Shocked whispers travelled across the hall, which was understandable because Alpha Darren never spoke up publicly against Asher.
"What sorcery–"
Beta Ansel came forward. "He was kidnapped," he said, and he told the same story I had fed him to the entire hall. Verbatim.
Asher's hazel eyes travelled over Zephyr's face, trying to find the deceit, but he couldn't. Worse yet, he began to look bad in front of the entire pack by the time Beta Ansel was done telling the story.
The questions began flying around in the air. The Alpha was kidnapped? How could his own brother, the only one who had seen the body before it was embalmed, not have known it wasn't him? Was he in on the plan? Why move so swiftly in choosing his brother's fiancee as his Luna?
I tried to hide my smile as Asher began to sweat and bluster.
How did it feel to be on the wrong end of vile accusations? Tit for tat had never felt so sweet.
He must have realized things were about to go south for him, for several reasons. We both knew that wasn't Darren, but trying to prove it would be difficult, considering Darren's body had already been cremated, his ashes washed down the lake.
Asher, with clenched fists, stepped off the altar.
And hugged Zephyr.
The hall went still.
"I am glad you are alive," Asher said, managing to sound convincing enough. He even had tears in his eyes.
But a choked cry split the air.
Gianna Snow, who had not been present for the succession came staggering through the entrance. Her face was wan and pale, her lips chapped, her eyes reddened.
This was the part of the plan that both frightened and made me feel like shit.
But Gianna grabbed her knees upon seeing Zephyr, and her wail was something that would haunt me for a time. She ran, she ran for Zephyr, knocking Asher aside so hard that he fell.
She took Zephyr's face in her hands, tipped it left and right.
And whatever doubts the world might have had that this was indeed Darren was gone the minute she said, "My sweet, beautiful boy," and kissed both his cheeks. She pressed her face against his chest and cried. "I thought I'd lost you."
Zephyr went very still.
I held my breath.
His arms came up and completely wrapped around her, one hand pressing to the back of her head the way you'd hold something precious, and he lowered his face into her hair, like I had told him to, and said, "Mother."
When Zephyr raised his head, it was to glance e at Elder Alden. "I believe the matter of the succession is over."
The old man blinked. "Y-yes, Alpha Darren."
Asher's jaw was clenched.
As if feeling my gaze, he finally glanced at me and froze. "What is she doing here? My orders were very clear. The slave was to be captured and thrown into the dungeons."
"It is to that slave I owe my life," Zephyr said, pulling away from Gianna.
Asher's nostrils flared. "We are beyond blessed to have you back with us. It is a miracle. But you must understand. Dead or not, that Omega is a traitor who attempted to kill you and must be executed immediately."
"Traitor?" Zephyr sauntered over to where I stood. And without warning, his large hand landed on my waist.
I froze. The hall gasped collectively. That was definitely not a part of the plan. This was the part where he cleared my name and dismissed the gathering. What on earth was he doing?
His grip tightened. "I'd be very careful about what you said next about her, brother. The Omega is not only under my protection. She is my mate."