Chapter 202

Violet’s POV

I’m so proud of you.

The sentiment flowed out of me almost uncontrollably through my magical connection with Theo. It was challenging for me to keep the smile on my face professional instead of the goofy grin that threatened to expose me.

But as one of the soon-to-be residents of Mel Rimanea gave a group of us the grand tour of the new city, I couldn’t help but beam – at least internally. The city was impressive. Modest and self-sustaining, every single detail built a sense of community where the residents would be empowered to take care of themselves and each other, getting out of their new home as much as they put into it.

Just like life.

Theo wasn’t gifting a luxurious block of streets and buildings to anyone. He was offering the tools for a second chance to those who had hardly been given a first one. This was a place for werewolves who were willing to work hard and take care of each other.

From the farms to the simple homes, the werewolf guiding our tour was excited to point out the section of wall that had crumbled when he leaned on it before the mortar had completely set. He was proud that he had been a part of building this city, ready to laugh at his mistakes and get back to work.

I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your help, my mate’s voice responded in my head. I wasn’t sure where he was, as the tours had been divided into smaller groups. As grateful as I was for our magical mind-to-mind connection, I couldn’t wait to finally have our natural mate bond restored.

I wouldn’t have known these people needed help if it hadn’t been for you, I reminded him. I was more than happy to help those in need, but it had been Theo who had shown me my own biases against rogues, helping me to understand the help they needed.

The guide led us back to the town center in preparation for the ceremony. It appeared we were still waiting for a few other tour groups to return, and folks milled about calmly while waiting. Unlike the beginning of brunch, the party was no longer separated between nobles and settlement residents.

I held back my own emotion as I remembered the way the first two sisters had found each other and the hundreds of searches it had inspired. Ultimately, all our political scheming was being done in the hopes that it was in the country’s best interest, in our fellow werewolves’ best interest. But to see them benefitting already, even in ways we couldn’t have predicted or imagined… it made the sacrifices feel a lot more worthwhile.

Now everyone was all mixed up: nobles reconnecting with previous rogues and vice versa. I could even tell from some of the conversations that nobles were making polite conversation with settlement residents they didn’t know, just like they might with any other stranger at a formal event. It was a level of civility and compassion I hadn’t expected.

I was ecstatic to have been wrong about it.

I was equally pleased to hear the murmurs in the crowd.

“What did the king call the Shelter Project? A secret rogue militia?”

“It was ‘army of rogues’. I know because I was on the dance floor when he accused Alpha Nightshade.”

“Whatever he called it, he was clearly wrong. This is obviously just a bunch of women and children with no resources willing to work hard for a simple life. I mean, can you imagine having to grow your own food?”

“It certainly provides perspective, doesn’t it? And they’re just happy to have a roof over their heads. I can’t imagine why the king didn’t agree to fund this project.”

“Speaking of which, where is the king? You’d think he, of all people, would want to examine this new city, especially if he thinks it’s a threat to his rule.”

“Probably licking his wounds.” The group snickered at that. “If he does show, hopefully he’s learned his lesson after the embarrassing scene he caused at the last wedding.”

“Doubt it.” They laughed some more.

I almost felt bad for how much they were making fun of him.

Almost.

Then a booming voice I didn’t recognize commanded the attention of everyone in the town center.

“Benjamin Stotts.”

Every head turned in the direction of the voice and werewolves scattered away from its source as well as the one he was staring down. I recognized the speaker as Alpha Brash from a very small territory to the east, one on the Vainthotts’ list as someone who disapproved of them suing the king. When I looked to the other werewolf, I was surprised to see it was the Ben I’d picked up on the hill.

Ben said nothing, but he didn’t cower either. Only kept the Alpha’s gaze.

“I should execute you right here, right now,” Alpha Brash declared. I made my way slowly toward Ben, avoiding drawing any attention to myself. As I scanned the crowd, I noticed I was not the only one moving in to protect him.

Get back to the town center now, I warned Theo. As far as everyone was concerned, this was Theo’s territory, making him the only one who could officially request the execution not take place on these grounds. I assumed we were in fact trying to avoid an execution of Theo’s friend on his Beta’s wedding day.

“You wish to execute me at a wedding?” Ben challenged, but the temper I had encountered at our first meeting was nowhere to be found.

Alpha Brash took three giant steps to get in Ben’s face. “You killed my brother, your Alpha, in cold blood, leaving the territory to me.”

“Is that a thank you?” Ben quipped, but before Alpha Brash could unleash his rage, Ben kept speaking.

“Your brother raped and murdered my pregnant wife,” he said, his temper still under control even if all traces of humor were gone. “I dealt justice and have no desire to spill more blood. I have no qualms with you.”

Then Ben slowly raised his palms in surrender and took a generous step backward. I counted four of us behind him, ready to defend him if need be.

Though I was damn proud at his de-escalation. And embarrassed to be associated with the nobles who were causing the scene in the first place. If this didn’t paint the rogues in a favorable light, nothing would.

“You may have dealt your justice,” Alpha Brash replied, stepping closer to Ben again. “But I have yet to dole out mine.” Then he spit in Ben’s face.

I reached for a tissue in my purse as I approached Ben, but someone else beat me to him.

“Benjamin Stotts, is it? I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure. I’m Alpha Tyron Hayward.”

Tyron handed Ben a handkerchief. Slowly, Ben accepted it, nodding gratefully as he used it to wipe Alpha Brash’s spit off his face.

“I do hope you’ll come visit me and my lovely wife Helene in our territory in Dark Forest. There, we comport ourselves with respect.” Tyron didn’t even deign to glance at Alpha Brash, who was seething at his side.

“Tyron, are you causing trouble at my Beta’s wedding?”

My shoulders sagged in relief at Theo’s voice as he walked into the cluster of pent up men, a teasing smile on his face as he wrapped an arm around both Tyron and Ben, leading them away from Alpha Brash.

In my mind, he said, Thanks for the heads up. By the way, I look forward to ripping that dress off of you tonight.