THE LYCAN KING’S SECOND CHANCE MATE

Chapter 266

REAGAN'S POV.

I'm accompanied all the way to the dungeon by the notorious Elders John and Malcom. They are hot on my tail and are determined not to take their eyes off of me even for a single second.

What I have deduced from everything that's been going on is that not only do these Elders and the other three hate Ashanti. They hate me as well and I can bet my life on the fact that they are all praying fervently for my downfall.

I have to find a way to expel them from my council sooner or later. For now, let's focus on the

problem at hand.

“Take me to her.” The guard I just spoke to simply bows and leads the way into the dungeon. The

elders are still following, but since they are old and weak, they are struggling to keep up with my speed and that of the guards, but I don't care. The elevator ride is a short one. A few steps later, I'm standing in front of a cell with my heart in my throat. The elders are standing a few metres away, but they are still too close for my liking. Ashanti, who has now noticed my presence, calls my name as she hastily rises to her feet. Her wet face makes my heart bleed and I'm fighting every nerve in my

body that's urging me to rip this door apart and take her away with me.

“Alpha Reagan.” Her crying voice sounds my name, nearly triggering my own tears to break lose from my eyes. I draw in a quiet breath and grind my teeth hard against each other as I keep my eyes on her. “You don't think I did that, do you?”

“Of course not, baby.” I take a step closer to the iron-barred cell door and wrap my fingers around the iron railings, staring straight at her face. The atmosphere is thick with melancholy and I've never felt so powerless before.

I am the Lycan King, but I cannot get her out of this cell right now. One wrong move and there'll be even greater chaos in this pack. That is something I cannot afford to let happen because my enemies will take advantage of the situation and attack me like they did in the past. A familiar sense

of loss rides me hard and my head drops in dismay.

This is like a déjà vu.

The last time a problem as serious as this came up, I lost my mate to the cold hands of death.

I'm not going to let history repeat itself.

“If you believe me, why don't you get me out of here? You're the Alpha. You have all the power to release me from this cell.” Her crying voice shatters my heart into a million, bloody pieces. She doesn't understand. Even I don't understand what's going on.

“Baby.” I call in a much calmer tone. “The situation is a lot more complicated than you think and if I get you out of here right now, there will be a riot. The subjects, the elders, the other Alphas all believe you're guilty of the crime. Letting you out of here without proving your innocence will cause more harm than good. We have to tread carefully.”Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

“Does that mean I'm doomed?” She sniffles tears.

“Of course not, baby. I'll do everything I can to prove them wrong. I promise you're not going to be

here for long and I'll order the guards to treat you well. They'll start by transferring you into a more comfortable cell. Baby…” I take her hands in mine. I'm so relieved she doesn't pull away or tries to slap my hands off of hers. “Hey…” My voice is a calm whisper. “You have to stay strong, okay?” Blood sings in my veins when she nods in agreement. It seems my words have rekindled her hope. “I know a set when I see one andi believe this was a plan orchestrated by Alina to tear us apart. I

will expose her. I will prove your innocence and get you out of here. I promise.”

“Please do that. I don't want to be punished for a crime I did not commit. Lizzy lied. I know nothing about the wolfsbane that was found in my dress.” She's crying and shaking her head frantically. “I didn't ask her to get it. I don't know how it got into my dress. Yes. I hate Alina. That's a fact I cannot

deny, but I would never think of hurting her or the innocent baby she's carrying. I really didn't do it!”

“I know you didn't! And I haven't doubted you for a single second, Ashanti. You are not a vile person. You are not capable of such.” A smile manages to form on her face amidst her tears. My heart tightens even more and I have to look away from her and to pull myself together, before meeting her gaze again.

God, this is difficult.

Seeing her cry so much triggers me. I need to get out of here before I lose it.

“Please get me out of here.” Her pained whisper pierces my heart like a two edged sword. My hands let go of hands and cubed her face through the bars. My thumbs gently brush over her tear- stained cheeks as I think of all the wonderful things I will do to her once this is all over.

“You will not be punished for a crime you did not commit. I swear that on my life, Ashanti. Now, what

I came to tell you is that you're going to spend some time here and I promise it's not going to be long. My guys and I will get on this issue with full gear and we'll uncover the truth of this matter. I came to tell you to hang in there for a bit. To tell you that I love you and for as long as I'm alive, I won't let any harm come your way. You do trust me, don't you?” I nearly sing with excitement when she nods her head in agreement.

“Yes, I do.”

“Then trust me when I tell you that I will clear your name and get you out of here.”

“I trust you.” She whispers in tears and a sigh of relief escapes my chest. I really needed that.

Now I can get on with this case.

I lean closer and plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“I have to go now. I'll be back again soon.” She calmly nods her head and I take a step back with my heart as heavy as a rock. The thought of leaving her here, in this cold and dirty cell doesn't sit right with me, but for the sake of peace in this pack, I have to. My gaze flickers to the two elders standing

at a corner, ogling at us. They must be mocking us in their hearts. Cursing and saying terrible things about how I'm going to fail to prove Ashanti's innocence. But I'm going to prove them wrong.

“See you soon.” I tell Ashanti and turn away from her cell. Her soft sobs fill my ears as I walk away and it takes all my self control to keep walking forward and not go back to meet her.