Again, I am extremely sorry! I hope you all enjoy! :) Please tell me what you think. This was kind of thrown together at the last minute. Sorry that it's so short too!
Chapter 10: The Tribal Trial
Taking in a deep breath I arose from the brass bed with a squeak. I strode over to Embry, who was staring blankly into the depths of the forest. I extended my arm placing a firm hand on his shoulder. He jumped from shock of my touch which drew him out of his haze.
"Are you alright?" I casually asked knowing something was off by the way he was acting.
"Yes. Are you?" Embry replied. I gave him a small smile for his answer. He turned glancing down at me with his dark chocolate, confused, emotion stirring eyes. He calmly clutched both of my shoulders stating, "Leah, Sam won't be here much longer. He won't be in anyone's lives anymore." He pauses before continuing on. "He won't be in our lives."
"Our lives." I state, but it sounds more like a question.
"Yes, Leah. Our lives." He pauses again, getting down on one knee. "If you'll have it that way." I still have not come to realize what he's doing. He snakes his hand in his pocket holding a small circular object. "Leah Marie Clearwater, will you make me the happiest man on the face of the earth and do the honor of marrying me?"
I scan the numerous faces surrounding me that are dimly lit by the fire blazing in the center of the circle. The tribal meeting hasn't gone under way yet. We are still waiting for one important piece of this disjointed puzzle.
Leaves crunch under heavy feet behind me as he approaches his trial. The final piece of the puzzle. The culprit of my horror for many months. Sam.
I feel a chill go up my spine as he passes me. He gets closer to me than I would ever like. Embry flips his head towards him glaring him down while placing a firm reassuring hand on my shoulder. Still it's not enough to ease my discomfort. My hands begin to shake. Vomit rises in my throat. Nerves are surging through my whole body. Embry hurriedly clutches my hand. Immediately, I'm put at some ease.
Sam takes a seat by Emily who has a worried and confused look plastered on her face.
Old Quil, Billy, and my mother are at the head of the circle, or the best of the head of a circle there can be. Old Quil speaks first.
"Sam Uley you are charged on the offence of rapping Leah Clearwater. You committed adultery on not only your wife but your imprint! This is the example you choose to set for the followers in your pack. This is treacherous! How do you plead?"
"Not guilty." He demands sounding like his Alpha Command.
"You do not have the privilege of using your Alpha Command. You are no longer Alpha of your pack. You are no longer a part of a pack. You're lying, too. Tell the truth and it'll be a whole lot easier." Billy orders.
"Is that true, Sam?" Emily ask her eyes glistening with tears.
Turning to her without an ounce of remorse he stated, "Yes. It's true." He turned to the council and spoke towards them. "I raped her! The little slut liked it though so you can't call it rape."
I was done with his shit! I couldn't take it anymore. I shouldn't be afraid of him. Not anymore. I arose from my seat and headed towards him. Embry was hot on my heals.
"You fucking liar." I growled low from in my chest. "It was rape! There was no consent! I hope you burn in hell, Sam."
Before I knew it Embry was pulling me back to my seat. Turning me around he gripped my arms hard and stared into my eyes. "Are you going to calm down? We don't need any more fights."
Rolling my eyes I nodded and sat back down. I took in a deep breath and remembered that I had a baby back home that Seth was taking care of and it was in my best interest to learn to be calmer and stop acting on impulses. I took in another long gulp of air and awaited the verdict.
"Sam," my mother began. "You must leave the reservation. If you return you know what is to happen. Death by your own pack. Well, really what once was your pack." She stated in a cut throat tone. Never had I seen her been so harsh. "Emily you are welcome to stay if you agree to divorce Sam. You'll get the home and all the belongings." Emily shook her head in agreement smiling through her tears that were streaming down her face. "Jacob you are the overall Alpha now. The packs will run as one again."
Wolf calls were heard from the pack members as everyone was pleased that justice was served.
"Now," my mother glanced at me a smile gracing her face. "I believe we have a wedding to be planning for."
