The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 121: Set Things Right

"That," he said, his voice low, "holds all the evidence Florence has gathered. The password is 253675."

Intrigue gripped me. A password-protected briefcase? Florence was more cautious than I thought.

"She shared all of this with you?" I questioned skeptically, examining the briefcase.

"She left a note with passwords for all her things. She believed it would be beneficial for someone to open the safes and vaults after her death to reveal everything."

My brows knitted together at the last part.

"Quite forward-thinking," I said sharply instead.

Percival leaned back in his chair, a contemplative gleam in his eyes. "Florence always planned ahead, but perhaps not this time. She trusted us. She was a smart, unassuming girl who just sought care from people. Keith took advantage of her. I'm ready to face the consequences, but I request leniency for my son. He was young and merely followed my orders."

"Why take such a risk for Florence?" I couldn't help but inquire.

"I see her as my own, Alpha Nicholas," he stated simply. "A kindred spirit, wronged by a cruel twist of fate. And I know the truth. About you and Florence. Your bond – the mate bond."

I scoffed, “I won't ask how she managed to tell you.”

"May I offer you some advice, Alpha?” he asked.

“Go ahead. I've been bombarded with advice lately. One more won't hurt,” I sighed, already weary of the endless suggestions from my loyal advisers whom I'd briefed on the situation.

“Punishing her won't bring you solace, Alpha Nicholas. Your pain will be hers, and hers yours. Forgive each other, spare yourselves the agony."

My jaw clenched. "Do you think I'd kill her?" I growled, stung by the accusation.

"No," he said, a hint of a smile on his lips. "But perhaps a lifetime of regret would be a crueler fate."

He had a point. Killing Florence was never an option. But could I ever forgive her? The anger, the betrayal, still burned bright.

"You'll stay for a few days," I decided, needing time to process everything. "We need to talk to Sara further."

Percival nodded. "Of course."

Then, an unexpected request. "May we visit Florence?"

I hesitated, the memory of her anguished cries echoing in my mind. Finally, I nodded curtly.

"Isaac will show you the way and to your rooms."

As Isaac appeared at the doorway, Percival bowed before stepping outside the room.

Left alone in the office, I stared intently at the briefcase. I unlatched the locks, the click, a faint sound resounding in the room.

Inside lay a meticulously organized file. Folders stuffed with incriminating evidence: photographs, secret letters, and official documents stamped with symbols of authority. Disbelief turned to seething anger as I sifted through the damning pages.

“This can't be…. Those bastards,” I muttered through gritted teeth.

Half the council, those entrusted with the welfare of our kind, were knee-deep in illegal activities. Supplying silver to fuel pack disputes. Funding Keith Caldwell's twisted experiments with rogues.

I slammed the folder shut, the sound reverberating in the room. This went beyond Florence now. It was about the rot within our community. And I refused to let it fester.

"Clifford" I called. "We're going hunting. Gather a team. We're bringing in those council members implicated with Keith. Every last one of them."

Clifford nodded. "Understood, Alpha."

Then, my gaze snagged on the black folder emblazoned with a date – the same date my cousin, Baron, died. A deep frown etched my face as I unfolded it. Relief washed over me, dispelling weeks of oppressive grief and anger. The weight of betrayal lifted from my chest.

The folder contained a treasure trove of evidence: screenshots revealing Keith's orders for Florence to visit the Madcrest Pride facility – the same one Baron had entered. There were also pictures of documents targeting Florence as the Madcrest Pride's prime objective. A weathered note on one of the pictures confirmed the date.

She was innocent. I, along with my wolf, had held onto a sliver of belief, but tangible proof solidified that Florence wasn't responsible. Relief bubbled up as realization dawned.

"Alpha?" Clifford's voice cut through my thoughts, laced with confusion.

I shot up from my chair and pulled him into a hug, relief palpable in the embrace. Stepping back, I retrieved my favorite bottle from the shelf, pouring a celebratory drink for both of us.

"She's innocent, Clifford. Florence didn't kill Baron," I declared, a wave of calm washing over me.

His eyes widened, a mirror of my own relief. "Are you certain?"

"Positive," I hummed, handing him the folder after taking a sip of my drink.

Minutes ticked by as Clifford examined the contents. A groan escaped him as he slapped his forehead in frustration. "She'll never forgive my harsh treatment. I genuinely believed her..." Shame colored his voice.

I sighed, setting down my glass, a faint smile playing on my lips. "My actions were worse," I whispered, the admission raw. "But what matters is that she's not Baron's murderer. That's all I need."

Clifford nodded solemnly, taking a swig from his drink. A thoughtful silence descended.

"One more thing, Clifford," I said after a moment. "Contact the Alphas of the three major packs and our allies. Schedule an urgent virtual meeting. It's time to announce Makayla Ellis's capture and impending execution."

Clifford's eyes widened. “Are you sure, Alpha? We….we just learned that Florence didn’t kill Baron”

I took a deep breath. I had made my decision.

“We need to announce to the world that the cunning spy known as Vielios or Makayla Ellis has been captured and will soon meet her end so that Florence Lancaster can live. So that she can be my Luna….the Luna Queen” I seriously said.

"Consider it done, Alpha," Clifford said, determination ringing in his voice. "We'll have them ready."

With a nod, Clifford vanished from the room. I leaned back in my chair, my gaze fixed on the briefcase. This was just the beginning.

I would try to set things right and free Florence from her past.