CHAPTER 181: EXECUTING IT TONIGHT

Ever since Alex died, the gossips about Conley family had begun circulating in the entire Red River Pack. How Flora ditched her own sister and had an affair with Alex. Samyra’s and David’s upbringing was questioned. Though they were considering moving out of this pack, but they had no idea where they should go.

"Nothing happened, Mom. It’s just people don’t like me staying here," Flora replied with a thoughtful gaze.

"David and I initially thought we could live here even after everything that happened. However, we are now considering it. It may take some time, so you’ve to wait," Samyra said. "And I’m glad you decided to tell about the discomfort you’re feeling here."

"Mom, it’s not a compulsion though. I can fight with the people here," Flora opined. With Zander, she talked how she wanted to fight until the end and now, she was thinking to leave the pack with her parents.

"I wonder if we migrate to a new place will the judgemental eyes stop looking at us? Amelie is known to everyone because she got married to Prince Gabriel." Flora then lifted her gaze and continued, "I’m not blaming her here."

Samyra lowered his head, pressing her hand to the temple of her forehead.

"Mom, I’m going to my room. You shouldn’t take stress anymore. Amelie is at a better place and will give birth to a pup soon. As for me, I won’t be bullied easily. I know how to fight my own battles," Flora asserted, giving her mother a reassuring smile that everything would be fine.

~~~~~

That evening, in one of the palace’s more private living rooms, far from the grandeur of the main hall, Casaio and Dominick sat across from Gabriel.

"We didn’t think you’d actually show up," Casaio said with a half-smirk, lounging back into his seat and crossing one leg over the other. "Did Amelie charm you into it with that sweet smile of hers and finally made you come here?"

Gabriel ignored the jab as he walked over to the wine cabinet. His fingers trailed briefly across the labels before selecting a bottle.

"I’m here for an important work," he said casually, inspecting the cork. "Have either of you ever heard of the Beta Hunters?"

"No. Did you encounter one?" Dominick asked, his brows knitting together in concern.

Gabriel gave a short nod as he uncorked the wine bottle. "Karmen was attacked by a group of them," he said. He poured the wine into three glasses and handed one to each of them before taking a seat with his own.

"That’s unusual," Casaio commented, accepting the glass. "There’s always something brewing in this capital... and as usual, we’re the last to know."

Gabriel took a slow sip before speaking. "Exactly why I decided to look into them myself. Their organization is based right here in the capital. Hidden in plain sight."

Dominick leaned forward slightly. "Maybe they’ve never gone after high-ranking betas before. That’s probably why they slipped under the radar."

"Of course," Gabriel said with a nod. "But it also raises serious concerns about our security. First, there’s been an influx of wolves from the Blood Dominion. Then we uncovered that some of our own people are aligned with them. And let’s not forget Berik, he’s a potential threat to our father."

He leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass.

"We all overlooked his intentions. He’s always been desperate to marry his daughter into our family to get into power. That should’ve been a warning sign. We don’t need to wait for what Zilia said. We need to arrest Berik soon. And now, these beta hunters..." Gabriel’s voice trailed off, heavy with implication.

Casaio nodded slowly. "I take full responsibility for the gaps in our security," he said. "I should’ve been more cautious," Casaio admitted, his voice edged with regret. "But being the eldest Alpha Prince, I never really paid attention to matters like this."

"Well, now you can," Gabriel replied, downing the rest of his wine in one swift gulp.

Casaio and Dominick followed suit, emptying their glasses in silence.

"I have a plan to find out whether Berik is truly working against us," Casaio announced. "I’m executing it tonight."

Gabriel’s brow lifted. "What plan?"

"Zilia," Casaio said. "She’ll go to him."

Gabriel froze, then looked at him sharply. "You want to release her from prison?"

"Under strict surveillance," Casaio clarified. "Look, we need answers. If we act without proof and Berik turns out to be innocent, we’ll lose the trust of our own nobles. But if he is guilty, and I believe he is, then this will draw him out. Zilia’s sudden disappearance would definitely make him anxious. As far as everyone knows, she vanished weeks ago. No one suspects she’s being held by us."

Gabriel leaned back, processing the plan. "It’s risky," he muttered.

"I think we should go with it," Dominick interjected. "We need to flush Berik out, one way or another."

Gabriel sighed. "And if he doesn’t take the bait? If Berik keeps his distance?"

Casaio’s shook his head. "He won’t. He’ll come to her. Trust me."

Gabriel hummed thoughtfully, clasping his hands together as he leaned forward in his seat.

"At midnight," Casaio continued, "we meet in the main hall. All three of us."

Both the younger brothers nodded in understanding.

"By the way, Gabriel," Casaio added, "I want you to refrain from killing anyone who accompanies Berik. We’ll need them alive for questioning, there could be more involved than we realize."

Gabriel let out a dry chuckle escape his mouth. "I don’t kill unnecessarily," he muttered. "But if someone attacks first, I won’t hesitate."

"That’s fair," Casaio replied. "Just make sure we get answers before blood is spilled."

Gabriel gave a curt nod. "As long as they don’t test my patience, they’ll live."

They felt a presence nearby and realized it was Lester. The three of them had turned quieter now. Lester walked in and bowed to them in respect.

"Your Highnesses, the Queen wants everyone to gather in the main hall," he informed them.