My Mate’s Regret After Putting Our Child in Jail novel Chapter 4

After Ryan left, I quickly packed our essentials. My hands shook but I forced them steady.

"Get your favorite books, Marcus," I whispered, shoving clothes into a bag. "We're leaving soon."

Five hours until Emma and Alexander would come. I watched Gregory, Ryan's "strongest guard," stationed at our door.

I called Emma, pressing close to the damp basement wall. "The security's tight. "

"Don't worry, sister," Emma's voice held a predator's confidence. "Alexander has a plan. The Blood Moon Pack is ready."

Marcus snatched the phone, his small face lighting up. "Aunt Emma! I miss you!"

Emma's laugh warmed my heart. "Miss you too, pup. Soon no one will ever hurt you or your mom again. We have a room ready for you both."

The basement door exploded inward before I could respond.

Katherine flew down the stairs, her shift so fast it blurred. Her massive silver wolf – still powerful despite her age – slammed me against the wall.

Bones cracked. Blood filled my mouth.

"You witch!" she snarled, shifting back to human form. "Making my son raise a bastard for eight years! My precious Jamie living in exile because of your murderous whelp!"

She lunged again, claws extended. "What dark magic did you use on my son? What spell trapped him with gutter trash like you?"

Gregory stepped between us, his massive frame blocking her attack. "Beta Ryan ordered me to protect them, Ma'am. Step back."

"Protect them?" she spat, silver hair wild around her face. "My foolish, soft-hearted son! Still trying to save his whore and her killer pup!"

Heavy footsteps descended the stairs. The former Beta William, Ryan's father, moved with the deadly grace.

Ten warriors followed him, their faces cold.

"Our bloodline will not be tainted by a promiscuous Omega and her killer pup." The former Beta's eyes fixed on Marcus. "Take the boy to the silver pit. Now."

My blood froze. The silver pit – where they tortured rogues to death. Where wolves went in but never came out.

My wolf howled inside me, throwing herself against the poison in our veins. The wolfsbane was weakening – too slowly, too late.

"Marcus is Ryan's son!" The truth tore from my throat. "Jamie is the one who killed that innocent pup! Your precious grandson is the murderer!"

Katherine's claws raked across my face, drawing blood. "Lying witch! My grandson would never-"

A roar shook the basement walls, sending dust cascading from the ceiling.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY SISTER!"

Emma stood in the doorway, her small Omega frame vibrating with rage. Her usual gentle demeanor had vanished, replaced by something ancient and deadly.

Behind her, a massive black wolf with blood-red eyes filled the stairwell. His power rolled through the basement like a physical force, making even William step back.

Alexander. Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack.