Chapter 80

Shirley

Ralph.

Ralph did this. He took his own crimes and tried to save himself by making a counter strike and pinning them on Keith.

This isn’t over. It’s far from over.

And the Alpha King is unable to help me now unless I can provide evidence. Which is exactly what I plan to do. But first, I need to get Keith released.

I called the police department following my conversation with the King. He’d been right - Keith’s bail was absurdly high and would need to be paid immediately. Though paying it won’t clear his name completely - it will at least be a first step among plenty.

I’ve already talked with Arthur too. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money to pay the bail myself. But Keith's father said they may have the funds to cover his son’s release, but the money may need to be moved around.

That’s where my skills come in. I’ve been sitting at Keith's computer all morning, looking at accounts, assets. I’m trying to figure out what can be pulled from where so we can save Keith and also not hurt any of his businesses or investments.

It’s an insane task, one that leaves my eyes burning as I spend hours working tirelessly. But by the afternoon, I’m leaning back in his chair, staring at the sum I’ve finally and safely moved into one account. And that’s when I make the call.

Two hours later, I’m standing in the lobby of the police station, my skin prickling as doors slowly open in front of me. And then my heart is in my throat as two men appear - the sight of one making my chest grow heavy.

I go to him immediately, wrapping my arms around him as his arms also slide around me. I bury my face in his chest, relaxing for the first time in days as his scent fills my nose.

“Hello, little wolf,” Keith’s voice brushes near my ear, nearly making me want to cry. “You did well.”

Finally, we pull a part, an unspoken understanding between us as we know we need to talk. It causes us to offer a last scowl toward the police before we head out the door.

Once we’re in the car, I catch Keith up on all the details. As I mention Ralph is behind it all, Keith’s hands tighten on the steering wheel.

“What is he trying to gain? Satisfaction from bruising my reputation?” Keith asks venomously.

“My guess is that he wants to tear you down completely,” I counter. “He wants your title as Alpha taken away as revenge for being exiled…he wants more power.”

Ralph can never gain rank as Alpha, but he can clear his own name and involvement in the kidnappings if he spins the story.

“I’ve started to collect evidence against him,” I say then. “But we need more. We need to make our case bullet proof. Then we go to the King.”

Keith looks at me then, studying me before he eventually stares back to the road. Then his lips almost wear a smile.

“Such a smart woman,” he breathes, impressed.

~

I can’t believe I’m actually here, walking the halls of the King’s private estate. My heart is hammering in my chest as I grip the file in my hands tightly. Keith walks at my side, appearing much more calm yet determined as we follow the guards.

And once we stop in front of a door, I hold my breath as the King’s men show us in. There, we walk ahead with the guards following behind. But sitting at his desk waiting for us…is the King.

“Ah, Keith,” the man says as he scans us. “Nice to see you’re out of containment.”

“You can thank my mate for that,” Keith replies, his words clipped.

The King hums. “I understand you have information to present,” he says, still staring at Keith. And in reply, Keith nods before placing a hand on my arm. I look over, seeing his kind gaze as he encourages me to take over.

With his help, I’m finally able to take a breath, relaxing my shoulders as I prepare for the fight ahead.

“The man - Ralph - has falsely accused Keith of leading the kidnappings of she-wolves,” I begin. “We discovered weeks ago that a distant pack was behind the disappearances, but Keith put an end to it.”

“Is that so?” the King asks.

“Yes,” I say. “And Ralph was involved. He’s trying to turn the blame.” I then walk forward, guards watching me until I can place the file on the King’s desk.

“We pulled these documents from Ralph’s office - they include detailed info on the she-wolves that disappeared as well as future targets. They have Ralph’s name and signature on each,” I say as I turn through. But then I stop on one specific one - mine.

“They also planned to take me,” I state, my gaze firm on the King. “If my mate was behind this whole thing then why would he plan to have me taken?”

I watch as the King blinks - actually blinks - in surprise at my question. His eyes fall to my picture again, studying it.

“We also have photos, video footage, and a voice recording of a man Ralph knew admitting his involvement,” I explain, causing the Alpha to look back up.

“We also have multiple witnesses and sources that speak to Ralph’s other crimes. Keith stopped those as well,” I state.

“And where are those witnesses now?” the King asks, ready to challenge me.

“Outside in the car,” I reply without hesitation. “Call them in if you want.”

There’s silence as the King stares at me, still his eyes wander to study my features. I can tell he’s thinking over everything I’ve said.

“Very well,” he then breathes. “Wait outside. We’ll question the others.”

I nod to him, unafraid as I take a few steps back. But then I pause, one final thought entering my mind.

“Ralph and Keith grew up together,” I say, looking back at him. “They were best friends…just like Ralph’s previous mate and I are best friends.”

Again, the King blinks at me.

“But Ralph changed…made awful choices and was caught,” I state. “Now he wants to get back at Keith - who only wanted the best for him…”

I pause, taking a small breath as I think about everything we’ve all been through these past months.

“So please…really listen to what everyone has to say, consider their stories,” I say. “They deserve to be free of Ralph too.”

From there, I don’t say another word. I just turn, walking back to Keith who looks at me with nothing but pride as I go to take his hand. And then - together - we leave the room.

~

For the next hour, people are in and out of the King’s office as Keith and I wait outside. We’re in silence, pacing together and sharing looks as we wait to hear.

However, eventually there are no more witnesses and we’re left in a more severe silence as we know the King is making his decision. The weight of it all finally makes me sit, my eyes pinned to the door as I wait for it to open.

But it doesn’t, instead my attention is turned as I hear noises coming down the hallway - sounds of a struggle. It causes my eyes to finally turn, and then widen as I see who’s coming our way.

Two guards…with Ralph being held between them. I slowly rise to my feet, my heart pounding as they reach us.

“Bitch,” Ralph spits toward me immediately. I blink at him, confused as Keith slides behind me and places his hands on my shoulders.

But then the door to King’s office is opening, and I turn to see the Alpha King standing within the doorway.

“Ralph,” he states smugly. “So glad you could make it.”

In response, Ralph sneers, grimacing as he again tries to break free of the wolves. But the King doesn’t care for his efforts, he instead turns toward us as he gives a nod.

“Congratulations,” he says as his eyes land on me. “Your mate…has been proven innocent.”

Air rushes from me - the greatest sigh of relief I’ve ever given. I reach up to place my hand over Keith’s, each of us squeezing.

“Thank you,” I breathe.

“As for you,” the King says, looking back to Ralph. “You will rot in confinement for the rest of your life for the crimes you’ve committed.” He then pauses, giving his men a nod. “Take him away.”

Ralph tries to resist once more, but the men drag him forward again, leading him in front of us all as the King merely closes himself back in his office. But Keith and I stay, watching as Ralph slides by.

“Wait,” Keith says as Ralph is right in front of us, his single word able to stop the men. Then all eyes turn toward Keith as he steps in front of me, his eyes staying right on Ralph.

In turn, Ralph is fuming, looking as though he may murder Keith - but the Alpha remains collected.

And then he shakes his head. “I never wanted it to end this way,” he states. “But you’re done. You’re done hurting my family.”

Ralph growls, but the men know that’s it - there’s nothing more to say. They take Keith’s comment as a dismissal, dragging Ralph again. And once they’ve disappeared, Keith finally turns back to me.

Immediately, I step forward, taking his hands as I see the tired expression he wears. But still he holds my gaze.

“It’s over,” I say. He can rest. “It’s over.”

Keith’s take in a sharp breath, allowing it to fill him completely before he exhales.

“Thank you,” he says. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

I allow a smile to fall on my lips, my hand coming to his cheek.

“Well - lucky for you - now I’ll always be here to help,” I tell him.

Keith hums. “That’s true. Unless, you decide to run again.”

I shake my head, still smiling. “I won’t.”

No matter what other issues we face - I would never leave his side again.

My response causes Keith to take me in his arms, his lips close enough to brush mine. But before I allow him to kiss me, I have one last thing I have to say.

“I love you.”

Because - Goddess - I love this man more than I can possibly explain.

I watch as Keith’s lips stretch into a smile, his arms becoming firmer on me.

“I love you too,” he says. And then his lips are on mine. But when he briefly pulls away, he stops to smile once more.

“Say it again,” he breathes.

So I do.

“I love you.”