Page 56 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
“They’re right,” Ethan says. “I saw that the attacker had Shaman tattoos on their arm. Blue intricate patterns, just like the ones Elder Stasio has.”
Silence settles over the room as the implications of this sink in. Xander’s expression darkens.
“This changes things.” His voice drops. “If one of the Shaman is responsible for attacking my Commander and my Luna’s guest, while the Shaman’s daughter lies injured in our infirmary...”
Thea steps forward, her hand protectively cupping her belly. “This summit is unraveling, Xander.”
“But why would the Shaman attempt to killEthan?” Gemma asks. “He poses no threat to anyone. There is no logic to it.”
“Can either of you confirm the attacker was Shaman?” Xander turns to me and Conan.
I exchange a quick glance with Conan. “No. I was struggling with the blade. I didn’t notice the markings, but it doesn’t mean they weren’t there.”
Conan shakes his head. “I shifted immediately and was too concentrated on bringing them down.”
Gemma’s brows furrow as she looks at Ethan. “So, you were the only witness to the Shaman markings?”
“I know what I saw.” Ethan’s face hardens.
Rage flares in my chest. “Are you questioning his word, Lady Gemma?” I say before I can stop myself. “When has Ethan given you any reason to doubt him? He’s been nothing but selfless since he arrived!”
Xander’s head jerks back at my outburst toward his mother. “Commander, she was simply—”
“Simply what?” I leap up from my chair. “Looking for a convenient scapegoat? A human to blame instead of addressing the real threat?”
My wolf snarls beneath my skin, bristling at the perceived threat to Ethan. Rationally, I know I’m overreacting, but I can’t seem to control myself.
My voice rises with each word. “He’s risked his life to help us understand what’s happening. He’s been snatched from his world, forced into combat training with Lycans, enlisted as your Truth Seer, and now someone just tried to kill him. And you’re questioning his eyesight? Or is it his loyalty you’re actually suspicious of? You seem almost eager to march him to his death.”
Conan steps beside me. “Commander, I don’t think that’s what Lady Gemma or our Alpha meant.”
“Conan’s right,” Ethan’s hand grazes my elbow. His touch is brief and subtle, but grounding. “They are just being thorough. I understand.”
The feeling of his hand on me sends a cool current through my skin, subduing my anger enough to see the shock on everyone’s faces, especially Xander’s. I realize I’m standing between him and Ethan, my body positioned defensively.
“Apologies, My Lord.” I step back, heat flooding my face as I bow my head. “Lady Gemma, please forgive my outburst. My injury has left me tired and on edge.” I hold my bandaged shoulder and return to my seat, avoiding everyone’s eyes.
What is going on with me?I try not to think about it.
“It happens to the best of us, my dear.” Gemma accepts my apology with a gentle tip of her head, showing unexpected mercy considering my completely disproportionate reaction to her reasonable question. “I merely wanted to establish that if Ethan’s assailant is Shaman, we’re dealing with multiple culprits within our territory.”
Xander, however, studies me for a moment longer before speaking carefully. “To be clear, Commander, no one is questioning Ethan’s loyalty. Our Luna considers him family, which makes him important to this pack. Tome.You have my gratitude for protecting him.” He turns to Ethan. “Yourcontributions have been invaluable, and we all appreciate what you’ve done for us.”
“Thank you, Alpha,” Ethan says, but his gaze stays on me rather than Xander.
“I believe what you saw, Ethan,” Xander continues, “but without concrete evidence, we can’t accuse the Shaman delegates of attempted murder, especially after two of their own have been attacked on my land. It would destroy any chance of peace, possibly start a war.”
Ethan nods. “I understand, Alpha.”
“Speaking of the delegates, has anyone spoken to Holden?” Akila looks at Branson and Ethan. “What didhesay happened?”
Branson shifts his gaze from Ethan to the ground. His reluctance to speak is obvious in the way he carries himself.
Ethan catches Branson’s eye, his own eyes holding a quiet apology before he speaks. “Holden claims that he was in the dungeons when Jayme reached through the bars of his cell and grabbed him, clawing him across his side and abdomen before he managed to escape.”
“Do we know why Holden went there in the first place?” Lady Gemma asks.
“It doesn’t matter,” Xander responds. “He still should have been safe with Jayme behind bars and the guard only feet away from him.”
