Chapter 84|Justice.

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**Alexander's P O V

Martin was killed with no remorse, minutes before the shot that took his life away was released he spoke out words that had me shaking my head in bewilderment and disbelief.

I've never come across a more stubborn man than he. Even at the doors of death he was a big mouthed fool.

"I do not regret my actions, I do not regret killing Stephano De Luca and every other person who died at my hands." He was already bloodied and on the verge of dying when the final shot finally went through.

"For Vanessa!" He'd yelled before his life was taken away from him.

I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Relieved, I turned to the man whom the honor of executing Martin was granted, Christopher Knight. He looked proud for a man who just annihilated another. Another who was once his closest companion.

He beckoned at me to come closer as the crowd began to disperse.

"How do you feel?" I asked, straight to the point because despite the relief written on his face there should be a little remorse for the man who was once his friend, his second in command, his Beta.

I didn't want to imagine how it felt because the trust that exists between an Alpha and his Beta is never frail. It's one of the strongest bonds after the bond shared by mates.

"Justice was served. I feel proud, at ease." Christopher Knight sounded truly relieved.

I decided to be more straightforward than I was, "How does your wolf feel?"

"Alexander, my wolf has found the peace it has been yearning for for so many years. If I wasn't bedridden I would've went on a run until my paws were bleeding. I would've done so many things but I leave it in the hands of those aggrieved by his actions to celebrate because I cannot. Today is a day of great history, several years to come it'll be remembered that I, Christopher Knight, a paralyzed man executed the most treacherous and lecherous man on earth in the eyes of the public and only with the help of three Alpha Kings, our packs will be known for their close kinship and loyalty. I am proud of all of you Alexander, your grandfather too would have been very proud." He smiled wistfully.

Unable to help myself I muttered under my breath, "According to your seer he already is a proud man."

"Saying something?" The former Alpha asked with a knowing smile.

I shook my head and voiced out the words I truly wanted to be spoken out loud, "Now that it's all settled I'm requesting for your blessings."

"Doing it the medieval way huh? You have all of my blessings son, you have the moon's blessings, who am I to contradict?"

"I'm thankful." After that we fell into a peaceful silence overlooking the background, some people were actually taking selfies on the execution ground to probably store for later as proof that they witnessed Martin's execution live.

A few minutes later, he cleared his throat and spoke, "Have you asked her yet?"

I shook my head on the negative, "Not yet, I'm waiting until this whole phase is over and we don't have thoughts of death and lifetime imprisonments clouding our senses, especially hers. She's overthinking the whole situation but Old Ynez said it was a hereditary thing she got from her grandmother and mother."

His eyes glinted in the sun at the mention of his deceased mate. "Rebecca had the softest of hearts, she couldn't bear seeing anyone hurt, just like the Luna, she used to be a physician. My Samantha was known for her vigor and high spirit, she was loud and bold and cheerful but it was her nature to care for broken animals and people, succumb to tears at the death of her pets and so much more. These memories made me feel like killing Martin Miles all over again but I have a strong feeling that we will meet one day in heaven. Now, run off to your mate before she thinks I'm the one holding you back. Send all of my love to her, tell her I miss her dearly."


.....

I returned with Francis and Damon, spent the ride back to New York flipping the little box in my hand open, then close. Having fantasies of how good it'll fit on her finger and dreading the thought of her not finding it good enough. But then I remember who it is I'm thinking about, Isabelle is the most simplest woman I've had the privilege of meeting in my life. I completely ignored their jibes, or Francis' jibes specifically on how I was the most smitten man he knew.

I didn't mind. I was proud of it.

Those two came all the way to witness the execution and I caught the smile that lingered on Damon's lips after Martin was finally killed.

I have a heartless man for a Delta.

Not like I held any remote feeling that could come close to remorse for him. I am glad he's out of our lives.

Lucas might have overtook me in proposing with his sudden decision but I'm definitely getting married first. This is not my competitive streak or ego speaking, it's my need to possess the woman entirely already. The fucking thought of her name as Isabelle De Luca turns me on much more than my past lovers succeeding in doing and with so much more ease.

Thoughts about getting rid of the obstacles standing between my engagement to my woman had me feeling pumped. I couldn't wait until every single one of the traitors in my Pack got the punishment they deserve and I turn my focus on her before the Pack. Provide for them the Luna they deserve.

Plans have already been made, Old Bea and Lucas were awaiting our return so that we could be done with that phase.

Damon has covered the part of interrogating Martin's accomplice's families and with what he's gotten, a decision has been made for them too.

We rode straight to the Pack manor, refusing to quench the thirst to have Isabelle in my arms we proceeded to the solar where the two were awaiting our return and the sight of blazing red hair had me stopping in my tracks and fucking hardening in my pants.

Way to go Belle.

I clenched my jaw hard as our eyes met across the room. She paid no heed to my scowl and flung herself into my arms welcoming me back. I barely held myself back from bidding them all out of the room and having my way with her for several minutes before recalling the meeting.

"You should be with Arabella." I whispered to her ear.

"I'm right where I ought to be." She countered, sassing her way to the chair on the right hand side of my designated chair at the head of the table. Francis took position opposite of her after exchanging pleasantries with Old Bea.

Damon was in a conversation with the said woman and from the look in her eyes and the satisfied expression on his face I understood that he was recounting the event with what could only be glee.

Glee and Damon in the same sentence. Next thing I know pigs will be flying over our heads.

"My Alpha, what's to be done with Skorr and his likes?" Old Bea asked, as though she wasn't aware already. She's knowledgeable about offenses and their punishments, we based our final judgment on both the recent and the former justice guides gotten from Old Bea and the Pack's justice department.

"Lifetime imprisonment." I uttered for all to hear.

Isabelle's eyes turned to mine and I felt intense, dreading her next words. "Leah?" She asked looking forlorn. I felt the urge to take her shoulders in my hands and shake her until she recalled what the girl did to her.

"She doesn't deserve to be imprisoned at such a young age, she has her whole life in front of her, she has her mate to meet, she.." Her words came out in a rush.

"Isabelle please." I didn't want to argue because I thought we were over that already and with audience before us now I felt the need to think with my brain and not some other part of my body.

When feelings are involved, justice is not always served or met properly.

Without meeting her eyes I parted my lips to speak but she beat me to it once again.

"You cannot have the girl killed for attempting to kill me, I'm alive aren't I? Lucas, say something." My own brother was silent and shaking his head at her. "I won't be silenced, she was naive! She is young! I do not hold any hard feelings for her in spite of what she's done to me."

"Isabelle." I muttered through gritted teeth willing her to be silent just this once and listen to what I have to say about the girl she defends with her whole might.

This time she jumped off her seat facing me squarely, "If you kill her or put her in prison for loving and being possessive of her own family I will not forgive you. I cannot." She spun around so fast I barely had time to react.

My heart was pounding so hard at her words.

I was livid, not directly at her but at the girl causing a rift between my mate and I without even knowing she was doing it.

If only she'd listened.

I was in turmoil and the next thing I heard made all the blood in my body freeze to fucking ice.

Isabelle's high pitched scream pierced through the air.

I didn't know who moved first but in seconds we all were racing to the door and the sight of her lying on the floor unconscious had my heart dropping to the ground with a thud.

Fucking hell.

What have I done?

It ripped off my chest.