Revolting

Nina passed out folders to all of the alphas at the table, while Shane took over speaking. "I invited all twelve alphas on the counsel, the other three are not able to attend this meeting. As we have previously discussed by email, we will be doing things a little differently this time. We will hear testimony from all the parties involved, as well as some individuals who would like to speak about Michael's character. Then Michael will be given the opportunity to speak in his own defense. Then we shall discuss among ourselves the best way to handle this situation."

"Let's break down the accusations. The former Alpha Michael Bishop was captured by Rebel Moon after he led an unprovoked attack against our warriors on our pack lands. He was personally responsible for injuries which lead to the death of one of our human pack members." One of the alphas snorted at the mention of a human pack member, but Shane ignored him and continued. "It was further brought to our attention that Michael Bishop was in possession of a dangerous slow-acting poison which he was using to eliminate rogues from the area."

Another alpha spoke up. "Hunting rogues on neutral territory is not a crime, according to our pack treaties."

"True." said a third alpha. "However, we should all be deeply concerned about any one pack being in possession of a poison. One day it's being used on Rogues, the next day it is used against a pack."

"Gentlemen," Eudora spoke up, softly but firmly, "Let's save this discussion for after we have heard the testimonies." The other alphas reluctantly submitted to Eudora's authority.

Shane cleared his throat and continued. "In your folders you will find a list of the witnesses which were invited to speak today. They are all present except for the former beta of East Glade, who has taken over as Alpha. He has refused on the grounds that it would be a conflict of interest."

A low growl grumbled from Michael's throat. Hannah's small hand moved over his back, even as Nina shot him a warning glance.

"So, if everyone is ready, I would like to call our beta, William Pierceson."

Nina stepped out in the hallway and returned with William. "William, please tell the counsel what your relationship was to Michael Bishop?" Alpha Shane prompted.

William glanced at Michael before he addressed the group at the table. "We were lovers, very briefly. I found my mate shortly after we broke it off. I was present the day that he crossed the boundary." "Please explain what happened that day."

William ran a hand through his blond hair. "My mate was a rogue. He and his sister had made a camp near our boundary, in neutral territory. We had returned to the camp to gather their things, as our alpha had agreed to give them sanctuary. My mate was still recovering. Michael had shot him a poisoned arrow." William swallowed. "Michael ambushed us at the campsite, along with a group of his warriors. He was armed with the poisoned arrows again, but he never fired a shot. My mate's sister, Hannah, was... or is... Michael's mate."

"What happened next?"

"Hannah rejected Michael." William said dryly. "We finished gathering our things and retreated back onto pack lands. Alpha Bishop and his warriors chased us shortly after. Our fighters had already been called to our defense when Michael ambushed us at the camp, so they were at the ready. We fought, and Michael seemed to be intent on going after Hannah." He sighed, as if the next part was difficult for him to relate. "Hannah was with our packmate Daisy. Daisy's mate was a human, and he jumped in and engaged Michael when he perceived his mate was in danger. He fought well, but he got bit as Michael shifted. He died later from the venom."

"I understand that Michael escaped after he was captured by Rebel Moon." Another Alpha questioned, "how did he end up back here again?"

"Michael returned voluntarily, to seek help for his mate."

"The mate that rejected him?"

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William shrugged. "I think she changed her mind."

"Do you have anything else you want to say?"

"Yeah," Michael shoved his hands in his pockets. "I wont pretend I understand what motivated Michael Bishop to hunt rogues, and I have every reason to hate him for the suffering he caused my mate." He looked across the room at Michael and met his eyes. "However, I sincerely believe that he has changed. He has shown incredible selflessness and devotion to Hannah since he has returned."

William bowed out of the conference room, and Heath was called in. Heath was very stiff as he related how Michael had shot him with a poisoned arrow, and he had wasted away for weeks with a wound that would not heal, as necrosis slowly infected the surrounding flesh. He unbuttoned his shirt and bared his shoulder to show the counsel the scar, and the deep indent where the arrow had penetrated. "I am only alive today because of a miracle." His eyes flickered briefly to Nina before they looked back at the floor. "And because my sister was present when Bishop came to finish me off."

"And what is your opinion of the former alpha's behavior since he has returned with your sister?" Alpha Eudora asked softly.

Heath's jaw ticked and his nostrils flared. "I hate Bishop. But he saved my sister. And he brought her back, knowing that he would be facing this counsel by doing so."

The counsel dismissed him and called in Lonnie and Caroline. The rogue pair stood, visibly nervous. They related briefly how Michael had found them in the woods just over the Canadian border and how he had invited the couple to join him. "He's been fair to us," Lonnie said, almost grudgingly, "Even though he had us running all over hell and creation after that girl."

The next witness that was called was Daisy. She slipped in, with Boyd close behind her, a gentle yet possessive hand resting on her shoulder.

Eudora looked at her sympathetically. "I'm sure this is a very difficult and emotional time for you, Daisy. Thank you for coming. What would you like to say?"

Daisy leaned back against Boyd, borrowing his strength. "It's true that Michael bit my mate." she said quietly. "And I blamed him, because I needed to blame someone. Losing a mate is... it is a pain like no other. But I don't blame Michael Bishop anymore." She took a deep breath and looked at the council members, one at a time. "I think Bishop was in a mad confusion after being rejected by his mate. I don't think he had an intention of attacking Rebel Moon. Just as he had no purposeful intention of killing my husband. I think he should be forgiven." She looked into the corner where Hannah was still rubbing Michael's back to keep him calm. "I don't want to see Hannah suffer the way that I suffered when I lost my mate." Daisy sniffed and wiped tears out of her eyes. Michael and Boyd met each other's eyes and nodded to each other, before Boyd ushered Daisy back out of the room.

"Okay then," Shane looked at the list before him. "We have just one more person on the list--"

He was interrupted when Hannah suddenly came forward and placed her two small palms on the table. Her whole body shuddered as she tried to call the words out of her brain and out through her mouth. "Michael... saved... me." She stared hard at Alpha Shane. "Good man."

Shane smiled at her. "Thank you, Hannah."

Hannah nodded sharply and went back to Michael's side. He hugged her with both arms and kissed the top of her head.

"Okay, if we could have Sarah... sorry I don't have a last name." Shane called. The door opened and the older woman slipped in the room. She smiled blandly at the counsel and nodded at Michael. "Yes," she said with a tight smile. "I'm ready."