Crimson Moon Redemption: My Alpha's Brutal Mistake
Chapter 74: Know the consequence (Beta Gaius)

Chapter 74: Know the consequence (Beta Gaius)

When I learned about Zach’s mental decline, I was not surprised but concerned that he might forget our friendship and revert to seeing me only as his beta. I made a conscious effort to address him by his first name in our telegram messages, relieved that he did not reject this gesture.

Even upon his return, I continued with the same approach, and once again, he did not show any signs of displeasure.

Kari was mistaken to believe that I had any good intentions for her. My previous kindness towards her was solely due to our joint search for a red-haired girl who matched her description.

My friendly demeanor was a ploy to keep her close until Zach’s return. It was surprising that everyone mistook the pup’s resemblance to Zach when in reality, he resembled Reid.

It is possible that Kari’s spells were at play once again, but with two Lycans covertly guarding the tribe, she found herself entangled in a complex situation.

The ultimate truth was on the verge of being revealed regarding Iris’s disappearance. It appeared as though Iris had been made to seem dead to shift blame onto an innocent person, but now she was ready to speak the truth.

Zach was just as shocked as everyone else upon hearing this revelation, even though I had already shown him a video detailing most of the events that had transpired.

Unfortunately, I did not have any footage of his actions at the Luna Echoes tribe when he confronted Anna over a year ago. However, the videos I did have were sufficient to make him realize the consequences of his actions while under a spell.

Although Zach was not known for acting irrationally, he was ruthless towards his enemies.

According to werewolf law, the one who cast the spell is responsible for the sins committed under its influence but it remains uncertain whether Anna will adhere to this aspect of the law and forgive him.

Nevertheless, the fact that she allowed Zach to care for her was a positive sign to me. Zion informed me that Zeke had displayed signs of vampire instincts, unbeknownst to anyone at the time.

Upon learning of Zach’s request, Zion swiftly and skillfully prepared the drink, reminiscent of Zach’s carrot drink.

Unfortunately, vampires and creatures like us, Lycans, were not accepted among the tribes, and Kari took advantage of this to expose Anna.

Who would have thought that the one known as "wolfless" was actually a chimera, suggesting that she might possess special powers as well?

"I can only share what I know if you swear in front of the tribe not to kill me," Kari replied to Zach’s question. I had a suspicion that she was plotting something, possibly stalling for time until backup arrived.

If help did arrive for her, more of our enemies would be revealed. In this scenario, I believed Zach was right to delay her punishment. A very smart move, making me glad that the spell cleared on time.

"You have no right to ask for forgiveness, but if you confess, I may consider a different form of punishment," Zach stated. Anna appeared even paler than usual, and Zach took notice, speaking to her in a hushed tone but seeming to grant her request.

"My mate needs rest. Lock this woman in the dungeon, but the brazen bull stays here. Ensure all exits and entrances are sealed with wolfbane, salt, garlic, and mirrors."

A shrill scream escaped Kari’s mouth after Zach’s instruction, making it impossible for anyone to rescue her, including witches, vampires, or any other beings.

"Zach, you are heartless," Kari yelled, but I silenced her by hitting her in the face to render her unconscious before following Zach’s orders. I ensured that the warriors were stationed over the dungeon, ensuring that escape would be impossible for her.

Meanwhile, Anna and Zach were engaged in a heated argument in the kitchen when I returned and couldn’t help eavesdropping.

Despite the predictability of the situation, I felt a sense of sadness and relief that Zion was keeping Zeke occupied and away from them.

"Belle, I don’t remember much, but I’ve seen the video and I’m prepared to face the consequences. Choose a punishment for me, and I will comply," Zach stated, but Anna appeared visibly upset.

"Punishment? Will it erase the memories of the suffering I endured? I’m not staying, that’s final. Accept my rejection, and I will leave." Her voice was sharp and yet cold. It was something I didn’t have the right words to explain but she had every right to feel the way she did but rejection?

Does she even know how that will affect her? "What about Zeke?" Zach asked. Anna looked saddened, but her stance was firm. "We can co-parent. I won’t accept this bond, and if you love me even the least, then you’ll accept my rejection."

The fact that she mentioned love shook Zach. He loved her and wanted her to be happy. "Can we talk about it after dealing with Kari?"

Anna shook her head in refusal. "We can still deal with Kari after the rejection, so let’s start the process," she implored. I couldn’t keep my cool and announced my presence.

"I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I’ve heard some things," I confessed. Anna didn’t even spare me a glance as she spoke.

"Gaius, thanks for your help, but nothing would make me forgive him." Zach looked hurt and deflated. All his life, he talked about how he wanted to spoil the red-haired girl who gave him life, but who knew that Kari was going to ruin things for him?

Well, the mate bond was also strong between them, taking their chemistry into consideration. But there was something Zach was forgetting, something Anna didn’t know about.

"Before you both decide on this, can you refer to clause fifteen of the werewolf constitution?"

"What are you talking about?" Anna asked, looking confused, but I stood my ground. "Everything is explained there. Know the consequences before rejecting each other."