The Moon Goddess's Mistake

Chapter 5

But Michael knew. The Alpha King wasn't forgiving-not in the slightest. He was bloodthirsty and vengeful. Michael knew he sought out whatever possible opportunity to punish and kill. He would not let the issue go, no, he would make an example out of it. And now, Michael had put himself in danger by agreeing to speak for his alpha. He knew full well what the consequences might be.

But there was no way he could tell that to Lily. He knew that it wasn't fair to her because if something did happen to him, she would be left all alone and heartbroken. But he couldn't bear the thought of telling her and he knew that if he did, she might do something irrational. Instead, he would make sure she stayed at home during the trial so she would not be harmed.

He would do everything in his power to return home to her. But just in case, he would make arrangements with Mrs. Flemings so that if something were to happen to him, Lily would stay with her and Bree. For the first time in years, Michael felt tears in his eyes at the thought.

But he had to do this. For his alpha, his pack, and for Lily.

~*~ (I was going to end here but because of all of the amazing comments/votes I've gotten from you guys I'm going to continue)

"My fellow pack members, council, and my king: I ask you to consider the words I have said. I ask you to have mercy on a man that couldn't possibly be more deserving, a man that has learned his lesson, and a man who has done so much good for his pack. Thank you." Michael had finished his lengthy speech and he was pleased to see that his familiar pack members looked at him with pride and gratitude.

As he collected his papers and began to step away from the podium, he was stopped by a deep, chilling voice.

"Is that all, Beta?" Michael turned to face the Alpha King who, much to his confusion, had unrecognizable features. His face almost looked blurred. Michael tried to remember if he had accidentally gotten himself drunk before the trial. But he couldn't remember anything.

"Yes, my king," he decided to play it cool. "I hope you will consider our plea."

"I've considered it," he chuckled. His somehow indistinguishable eyes twinkled, and he spoke darkly. "In fact, I'm going to do this entire pack a favor. Come here," he gestured to Michael. Michael approached, trying to ignore the way he shook slightly. "Bring the perpetrator forth," he spoke to his guards.

They brought forth Alpha Ellison who had been handcuffed and was shaking even more than Michael. "Let this be an example to you all," Alpha Night spoke loudly and devoid of any emotion. Gasps were heard throughout the room, but no one dared to speak up.

"Don't worry," the Alpha King spoke much quieter, so that only the two men in front of him could hear. "I'll make this quick and then, I'll have you both replaced in no time," he spoke cruelly. The king allowed his large hand to transform into a massive claw before moving it high up into the air, preparing to slit each of their throats. Michael's last thought was of Lily-her sweet laugh and breathtaking smile. He could only be glad that she didn't have to see this. He sent a last plea to the moon goddess that she would be safe, and that she would grow up to be just as happy as she was now.

The claw came down.

Michael woke up quickly, sweating like crazy and gasping for air.

The days leading up to the trial had rolled by rather quickly. Though it was summer and summers were usually relaxing, news had spread to the entire pack like wildfire, and it seemed like everyone was on edge.

It was a rainy Tuesday morning and Michael knew that in a few hours, he would leave for the trial which was happening in central square. It was only 6 A.M. and Michael knew that Lily wouldn't be awake yet. After composing himself and washing his face, he quietly walked to Lily's room and opened the door so that he could peer in. He smiled at her small body curled under her blankets and sheets. She was clutching her old stuffed elephant in her arms the way that she did every night.

It occurred to him that this may be the last day he ever spends with his beloved daughter. Ridding his cheek quickly of a stray tear, he shut her door and walked downstairs to make himself some coffee.

He sat at the table for two hours reading over his notes and making last minute changes. Michael was so enraptured in scribbling things out that he hadn't noticed Lily walk down the stairs at 8 A.M. and approach him. He jumped slightly when her arms wrapped around his tense shoulders from behind the chair and she kissed his cheek softly.

"Good morning, daddy," she chimed. Just the sound of her voice and her kiss changed the atmosphere of the room immediately. Where before he felt nightmarish and pierced with anxiety, he now felt a sense of tranquility wash over the room. She had calmed him down and she had hardly even done anything. Then again, Lily always had that affect on people. Goddess, he loved her.

"Today's a big day for you. And you're going to need to stay strong. So tell me everything that you want and I'll make it all." Michael smiled through the sadness of it all. He tried not to think about the fact that there was a chance this could be the last time he would experience her cooking.