Shattered moonlight

Blair's POV

Alpha James's limp hand reached for mine. I gasped, seeing foam at his mouth. I scrambled to my feet, trying to help, but it was too late. Whatever he'd ingested was already in his bloodstream; only a flush could help now. I sniffed, tears welling up as I watched him helplessly. "Blair," he whispered. I sobbed, my other hand resting on my baby bump. "Please, hold on a little longer, until Slone gets here. Then we can get you help," I pleaded. He gave a weak chuckle and patted my hand. "I don't have that luxury, dear. Take care of my son, and no matter what he does, don't give up on him." I frowned, tears streaming down my cheeks, and squeezed his hand. "Don't say that, Alpha. You're a fighter." "I'm sorry," he whispered, his eyes dimming as he took his last breath. I screamed as his hand went limp. Sobs racked my body. I cried until I was spent, and even then, tears rolled silently down my face as I leaned over to close his eyes. I stood to find help just as Slone barged in with guards. I ran to him, still sniffling, my belly hindering the embrace. I was too consumed by grief to notice he didn't hug me back, or that the guards were searching the room. Then he pushed me away, glaring. "How could you?" he demanded, pointing a finger in my face. I froze, confused. When I didn't answer, he signaled the guards. Two of them seized my arms, trapping me. Their grip was like iron, my wrists burning. "What is the meaning of this? Let me go! Slone, what's gotten into you?" I struggled, but their grip was too strong. I glared at him. I was his mate! What was this disrespect? The door opened, and my stepsister, Stella, walked in. Seeing me held captive, she snickered, then turned adoring eyes on Slone, reaching out to touch him. "Why isn't she being dragged to the town square yet? She's done something despicable." "Why are you touching my mate, Stella? Have you no respect for the bond?" I snapped. Stella scoffed and smirked. "Respect? Sorry, sister, but murderers like you don't deserve any. How could you?" she asked, and I glared. "Murderer?" I scoffed, turning to Slone. "Slone, you have to believe me. I didn't do anything. Your father ingested something, and before I could react, he died. It had nothing to do with me, I promise." I pleaded, begging him with my eyes. But he only stared blankly. He moved closer, and I sighed in relief, thinking he'd order my release. Instead, he slapped me. I was stunned. Another slap, and another, until my vision blurred and my cheeks stung. "Get her out of here," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. I shivered, struggling against the guards, but they dragged me, kicking and screaming, to the office. A crowd waited there, along with the Council of Elders. I cried out to the onlookers, "Help me! I'm being framed!" The crowd erupted, some defending me, others insisting on my guilt, and still others undecided. I watched helplessly as they argued, tears streaming down my face. I was pregnant! How could they treat me so roughly? Why wasn't Slone protecting his children? Even if I had murdered his father, did his children deserve this? "Order!" someone yelled as Slone entered with Stella trailing behind. I glared at her. She only smiled, then feigned sympathy, clinging to Slone and begging him to reconsider my punishment. Disgusted, I looked away, awaiting my judgment. Slone walked up to me, his eyes cold. "Are you guilty of the crime you are accused of? Did you murder the late Alpha by poisoning his drugs?" The room fell silent. "How do you plead?" an Elder asked. I shook my head. "Not guilty! I didn't do this. Please, believe me." "You're lying," Slone grunted, kicking me in the leg. I fell to the floor, landing on my stomach. I screamed as pain shot through me. I clutched my stomach, gritting my teeth. I felt wetness on my clothes. I was bleeding. "No, no, no... my babies! Somebody, help my babies! Please!" I pleaded, the pain immobilizing me. "We need to get her to the hospital!" a panicked voice said. "Pick her up and take her to the pack doctor immediately," I heard Slone say. Then everything went black.