CHAPTER FOUR

Two days had passed since the encounter Ruby had with Aiden. She had expected the news of her supposed act of treason to spread through the pack, but it seemed only the Alpha, beta, and high ranks knew about it. And by high ranks, it only meant her father was informed of it. Ruby was forced to stay indoors at all-time leaving her at the mercy of Ophelia and their father who took pleasure in mocking and taunting her for her ill fate. As funny as it was, the abuse she faced didn’t hurt her as it used to. She remembered begging them to stop whenever they wanted to have their fun but she became numb. No matter the pain they inflicted, or the verbal abuse they rained on her, she couldn’t bring herself to acknowledge any of it. All that swirled in her mind was the look on Aiden's face when he first walked into his room, the affection, and then the look of pure disgust that took over when he realized what she was. He hadn't reached out to her since. Not that she expected him to, but a small hopeful part of her still wished he would change his mind and take her away with him. Ruby was snapped out of her reverie when her door was forced open. Lifting her head from her lap, she stared at her father. She was so deep in thought that she didn’t hear him approach her room. “I had warned you. Stay low and out of sight, but you just have to make everyone’s life miserable. And now seducing the Alpha? You stupid child! I warned you that this was your last straw, and by the goddess, I’m glad I don’t have to be the one to end your miserable life,” He spat out, making sure to lyse his words with as much hate and venom as he could. Ruby remained silent with her empty green eyes fixed on his feet. “Get a move on, will you? The trial starts in an hour.” The car came to a halt right in front of the packhouse. The decorations that were used for the celebration had been removed, and the podium had also been dismantled. Ruby stepped out of the car after the guard who was assigned to watch her. Another car stopped beside the one she was in and her father stepped out and marched into the pack house paying her no heed. A few people lingered outside the house; some threw glances at her and spoke in hush tones. Some may have gotten wind that a trial was holding. “Move,” the broad man with his hands behind his back commanded. Wasting no time, she walked up the stairs and into the house. It was the first time she had stepped into the pack house through the front entrance, the hall was large. Two spiral stairs stood side to side leading up to a grand door. On the ground floor were multiple doors and between the stairs was a large double door with a red wolf’s carving on it. Ruby held her breath as it was pushed open. The inside was grand. From the foot of the door to a small podium where the Alpha was expected to sit was a thick rug that Ruby knew would be devastating to clean. On each side of the room was a curved table which curved from the side of the rug to the steps to the Alpha’s seat. Ruby stopped in the middle of the room. She could feel all eyes on her, but she didn’t look up to find out who was present. Deafening silence filled the room and Ruby could feel her anxiety build. Someone announced from the side breaking the silence. “Councilmen.” The men seated stood to their feet in respect. “Alpha Aiden of the Redmoon pack.” A door Ruby hadn't noticed before opened and Aiden emerged. He was dressed in a suit which fitted him like a glove. He marched to his seat and sat down before anyone else did. And soon the whole room was filled with his aura. Ruby couldn’t take her eyes off him. His blue eyes met hers briefly and she sucked in a breath before he looked away. His face was blank giving away nothing. “We gather today in the name of Ruby Laine, daughter of Edgar Rupert, who stands trial for treason and accusation of practicing witchery against the Alpha.” Grumbles erupted between the men. “Ruby Laine, what do you have to say for yourself?” Ruby lifted her head and in an instant, she was caught staring back at Aiden. His eyes held her captive, daring her to reveal what he had deemed forbidden. “Why were you in the Alpha’s room?” one of the Councilmen questioned. “I was assigned to clean.” The words rolled over her tongue as she had rehearsed them. “What transpired?” Another or probably the same person asked again. Aiden’s gaze hardened and Ruby gulped, pushing down her anxiety. He didn’t blink neither did he look away, daring her to speak. Ruby didn’t know what came over her while she spoke with her eyes still fixed on his, matching his gaze. “I smelt him, felt him, and discovered he’s my mate.” “Lies!” “Lies!” the men yelled back in conviction, but Ruby wasn’t fazed. Her eyes remained on Aiden. A smirk marred the corner of his lips, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it came. Raising one hand, the room fell quiet. “How can you be my mate…” Aiden finally spoke. “…when I have found my Luna.” Ruby wished that while he spoke he looked remorseful. She wished, if only for a moment, he looked torn. But as always, all that was wishful thinking. No sorrow or regret lingered on his handsome face. He looked calm. Unbothered by the fact he was breaking her from the inside. And the worst part was he knew she was hurting. “What?” Ruby let out just in time for the same door Aiden came in through to open again. Whipping her head to the side, Ruby croaked out a cry as Ophelia stepped out. She wore a proud smile as she walked to Aiden taking his outstretched hand. “I-I-” Ruby stuttered, not knowing what to say. Tears rolled down her face as she couldn’t muster a proper statement. Ophelia’s smile widened at her dumbfounded state. Ruby turned back to Aiden. “Aiden, please you can’t-” “You shall address your Alpha with the appropriate title, girl,” Edgar said sharply. Ruby’s ears rang as she stared between Aiden and Ophelia. When had that happened? It already hurt that he didn’t want to accept her, but choosing Ophelia… Ruby tore her eyes away from the pair as she couldn’t stomach how good they looked together. She tried to convince herself that Aiden was doing this not because of what she was, but who he was and who he wanted. But the thought only made it all more painful. “Bu-But, Aiden, I am your mate! The moon goddess put us together for a reason. The mate bond isn’t something to be toyed with. Please don’t do this to me.” Tears trailed down her cheek. She was bleeding from the inside. Ophelia had everything she ever wanted, a father’s love, and when she thought she could get someone who would love her. She wanted to take that away from her too. “The moon goddess blessed me with a strong mate which is Ophelia, and even if she isn’t mine, I will still choose her. Why would I be cursed with someone like you?” Ruby stared at him in disbelief. She couldn’t believe how far he would go to hurt her and also his wolf, which she knew was howling inside him for the pain he was putting her through. The strength which had pushed her to speak dwindled to nothing. She felt weakened and drained emotionally and physically. Aiden closed his eyes for a brief second before he pried them open. “I will give you two choices, admit you’re wrong and apologize to my mate, or face the consequences of treason against your Luna.” Summoning the last strength in her, Ruby looked straight at Aiden. “I never lied.” Aide narrowed his eyes and his hands clammed into a fist. “Fine then. I, Aiden, Alpha of the Redmoon Pack sentence you, Ruby Laine, to death.”