Chapter 52
(Isabella’s POV)
Since Santiago seems to be out for the foreseeable future, sorting out learning that his ex-wife not only tried to trick him into believing that he was her baby’s father, but that his own dear old dad is the one who actually impregnated her…I’m on my own to sort out all of this pack-handover business.
Levi suggested that I approach the Elder Council. He said that not all the members are corrupt.
I get up, grab a quick breakfast, and get dressed to go to the Council office.
Since I have at least been able to resume my own pack house, I have regained access to my wardrobe. I chose my favorite suit to hopefully make a strong impression on whoever I get to meet with at the council.
I let my hair stay down, but part it over to the side. My suit is a soft cream color with a wool blend single-breasted blazer and straight leg pants. My silk blouse is a slightly darker cream that coordinates with the aesthetic perfectly.
When Elias is the member who meets me, my heart all but stops beating.
“What are you doing here?” I ask. “I’d like to meet with any of the other elders.”
He’s all but recovered from whatever Santiago, Levi, and Singer did to him, but nonetheless clearly holds a grudge against me.
“Well, that’s just too bad, ‘Alpha,’ he says.
I turn to go. There’s no point in pursuing his help, and the thought of being trapped in the office alone with him, knowing he wants me dead, sets my teeth on edge.
I take myself down to the coffee shop and get a latte. It’s nice outside, so I figure I’ll sit on the patio and enjoy the cool breeze and the Autumn colors falling from their trees.
A woman walks up to me. She’s older with pure silver hair pulled into a bun and a floor-length hooded black dress. “Isabella Costa? Alpha Isabella Costa?” she asks.
I look up from my reverie. “Yes. And you are?”
“Evelyn Crowl”
My eyes widen, and I bow my head. “Elder Evelyn, it’s an honor to meet you, ma’am.”
She smiles. “My friends call me Evie.”
“Well, I certainly don’t qualify,” I return with my eyes still staring at the ground.
“Not yet, but your parents did. May I join you?”
My gaze bolts up to meet hers. She has almost lavender colored eyes. I’ve never seen a shade like it before. And they almost glitter outside in the sun.
“Please, sit with me,” I tell her. “You, you knew my parents.”
Her smile warms as she sits down with me. She takes a sip of her coffee and nods. “I was actually closest with your mom, Shannen. I’ve learned recently of Elder Elias’s reasoning for hunting you and Alpha Jesse’s interest in your pack. I think I can help you sort out the issues with the handover.”
I don’t know how to process this woman’s offer of assistance or the fact that she was apparently close to my parents.
“Okay. I’d be grateful…”
“No need. I told your parents when the time came, I’d be here for you. You’ve figured out already that Elias is corrupt. You absolutely must steer clear of him and Jesse.”
“You know that Elias is corrupt? And…Jesse?”
“We knew Elias would come after you. Jesse was an unknown factor. I’m so sorry that your mate hurt you so much, darling.”
She smiles at me knowingly. “You are wondering if you can even trust me. That’s a good thing. Listen to me, child, you are special, and you need to be careful who you trust. I can tell you are waiting for your wolf to weigh in. Go ahead, I’ll wait.”
My eyes go wide.
Then my wolf speaks.
“I trust her Bella. I don’t know how or why, but I do. Her wolf matches her human energy,” my wolf says.
I nod. “Okay, Elder Evelyn.”
“Evie,” she says with a smile.
“Evie,” I return.
Evie stands abruptly, “Come along. We need to get to the Elder Council office.”
She walks right into the office without knocking or announcing herself. “Amber, I need the full file on the Costa/Hansen case with the itemized completion list regarding the handover.”
Amber’s eyes narrow and turn black as she glares at Evie. “Elder Evelyn! I must object. Elder Elias left strict instructions…”
Evie spins around on her heel without missing a beat. She growls in a tone that would make even Santiago bow. “Do you think I’m stupid? You’re in his pocket. That dirty rotten bastard is a disgrace to this council. And, in a very short amount of time, Miss he will pay for his crimes. If you don’t wish to join him, I suggest you give me what I asked for.”
Amber submits with a head bow and fetches the records, Evie asked for.
After studying the documents, Evie walks into Elias’ office.
Amber follows her. “I must protest! You don’t have clearance…”
Evelyn unlocks his safe. She smiles, takes out a file folder full of documents, and looks through it.
“Amber, do you know what this is? This is proof that Elias has been manipulating the council and court proceedings regarding this case.”
Amber simply shakes her head in disbelief.
Evie looks her deadpan in the eye. “You knew this was here. You willingly participated in misrepresenting the information. This office needs someone reliable and dependable. Consider your tenure here terminated.”
Amber chokes on her tears.
“We will give you a one-month severance package, while you try to find something else. Now…get out or I will have you thrown out.”
Amber looks at me as she leaves with what looks like guilt.
Evie tells me to join her at the conference table.
After an hour of meticulous reading and a few phone calls, she tells me it’s time to go to the courthouse.
We wait in the lobby for our appointment time. Once inside, we meet my attorney who presents the information to the judge. Evie testifies on my behalf and the handover is complete.
Hope and joy swell within me. My chest warms at the thought of going home. I thank Evie, who slips her phone number into my hand before we part ways.
When I get home to my territory, the happiness and contentment subside. No one will look at me. They don’t show submission or respect. A Gamma wolf springs out of the crowd at me, swinging to hit me. Before I can react to it, Ariana flies in front of me and sweeps his leg out from under him.
“The ‘B’ in Beta stands for backup. Mess with my Alpha again, and I will end you,” she says, looking him deadpan.”
My mouth hangs open and as my eyebrows nearly meet my hairline. “Ariana…”
“Alpha, we need to talk in private.”
I nod and we go to the pack house.
My eyes widen yet again when we walk into the conference room and find Santiago and Levi leaning against the walls across from each other.
Santiago’s icy blue stare meets mine.
My wolf prances in my mind at the sight of him.
“Hey, Bella. I’m so sorry I’ve missed everything. I have been away dealing with…well it doesn’t matter. I am so sorry.”
I nod.
Levi smiles at me, “Hey there, Alpha Isabella. Congratulations on being officially reinstated.”
I return his smile and thank him. “It’s a long story but apparently an Elder on the council was close with my parents and she used her influence to orchestrate and expedite the whole thing, but apparently…my pack no longer wants me.”
Santiago growls. “What the fuck does that mean?”
Ariana speaks up. “Before Jesse took his pack back to their territory he spread rumors about Alpha Isabella.”
“Like what?” Levi asks.
“All kinds of shit…from baseless stuff like she isn’t really Andrew and Shannen’s daughter to she slept with Elders in trade for them to rule in her favor to being in league with witches. We currently have a Gamma sitting in the dungeons for daring to attack Isabella.”
“Did he hurt you?” Santiago asks pulling me close and examining me.
“He didn’t have a chance. My Beta over there kicked his ass before I had a chance to lift a finger.”
“Nice,” Levi says with a nod toward Ariana.
“Isabella, the best way to deal with Jesse’s influence is head on. I think Ariana should make a list of the rumors. You can call a town hall meeting and review the whole thing.”
“Yes, that’s good advice. Ariana, please start making the arrangements.” I turn to Santiago, “Will you…”
He stops me mid-thought. “Levi,” he says, turning to his Beta. “Please assist Ariana. Bella, I will provide security within your pack with my Gammas until we sift through who can be trusted. If that’s okay? And, what else can I do?”
