The Howling Heart's Forgiveness

Chapter 101

Watching the Hummer with the Council Logo drive off, I let out a sigh of relief. The interviews with all of the wolves who had experienced Valor’s and Jonnah’s destructive behavior had gone well albeit a few breakdowns and tears that caused us to pause the interviews for everyone to take a few deep breaths and compose themselves. Many wolves originally from Pine Moon and Willow Bark stepped forward, giving Alastor new insight into what life was like in both Packs and how they were terrified to even breathe the wrong way because of Viren.

I was surprised to see three of Crescent Phoenix wolves come forward near the end, these wolves explaining that they had met both Valor and Jonnah on separate occasions and told their own experiences. With all that was gathered over the last six days, it is guaranteed that Jonnah, Valor, and Tanya will be facing their upcoming execution as soon as possible.

“When will we get the news that they are dead?” Quincy asks as he stands beside me, his anger at the injustice the victims have faced ebbing off of him.

“Hopefully within a month. Any longer and it means something is going on in the shadows of the Council.” Asteria answers, a sad sigh escaping from her lips.

“Alastor thinks there are corrupt Council Members helping Jonnah and Valor with their crimes.” I chime in, running a hand through my curly locks.

“He is going to put together a team of trusted men and then they will review the evidence and decide on the next course of action.” I continue, getting a nod from Quincy.

“If they decide the evidence is enough, Then Valor and Jonnah will be brought for execution and their Packs will be disbanded.” Asteria adds, patting my shoulder and giving me a look of pride.

“Wait, you said Valor and Jonnah. What about Tanya?” Rune asks while we all make our way inside the Pack House. Asteria looks at him, her brows furrowed as she tries to find the right words.

“There is no other way to say this, but Tanya is pregnant with Valor’s pup. She will be kept alive until the pup is born.” She answers him with a sigh.

“What will happen with the pup?” I ask, unsure if I want to know the answer. Unfortunately, the pup is innocent in all of this. As much as I hate knowing that Tanya will still live, albeit for a few months, I can’t condemn a pup for the crimes of its parents.

“The Council wants either Gale and I to raise it, or for you and Rune to raise it.” Asteria answers. Instinctively I place a hand over my stomach, feeling the need to protect my pup from harm. Rune must feel the same as he gently pulls me behind him, a look of determination to protect me and our baby on his face.

“We don’t want anything to do with that pup.” He states with anger, glaring at Asteria for even suggesting the idea.

“Neither do we.” Gale appears from the steps, a worried look on his face.

“Asteria and I have already talked about it and we will be declining the offer to raise it. If you and Brynlee won’t take in the pup, then the Council can adopt it out to a couple who needs an heir.” Relieved by this solution, I agree that this is for the best. The pup will become a pariah in the Pack if he is brought here. None of us will be able to raise and love the pup properly. Allowing a pup-less couple to adopt it will be the best outcome for the little thing as he will thrive under their love and care in a Pack that would welcome them with open arms.

“This also depends on if Tanya can carry to term. There has been unrest in Pine Moon and Blood Claws. Wolves are trying to leave both Packs due to the email Rune sent out weeks ago but Jonnah and Valor have their borders locked down securely. No one can leave either Packs or risk being killed instantly because they will be labeled as traitors.” Gale continues. Rune just scoffs, stating they deserved this mess for what those two Alphas have done to smaller Packs. Asteria and Quincy agree with him and Gale lets out a sigh, stating that we need to come up with a plan in case the Council decides to go to trial instead. We will need to bring a few wolves directly affected by Valor and Jonnah, namely Rune, Quincy, Milan, and me. From there, Valor and Jonnah will inevitably learn that we are the leaders of Crescent Phoenix.

Quincy mutters about needing to check with Milan and see how she is handling being the Female Head Warrior. Today is her first day with the title, Quincy, Asteria and I agreeing that Milan should lead the female Warriors a few days ago and allowed her time to transition from a Rogue to a member of the Elite. I tell him to link me if Milan needs help and he just waves me off, stating that Milan will be fine. With a shrug, I turn to look at Rune, a smile on my face now that it is just him, Asteria, Gale, and I.

“You have some training too.” I state with a grin, watching his angry look fade to one of confusion.

“What kind of training?” He asks with skepticism.

“Training with me and Jett.” Gale answers with his wide grin spreading across his face..

“Since you and Brynlee are in a relationship now and it’s only a matter of time until the two of you Mate, you will be trained to be my Beta.” He states, patting Rune on the shoulder and grinning at his nephew. I wish I had been recording this moment as Rune’s face lights up, happiness in his eyes at this news.

“I… I am going to be a Beta?” He asks in disbelief, making me chuckle.

“Yes. Since I am a Beta, that makes you, my Mate, a Beta.” I confirm only to find myself in Rune’s arms. He spins us around, laughing out of happiness as he holds me close.

“You called me your Mate!” He nearly shouts, making me smack his shoulder.

“You are also a Beta in training, now let me down.” I demand, finding my feet return to the floor in an instant.

“Screw that part, you called me your Mate!” He argues back. Asteria lets out a laugh at his words and I glare at her. She backs up with hands raised as she scoots closer to Gale who watches on in amusement.

“Yes, I did. You are my Mate.” I admit with a slight blush. Rune is my mate, that much I have accepted, and he has proven that he has the strength to help grow this Pack by taking over some of my duties the last two days while looking over his College and University options.

“Come on lover boy, we need to get started on training if we want to get you caught up to Brynlee. That, and I hear you want to go to school next year so we definitely are on a time crunch.” Gale chuckles out, grabbing the back of Rune’s shirt and dragging him away. Asteria and I watch in amusement as Rune helplessly follows his Uncle, the two of us agreeing that we won’t see Rune or Gale till late tonight. We both decide that today we will focus on reorganizing the living situation within our Pack. With the council planning to disband both Pine Moon and Blood Claws as soon as they make their decisions, we will most likely see an influx of new Pack members.

“When do you plan to complete the Mate Bond?” She asks as we walk into the conference room we plan to work out of today. Holton will be here in an hour to join us as we plan to start zoning for new buildings soon.

“I am not sure.” I answer, sitting in front of my laptop and opening the file we are working on.

“I know Rune has been proving himself these last two weeks. Heck, he and Quincy put their issues in the past and have become friends, but I need to make sure I can trust him with Crescent Phoenix before I can trust him as my Mate.” I continue, looking up to see Asteria watching me with understanding.

“Is this why you asked me to have Gale and Jett train him last night?” She continues her questioning. I nod, looking away for a moment and explaining that if he can be a good Beta for this Pack, I will let him mark me as his. This surprises her, and she moves to hug me, placing a kiss on top of my head.

“Will marking you hurt the pup?” Her next question had me pausing to think for a moment. I never thought about what being marked while pregnant will do to the pup but know just the Doctor who would.

“I am not sure. I plan to ask Jasmin when I see her for my next appointment in two weeks which should be enough time for Rune to prove he is a good Beta wolf.” I state, blushing as I catch Asteria staring at me with a cheeky grin.

“Well, when you do decide to complete it let me know. I’ll give you both a few days off to let the bond form and settle.” Without thinking, I throw a pen at Asteria playfully, getting giggles from her. After muttering about how embarrassing this is, I force myself to focus on work, a smile on my face knowing that Asteria supports me and my decisions without any doubt.