“The fact that no one died because of his actions is something we’re incredibly grateful for, but his intentions were to cause as much damage as possible. Add to this that it happened on our property where you should’ve all been safe. For that, I believe a hefty sentence is warranted.” She glanced at her fellow alphas before adding, “Tom Sharp will be sentenced to ten years in Krillick Hall. Upon release, he will be allocated to a pack of our choosing and will spend the first five years on probation. He will never be allowed the rank of beta or alpha.”
Satisfaction flowed through the bond, Daryl obviously happy with that outcome. Jason couldn’t argue with the sentence after what Tom had done, but he felt incredibly sad that it had come to this.
That yet another member of his old pack had fallen foul of the alpha council.
Alpha Jones cleared his throat and stepped forward, facing Daryl. “I’d like to apologise. I should’ve been in a position to see Sharp tampering with the rope, but I took too long getting back after dealing with Jason’s leg.”
Daryl shook his head. “Thank you, but it’s not necessary. The only one at fault here is Sharp. And he’s been dealt with.”
“That he has.” Alpha Wallace walked over to Cam and offered her hand. “Alpha Harley, I hope this will be our final visit for some time. When I suggested the joining of your two packs, I must admit I didn’t foresee such strong opposition from within the ranks. An oversight with consequences we’ve all had to deal with.” She smirked as she glanced at Daryl and Jason. “Although the consequences haven’t all been bad.”
“No, they haven’t.” Cam grinned, his gaze travelling to his bedroom door, and Jason wondered if Gareth was in there.
She smiled. “I sincerely hope this is the end of such unrest and you and your pack can truly move forward, but please never hesitate to contact us should you require any further assistance. I feel responsible for putting you in this situation, and we will always be on hand to help if required.”
“Thank you.” Cam turned to the others. “Thanks to all of you for everything you’ve done for my pack.”
Alpha Cornell nodded. “You’re most welcome.”
“If there’s nothing else, I believe we have somewhere to be. We’ll take Mr Sharp off your hands and head back.”
They said their goodbyes and Cam saw them out.
Daryl relaxed back against the cushions, blowing out a breath. He scrubbed a hand over his face.
“I guess that’s that.”
“Not quite,” Cam said, coming back into the room. “I still need to address the pack and tell them what’s happened. And I need to have a beta meeting before that.”
“Ugh.” Daryl groaned. “Alec will be unbearable.”
“I don’t think you’re giving him enough credit. He’s happy for you.”
“This is Alec we’re talking about.”
Cam laughed. “Fair point. I guess he might be a little smug as well.” He eyed the two of them.
“But there’s nothing that can’t wait until the morning. I wish I could give you longer. I know how . . .
demanding a new bond can be. But with any luck, the next few weeks will be relatively quiet now.
Let’s get this one last thing out of the way, and then we can all move forward. As one united pack.”
Daryl stood, Jason following suit, and Cam smiled, pride evident in his expression.
“Go,” he said, ushering them towards the door. “I’ll see you both back here at ten tomorrow morning.”
Once outside in the hallway, Jason reached for Daryl’s hand, smiling when he took it without
question. “How do you think the others will take it?”
“This?” Daryl asked, raising their hands a little. “Or the news about Tom.”
“Both, I guess.”
Daryl shrugged and started walking. “I don’t think anyone will care that we’ve bonded, and I think the rest of the pack will be glad that everything’s over. That things can finally get back to normal.”
Jason laughed. “Whatever that is.” He couldn’t remember the last time things had beennormal.
