It takes me a while to process what he just said. Their father chased their vampires to the North. That very same North where my original Clan was living? So, this is what William was aiming at from the start...
“Those vampires... killed the Blue Moon Clan?” I ask.
“That’s right,” says William.
Damian grabs my hand. I can’t decipher his expression right now. My mate seems lost between anger, confusion, surprise, and... resolve. I know this hand just won’t let go of me. I look at those silver eyes, and despite everything, they bring me some sort of confidence. My wolf agrees with me, too.
William is watching my reactions, and so are Nathaniel and Neal. Even Bobo stopped growling and is just standing between my cousin and me in silence.
“You should have told me earlier, William. What happened to my mother.”
“Yes, I apologize for that. We had other matters at hand. I wasn’t sure of your identity, either.”
“And now you are?”
He nods but turns to Damian. “Don’t you have anything to say?” He asks. “About what your father did?”
“...I stand by my words. My father was a monster, but I’m different from him. However, I am truly sorry for your pack and what your Clan went through. I cannot undo his wrongdoings.”
“What do you think you can do, then?”
“Be a better King.”
Without adding another word, both of them stare at each other in silence. I try to understand William’s intent behind his cunning expression. Around us, people are holding their breath, waiting to see what’s next. A few of them are talking about what was just revealed.
“The Mad King was even responsible for another Clan’s death... A Clan with Royals, no less.”
“The Black family has no shame. Shouldn’t they be taking responsibility for their father’s actions?”
“He already killed his father! Isn’t it obvious they never were on his side?”
“So what? A man who murdered his own family, who knows against whom he will turn his fangs next?”
“It’s not the same. We were all glad the Mad King died...”
“The new Luna is there, too.”
“I don’t trust the Black family. With them being already so strong, who will stop them if they turn to be like their father?”
The chattering gets louder among the ranks, but I don’t see any of the Alphas talking. Instead, all of them have their eyes on Damian and William, gauging them. Are some of them changing their minds? The atmosphere is so tense, some more people shape-shifted just in case. My own wolf is restless, too.
“Don’t tell me you are going to overlook this!” Yells Alessandra. “The Blacks are a family of power-hungry, bloodthirsty murderers! Remember the Snow Moon Clan? They didn’t survive, either! Are you going to push that one on the Black father, too?”
Both William and Damian turn towards the Gold Moon Clan, but I’m the first one growling. Can’t someone make her shut up already? I wish I could do it myself!
“The Snow Moon Clan was—,” says Neal.
“I’m not talking to a damn Beta!” Interrupts Alessandra.
Neal sighs, but I can tell a lot of people from the Blood Moon behind us are now even more pissed. Who does she think she is to disrespect a Beta like this!
“Watch your tone, King...” I say, warning her with a growl.
“I don’t take any orders from you, either. Stealing my fiancé, pretending to be an innocent girl, a Royal? You’re theone who should watch it! I am the Gold Moon’s heiress! I say we will not stand by your lies!” She yells.
I growl at her even louder, until she has to lower her head. Her father suddenly stands up and addresses the other Alphas.
“Respectable Alphas, it is obvious this is all a well-thought scheme from the Blood Moon Clan! Think about it. A Witch? Why would a Witch attack now, after what their father did to her peers and the vampires? How convenient would it be that Damian Black would suddenly find a Royal mate? Right after ditching my daughter, too? They are the ones who ordered to cut all the other Clans’ funds! Don’t be fooled! That man used my daughter, and now he is using this Witch attack that will never happen to force you to submit to him!”
