Chapter 206
Chapter 206
+25 Bonus
It was done. I had told him. Now it was up to him what he would do with the information. I forced my shoulders back from where they’d drawn inwardly in fear of retaliation.
No matter what happened now, I had done what I felt was right. Even if it made my life worse, I had rid myself of my agonizing decision, and in doing so, had made my choice.
I chose a life with Gideon over a fantasy with Reynaud. It might be messy, hard, and less glamorous, but it was what I had worked for.
It was mine.
Still, waiting for Gideon’s next move was torture. I tried to still my fearful shivers by pulling my fur mantle closer around my bare shoulders.
“Avery,” Gideon’s voice was stern as he finally spoke, his eyes dark and stormy as he stared at me, “do you know what you have done p>
I deflated inwardly. Oh god, here it came. My punishment.
Would he send me back to Dierdra’s control? Would I spend another 3 months working with no reprieve?
Gideon continued, “You have handed me the keys to destroy someone who sought to destroy me first,” his lips twitched upwards in a cruel and vindictively pleased smirk, “Well done, well done indeed p>
The air I had been holding in my lungs poured out of me in a rush. He wasn’t angry. He was actually pleased!
“I’m sorry if I gave you reason to doubt me,” I babbled, the guilt still weighing on me, “I will contact Reynaud in the morning and tell him I won’t agree to his deal p>
“You will do no such thing,” Gideon said sharply.
My head snapped up and I stared at him in disbelief.
“You… still want me to tell him that I agree to his proposal?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes, and then here’s what we’re going to do next…” Gideon laid out his plan in swift, smooth strokes, and when he was done, I was left in awe of this quick-thinking Alpha and his willingness to do anything to
maintain control.
I nodded in agreement and then asked, “So you aren’t angry? You aren’t going to punish me p>
Gideon flashed me a devastating smile and said, “Only if you really want me to p>
I blushed as he chuckled and then reached across the table to lightly brush my wrist with his fingertips,
I don’t punish those who show me their sincere loyalty p>
His words had brought a glad warmth to my heart.
1/3
Chapter 206
+25 Bonus
Now, as we stood side by side in the Council chambers, I watched his counter-attack come to fruition. Reynaud was on the back foot, scrambling for a toehold to resume his offensive.
“The Council cannot believe the words of this Luna!” he snarled, “Her own Alpha failed to show her respect the last time he was here by bringing another woman with him as his mate p>
I heard a small murmur of affirmation flow through the crowd at this. Many of them, no doubt, had been witness to the embarrassing scene with Dierdra during the Alpha Ball.
“What sort of Alpha would treat his Luna that way?” I heard a familiar woman’s voice call out. I turned to see Zara standing in the front of the bystanders with a smirk on her face as she lent her support to Reynaud’s claims.
“Gideon is a dedicated Alpha!” I spoke up in rebuttal, “He has sought to honor both his alliance with Silvermoon and his mate bond. It has not been convenient, or easy, for any of us but no one can say that he does not seek to honor his oaths p>
The crowd rumbled approval at my words, and I saw Zara slip, cowed, back into the throng.
“This Council has heard enough!” came a loud voice from the Alpha Council’s raised bench.
Everyone quieted and turned to face the group of elders who were now all standing. Some with arms crossed looked irritated, while others seemed more bored or disinterested.
“Alpha Reynaud, while your accusations would indeed be serious had they been verifiable, there is no evidence that Alpha Gideon has behaved in any manner that would call his leadership into serious question. You have said that he is uncontrolled and barbaric, but we see no evidence of such, especially considering his own Luna has vouched for any unconventional actions as being caused by his to the same traditions this Council seeks to uphold p>
There was a scattering of gasps as the harsh admonishment rolled out over the crowd. I saw Reyn rock back on his heels.
“In fact, the only censure this Council is willing to pass on Gideon Nightwolf is an reprimand to take better care of his Luna, who it would appear has been the victim of the worst sort of slander and defamation p>
I blinked in surprise at this statement. Gideon moved closer to my side and slid my arm within his own, as the Council looked on warmly.
“As for Alpha Reynaud, he should know that bringing false accusations before this Council is both rash and reprehensible. For an Alpha to turn on another Alpha in these sacred halls, and on such weak grounds, is deplorable. Therefore, he is to be expelled from this Council for the span of half a year and a proxy will be appointed in his place p>
“The Council has spoken p>
2/3
Editorial Board
Editorial Board Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.