Crimson Moon Redemption: My Alpha's Brutal Mistake
Chapter 63: Best friends (Beta Gaius)

Chapter 63: Best friends (Beta Gaius)

I knew Alpha Zach was under a spell; otherwise, he would have used his Alpha instincts more. I couldn’t blame him, but I was surprised to have only received a kick.

I expected more torture for such an act, but maybe I was lucky that Alpha Zion came to clarify a few things, including making Alpha Zach realize that Annabelle was the girl he had been looking for all these years.

For a crime like mine, I should be dead right now, but I was still alive, though a little ashamed for having lost his trust.

However, everything I did was out of love for him, and since he saved my life, I vowed that mine belonged to him. Alpha Zach, then four years old, found me in the woods and saved me from hyenas when I was three.

He didn’t stop there but insisted that his parents make me a tribe member since mine were not found. His parents hesitated because they didn’t know my kind, but when Alpha Zach withdrew and would not eat, they gave in.

Since then, I knew I wouldn’t serve anyone else but him, though he was moved to the academy afterward, and we never interacted much.

But banishment? Many tribes would have taken me in, and I would have loved to be with Annabelle, but something did not feel right. If I leave Alpha Zach, that would make him open to attacks, so no, I’d rather die than leave his side.

"Alpha, if you believe I am guilty, then treat me like you do with all traitors," I challenged. His expression shifted, but I pressed on. "The moment you saved my life, I pledged to give mine to you," I stated firmly, my words cutting through the tension in the dungeon as his voice softened.

Perhaps he never saw a man choose death over liberal banishment. "I won’t execute you for your sacrifices to this tribe. I’m not heartless," he explained, and I smiled. "Then I won’t accept your kindness. It’s either you end me, or forgive me and allow me to continue serving you."

"He’s got some nerve," one of the warriors whispered, while another added, "that’s the Lycan spirit. Proud yet hidden."

Alpha Zach’s fingers clenched into a fist, a sign of his inner turmoil as he spoke, "You don’t have the authority to decide. You deceived me into believing Annabelle was dead when you had marked her for protection. And all this time, you concealed your Lycan. Gaius, I can no longer trust you, so you must leave," he said calmly.

I may be the most skilled beta any Alpha could ask for, but no Alpha desires a subordinate stronger than themselves. I understand his internal struggle.

"Alpha Zach, everything I did was for you. Now that the truth is gradually coming to light, what if we find Iris’s body and discover that she didn’t die from the fall but rather something else? How will you face Annabelle after all you’ve done to her?"

My question seemed to weaken him greatly because at this point, I was not afraid to die, and so far, the only charge against Anna was the death of Iris.

Once I find proof of her innocence, no one will be able to stand before her. As a smart Alpha, Alpha Zach lacked the confidence to argue anymore. Annabelle had red hair, and Kari’s was fake, so surely, Annabelle is the one.

"That kind-hearted girl turned ruthless, but having given me life, we were even, though she killed Iris. Then the worst part, she’s my mate," he said in a low, helpless tone before asking me, "How can I trust you, Gaius?"

Letting out a bitter smile, I implored him. "Alpha Zach, you know how powerful protective wolves are, but all this time, I used my strength to protect everyone and remained loyal to you.

You have no idea the spells I’ve annulled all by myself to help you come to your senses. If I had ulterior motives, then why would I do this?" I asked. He stared helplessly at me, and my smile widened.

"And please don’t forget that protective wolves are also the most loyal servants. I will accept death as long as it comes from you and will never usurp your authority. But as for banishment or joining another tribe, I’ll pass," I shrugged, and the warriors stared at me strangely.

What they don’t know is that honesty breeds confidence. If I had ulterior motives, I wouldn’t have the courage to meet Alpha Zach’s gaze.

"Why are your words breaking down my defenses like this? And why was I unaware of all you have done for me and our tribe?" he asked, and I hung my head. It wasn’t something I had intended to reveal, but given the circumstances, I felt he should know.

"So, if I understand you correctly, you would prefer to die than join another tribe?" he summarized my words, and I nodded.

"Yes, my Alpha," I replied earnestly. He slumped wearily against the cold dungeon walls.

Alpha Zach despised this place, yet he seemed indifferent. "I acknowledge my mistake. You had no ill intentions." He struggled to contain his emotions, and I let my tears flow. "I apologize, Gaius, but do not withhold things from me in the future, and I vow to be more open-minded."

I never expected to hear such words from someone as aloof as him, and in that moment, I viewed him as a friend rather than just an Alpha, doing something I had never done before. I embraced Alpha Zach for the first time, and he melted in my arms. The spell wasn’t completely broken, but I had hope that very soon, it would be gone entirely.

"Thank you, Alpha. I knew that the spell had not completely corrupted you," I said, pulling away and looking into his eyes.

"First of all, call me Zach. But you have to explain to me which spell you are talking about," he replied, staring back at me.

I beamed and wiped a tear. "Did Alpha Zach just promote me from being a beta to a best friend?" It felt so good because I’ve always wanted to be his friend, as I never had a friend or best friend before.

When he smiled at me, I knew without any doubt that I did the right thing. "Yes, it’s exactly as you have said. But there’s no one more fitting to be my beta than my best friend. And if you call me Alpha again, I’ll remove your head," he joked, and I laughed, though my stomach grumbled at the same time.

"I’m hungry, Zach. Please let me fill my stomach, and then we can start looking for ways to break the remaining spells," I said.

At the mention of spells, something strange flashed in his eyes. "Zach, are you alright?"