None of us look her way. Not with Morgana’s decision to shun her fresh in the air. Even if it wasn't, we wouldn't break the rule.
Ronan squeezes my shoulder. “Come with me. You too, Beta.” He looks around at everyone else. “I think it’s best if we end the dance early. See that everyone gets home safe.”
The Defenders disperse and I follow Morgana and Ronan out of the room. We walk towards his quarters.
“I’m sorry,” I tell Morgana.
She dabs at her eyes and gives me a tight smile. “It’s me that should be apologizing to you. I let her fall into this state of delusion. I thought the dance tonight would be the end of it. She swore this was the last thing she would ask me for…I never dreamed she would do this. I’m so sorry, Enforcer. I can only hope to make things right with you and your mate.”
My mate. Fuck. It’s a battle to keep walking and not go after her. I can feel her. She’s upset. The feeling comes through in steady streams. She’s still close enough that I wonder if Clover and Piper have found her yet.
“Where’s Lucian?” Morgana asks.
“He was back in the training rooms. Said he had a few things to set right before tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be in soon,” I tell her.
Ronan doesn’t say a word until we’re in his quarters. When the double doors behind us close he sighs and looks at Morgana.
“Cassidy will be exiled.”
Morgana’s eyes go wide. “But the trial-”
“The trial is now. This is my pack and I decide how to keep us safe. Cassidy will continue to cause strife due to her jealousy over Thorne. She’s already in collusion with our sworn enemies. I’ll not have Cordelia suffer due to Cassidy’s inability to exist in reality. Cassidy is gone. You’re to pack her things and drop her at the bus depot in Oak Fast. If she sets foot on pack territory again, she’ll be sentenced to death. Do you understand, Beta?”
Morgana takes in a shaky breath and then nods. “I do. I’ll see it carried out.”
“Thank you. That’s all, Beta.”
Morgana hesitates and looks at me before she nods. “Goodnight, Alpha. Enforcer.” We both watch her leave the room in silence.
When she’s gone I speak. “Exile is big.”
“What she did was big. An engagement? Where the hells did she get that ring?”
“No clue.”
He sighs and rubs his temples. “I’m getting too old for this shit.”
“I know the feeling.”
He gives me a wry smile. “You’re her mate.”
“I am.”
“I approve.”
“I thought you might.”
“And a Soul Tie. Do you know what that means? We haven’t seen a Soul Tie in generations. This is a blessing beyond all measure.”
“I’ll do my best to honor it. I understand the gift given to me.”
“Do you now?” Ronan tilts his head and looks me over, like he’s taking stock of me. “You’re not surprised then by a legendary bond? One that we haven’t seen in generations, one that you’ve only heard of in stories? You knew before tonight, didn’t you?”
“I did.” I hesitate and then give him the truth he’s waiting on. “I knew from the first moment I saw her. When the hunters showed up, they shot us.” I put a hand on my chest where the bullet pierced me. “Lightning hit us at the same time. No one noticed the lighting with the bullet hole in my chest.”
Ronan looks up at the glass ceiling and sighs. “The fates are stronger than our mortal mistakes, and for that I am grateful.”
What he’s saying makes no sense but I know him well enough to let him continue speaking.
