"I'm stating facts," Sullivan said simply. "Knox has been suspended for four games already. Briggs has recovered. Perhaps that's punishment enough."
Bryant was quiet for a long moment. "Dr. Graves would need to confirm this version of events."
"Then ask her," I said.
"She's not here," Bryant pointed out.
"Because you tried to threaten her into resigning this morning," I shot back. "But she's right outside."
I could feel her through the bond, her mix of anxiety and determination.
"Bring her in," Bryant ordered.
Harper entered, head high, wearing professional clothes that couldn't quite hide the claiming mark on her neck. She'd left it deliberately visible.
"Dr. Graves," Bryant addressed her. "Can you confirm the nature of your... situation with Mr. Maddox?"
"Yes," Harper said clearly. "I experienced a dangerous suppression failure during the storm. Knox provided necessary assistance during a medical emergency. The claiming happened after, between two consenting adults."
"You don't feel you were coerced?" Bryant asked carefully.
Harper's laugh was sharp. "Commissioner, I'm an Omega who's worked in professional sports for five years. I've handled unwanted Alpha attention since day one. If I didn't want Knox, trust me, he'd know it."
"The violence against Briggs?" Bryant pressed.
"Was excessive," Harper admitted, making me tense. "But Briggs sexually harassed me verbally. Knox responded as a newly bonded Alpha. Perhaps the league should examine why Briggs felt comfortable making those comments in the first place."
The threat was subtle but clear. Push this, and she'd make it about the league's culture toward Omegas.
Bryant understood. "I see. Well. Given the... unusual circumstances, and the medical emergency context, the league is willing to reinstate Mr. Maddox after a six-game suspension, time already served counting toward it."
"And Dr. Graves' position?" I demanded.
"That's a team matter," Bryant said carefully.
"She stays," Sullivan said firmly. "The team needs her medical expertise."
Richards opened his mouth to protest, but Sullivan shot him a look that could have melted steel.
"Then we're done here," Bryant said, standing. "Mr. Maddox, Dr. Graves, congratulations on your... bonding."
As the room cleared, Harper moved to my side. Through the bond, I felt her relief mixed with something else. Pride.
"You stood up for me," she said quietly.
"We stood up for each other," I corrected, taking her hand.
"This isn't over," she warned. "Richards won't forget."
"Let him try something," I said, pulling her closer. "He'll learn what happens when someone threatens what's mine."
She smiled, dangerous and beautiful. "What's ours."
"Ours," I agreed, and kissed her right there in the conference room, claiming her again in front of anyone still watching.
Let them talk. Let them gossip.
Harper Graves was mine, and the whole world could deal with it.
