Chapter 4: The Heir's Assignment
1020 Words
Kayson's POV
The sunlight crept into my room from the window, slicing across the golden silk sheets.
I swung my legs off the bed, my bare feet hitting the cold floor, and immediately winced as that hollow ache twisted deep in my chest. The pain felt empty, like a void that made my wolf pace and growl under my skin.
I refused to think about it, so I stood up, rolling my shoulders, my dark hair falling messily over my forehead. My phone buzzed nonstop on the nightstand. Notifications flooded in from group chats, texts, academy feeds. The entire campus knew about Catherine's murder and the wolfless omega had been dragged covered in her blood.
"Catherine..." I muttered, staring at my reflection at the mirror.
She was supposed to be my mate, I need really loved her, it was merely expections from our families but still, she being dead felt like a nightmare.
A sharp knock shook the door.
"Alpha Heir Kayson." One of the enforcers voice came through from the door. "Your father demands your presence in the war room immediately."
"I'll be there in five minutes," I yanked on a black shirt and pants.
I picked up my phone from the nightstand. The elite group chat was already exploding with texts from the members.
Dylan: I still can't believe Kayson rejected her and she snapped by killing his future mate.
Emilia: The Rite night just turned bloody. Meeting at the Underground Club tonight? We need to discuss damage control, make sure none of this splashes on us elites.
Davian: Agreed. If this murder ties back to pack politics, we shut it down fast. Kayson, you in?
Me: You guys do what you want. I've got my own orders coming.
I silenced the chat and stormed out, my boots echoing down the hall.
I pushed into the war room. Screens glowed with security feeds from the woods. My father stood at the head of the massive table, while Catherine's parents sat across the table, their faces filled with grief and rage. Two of their top betas stood guard behind them.
"Son," My father said the second the doors closed. "Sit down. We have a problem bigger then your little bond rejection last night."
"Catherine's really dead." I dropped into the chair."I still can't wrap my head around it."
"It's a shock to us as well," Catherine's father leaned in. "You two were close, we were really looking forward to the engagement and now she's gone."
"Yes she is, and the one responsible for it is no one other than that wolfless omega," My father spoke. "She needs to be punished."
"She will be." Catherine's mother wiped her eyes. "But I do not want a soft exile or she going to prison for ten years or so. She must be executed. We demand a full investigation."
"I understand your concerns." My father sat on his chair. "But there is no need for an investigation. Everyone saw what happened last night, the motive is clear. She was rejected by my son and that was what led to anger towards Catherine. We can handle this quietly, and the pack moves on, weak omegas like her don't deserve the council's time."
"Quietly? No!" Catherine's father slammed his palm on the table. "The council will never approve execution without strong evidence. She deserves to die. Our daughter's life was worth ten times more of that wolfless trash, and she needs to pay with her life."
"Exactly," Catherine's mother added. "We raise her for this alliance and now some powerless omega takes her out just because of your son? We want every guilty party found and punished. No loose ends."
"I understand what you're saying," I shifted in my seat. "But what bothers me is how she was even able to take down Catherine. She's a wolfless omega, how does an omega like that manage to take down someone as trained and fast as Catherine?"
"What are you trying to say Kayson?" My father's head snapped to me. "Are you saying she didn't do it? You're defending her now? After you rejected the bond like I taught you?"
"I'm not defending her, Father." I shot back. "All I want is is real justice for Catherine. What if someone else is pulling the strings or maybe she had someone helping her?"
"That is exactly why we need a full investigation." Catherine's father nodded. "All guilty parties must pay. If she had help, we root them out. No mercy for anyone connected."
My father stood up, pacing, his hair catching the light.
"Okay, then." He said finally. "An investigation will be conducted."
"We expect results soon." Catherine's parents stood. "No mercy. Life for life."
"Leave it us," My father said waving them toward the door. They left with their betas, the heavy doors slamming shut.
"How dare you question my decisions?" My father turned to me.
"I just want the actual killer caught before the pack turns on us for rushing it." I kept my voice voice.
"She is the killer." My father's voice rose slightly. "Wolfless omegas like her are disposable, breeding stock at best. They snap under pressure. I taught you this from the day you could walk and you stood there and doubt her motives. Never again question my decisions."
The room went tense, I stared at him, my face unreadable.
"Understood." I said finally.
"We need to deliver what they want." My father sighed. "It strengthens our alliance this way. Kayson, you will handle this personally."
"What exactly do you need from me?" I asked.
"You need to watch her every move." He moved closer to me. "Insert yourself into the interrogation. Make sure every thread leads straight to Layla Reed."
My father stopped in front of me, his hand reaching out to grip my shoulder hard.
"You're my son, Kayson." He said quietly. "You saw how I handled challengers growing up. This is no different. Go to the cells and start now."
My father released his hand from my shoulder slowly. "Make sure you prove without a doubt that she is guilty."
- Writer
