A low growl yanked my attention from the blond guy. I turned and saw Alpha Gabriel glaring at me, pure annoyance on his face. My cheeks burned; he'd caught me checking out someone else. I dropped my gaze, fidgeting with my fingers, wishing I could disappear.
"Gabriel," the blond called out, his British accent smooth enough to make anyone's knees weak. "What you asked for is ready."
"Hang on, Cole, I'll wrap this up," Gabriel said, grabbing a flash drive from one of the guards.
"You two can go. I'll take it from here." The guards didn't need telling twice—they were gone.
Gabriel plugged in the flash drive. The whole room went quiet. Everyone stared at the screen, waiting. My heart pounded in my chest, the tension thick enough to choke on.
"Venessa," Gabriel said, folding his hands under his chin, "She wasn't sneaking around or stealing anything."
"I—I thought she was snooping, Gabriel," Venessa stammered. "That's why I called the guards. I've never even seen her before."
"I get it," Gabriel replied, his tone steady and calm. "You can leave now."
Venessa lingered, clearly unhappy about being dismissed, and shot me a look that made my skin crawl before finally leaving.
I watched her go, tangled up in frustration and confusion. Was that it? After everything being accused, nearly tossed into a cell? Gabriel was just going to let Venessa off with a nod? What was with their relationship that he couldn't call her out for making false accusations against his own mate? He acted like it was nothing.
My stomach twisted. I narrowed my eyes, heat in my voice. "That's it? You're just letting her go?"
There was disbelief all over my face. Gabriel's gaze snapped to me, a warning flickering in his eyes. "What do you want me to do, Elvira?" His voice was low, daring me to push further.
"She accused me of snooping, nearly got me locked up, and you're just letting her walk?" My voice shook, still stunned.
Gabriel's jaw worked, irritation flaring in his eyes. "Venessa's a respected member of this pack. She was doing her job."
"Her job?" I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Her job is to accuse innocent people? Toss them in cells with no proof?"
The air buzzed with tension. Cole watched, his eyes bouncing between Elvira and Gabriel.
"Enough, Elvira," Gabriel growled. "I said I'd handle it. I did."
I met his glare. "No, you didn't. You're just letting her off because she's 'a respected member of the pack.'"
"Elvira. You're testing me."
Cole shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the two as the atmosphere thickened. "Uh, Gabriel..."
Gabriel cut him off, voice like gravel. "This doesn't involve you, Cole."
I continued. "Why won't you hold her accountable? If it wasn't for the CCTV, I'd be in a cell right now. You're letting her off like what she did was nothing, like she didn't almost ruin my life."
Gabriel's face darkened. He stood, movements smooth but dangerous, as he came towards me. "Are you saying I didn't handle this well? Are you trying to teach me how to do my job?"
His voice was low and edged like a knife. Cole stepped in, trying to cool things down, he placed a hand on Gabriel's chest.
"Gabriel, maybe you should-"
Gabriel shrugged him off, never looking away from me. His chest heaved with barely checked anger.
"You're forgetting something, Elvira. You're not even supposed to be here. You don't get to make demands. You're an outsider who I haven't decided what to do with yet. Venessa was just protecting me, so I understand why she did that."
I snorted. "Should I grovel now? Make a big show of apologizing for not even giving her a reprimand?"
I couldn't help but think, just once, couldn't he stand up for me ?
Gabriel's eyes flickered with something—hurt, maybe—but it vanished, replaced by a cold, unreadable mask.
"Careful, I will say this the last time. You don't get to make demands. Honestly, you should be grateful I didn't throw you back in the cell but left you in my office earlier."
My eyes started to sting. Fear slipped in, twisting up inside me. "Gabriel, that's enough. Elvira, come with me," Cole said quietly, diffusing the tension.
I hesitated. My gaze stayed locked on Gabriel, for a little moment. For a second, it looked like I'd dig in my heels, maybe even take whatever Gabriel dished out just to prove a point. But in the end, I turned and followed Cole out.
My chin stayed up, I wasn't going to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me break.
I was grateful Cole intervened. He seemed like the only person Alpha Gabriel would listen to. Maybe they were old-time buddies because I think no one else will dare cross or interrupt Alpha Gabriel. Gabriel was the stiff and cold Alpha, while Cole was the Calm and Cool Beta. The Aura from his Wolf made me come to that conclusion.
As we stepped into the hallway, I spotted Venessa lurking nearby. She hadn't left after all. Venessa watched with a smug little smile that made my blood heat up.
I clenched my fists tight. This wasn't over. Not even close.
Cole guided me into a small room. The walls were covered in detailed artwork, and the air was thick with lavender. It reminded me of Lisa; I almost smiled.
"Wait here, Gabriel will come when he's ready. I will send some refreshments for you, and you need rest too," Cole told me, in a soft voice that made my nerves calm. At least someone was nice to me here.
I nodded and took in the room. I felt tired and trapped. I felt it in my bones. But I wasn't about to give up. Not now. I'd fight my way forward in Silverblade whether Alpha Gabriel keeps pushing me away with his attitude or not; I will stay in this Pack whatever conditions the Alpha may lay before me; I would abide.