Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 332: Facade Alpha Theron's POV

The moment Astrid left my office, I reached through the Pack Link, calling for Beta Alek.

My voice came out raw and unfiltered, the unmistaken anger pulsed through the link sending their wolves into submission.

I could sense Beta Alek's panic, could feel his wolf bristle at the force of my command. He knew I wasn't pleased.

Moments later, the door opened, and Alek entered, his face pale, but his steps were urgent.

I didn't give him a chance to speak before hurling the book at him. It hit him squarely in the face, making him stagger.

As he caught the book, his face drained of color even further when recognition flared in his eyes.

"Didn't I tell you to burn that book?" My voice was low, lethal, and I didn't miss the way he trembled at each word.

Alek fell to his knees, the weight of his guilt bearing down on him.

"Alpha," he choked out, "I admit my irresponsibility. I failed you. I'm willing to accept any punishment for my insubordination," he answered readily, prepared for this scenario.

He knew the consequences of his action when he kept the book instead of burning it, defying my orders.

I gritted my teeth as I towered over him. "You know the penalty for treason, Alek." I growled, my voice cold as stone. "You're aware it's execution. Go now and carry it out yourself."

He looked up, eyes wide with horror. "Alpha, I swear I am loyal to you. I have never committed treason." His words were a desperate plea, his voice breaking.

He was so ready to accept his punishment, but when he heard that his punishment is death, he instantly broke from his character.

sneered, "then explain how that book

in confusion, so I explained further. "Giselle gave the book to Astrid, and she came here to

me - why did you give that book to her knowing full well that it

that is not even a member of our Pack

shock, clearly caught off guard. "Alpha, I didn't give it to Giselle. I... I gave it to Andros. I swear, he is the only whom I

you say?" The question

hunching "Andros was... concerned. He noticed the book in my hand and wouldn't stop asking questions so I could only

trusted. I even told him to

I didn't give it to Giselle. I... I gave it to Andros. I swear, he's the only

suddenly felt small, airless, as if

heartbeat, I could only stare at Alek, his words echoing through my mind.

a step, reaching blindly for the edge of

Andros, exposed this secret

voice barely a whisper, clinging

eyes widened, a

a lie like that You know me, If I had really committed treason I

myself to swallow, but each breath

gave that book to Giselle?" The words slipped out, low and tight, each one

fell silent, sensing the rage simmering beneath my tone. "I don't

would be best

and let him

light on this before

in a steadying breath, bracing myself against the weight of betrayal