Alpha's Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223: A Bitter Farewell

Chapter 223: A Bitter Farewell

(Matthew’s POV)

I watched the black SUV carrying Jason Moore disappear down the road, my shoulders finally relaxing. The immediate danger had passed. Kane Steele’s unexpected intervention had saved us from what could have been a bloody confrontation with the Moore family.

“You’re dismissed,” I called out to the warriors who had accompanied me. “Return to your

posts.”

My fellow guards from Alexander’s elite unit nodded respectfully before dispersing. They had

risked much by following me here today, potentially endangering their positions in Alexander’s

guard. I would need to speak with Alexander soon to explain my actions.

My eyes caught a glint of silver on the ground–Celeste’s pendant had fallen during the

confrontation. I bent to retrieve it, feeling the cool metal against my palm. As I straightened, a

sharp pain shot through my right arm, a souvenir from my earlier encounter with Kane Steele.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips. Even after years of seclusion due to his silver poisoning,

Kane’s combat skills remained formidable. One strike from him had nearly incapacitated my

arm.

Celeste stood nearby, her violet eyes watching me curiously. “What’s amusing?”

I shook my head, approaching her with the pendant dangling from my fingers. “Nothing

important.”

She turned slightly as I moved behind her, lifting her platinum blonde hair to fasten the chain

around her neck. My fingers fumbled with the clasp, my right arm still weak from Kane’s

precise strike.

“You’re hurt,” she observed, her voice soft with concern.

“It’s nothing,” I assured her, finally securing the pendant. “Kane Steele may be weakened by

silver poisoning, but his combat instincts remain sharp.”

The pendant now rested against her collarbone, catching the late afternoon sunlight. I gently turned her to face me, searching her violet eyes for any signs of distress after her ordeal with

Jason Moore.

“Are you alright?” I asked, my voice low. “Truly?”

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“I am now,” she replied, her silver–scarred wolf radiating gratitude beneath her skin.

The wind picked up, carrying the scent of approaching rain. Night would fall soon, and we were still on Moore territory.

48 Points >

“Let me escort you back to the Winter Pack house,” I offered. “It’s time to face your family.”

Celeste nodded, her expression hardening as she steeled herself for what was to come. “Yes, it is.”

We walked in comfortable silence toward my vehicle, leaving behind the Moore estate and the confrontation that had nearly ended in bloodshed. Whatever came next, I knew one thing with certainty–I would not regret standing up for Celeste today.

(Celeste’s POV)

The familiar silhouette of the Winter Pack house came into view as Matthew’s car approached the main gates. My silver–scarred wolf stirred anxiously beneath my skin, sensing the confrontation that awaited us.

“Are you ready for this?” Matthew asked, his silver–gray eyes briefly leaving the road to meet

mine.

I nodded, my resolve strengthening. “More than ready.”

As we pulled up to the entrance, I spotted two figures emerging from the pack house. My heart sank as I recognized Alpha James and Lucas, dressed in formal attire. They appeared to be departing for some official business, likely visiting the Alpha King’s territory based on their

formal pack insignias.

Their expressions darkened simultaneously when they saw me stepping out of Matthew’s car. Alpha James’s wolf surged with barely contained fury beneath his skin.

“What is the meaning of this?” Alpha James demanded, his eyes narrowing as Matthew came around to stand beside me.

Matthew’s hand brushed against mine, a subtle gesture of support that didn’t go unnoticed by my adoptive father and brother.

“I’m returning from the Moore estate,” I replied calmly.

Alpha James ignored me, focusing his anger on Matthew instead. “You,” he growled, “had the audacity to mobilize Alexander’s elite warriors and surround the Moore family’s private den?”

Matthew remained unfazed by the accusation. “I did.”

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“Do you realize that’s an offense punishable by exile from pack territories?” Alpha James’s voice rose, his wolf radiating dominance. “Invading another Alpha’s territory with armed guards?”

Matthew shrugged, his silver–gray eyes coolly meeting Alpha James’s furious gaze. affair and none of your concern, Alpha Winters.”

“It’s my

The dismissive response sent Alpha James’s anger to new heights. His face flushed dark red,

but he seemed momentarily speechless at Matthew’s boldness.

“Celeste,” he finally managed, turning to me. “Return to the pack house. Now.“”

I gave my adoptive father a cold look before turning to Matthew. “You should return to your territory as well.”

Matthew nodded, his silver–gray eyes lingering on mine. “I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

The promise in those simple words warmed me despite the tension surrounding us. I turned and walked toward the pack house, feeling Alpha James’s furious gaze following me.

(Matthew’s POV)

I watched as Celeste walked toward the imposing pack house, her back straight, her stride

confident despite the confrontation she was walking into. Alpha James followed her, his

wolf’s aura radiating promised retribution.

As Lucas turned to follow them, I called out, “Lucas.”

He paused, looking back at me with suspicion.

11

“Don’t quarrel with her,” I warned, my voice low but carrying. “She’s been through enough

today.”

Lucas’s golden eyes flashed with anger. “You presume to tell me how to speak to my own

sister?”

I held his gaze steadily. “She’s distressed, even if she doesn’t show it.”

For a moment, Lucas looked like he might lash out, his wolf bristling beneath his skin. His

mouth opened, no doubt to assert his right to discipline his sister as he saw fit.

Then his eyes flickered to the warriors still lingering at the edge of the property–my insurance

against any immediate retaliation from the Winter Pack. Understanding dawned in his

expression as he realized just how far I had been willing to go for Celeste today.

The rebuke died on his lips. Without another word, he turned and entered the pack house,

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Chapter 223: A Bitter Farewell

leaving me standing alone in the growing darkness.

(Celeste’s POV)

+8 Points >

I sat quietly in the Winter Pack house’s formal receiving room, watching Alpha James pace furiously across the polished floor. Victoria hovered nearby, her eyes red–rimmed with tears as she attempted to calm her mate.

“James, please,” she pleaded. “Your blood pressure…”

“Blood pressure?” Alpha James roared. “That Sterling boy mobilized twenty elite warriors and surrounded the Moore estate! Do you understand what this means for our pack’s reputation?”

I remained silent, letting his rage wash over me without reaction. My silver–scarred wolf was oddly calm, having made her decision hours ago.

The door opened, and Lucas strode in, his golden eyes immediately finding me. “What have you done now?” he demanded.

Victoria wiped away a tear, her voice quavering as she answered for me. “Your sister is

demanding a formal document severing all pack ties with our family.”

Lucas froze, his expression shifting from anger to disbelief. “What?”

“You heard mother correctly,” I confirmed, my voice steady despite the gravity of what I was

asking.

“You can’t be serious,” Lucas sputtered. “This is just another one of your dramatic threats.”

I met his gaze evenly. “I’ve never been more serious.”

Lucas’s eyes widened as understanding dawned. The last time I had threatened to leave, he

had dismissed it as mere anger, unable to imagine where a young female wolf would go without pack protection.

His gaze flickered between Matthew’s wooden pendant around my neck and my composed expression. The tenderness he had witnessed between Matthew and me outside contrasted sharply with my current icy demeanor toward my adoptive family.

“So that’s it?” he snapped, his voice rising. “One day with Sterling and suddenly you have a false sense of security? You truly believe you can mate with a mere second–in–command?”

I remained calm despite his provocative tone. “As long as my family doesn’t interfere, yes, I

will mark with Matthew.”

“Our concern for your marking comes from recognizing you as a daughter of our pack!” Lucas

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18 Points)

shouted, frustration evident in every line of his body. “If you sever ties, the pack will no longer

care for you. Why can’t you understand that?”

I looked at each of them in turn–Alpha James, Victoria, and Lucas–the family that had raised

me for fourteen years before abandoning me to silver torture.

“I understand perfectly,” I replied. “And I still wish to sever ties.”

“Why?” Victoria whispered, her voice breaking. “After everything we’ve done for you?”

“Because of your constant attempts to control my life,” I answered honestly. “Just as you did

with Marcus Blackwood and Kane Steele.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. I seized the moment to shift the focus, turning to Alpha

James with a deliberately casual tone.

“Did you recognize the forgery of Senior Council Member Moore’s seal on the invitation?”

The question hung in the air like a silver blade.

Lucas and Victoria exchanged confused glances.

“What do you mean, the seal was fake?” Lucas asked, frowning.

I kept my eyes on Alpha James, watching as he shifted uncomfortably under my gaze.

“The seal was genuine,” he stammered, not meeting my eyes.

A bitter smile curved my lips. “That’s interesting, because Jason Moore claims the seal was crooked–something you would have easily noticed given your long acquaintance with Senior

Council Member Moore.”

Alpha James paled slightly.

“And if even the irresponsible Jason noticed the forgery,” I continued, my voice deceptively soft, “how could you, with your experience, have missed it?”

Cornered, Alpha James’s expression hardened. “The Moore family’s political connections guaranteed your safety and a comfortable future in the pack hierarchy. I saw no fault in my

actions.”

“Just as you and mother saw no fault in offering me to Marcus Blackwood,” I pointed out. “Or pushing me toward Kane Steele.”

The truth of his betrayal hung heavy in the air between us. I felt my composure wavering, but

took a deep breath, forcing myself to maintain my dignity.

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“Would

you have sent Scarlett in my place?” I asked quietly.

Alpha James went completely still, stunned into silence by the question.

+8 Points >

“Stop comparing yourself to Scarlett,” Lucas interjected angrily. “She’s gentle, obedient, and kind-”

“You’re right,” I interrupted, meeting his golden eyes directly. “We are different.”

I turned back to face Alpha James and Victoria. “Because I’m not your real daughter.”

Victoria gasped, tears streaming down her face. “Celeste, don’t say that. We raised you-”

“Enough,” I said softly, unable to bear any more false sentiments.

I stood, smoothing my dress with trembling hands. Then I bowed formally to Alpha James and Victoria, the traditional gesture of respect and farewell.

“I acknowledge the fourteen years of care you provided,” I said, my voice steady despite the emotions churning inside me. “And the four years of silver torture in Moon Shadow Prison have repaid any past debts between us.”

Their stricken expressions revealed the impact of my words, but I continued, determined to finish what I had started.

“Please, grant me the document of pack separation,” I pleaded softly. “Let me go.”

Before they could respond, I knelt on the polished floor, bending forward in the ancient gesture of formal submission. The movement was fluid, deliberate–a final, bitter farewell to the family I had once loved with all my heart.