The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 31

Cory's POV:

"Everyone! We now officially end our training! Return to your homes, and let's gather at the packhouse in 30 minutes," Silas announced.

This is more difficult than I thought. By the end of the training, I was out of breath, but the twins looked like they were starting. Their stamina is at a whole new level! I looked around and tried to count how many from our team got tied up and marked versus the other team. Did we win? "Cory, do you think you and Lola can handle returning to the cabin first?" Tommy asked.

"Yup, I am not hurt. I have to check Lola."

"That's good. First, we must clean up. Then, untie everyone, and see who won. We'll see you at the packhouse." Tommy said as he left to assess the situation.

I looked for Lola around the field and found her tied up. I quickly removed the rope and released her from the bind. I helped her and told her that we would return first to clean up and go to the packhouse afterward.

***

Lola and I went back to the packhouse and met everyone there. I quickly found Lucas, but he had a serious and cold look. I felt intimidated going to him. He usually has a tender and warm look on his face. But now, he looked like a different person. So is this how everyone feels when they face the Werewolf King?

He must have noticed that I was looking at him. He glanced in my direction, and there was that Lucas I know. I went to where he was currently standing - the dining hall.

"Hi, babe. How are you?" He asked while looking at me head to toe to check if I had any cuts or injuries.

"I'm good! And you? You look like you have a lot on your mind right now."

"Yeah. Just thinking about breaking the news to everyone."

"What news?" This got me nervous. What is he talking about?

"You'll know soon, babe. But, there will be big changes in this pack." That's all he said about the news.

Pack members soon came to the dining hall. All was cleaned up, and some were excited to know who won the battle. Some were bickering. Those who were once fighting each other were now back as friends. Soon after everyone was gathered, Lucas cleared his throat.

"Congratulations and good work, Midnight Moon pack! Today is the last day of your training. Everyone did a job well done!"

The crowd cheered for accomplishing the intense yet fulfilling exercise. I looked around, everyone was happy, but I noticed someone was missing. As the pack leader, he should be celebrating this achievement. Alpha Austin is not here. Does it have something to do with Lucas' news?

"Pat yourselves in the back for surviving the more than 2-week program! And I know we should be celebrating tonight, but I have another announcement to make," Lucas said to the crowd. Here it goes.

"You may know I have visited various packs these past few months. One agenda for these trips is to see the pack's and its members' well-being. And it has come to our attention that the Midnight Moon Pack, specifically the Alpha and his family, were engaged in embezzlement of funds." Lucas stopped to assess everyone's reaction.

None was able to speak. They were too stunned to speak and analyze what they had heard. Even I was shocked by this. I knew they bought expensive things, but I never thought that the money they got those from was funds for the pack. "What will happen to us now?" Rome, the beta, asked.

"Who will lead our pack now?" Don, the Gamma, interjected.

"How about the Luna?"

"Do we have to go to another pack?"

"What if rogues attack?"

Questions were pouring from around the dining hall. But there is a question I wish to ask. Despite the chaos, no one thought of asking this question. I raised my hand, and Lucas seemed to take notice. "Yes, Cory?"

"Uhm, i-if that is the case, where is the Alpha now?" He acknowledged my question, and he more of directed his answer to everyone.

"Currently, the leader of the pack, Alpha, and his family are confined in the dungeon. Once my soldiers arrive in two days, the individuals will be transferred to the kingdom immediately. A hearing will take place for their case. It has come to our attention that Luna is currently being investigated for allegedly causing harm to others with intent. She will be under investigation as well. She has been banished from the pack and the kingdom until further notice."

When no one spoke, Lucas continued. "We have yet to decide who will lead the pack, but we will not leave until we appoint someone. We will carefully select someone with the ideal qualities of an Alpha or a leader. If there are pack concerns, I will address them while I am here. You can visit either old Alpha's office or the cabin. Clear?"

We are still processing the amount of information we received tonight. It was evident from their facial expressions that they were feeling anxious and concerned about the pack's safety. But, I heard some of them were delighted and relieved that it didn't worsen or that the family could not take more money.

"If no questions are left, some of you could stay because we prepared refreshers for everyone. But I know the gravity of the announcement, so you may choose to go back home and rest for the rest of the night."

After the announcement, most of the crowd dispersed, but a few remained and engaged in further discussions. Some even asked Lucas more about the situation, and some reported things they witnessed. The crowd dispersed after a few hours had passed. And with that, the day was over.

As Lucas said, the soldiers arrived. The entire pack had gathered in the packhouse to witness the downfall of Alpha's family. They had their heads down when they were dragged out of the dungeon, but the old Alpha looked up, and our eyes met. Something clicked in him, so he started struggling.

"Stop it! Just keep walking!" one of the soldiers said.

"No! Cory! This was a mistake! Tell them!"

"Shush! Move along now!" The soldier was not irritated, but Alpha Austin tried to escape from the soldier's grasp.

"Cory, please! Tell the king I didn't know about this."

"Why are you bothering Cory? And why would she even do that for you?" Lola couldn't help it.

"She's my mate! I know you can still feel the bond, Cory! I know!"

Not only were their crimes and mistreatments already shocking, but this revelation added another layer of surprise for everyone. They were looking in my direction. Speculations about who the real Luna should be and if Chloe was even the second-chance mate of their Alpha. "What is the fuss all about?" Silas yelled amidst the commotion.

"Sir, this one is not cooperating!" The soldier who was in charge informed Silas. Soon after, Lucas emerged from the packhouse. He might have noticed the uproar.

"Your majesty, our Alpha claims that Cory is his mate. Is this true?" One of the council members asked. Lucas wore a stern and furious expression on his face.

"What's the matter? Where did that even come from?" He was attempting to maintain his composure. "The Alpha said they were mated and still connected by the bond. So how true is this, your majesty?" "Does it mean Cory will lead the Midnight Moon Pack now?" Another asked.

"Thank, goddess! I thought we were done!"

"ENOUGH!"

His voice was filled with such rage that it could bring the entire kingdom to its knees. His shout had a far-reaching impact, resonating throughout the entire area and affecting all those present. No one spoke; not even the sound of the wind could be heard. "Your Alpha was stripped of his title. He will no longer be addressed as such. And that b*stard had already rejected your real Luna. He did that as soon as he realized who his mate was. As for Cory, she would not stay in this pack even if she were your rightful leader. She will accompany me to fulfill her duties as your future queen."

"NO! She's mine! Cory, please! Tell them!"

"I told you this before. You will not speak to or go anywhere near her. Don't make your situation worse than it is, runt." His voice was so cold that it made me shiver.

"This will be the last time I will hear this from you. And just to make it clear, SHE. IS. MINE. She was once your mate, but you broke that bond before you could call her yours. Get that in your head."

None spoke further. The soldiers dragged him away, and on that day, the Midnight Moon lost their Alpha.