Chapter 26

26

DECISIONS

Wyatt

The air is thick with tension as I stand next to Octavia, our backs pressed against the cool, stone wall of the interrogation room that the council has claimed as their chamber for today. I can’t help but glance at her, my heart pounding with a mix of concern and pride. She’s handling this better than I thought she would. Just what feels like a few hours ago, she was kidnapped, dragged into a nightmare by someone who has always been obsessed with me, even though I stupidly didn’t know. Rachel's delusions nearly cost us everything, and I should have had more faith in my little mate.

Octavia stands resolute, her gaze fixed on the arguing council members. I stroke her shoulder gently, feeling the tension in her muscles and pulling her closer to me. “Are you okay?” I whisper, my breath warm against her ear. “Do you need to step out until they make their final decision?”

She shakes her head slightly, her determination shining through those wide, amber eyes. I can see the fire within her, the strength that’s drawn me to her from the very beginning. I turn my attention back to the council, the cacophony of voices rising and falling like a storm. Some members are vehemently arguing that Rachel’s actions are a grave offense, while others seem to dismiss it as a mere inconvenience. The anger wells up inside me, the heat of it rising to my cheeks.

“Enough!” I can’t help but shout, my voice cutting through the chaos like a knife. The council members fall silent, all eyes on me, surprise and annoyance flickering across their faces. “I won’t stand for anything less than Rachel’s head. She’s put Octavia in danger more times than I can count. This isn’t just a simple mistake. She nearly cost me my mate!”

A murmur ripples through the room, the council members exchanging glances, weighing my words. I can feel Octavia’s tension beside me, her hand finding mine. It’s a grounding force amid the storm, reminding me of everything I’m fighting for.

“Wyatt,” one of the elders begins, his voice measured, “you must understand that Rachel’s actions crossed Pack Land lines when she took Octavia. This is a serious matter, and the final decision is not yours to make.”

I take a deep breath, pushing back the frustration clawing at my throat. “If she survives this, if you don’t give her the death she deserves, mark my words, she won’t step foot on my lands again. Rachel and her entire family will be banished from the Waterton Pack.”

The room falls silent, the weight of my ultimatum hanging in the air. I know I’m pushing the limits of what I can demand, but the thought of Rachel getting away with this — of her staying anywhere near Octavia — ignites a fire within me that I can’t extinguish.

As if on cue, Rachel’s scream pierces the silence, echoing in the chamber. To the untrained ear, it might sound like anguish, but I know better. It’s a performance, a last-ditch effort from a woman who has always been unhinged. I want to laugh at the absurdity of it all. She thinks her theatrics will sway the council, but I’m not falling for it. Not now. Not ever.

“Enough of this,” one of the other council members finally speaks, his tone firm. “We will need to discuss this in privacy. Wyatt, Dalton, Harrison, and Octavia, you may leave the room while we deliberate.”

I nod, not needing to be told twice. I guide Octavia out of the chamber, my hand firmly wrapped around hers. As we make our way toward my office upstairs, I can feel the weight of the council’s decision pressing down on me like a heavy cloak. The world outside seems distant, muted, as I focus on the warmth of Octavia beside me.

Once we reach my office, I shut the door behind us, the sound echoing in the quiet space. I take a moment to gather my thoughts, pacing back and forth. Dalton and Harrison exchange glances, both of them on edge.

“Are you okay?” Dalton finally asks, his voice low and concerned as he looks at Octavia.

She nods, but I can see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “I just... I can’t believe this is happening. I thought we were done with Rachel.”

Harrison crosses his arms, his jaw tight. “She’s not going to stop. Not until she gets what she wants. And if that means hurting you, Octavia, she’ll go to any lengths.”

I step closer to Octavia, placing a reassuring hand on her back. “She won’t get the chance. I swear to you, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

Octavia looks up at me, her expression fierce and unyielding. “I’m not afraid of her, Wyatt. I can handle this. I’ve faced worse.”

I smile, feeling a swell of admiration for her strength. “I know you can. But I won’t let her anywhere near you again. She’s a threat, and I won’t take any chances.”

The silence settles around us, thick with unspoken fears and unresolved tension. I can feel the weight of the council’s decision looming over us, a dark cloud that threatens to overshadow our moment of solace.

About two hours later, I have Octavia snuggled in my lap as the door swings open, and the council members file into the room, their expressions grave. I brace myself, ready for the verdict that could change everything.

“Wyatt,” one of the elders begins, his tone serious. “We’ve reached a decision regarding Rachel.”

I hold my breath, the air in the room electric with anticipation.

“She will be stripped of her title and banished from the Waterton Pack. However, due to the circumstances of her actions, she will not face the death penalty.”

I can feel the anger boiling in my veins, but I force myself to remain calm. “Banished? That’s it?”

The elder nods. “Her actions were egregious, yes, but the council believes that banishment is a fitting punishment. She will not be allowed to return to the pack lands under any circumstances.”

I glance at Octavia, the uncertainty in her eyes mirroring my own. “And what about her family? They had a hand in this.”

“They will also face consequences,” another council member interjects. “They will be stripped of their titles and will have to relocate. However, we cannot act against them with the same severity as Rachel, given the lack of direct involvement.”

I shake my head, my frustration boiling over. “This isn’t enough! Rachel is a danger to all of us, and allowing her to walk free, even if banished, puts us all at risk!”

The council members exchange glances, their expressions impenetrable. “We understand your concerns, Alpha Wyatt, but this is the decision we’ve made. Rachel will be monitored, and if she breaches the terms of her banishment, we will take further action.”

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my emotions. This isn’t over. I can’t let Rachel roam free, even if it’s outside our lands. “If she comes anywhere near Octavia, I’ll deal with her myself.”

With that, the council members nod in understanding, and as they leave the room, I turn to Dalton and Harrison, the weight of the decision still heavy in the air.

“We need to keep a close watch on her,” I say, my voice low and resolute. “And I won’t let my guard down, not for a second.”

Octavia steps closer to me, her hand slipping into mine. “What if she tries to come back? What if she tries to hurt us again?”

I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. “She won’t. I promise you. You’re safe with me, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect you.”

As we stand together, the reality of our situation sinks in. The battle may be over, but the war is far from finished. Rachel is still out there, and I won’t rest until I know she’s truly gone from our lives for good.

But for now, in this moment, I hold Octavia close, drawing strength from her unwavering spirit. We will face whatever comes next together.