Chapter 314
0314
VALERIE.
Zaia has made her decision.
It wasn’t what I expected or wanted for them, but just the way she respected and had my back when it
came to Jai, I will do the same. It’s been three days since and she’s handed the title back to Sebastian.
I’ve chosen to remain here. I know it’s what Jai would have wanted me to do, help rebuild this pack and
its homes.
The people here would need me too, especially those who lost loved ones. Zaia will move back to The
Crystal Shadow Pack, with the rogue pack being hers she planned to make good use of the lands.
Those rogues who were innocent enough were assigned into packs, and some who wanted to leave
were allowed to do so of their own free will.
A few who seemed pretty unhinged were put in isolation for questioning and imprisonment, if need be,
including the few who had refused to stand down.
Most of Gerard’s men were captured, and although some killed themselves rather than let themselves
be caught, a few were still put into imprisonment.
Talking about imprisonment, Sebastian wanted to give Annalise a proper sentencing, but Zaia had said
having her exiled and banishment from any pack in this state was more fitting.
So, after her baby’s birth, she would have to leave, but there was a catch. She would have to wear a
tracker for the next three years and would have to report bi- weekly.
Then there was Cara… well, Sebastian had her locked up for coercing someone into sex when they
were not of sound mind and also for working with the enemy. She will spend a minimum of five years in
imprisonment and if she’s lucky, she might just get to walk away after that.
Turns out she was the illegitimate daughter of Rufus Santoni, someone who had embezzled money
from the Toussaint Enterprise many years ago. Well, the apple sure didn’t fall far from the tree.
The car stops and I see Atticus walk over and open the door for me before I can. To think once I found
him annoying, I now feel like a lucky girl to have a brother like him.
“Welcome to our pack, Val,” he says, hugging me.
Thug
I hug him back. “Thanks. It sure feels weird visiting now.” I chuckle.
“Well, I hope this will be a visit you truly enjoy,” he says. Stepping back, he turns to the two women
standing there. The previous Luna, Shelby, his mother and his sister Linette.
Both women are watching me. Shelby is smiling, and Linette simply looks observant. Something tells
me she won’t like me so much.
“Mom, Linette, this is Valerie,” Atticus introduces me as I step closer and offer Shelby my hand.
“Valerie! Welcome to The Whispering Mountain Pack!” she exclaims, enveloping me in a powerful hug.
“Thank you, Ms Payne,” I reply, slowly pulling away from her iron grip with a smile. “Linette. Hello.” I
offer her my hand, which she takes and smiles.
“Hi, just to let you know, I’m his favourite sister.”
I can’t help but laugh at that. “I’ll remember,” I promise with a chuckle.
I look at Atticus, who is smirking in amusement as he watches us.
But I don’t need to be his favourite. What he has done for me is more than I could have hoped for, and
he has been there through the rough times.
I truly appreciate him, and I hope one day soon he’ll find a woman who will love him with all her heart.
“Well, I can have more than one favourite, can’t I?” Atticus teases before he puts an arm around both of
us, making Linette smile.
“Ok fine, but I’m the better favourite.” Linette persists.
“I’m cool with that,” I reply before Atticus can answer.
She smiles at me and although it doesn’t mean much to me, to her, that title does. Maybe she felt
threatened by me? I’m not sure, but if her wanting the title of favourite would help our relationship, I am
fine with that.
“Ok, enough of this silliness, come let’s go inside. I have prepared plenty of delicious dishes.” Shelby
says, shaking her head at her daughter.
“You or the cook?” Atticus asks, cocking a brow.
Linette snickers and I hide a smile as Shelby pouts. “Well, it’s the same thing!”
+15 BÔNUS
she scolds him.
I think I’m going to like this family. Speaking of, I did talk to Dad about
everything, and he was pretty much honest with me, I just wish they had told me
earlier…
0315