<b>Not </b>A Word


    Quin’s p.o.V.


    “Alpha Derek, make a Pack–wide announcement for all Pack–members to gather in front of the Pack–house.” Dad orders.


    Even if Derek doesn’t want to make the announcement, he can’t go against an order from his King. It only takes a few minutes to hear hasty footsteps in and around the Pack–house, an indication that everyone got the message.


    “Joshua confirmed that all Pack–members are present. He sent the Guardians on border patrol.” Das says and we all get up to address Grey Ridge Pack.


    I follow Mom and Larissa out of the Pack–house, making sure I stay close enough to Larissa to cate Brogan and still keeping my distance to avoid her family from finding out the truth.


    “Mom, can you keep your mind–link open to Larrisa?” I ask as we gather on the front porch. “She deserves to know what is going on.”


    Mom grabs Larissa’s hand and guides her to some seats to my left. Neither of them pays attention to the Pack–members who are watching the interaction between their Queen and their Alpha’s Daughter.


    “I, King Vaughn, break the Alphamand as the Royal Alpha and King of the Phaenian Kingdom.” Dad says and I see relief washing over the Pack–members.


    He gives them a few minutes to deal with the release from their Alpha order and some have trouble grasping the fact that they are finally free to talk about the phony trial their Alpha held about ten


    years ago.


    “As you can see, Richard has been taken out of the dungeons and he will be free from this day forward.” Dad states and the crowd cheers. It takes them a few minutes to settle down and focus their attention on Dad again.


    “We have seen the evidence concerning the crime and it is clear that Richard didn’tmit it. Both Richard and Ron will be leaving Grey Ridge Pack and have denounced their Gamma positions. We can all understand why they no longer want to be members of this Pack.” Dad says.


    Alpha Derek is mumbling under his breath, something about people being ungrateful and whatnot.


    “Ourw is clear on the verdict of life imprisonment and a death sentence; only the royals can render that verdict. If anyone tries to leave the Royals out of a trial, theymit treason, which is punishable by death.” I hear Dad say while I let my eyes roam over the crowd.


    listen as Dad exins the consequences for Grey Ridge Pack and many Shifters in the crowd sigh in relief when Dad announces a new Alpha.


    “With this out of the way, I have one more announcement to make. Larissa, Alpha Derek’s Daughter, has chosen to leave Grey Ridge Pack too and will apany us back to the Pce.” Dad states and the crowd erupts in murmurs.


    NOLA WANT


    Most of them understand her reasoning for leaving, but a handful of them find it strange that she would leave her family and Pack behind.


    “Which family?” Larissa asks. “The family who casted me aside for being deaf, the family who demoted me to Omega for being deaf. If you believe they are so precious, you can have them.”


    The crowd falls silent as she rants, and I see many shifters looking down in shame.


    “You knew who I was, which family I belonged to and yet, you all did the same as my so–called family. You ridiculed me, made fun of me and madene feel unsafe and unwanted. The only person who gave a damn about me was banished and all because she refused to treat me like dirt.” Her words are nothing more than a whisper while tears roll down her cheeks.


    Brogan wants tofort her, but knows that we don’t want to tip off her family. So, he does the next best thing.


    “Mom, why don’t we get into our SUV? I believe this is more than enough attention for this Pack from Larissa.” I say, while Brogan is so close to the surface that my aura is seeping out.


    Dad leaves Elder Jensen behind with a handful of Guardians. He will be in charge until a Squad arrives with the new Alpha and then he will join us on our journey to three more Packs for judgment.


    Larissa is tucked between me and Mom, while we make our way to the SUVS through the crowd.


    None of them tries to talk to Larissa. I doubt they would know what to say to her. I also don’t believe) she would want to listen to them, not after years of treating her like trash.


    “Do you know where she went?” I ask Larissa after we get into the SUV and I don’t have to tell her who I am talking about.


    “Before Caitlin left, she told me that she would contact her Sister. Her name is Via and I believe that she lives at or near the Pce.” Larissa answers.


    Mom grabs her phone and searches for Elder Via’s number. It rings twice before it connects and Mom asks if her Sister is nearby.


    “I have ced you on speaker, Your Majesty.” Elder Via says. “She knows you want to talk to her.”


    “Caitlin, I want to inform you that we are at Grey Ridge Pack and Larissa will be leaving with us. I think it will be nice if the two of you can meet up when we return to the Pce.” Mom says, while I exin it to Larissa through the mind–link.


    I see a smile appear on Larissa’s face and she grabs my hand as she turns toward Mom. Brogan is settling in the back of my head, feeling content for the first time today.


    “Your Majesty, thank you for letting me know. I did my best to protect her, but Alpha Derek banished me when he realized that Larissa wasn’tpletely miserable.” Caitlin responds.


    “Caitlin<b>, </b>this might sound a bit strange and I promise that I will exin everythingter. Would you mind moving into the Royal wing?” I ask and Mom shoots me a confused look until she notices


    NIS


    A Word


    that Larissa is holding my hand.


    I slowly nod my head and Mom understands why I didn’t tell anyone about my connection.


    “Your Highness, I will help my Sister move to the Royal wing. I believe that I understand why, but I will keep it to myself until you all return.” Elder Via responds.


    Mom is smiling from ear to ear as she disconnects the call, but like Elder Via, she won’t say a word.


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