Page 64 of Broken Souls

“Who chooses?”

“During a normal trial, there will be six jurors. Three men and three women. I'll be the judge who has the end decision.”

“Are they just pack members as the jury?”

“Usually it will be a male and female elder for some wisdom. The next two will be a male soldier and a female doctor. The other two will just be pack members.”

“That actually sounds smart,” I comment. “Having a doctor as a juror would be beneficial for the victim, right?”

“Yeah, like in a murder case, the accused's biggest task will be convincing the doctor of their innocence. The doctor will know about cause of death and all that so proving the doctor wrong will be the most compelling argument.”

“An alpha has to know about medical health and law as well as being a leader. I didn't realise how much pressure an alpha has.”

“Having a beta by your side makes it easier.”

“I'm sorry if I've added extra problems for you,” I say apologetically, now coming to terms with how hard his life must be.

“Elora.” Axe grabs my hand. “As an alpha, your problems are my problems. Don't ever think you caused negativity in my life. You were the one who freed me from my internal misery.”

“Oh.” I feel my eyes tear up. “I'm not used to the way you praise me.”

“Get used to it.” Axe smiles, pulling me onto his lap.

“I love you.” It still feels strange to say that to someone but I'm comfortable saying it to him.

“You mean everything to me.” He smiles but I can see the sadness in his eyes.

His mate used to say those words to him. It must be hard to move on from your soul mate. I wouldn't know the feeling. I shared one kiss with Joel. I don't even know him. If someone asked me something personal about him, I wouldn't know.

Chapter Forty-Five

It's been a week and I've actually gone to school all of it. I've heard whispers ever since the meeting but the moment I look at them, they go quiet. I can only imagine what they're saying. How am I with the alpha? Why do I have power now? I ignore the rumours, though. After graduation I don't have to deal with these people again. Yes, I'm in the same pack as them and since I'm with the alpha, technically I'm the luna but Axe doesn't push me to associate with anyone. He wants me as his support, not the pack's support and I'm thankful for that.

Exams are happening really soon. I'll try what I can on the exams but I don't really care for the result. Amelia has been studying so our time together is quiet.

As for the trials, Ember, Hannah and Mitchell have been sentenced. They got four years imprisonment for attempted murder. I never thought of what they did in the forest to me as attempted murder since I was so used to the beatings. They'll also be on a good behaviour bond for two years when they get out. Axe feels that even though they're criminals, they should still get to meet their mates one day so he didn't lengthen the sentence. Werewolves in prison get to go into a sealed area twice a week to let their wolves out. They all have their own private cells. For a pack member, the biggest punishment of imprisonment is isolation. Wolves are pack animals so being locked up alone can cause them hardship. The men and women are in separate buildings. They are allowed little time with other inmates, though. But given werewolves can mind link, that's helpful for their sanity.

As for Joel, he's already been put in solitary. Solitary is different. He is completely alone other than seeing the soldiers for his meals, his showers and letting his wolf out. The length of his sentence isn't decided. Axe is pissed that Joel challenged him, so that's another issue altogether.

In other news, I have gone back to work. But after discussing it in great length with Axe, I'm only doing weekend work now. My boss was okay with that since the new person she hired is happy with all my other shifts. I don't know what to do with my savings now. Axe takes care of all expenses around the house. I could spoil myself but that money was always planned for my own apartment. But now since Axe has marked me, there will be no separating unless something very extreme happens. I should think about what I can do with my money now.

While I'm sitting in the living room, there's a knock at the door. I go over and answer it, seeing Carson and a man standing beside her.

“Carson,” I say excitedly. “What are you doing here?”

“Surprise visit.” She smiles, pulling me into a hug. “Elora, this is my mate, Timothy. Baby, this is my brother's girl, Elora.”

“Nice to meet you.” Timothy smiles.

“You too.” I smile. “Come in.” We all go to the living room.

“Where is Axel?” Carson asks.

“Upstairs,” I say. Carson stares at me with a thoughtful look. “What?”

“Shit.” A look of realisation crosses her face. “You're marked. You and Axel completed the mating process.”

“Yeah.” I smile.