Ronan laughs. “My mate doesn’t need to prove herself.”
“Then let her prove herself,” I challenge. “Unless you’re afraid of what might be revealed.”
My father’s eyes harden. “Careful, Rylan. Your brother said you would fabricate claims against him. Your history makes your judgment questionable.”
Ignoring him, I invoke my right as Enforcer for a formal investigation.
“Denied,” Ronan snaps. “She needs support, not interrogation.”
Behind him, Candice’s satisfied smile stabs at me.
I urge Selena, “Tell them what you saw.”
But Ronan cuts in, “There was nothing to see, my concern is for her well-being.”
“Liar,” I growl.
Alpha Roland thunders, “Enough! Stand down or face suspension.”
“Listen,” I plead. “He was with another woman when Selena collapsed. Ask anyone at the celebration.”
My mother, Luna Vivienne, has a cold voice. “Don’t try to frame your brother. Everyone saw Ronan on pack duties most of the evening.”
I stare at the Silver Moon Pack members, searching for an ally. They all avoid my gaze.
“My eyes don’t lie,” I growl. “Ronan had Candice in his bed.”
Alpha Roland’s power washes over me. “Your mate-bond trauma is clouding your judgment. We know what happened to Elise...”
“Don’t use her name,” I snarl. “This isn’t about Elise.”
Luna Vivienne steps forward. “Rylan, you’ve been unstable since the incident. Perhaps you should consider stepping down as Enforcer, my son. Maybe a vacation”
Murmurs ripple through the crowd. I’ve already lost them.
“One truth rite,” I demand. “If I’m wrong, I resign.”
Ronan’s face hardens. “I’m the Alpha heir. I refuse to submit to a truth rite on baseless accusations.”
Candice glides to his side. “Perhaps we should focus on the real issue at hand.”
Alpha Roland nods. “Selena, your scent mingled with rogues on three occasions this month. Items from our armory turned up at those sites. How do you explain that?”
Selena’s color drains. “No, that’s impossible. I’ve never...”
Ronan produces a small cloth bag and spills its contents: a carved wooden token bearing the Southern Rogue Pack’s mark.
“Found in your quarters,” he announces.
Selena lunges for it; he jerks it away. “Don’t touch me.”
“Ronan, please...” she whispers. “You know me.”
His voice rings out: “I thought I did. As heir to the Alpha, I must protect the Silver Moon Pack. Selena has betrayed us all.”
I step forward. “She’s being framed!”
Alpha Roland’s grip on my shoulder tightens painfully. “Stand. Down.”
