CHAPTER5
1165 Words
Laura’s POV
Cunning shone in Victor's eyes. The pack is uneasy because of Laura's might. Take advantage of that. Approach her. Regain her trust.
Calum scowled. "After I left her, she no longer trusted me."
Victor gave a gloomy laugh. Yes, she will. She will go blind from her need to fit in. The pack will disintegrate from the inside once you figure out a method.
With a grudging nod, Calum vanished into the darkness, allowing Victor to revel in his deranged gratification.
Eric dragged me into his office and slammed the door. Refusing to be scared by his rage, I crossed my arms.
"Begin speaking," he insisted. "What took place back there?"
"I don't know," I said. I fired back. "Eric, I didn't ask for this!"
His displeasure was evident as he paced the room. "Powers such as those don't just happen." What do you not tell me?
I gave him a scowl, my rage rising to the surface. "Why are you even concerned?" You made it obvious that I meant nothing to you.
He seemed almost apologetic for a moment as his steps faltered. However, he immediately covered it up with his typical stoicism.
"This has nothing to do with us," he stated clearly. "The pack is the focus."
I sneered. It's always about the pack, of course. Eric, what about me? Do I even matter?
His silence was a sufficient response.
I looked away, attempting to control my tears. "You know what?" Ignore it. I'll work this out myself.
He took hold of my wrist as I went for the door. "Wait, Laura."
At his touch, I froze, my heart betraying me with a flutter.
His voice nearly broke as he continued, "You do matter."
We locked eyes for what seemed like an age as I turned to face him again. However, a knock on the door broke the moment.
Eric responded, "We'll finish this later," and he released my wrist.
The atmosphere was tense by the time the pack meeting was called again. I sensed the skepticism, the whispers, and the looks.
Standing in the middle, Damon spoke loudly and convincingly. Everyone witnessed the earlier events. Laura has deadly abilities. What gives us the idea that she hasn't been collaborating with the rogues all along?
"That is untrue!" I stood up and protested.
Damon smiled, a gleam of evil in his eyes. Then, Laura, explain why you vanished. Where were you? With whom were you?
"I was making it through," I responded, my voice trembling with rage. "I wasn't among the outlaws."
Damon wasn't finished, though. "So, how do you account for your unexpected abilities?" Or the fact that we were attacked by rogues immediately following your return?
The room burst into gasps, and I could feel the accusations bearing down on me.
"Enough!" Everyone fell silent as Eric's voice boomed.
His presence was dominating as he moved between the group and me. Laura is protected by me. I'll hold everyone accountable who blames her without proof.
Damon's smile vanished, but the harm had already been done. It had sown the doubtful seed.
I attempted to silently depart as the meeting ended, but a bunch of pack members blocked my way.
One of them snarled, "You're not leaving."
Despite my fear, I resisted giving up. I firmly stated, "I am not a spy."
Another member yelled, "Prove it."
The door slammed behind me before I could reply, and the room became more ominous and blacker.
I knew I had no way out because I was outnumbered and surrounded. "What are you looking for from me?" As their shadows drew closer, I said, my voice shaking.
I landed hard on the cold stone floor, feeling a sudden chill run down my spine. The tight chains hurt my wrists, and my nostrils were overwhelmed with the metallic smell of blood. The air in the dank dungeon was heavy with the smell of desperation and decay.
One of the guards spit out, "Traitors, you belong here," and locked the cell door. "You ought never to have come back."
"I'm not betraying you!" My voice boomed in the little, dim room as I yelled. "I didn't turn on the pack!"
However, my words were ignored. The heavy footsteps of the guards faded into quiet as they left. I fought the sting of tears by clenching my hands. How did this happen? My pack wanted to put me to death after I had just escaped.
I raised my head in response to a rustling noise outside the cell. With stern expressions, the elders stood in the faint light of the torches.
Elder Roland declared, "You will stand trial at dawn." "Death is the penalty if found guilty."
My heart was racing. "I'm not guilty!" I disagreed. I didn't betray anyone. I got caught!"
"Save it for the trial," said another elder. "There is a lot of evidence against you."
I was left alone in the dark as they turned and walked away. With horror seeping into my bones, I snuggled up on the chilly floor. Would I survive to witness another dawn?
It was hours before I heard footsteps coming. With a creak, the heavy door opened, and Eric entered. His golden eyes were blazing with a passion I couldn't identify, and his presence filled the room.
I said, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper, "You shouldn't be here."
His jaw tensed as he confessed, "I needed to see you." He watched me intently while folding his arms. "Laura, tell me the truth. Where have you been? Did you accompany the rogues?
My chest erupted in anger. "Is it truly your belief that I would betray the pack?" My voice trembled as I asked. "After everything I've experienced?"
With a short exhale, he ran a hand through his hair. "You vanished!". Rogue territory is where you were discovered. What else should I be thinking?
"You should have faith in me!" I fired back. Eric, I was abducted! I almost made it out alive!
He didn't get any closer, but his face softened. Then tell me all about it. Who aided you in getting away?
I paused. Eric would never think I wasn't collaborating with the rogues if I brought up Calum.
"I... I lied and said, "I don't remember much." It was a state of pandemonium. I ran till I was exhausted.
Eric's eyes flickered with frustration as he observed me. "Laura, I'm not sure what to believe," he whispered. "And I'm most afraid of that."
For a short period, we simply gazed at one another, drawn together by an unseen power. I could see the struggle in his eyes, his wrath, his doubt, his Alpha duty, but there was more to it than that. Something I was afraid to name.
He turned away before I could respond. "Tomorrow is the trial. You had better figure out a means to prove your innocence if you want to live.
The cold came back after he departed.
- Writer
