CHAPTER 78.1 - TAKING SIDES

*FORBES POV*

“Let’s wrap up the meeting,” Elder Desmond announced, looking at the rest of the council, “We can reconvene again after Elder Silva undoes the soulless spell for Charlotte.”

Grandpa Daniel nods in approval, “Heron will meet with Alpha Henley and they will discuss the mafia's current situation as well as whether or not we can obtain the necklace without Varla being our chosen Luna.”

They spoke on but I zoned out. Even though I was in the courtroom to support my Alpha and best friend, my focus drifted multiple times to Semani. She looks amazing with pink-glossed lips and faint makeup. Today, her long curly tresses are in a French braid and roped under by an elastic band. The lemon basil and chamomile scent that she oozes interferes with my ability to maintain a level head. 

She donned a green floral mini dress with a ruched bust with the straps tied on the shoulder. It was well-faded. While she does not have huge breasts, they are perfect. My hands can cup them, and her small waist curves give way to her wide hips, which are not so visible inside the dress, but I know because my hands have roamed the curvaceous outline of her body.

I need more time with her. Half of my brain was screaming at me to pick her up in my arms and take her somewhere private, just to be alone.

The eternal battle with my wolf gave me a headache from his efforts to take control because he desired to charge over to her, and get jiggy with her. There's a hint of wildness in her bones that we want to explore.

Experiencing the mate bond for the first time made me reflect on Heron’s situation with Charlotte. My hatred for her ballooned as a result of this new insight, since I know how agonizing it is to want your mate and be apart from them.

Semani has glanced twice at me since we have been here in the grand hall. She gives Charlotte more attention than me. It riles me. I’ve clenched my hands a thousand times and Sage observes me with a humorous smirk, as if this shit was funny.

For years, Sage and I had been the same. We fucked whoever we wanted and wherever. I genuinely like Mikayla. I looked forward to fucking her brains out. Though as soon as I realized that Heron had his sight set on her, I backed off because the more powerful male always gets the win. Who would have thought that he’d be able to imprint on our innocent and naïve Mikayla so that she would be my Luna.

With Semani, it was different. Thoughts of her impede my duties. How do people handle a mate when I can’t concentrate because of her? I’m so fucked.

The sound of papers shuffling and gathering, in addition to the heightened murmurs, brought my attention to what was happening now. Apparently, the meeting was over. Heron is in a foul mood. Alpha Hudson's mood matches his and Luna Phoebe is trying to keep her cool. The vinegary atmosphere makes you want to leave the building as fast as possible.

“Charlotte, please come with me.” Warden Courtney holds out silver handcuffs.

Helter-skelter, Charlotte shakes her head. She clings to Semani, who utters comforting words but not enough to calm the frantic wolfless girl.

“This can be done the easy way or the hard way. It’s up to you.” Warden Courtney warned with a tilt of his head.

Seeking an escape hatch, Charlotte looked around and tried bolting but was caught by the waist. Semani cries for her friend. My wolf gets mad at the Warden because of my mate's tears and I steel myself. Heron chuckles at the pitiful sight of his ex-mate.

The warden manages to get the frisky girl in handcuffs, throws her over his shoulder, and walks out of the room with her.

Semani stands by, silently watching her only friend be taken away. She hugs herself. The Elders rambled down the aisle in their groups, discussing all sorts of activities.

“Forbes, Sage and I are going to the pack house to speak with my parents,” Heron informed me. His parents left ahead of the Elders. “Your mate needs your comfort.”

“I'd like to take her to the cottage since Charlotte is in the cells.” I requested permission, hoping for him to give the go-ahead.

“If Semani agrees, you may move her in,” Heron granted. He and Sage left the grand hall.

Feeling like a nervous idiot, I stood in the aisle as she walked up to me, her head bowed.

“Hi.” The one word flew out of my mouth.

“Hi.” She replied. Though I wish that she had more to say.

“I’ll take you to the sewage grounds and there is something that I’d like to discuss with you,” I offered.

She nodded and we ambled side by side to get to my Wrangler. Once there, we climbed in and I pulled out of the parking space. We were the last ones to leave.

“We are strangers but also mates. Charlotte’s fate is sealed and you might not have any friends, especially after the riot she caused.” With one hand on the steering wheel and the other scratching my forehead, I continued, “Would you like to move to the cottage with me? There are a few of us there and I think that you would be comfortable.”

Looking at the squawking crows flying overhead, she inquired, “Is that where Alpha Heron lives?”

“Yes. Along with Sage, Amoy, and Mikayla.” I began sweating though I knew that the blazing sun had nothing to do with it.

“Mikayla?” Her head jolts in my direction with eyebrows scrunched together.

I nodded.

“Isn’t she the reason that Alpha Heron dumped Charlotte?” She upturned her nose.

“No. Heron dumped her because she was a heartless bitch.” Cautious of my tone, I kept my voice low.

“Don’t call her that!” Semani heatedly defended.

Toning things down a bit, I added, “Semani, you have known Charlotte for two seconds in comparison to us, who have known her much longer.” I braked at the traffic light and could fully inspect her indignant reaction. “Alpha Heron almost died from her prostitution.”

“She’s not a whore.” My beautiful mate yells with hardness in her sterling grey eyes.

“Then what do you call what she does?” We should be talking about ourselves instead. I disliked that we were deviating from the subject.

“Well, maybe she has changed.” She insisted on carrying on her argument. “In Spain, she was loyal to Andrés.”

“Right. She was loyal to the wrong man.” The traffic light changed and I drove forward. “Sometimes it’s too late for some people.” I sighed. “I’d rather we focused on us. So what do you say about moving in with me? I promise not to rush things. We’ll go as slow as you need.” I pushed with a reassuring smile.

Contemplation molds her face. She has to take the blood pack oath to become a member before we connect deeper. Therefore, I was clueless as to what she could be thinking. The silence prickles my shin.

This nonsense was upsetting her and I felt horrible. I yearned to hold her, cherish her and keep her forever. I wanted her to be able to see what was going on inside my heart and how a simple glance from her gorgeous eyes could make me fall weak.

“I’m sorry, Forbes.” She gulped, and spoke in a small weak voice. “I can’t live with Mikayla. Heron is better off with Charlotte and not some Omega.”

My jaws tightened. My heart pangs. My wolf, Faunus, whimpers. It's my fault for enraging her. I should apologize.

Taking a deep breath, I had to ask, “Have you accepted me as your mate?”

“No. I can't” Her scornful words ripped my heart. “But I could if you helped Charlotte to become Luna.”

Sadness shreds my insides. My gut twisted. I gripped the steering wheel tighter as my world crashed.

Holy hell! I have my work cut out for me.