A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 85: Khaleed’s Confession

Ace’s POV

As I watch Ovelia, enveloped in Mrs. Melinda’s warm embrace alongside Ann, I can see the joy shimmering in her eyes, as if she’s just now discovering what love truly feels like. There’s a softness about her, a vulnerability that draws me in deeper.

"You’re grinning over there, Ace. Have you gone head over heels for Ovelia?" Philip’s teasing voice cuts through my thoughts, filled with infectious laughter.

"It’s the first time I’ve seen her like this. That’s why I’m smiling," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"That’s true, but don’t deny that you’ve already fallen for her," Ray added, his smirk widening.

"I’m not denying it!" I shoot back, frustration edging my tone, but the amused grins from both of them only tighten my stomach in a knot. Damn it!

"Everyone, excuse me," a familiar voice interrupts, weaving its way through the chatter.

The crowd parts, revealing Chief Gareth, his presence commanding yet comforting.

"Ace, Ray, and Philip!" His voice blooms with joy as he envelops us all in a hug. It’s an embrace that feels like a father’s, strong and reassuring.

"Chief, you’re hugging all three of us. I can’t breathe!" Philip said, laughing as he tried to squirm free.

The Chief releases us, a proud smile lighting up his face. "I’m just glad you all are safe. Thank you, Ace, for keeping your promise to bring back my people unharmed." His eyes twinkle with gratitude.

"You’re welcome, Chief," I reply, feeling the weight of his appreciation settle in my chest.

"Lieutenant Kai! Glad to see you’re okay," a man in a black robe strides over to us, his voice steady yet warm.

Wait, that’s the quiet man I noticed at the inn earlier.

"Thank you for the information you provided as Shin," he acknowledges, his gaze holding a depth that hints at hidden stories.

So, they knew each other.

"Chief, the bandits are in the wagon along with the stolen goods and the travelers, merchants, and food suppliers they’ve kidnapped. Where can we temporarily place them?" I asked, my voice steady but laced with urgency.

"There’s an empty storage house near the inn. We can put the bandits and the stolen items there, then return everything to their rightful owners tomorrow morning. As for the travelers, merchants, and food suppliers, they can stay at the inn," Chief Gareth replied, his eyes scanning the wagon for a moment before settling on me.

I glanced at Kai and Colt, and they nodded in agreement.

"Members of the First Division assist the travelers, merchants, and food suppliers to the inn. Secure the bandits and their loot in the empty storage house," Colt commanded, his voice firm.

"Team, assist them," Kai added, his tone the perfect blend of authority and camaraderie, and the group nodded in unison, ready to act.

"Josh, help them at the inn and the storage house," Chief Gareth instructed, his gaze unwavering. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

A tall man stepped forward, his posture rigid with respect. "Yes, Chief," he said, climbing into the wagon as our troops swiftly moved to carry out the orders.

Suddenly, someone jumped out of the wagon, and Colt quickly grabbed him.

"Khaleed is awake!" he exclaimed, tugging at the magic chain binding Khaleed.

"Khaleed?!" Chief Gareth’s voice rose in shock; a hush fell over the gathered villagers, whispers of disbelief fluttering like leaves caught in the wind.

Khaleed’s face reflected a tumult of emotions—shame, anger, and desperation as he struggled against the magic chain. Colt peeled away the duct tape from Khaleed’s mouth, his movements gentle yet attentive.

Chief Gareth, his brow furrowed with sorrow. "Khaleed, I never thought... I don’t want to believe you’re the traitor in our village. What have I done wrong to make you turn against us?" His voice trembled, revealing the weight of betrayal that lingered between them, heavy as the storm clouds overhead.

Mrs. Melinda’s eyes widened, filled with disbelief as she stepped forward. "Khaleed, what happened to you?" Her voice was tinged with urgency as if pleading for a spark of the boy she once knew.

Suddenly, Khaleed sank to his knees. "Chief and Mrs. Melinda, it’s not what you think! I never betrayed you, I never betrayed our village!" His voice cracked, desperation surging like a tidal wave.

The villagers looked on, their confusion growing, except for those we had rescued from the bandit hideout.

"Chief, please! Have mercy on him," urged a villager, stepping forward, her voice quaking yet brave. "He is the reason we’re still alive."

A murmur rippled through the crowd as another villager lent his voice. "If he hadn’t pleaded with the bandits, we might be dead by now."

But Gareth’s heart remained locked in turmoil. It wasn’t enough. He felt the sharp bite of anger and betrayal gnawing at him.

With a restrained gesture, Chief Gareth raised his left hand, silencing the crowd, his gaze piercing through the thick tension. "Explain yourself." His tone was firm, carrying the authority of a leader who felt shattered and uncertain.

Khaleed swallowed hard, his voice steadier now but laced with remorse. "I joined the bandits to gain money, Chief... to help expand our village, attract travelers, boost sales of our products. I wanted to make your dream of a training yard a reality—to equip our people with weapons and armor to defend our home when dangers arise." Each word dripped with sincerity, his heart laid bare, trembling in the wake of potential condemnation.

A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd, but it wasn’t a uniform sound. Some whispered amongst themselves, their voices hushed with disbelief. Others exchanged worried glances, their faces a mixture of pity and anger.

Chief Gareth remained silent, his expression unreadable, the weight of his decision pressing down on him.

"Expanding the village is a good idea to attract travelers," I began, my voice cutting through the murmurs. "But your village delicacy and products are enough to draw them in. All you need to do is share what you have. Trade, export your goods to other kingdoms, cities, or villages."

"You were blinded by money, but you didn’t realize that the village products are already enough to attract more people in different places," Ray added.

Khaleed’s expression crumbled, his eyes wide with realization. "I—I didn’t think about that," he stammered, disbelief etched across his face as hope flickered weakly in his heart.