Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire

90. Something long Overdue

LEO.

“You may begin.” Dad said as he sat at the table to the side, at the front of the room.

We were in the pack conference hall. The room was large, and rows of chairs were set out for those who would witness the trial.

Alongside Dad at the table at the front were Raj, and three other elders who were well-known and respected around the pack. Although this decision would not be made by them alone, but by the Pack itself, they were still needed to keep order.

Emmet was seated on a chair right at the centre of the front, his wrists cuffed to the arms of the chair. He was bound too.

The table beside the chair held a tablet that was hooked up to the screen behind him. Anything he would type, would be shown to the Pack via the screen.

“Emmet Garrons, you will write only the truth and tell nothing but the truth. Answering all questions truthfully, and adhering to the rules of this Pack, understood?” Dad’s command was absolute, making Emmet lower his head.

He looked defeated, not like the man that was acting all cocky in that cell. Most likely a temporary façade for the pack, that was until he lost his shit.

He nodded to Dad’s question, typing ‘Yes’ on the tablet. His right hand was given enough movement space to type with ease.

Azura was sitting between Jax and Sera, her eyes on Emmet. Eric was beside Jax, and despite how well he was dealing, I was sure this was still hard for him. The room was full. At least three hundred people were in here.

“Let’s start with the initial reason you were put into prison.” I said, turning to him. “You used to physically beat your mate Jackie Demiko, correct?”

He clenched his jaw before he slowly nodded, his hand going to the tablet. ‘We were happy. I lost my temper, but she never complained, so it was no one’s business! I loved her!’

A tense ripple went through the room. Those who knew Jackie, and most of the pack did, knew she was a fucking gem. One who was gone too soon… I pushed aside the pain that crushed my chest and looked at Emmet once more. “It was wrong, just because the bond kept her bound to you, does not mean she was fucking ok with it. You abused her. Jackie was ready to reject you before her untimely death.”

A murmured whisper spread through the hall. Emmet shook his head violently; he didn’t need to write anything for me to know, he still refused to believe that shit still. “It’s the truth, whether or not you believe it. Moving on. You kicked a pregnant woman in the stomach knowing she was carrying a pup, true?” I growled, my eyes flashing.

Emmet struggled before he slowly nodded, quickly typing. ‘She was interfering where she shouldn’t have!

One less elite is doing us all a favour.’ I snarled, my aura raging around me, my heart thumping as I tried to keep calm and not tear the bastard to shreds.

My eyes flicked across the room, trying to assess if any would dare side with him on that one, but none, even those who I knew hated the elite… looked to be in agreement. Either they knew who the woman in question was, or they had compassion towards an unborn pup.

I had bred hatred here… over time many may have agreed with dad but there were still many who agreed with me, and I encouraged that… I hope with time they’ll realise that we are the same… and that I was fucking wrong.Azura will be their Luna and they will come to love her.

“You did no fucking favour. You tried to kill a child! Third, the woman in question was none other than your future Alpha’s mate.” Another wave of shock filled the room, but this time they were quieter. Waiting for the judgement to pass. “Do you deny it?” I challenged, our eyes meeting.

Once upon a time, we were each other’s support… now we were merely two strangers… Barely seeing eye to eye.

shook his head,

be used for this pack’s protection if the need

looked down at the tablet, typing fast.

sold them to

was no reaction from the assembly. “So, you admit that you sold something dangerous. Something that, in

want?’ He typed, his cold glare boring into

of lives are on you.” I said, lighting a cigarette. “You also stole from me, millions of pounds worth of products, as well as sabotaged a certain

simply didn’t respond, his expression clear

he thought I’d be fucking

in doing all the prior mentioned shit, you betrayed

a child… he deserves the punishment of death, let it be a warning to the masses.” She said

nodded slowly, taking a drag of my

life.” Eric said quietly, the sorrow in his eyes making a wave of regret wash through me. Regret that he had to see this shit, Emmet was practically the only blood

“Death!”

“Public execution!”

why is he even getting

is there even an ounce of remorse within you? Do you regret what you have done?” I looked him square

to kill him, not because he didn’t deserve it… but because bloodshed led to more bloodshed… Seeing the way the pack was reacting, it just showed that there was still that animalistic side just beneath the surface, wanting out. Just like all species… everyone held a darkness. I could see their anger, that side of them that valued loyalty strongly. But I knew that given the chance, we can all become beasts to our rage and hatred… that it was so easy to turn on

typed something, and I looked at the screen behind him,

‘Fuck you.’

the other elders said quietly. “I understand that you kept him alive because of Jackie,

Alpha?” Jax remarked. “And I’m sure

and I looked at Emmet. The

over with. This entire thing was fucking with my head, the memories of Jackie and everything he had done, just screaming at the forefront of

glanced at Dad, almost as if for

no matter how fucking

to do something or how you want to be. Do what feels right… you said you will let our people decide. Take their vote, handsome. They’ve spoken.’ Azura’s voice came through the link. I glanced at her, our eyes meeting. Although I knew what the answer would be, I nodded before I looked away from those

clearly. A few raised their hands, but it wasn’t even a quarter…

majority raised

was made, and I heard someone

writhing in his seat. The tablet that had rested on the table beside the chair went flying to the floor. I saw Eric place his head in his hand. They may not

punishment will take place in front

now know, I do have other work outside of this pack… perhaps some of it that many won’t agree with, but I’m not fucking ashamed. I’m fine with everyone who is against that, or any beliefs and opinions they want. No one should be forced to accept something just because their Alpha believes it. A leader

are our

Jax smirked.

mean he’s our

as you all know, I have always held a stance against certain packs… and I’m going to admit I was fucking bitter, and holding onto something that they already apologised for. I will admit that I was wrong. I know me saying this shit

I continued. “Those pack alphas will join us for mine and my Luna’s ceremony, and I hope that everyone welcomes them. Let’s leave the past