Under Investigation

Chapter 11

Edith hums at the words and turns to Ekon. "Mr. McBride, step forward please?" Ekon stands at the podium in a steady stance.

"Yes Ma'am?" He asks as he waits.

"How would you determine Miss Lee's character?" I watch as Ekon stands there in silence for a moment.

"Miss Lee has been an asset in the investigation; I believe that while she is capable of harm, she is not willing to do harm to the pack members." Edith watches him curiously. "Miss Lee is an individual that wants the betterment of her pack and is willing to do whatever is necessary to nourish the well-being of her pack." Heather sit ups at his words.

"Do you feel she is guilty?" Ekon turns to look at her for a moment.

"I feel that while wrong has been done, she was doing what any wolf would, following the order of their Alpha. I believe that her Alpha's misguidance has led her down a path in which inexplicable consequences have occurred and she has unwillingly become an aid in the harm of this pack." Mateo nods with Heather, I watch as the three council members move to stand and talk amongst each other. Goddess is this painful.

Minutes pass as the three council members talk amongst one another. I stare with my heart in my throat, unsure of what to expect. "Miss Lee, please stand." Edith finally turns to face me. I stand and place my arms behind me, waiting to accept my punishment. "This has been an interesting character trial." She starts off and I can only stare at her.

"We take into account all that has been said, along with your forthcoming information against your crimes. You have been cooperative." She acknowledges and I stare at her. Please don't drag this out. She smiles as if she can hear my thoughts. "With that being said, you have still committed theft and that is a crime that must be punished." Mateo clears his throat and steps forward.

"You will be fined a grand total of $5,000 to each member that you have taken from. It is to be repaid to each member within six months. You are also to aid in the costs of relocation if a member, or their family has decided so, within the time frame of a year. Do you accept this punishment?" Mateo asks and I nod.

"Yes Sir, I accept this punishment. Thank you for your kindness." Better than death. I nod as Edith waves and arm off to the side in dismissal. The nerves in my belly relax, with my fate chosen now, it's a weight off of my shoulder. I can have a future with my mate.

"You have been dealt your punishment, your crimes shall be forgiven once you have completed your sentence." She finishes before she calls Anthony to the stand. I pass Magnar who caresses my hip with a deep promise in his eyes. Can we mate tonight? The look in his eyes is a promise of pleasurable things.

The promise radiates deep in my core. I sit back down and watch Magnar stand near Anthony with a blank expression. He's a handsome man. "The trial of Anthony Lewd begins." Edith announces and I watch as no members stand for him, four against him. His crimes are read out and confirmed by either Ekon or Magnar, in short order Anthony's trial comes to an end. It doesn't even matter, I just want my mate.

"Mr. Lewd, you are on stand for murder, theft, abuse, torture and espionage with the rogues in the area." It's a surprise to everyone in the hall, I hear soft gasps and whimpers fill the room. Goddess that's a large problem we will face. Roberto growls lowly, his eyes glow as he jerks against the chains holding him. I guess your loyal pest wasn't as loyal as you thought. It's only slightly amusing.

I know Magnar and I will have to face the repercussions with years to come of rogue attacks. We will likely be a large target in the coming years. "Taking into account the statements against your person, your crimes and the severity of crimes, I hereby sentence you to reside in the council prison." Oh that's interesting. It's likely going to be hell for him. No one knows much about the prison, not many live there long. It's a fitting place for the bastard.