Chapter Twelve : Murder and Betrayal NICOLE One Week Later The first sign that everything was about to fall apart was the knock on my door . It was early too early for good news . I dragged myself from the desk where I d been reviewing patrol schedules and opened it to find Gerald standing there . His expression was grim , the kind of look you wear when you know the words you re about to say will ruin someones day . We just got news from Alpha Nathan s pack , he said , his tone measured but heavy . Hes rescheduling Daniel s visitation to two days later . What happened ? My stomach tightened , a sinking feeling already setting in . 50 % 11:39 1/6 Chapter Twelve : Murder and Betrayal His father died this morning . The words hit me harder than I expected . Darien Cross had been a good man , one of my fathers closest friends . He was the bridge that made my arranged marriage to Nathan bearable in the early days . After I left Nathan and my father died , Darien and I drifted apart , but Id recently learned he was ill . And now … he was gone . For a moment , I just stood there , the weight of the news settling like a stone in my chest . Thank you for letting me know , I said quietly , forcing the lump in my throat . I ll extend my condolences . I tried to sound neutral , but inside , my mind was a storm . Things had been going well this past week . The killings had stopped . The Hastings Faction had been peaceful for the first time in months . It was fragile , like a thread stretched too thin , but it was something . 50 % 11:39 2/6 Chapter Twelve : Murder and Betrayal . Id convinced myself Id made the right call by staying quiet about what I overheard from Nadia . If I had spoken up , Nathan would ve accused me of trying to tarnish Nadia s name . Besides , it wasnt my business . Instead , I focused on what mattered : strengthening my pack and ensuring Daniels safety . But watching Nathan with Daniel made it impossible to keep the past buried . His soft smiles , the way his icy demeanor thawed when Daniel tugged at his hand , the way he prioritized their moments together it stirred feelings in me I thought Id killed long ago . And it terrified me . Because in our world , nothing good ever lasted . Something was bound to disrupt it and this was it . Still I forced myself to put up my mask and I was about to close the door when Gerald cleared his throat . Theres something else I wanted to discuss . Oh ? I hesitated . Come in , then . 50 % 11:39 3/6 Chapter Twelve : Murder and Betrayal Lets get it over with quickly . Gerald shook his head . It won t take long . His voice lowered slightly . Theres been talk around the pack . Ever since you and Alpha Nathan reconciled , the wolves have started speculating . They think you re planning to merge territories with him . They re worried about what that means for them . I blinked , caught off guard . I kept my voice even , but the tension in my chest coiled tighter . Nathan and I are on amicable . terms for Daniels sake and to stop the attacks . Thats all anyone needs to know . Theres no merging of anything . Gerald nodded but didnt look entirely convinced . Of course things have been working so well . Its so sad his father had to die now . There was a lot of talk around that he should have had a longer time . At least a month . But I guess … He shrugged lightly . Some things are just meant to be . Ill see you later , Nicole . 50 % 11:39 4/6 Chapter Twelve : Murder and Betrayal With that , he turned and walked away , leaving me standing there , my heart pounding in my chest . A month is too long . I want him gone , and I want him gone now . My hands began to shake as realization struck . Nadia had done it . Nadia had killed him . And I let it happen . I scrambled for my phone , my heart racing . I should have told him . I had to tell him . Before I could dial , movement in the corner of my eye made me freeze . Two guards appeared in the hallway , striding toward me with purpose . My stomach twisted when I recognized them as members of Nathan s personal security team . I forced myself to stay calm . Whats going on ? I asked . The first guard , a tall , stone faced man , stopped in front of me . His tone was 50 % 11:39 5/6 11:39 Chapter Twelve : Murder and Betrayal 483 clipped and cold . Alpha Nathan sent us to escort you to his territory to ensure you dont disappear before your trial . Trial ? I blinked , my voice wavering slightly . What trial ? The second guard stepped forward , his expression filled with disdain . Your accomplice has been captured . He s confessed to everything , including your role in the poisoning of Alpha Darien and as he was a high ranking werewolf , the factions have decided . You will stand trial for murder . You might also like Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!