceedings. Each group had a large entourage. The King, Queen and the wolf council sat to the front of the room. The King and Queen were pale. They may have looked youthful earlier on but now age could be seen all over them. They stood together on the stage and began the proceedings. 

"I, King Albert, along with my queen am pleased to be here. Given that the circumstances are  not ideal. I would still like to believe that both vampires and werewolves can live peacefully. The act of rebellion has certainly brought both vampire and werewolf councils closer together. Our reigns over both respective worlds shall not come to an end any time soon for we are the balance for the forces. 
We ensure that fairness rules the land. Without further ado, my son shall read the sentencing for all pure vampires who played some part in this plot." The King and Queen nodded and then took a seat. A much younger looking royal took the stage. He could have been anywhere from 17 to 170 years old. 

"After much deliberation the coven of the Royals has declared death by decapitation and disposal by fire for all pure bred vampires. However, you will  be released after the hearing has ceased. You will be given a head start of two minutes to attempt to run for your lives. This is our act of mercy unto you." He spoke curtly and then took his seat.

Britney then took her place on the stage. She cleared her throat and began,

" The circumstances that we have all met under were unfortunate indeed. However, we the council of the Dalton pack shall do what is necessary to maintain the order. Punishments were given according to various stipulations. Each member here has spoken to at least one council member. All unmated wolves who were under some for of compulsion will serve in the army until their last days. They will bear whatever their general sees fit. 

Mated werewolf-hybrid couples will be given a shot of wolfsbane three times a day. They will be kept prisoner. The higher ranked members of the rebellion will have their throats cut and their heads placed on pikes as a reminder. This will stand regardless of whether you are a werewolf or hybrid. It was a joint decision that any hybrids remaining would be used as experiments. One more declaration awaits. 

To the front stands my Beta and her mate. They ran away from the battle. Many view this as a sign of treason. No one was given a choice whether they can fight or not. This was not right or just on my part. It is not what my family stands for and as such she shall remain in the pack to which her mate belongs. This is the final decision of the council members of the Dalton pack and if any. And I mean any elder has an issue he/she can arrange to meet me. I shall validate each and every decision made by my council." She bowed and took her seat. 

The elders erupted in disagreement to her decision to let us go free. The vampire guards took their prisoners outside whilst their ruling coven sat inside. Screams could be heard. The King and Queen would rule as such so they could strike fear into the hearts of their subjects. The wolves were being escorted out group by group. Until Chris and I were the only two left in the judging area. For now the elders were going to contest the decision of the council. We were wanted dead. 

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Author's Note:

Wooohooo! Two successive updates. So I decided to change the name of the book. I went on impulse there. Sorry. I hope this was much better than what was before. It's almost done. EEEPPPPP!!!