Chapter 69
Sheelah
pov
The concerns surrounding the deceased pack worker remained unresolved, with no evidence presented to support any claims. What frustrates me the most is Alpha Christian's tendency to blame others for her demise. All the pack workers were gathered, and I found myself on the balcony observing the unfolding scene below. Alpha Christian, consumed by rage, paced back and forth, and I struggled to suppress my laughter from my vantage point. The atmosphere was notably tense.
As I stood on the balcony, attempting to contain my amusement, the absurdity of the situation became increasingly apparent. Alpha Christian's fury was evident, yet his accusations appeared unfounded. The pack workers, typically vibrant, stood in silence, their gazes directed at the ground.
Alpha Christian halted his pacing and surveyed the room, his eyes lingering on each individual. "Someone here possesses information," he growled, his tone low and threatening. "And I will uncover the truth."
I bit my lip, striving to regain my composure. My amusement, however, did not go unnoticed. Emily, a fellow pack worker, caught my gaze from across the room. She raised an eyebrow, and I could sense her intrigue. What could possibly be so entertaining?
At that moment, Alpha Christian's gaze shifted upward, fixing on me with intensity. His eyes narrowed as he spoke, "What is it that you find so amusing, balcony observer?" His voice was laced with contempt. My laughter abruptly halted. I swallowed hard, acutely aware that I had attracted his attention.
"Nothing, Alpha," I responded, striving to convey a sense of remorse.
Alpha Christian's gaze remained on me for a moment longer before he redirected it to the rest of the room. "I demand answers," he reiterated. "The death of our pack member will not go unpunished." Silence enveloped the room, the atmosphere thick with tension, and I felt a chill run down my spine. To what lengths would Alpha Christian go to reveal the truth?
It stung to be referred to as a balcony observer in front of the entire pack. I furrowed my brow and finally made my way down the stairs. How could he call me that when I was meant to be his divine mate?
A female pack worker, trembling with fear, looked on with desperation, her eyes glistening with tears. I knew she was innocent, yet Alpha Christian's fury would not spare her from baseless accusations. I would simply observe, feigning innocence.
As I descended the stairs, my gaze met Alpha Christian's, a flicker of defiance igniting within me. How could he belittle my presence by labeling me a "balcony observer"? Did he not see me as his destined mate?
I approached him with a confident stride, my voice tinged with annoyance. "Alpha Christian, may I have a moment of your time?"
His gaze remained steady, though a brief look of surprise crossed his features. "What is it?"
"I would prefer to discuss this matter privately," I stated, maintaining a firm yet composed tone.
Alpha Christian's jaw tightened, but he gave a curt nod. "Come with me."
We moved away from the anxious pack members, seeking a more secluded spot. Once we were out of earshot, I faced him directly.
"How could you do that?" I asked, my voice lowered to a whisper. "Labeling me a balcony observer in front of everyone? You know my significance to you."
Alpha Christian's expression softened slightly, yet traces of anger remained. "I wasn't thinking clearly, alright? This situation has taken over my thoughts."
"Taken over?" I repeated. "You are ready to accuse innocent members of our pack without any proof, yet you hardly recognize my role?"
His eyes flashed with intensity. "That is not just. I am trying to safeguard our pack."
"Safeguard?" I retorted. "Your reckless accusations are driving a wedge between us. Take that female pack worker, for example. She is innocent. You are aware of that." Alpha Christian's demeanor darkened. "You are mistaken."
"I am not," I asserted. "And you know it as well. Look past your anger, Alpha. There are deeper issues at play."
The tension of our conversation lingered in the air, unresolved. Suddenly, a disturbance erupted from the main hall.
"Alpha! Alpha!" a voice called out. "We have made a discovery!"
Alpha Christian's attention immediately turned to the source of the commotion. "Pardon me."
He hurried back to the hall, and I followed closely behind, my thoughts racing. What had they uncovered? Would it bring Alpha Christian closer to the truth or lead him further into chaos? Upon entering the hall, I noticed the female pack worker from earlier, her expression filled with fear.
"P-please, Alpha," she stammered. "I am innocent."
It appeared to me that this woman was being unjustly accused. I spoke calmly, observing her trembling form.
Alpha Christian's expression hardened. "What leads you to that conclusion?" he inquired, skepticism evident in his voice.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.
I stepped forward, maintaining my focus on the accused pack worker. "The terror in her eyes reflects not guilt, but desperation. Furthermore, that torn fabric may have been deliberately placed there."
A woman shifted nervously. "I-I discovered it in her bag, but... I did not witness her placing it there."
The eyes of the accused pack worker were filled with desperation as she implored, "I swear, I didn't do it! Someone must have placed that there!"
Alpha Christian's demeanor remained skeptical. "We will conduct a more thorough investigation, but for the time being, she is considered a suspect."
I frowned, my thoughts racing. This situation did not make sense. "Alpha, we need to look at the broader implications. Who stands to gain from this pack worker's demise? And who benefits from framing this innocent individual?" Arian, the beta, stepped forward. "That is a reasonable observation. We ought to examine possible motives and alibis."
Alpha Christian's jaw tightened, yet he acquiesced. "Agreed. Arian, gather a team to conduct the investigation. This woman has provided that cloth for further examination."
As the pack members began to disperse to carry out their duties, I approached the accused pack worker. "You are not alone," I murmured. "We will exonerate you."
Tears flowed down her cheeks. "Thank you... thank you for believing in me."
I offered a reassuring smile. "We will reveal the truth."
Although my motivation was not solely to help her because she was being framed, I could not shake the feeling that the source of the problem was someone I knew. I had a suspicion about who was responsible for the pack worker's death without needing a formal session. As I made my way down the pack court corridor, Arian suddenly appeared before me.
"Did you kill her?"
"You're being foolish!"