CHAPTER EIGHT

I spend all day compiling what I found. Though the first initial record I came across seems like it would be enough, I don't know that will be enough. So, I want to make sure that everything is in order so I can save Raphael.

This is my one chance. I have to do it right. An innocent man’s life is on the line.

I guess I spend too much time doing it. Because by the time I leave the library, it's already dark, and I panic. Rafael is supposed to be put to death tonight. What if I'm too late?

I quickly think of where they would do the execution. There's an area at the center of town where we host all our celebrations and I feel like the old alpha and his friends probably view this as a celebration.

So, I head towards the center of town. I hold onto the records tightly, that way I don't lose them. This is important. This is vital to saving my mate.

By the time I get to the center of town, everyone has gathered around. Though most people have been saying they don't agree with what’s being done to Rafael, they can't seem to stay away from the execution.

Or maybe the alpha has ordered everyone to be present. I don't know about that yet because I was locked away all day.

Whatever the reason, it seems like a big occasion. Food is set all about as if it's a celebration. Torches light up the night, along with other more innocent decorations.

It's like we're having a party. It's like they're happy to put someone to death.

It's one of the most sickening things I've ever seen, and it goes to prove why we need a new alpha. This one is completely twisted. No alpha should take delight in the death of someone in his pack. No alpha should take delight in the death of anyone at all. What kind of message does that send to the rest of the pack?

This old alpha isn't fit to be an alpha. And I'm going to prove that tonight. I have to make them listen to me. Raphael's life depends on it.

My nerves heightened though when I see Raphael in the middle of the crowd. He's tied up in silver chains, so he can't get away. But what's more frightening is what stands in front of him.

The old alpha holds a bow and arrow in his hand. But I can see that the tip of the arrow is made out of silver. It will kill Raphael if it pierces his skin. I can't let that happen.

“Here, stands a traitor,” the old alpha says. “This is what happens when you try to murder an alpha. You get punished. This type of behavior can't be allowed to go unchecked.

“The challenge was clearly unjust because Raphael is a rogue. And this is what we do to rogues. We don't allow them in the pack. And we certainly don't allow them to be alphas.”

“But he's not a rogue,” I say. “Rafael isn't rogue.”

Everyone stares at me as I push my way through the crowd and to Rafael. My gaze is fixed upon him, as our eyes desperately hold onto each other. This has to work. He can't die like this.

“What are you talking about?” the old alpha asks, narrowing his glare on me. “Rafael is a rogue, there's no question about it. He must be eradicated.”

“He's not though,” I insist. “And I have the papers here to prove it. I have these records saying that Raphael’s grandfather was the old alpha.”

“That's absurd,” the old alpha growls. “There's no way he's related to an alpha. He's a rogue, and the challenge was unjust.”

“Just read the paper,” I say. “His grandfather was an alpha. And he was unjustly banished from the pack. Rafael has alpha blood. The challenge was more than just.”

Jacob steps forward and reaches for the records. I'm a little hesitant to give them to him. What if he destroys them?

I gathered these records together for a reason though. I did it so I'd have proof to show them, so now I have to show him. I hand over the records.

The crowd is quiet as Jacob reads the records. Everyone is waiting on his verdict. This is a matter of life and death, and everyone knows it.

“She is right,” Jacob says, shaking his head. “Rafael is the grandson of a past alpha. He has alpha blood. The challenge was legit.”

“Nonsense,” the alpha growls. “She's a liar and a traitor. She's causing disruption in this pack, and I won't have it. Arrest her along with her boyfriend.

“They've both shown disloyalty towards me. I won't stand for it. I won't allow disloyalty in the pack. We need to stand together to be strong.

“If they don't want to be in our family, then so be it. But we won't bend to them.”

I panic, wondering how I can fight this. This is unjust. He has to listen to me, I have proof.

It's not fair that he would do this. He can't do this. It's against the rules and werewolves stick to rules.

To my surprise though, no one steps forward to arrest me. They all look uncertain. Like they're not too sure what to do.

“This is unjust,” my best friend says as she steps forward. “You can't arrest her. She's just saying the truth. She has proof to back it up. That doesn't make her traitor, that makes her strong.”

I'm so proud of her just for standing up to him, but I'm also worried. What if he arrests her now too? What if he executes her? I would never be able to live with the guilt.

Her voice isn't the only one who speaks out though. After Lisa stands up for me, other voices join her.

They're all saying that they don't agree with the verdict. So many people in the pack think this is unjust. So many people see how it's unfair.

Whispers turned into shouts that the alpha can no longer ignore. The pack is finally rising, and we won't go quietly. The alpha doesn't have as strong of a hold as he used to. And we will prove that.

No one's dying tonight. Except for maybe him.