25
MAEVE
Maeve had been avoiding Dante like he was the plague. But she knew it was because she was being the cowardly lion she had tried so hard never to be.
She'd opened the Silver Fang the day after the storm, throwing herself into work with vicious focus. When he'd walked through the door that first afternoon, she'd been behind the bar. Had nodded once, served him coffee without being asked, and disappeared into the kitchen before he could say a word.
The next time he'd tried, she'd been taking inventory. Too busy to talk. Had to finish before closing.
She knew she was being a coward. Knew running from him after what they'd shared made her exactly the scared, wall-building lioness he'd accused her of being. But facing him meant acknowledging what had happened. What she'd felt. What it meant that she'd chosen him twice now and both times had woken up terrified.
Better to bury herself in work. In routine. In anything that didn't involve amber eyes and the memory of his hands on her skin.
Now she stood in the Council Glade with evidence tucked under her arm and determination steeling her spine. This meeting would end Hector's games. Would expose his conspiracy and get his rogues expelled. Would prove she was fit to run the Silver Fang without pride interference.
Then maybe she could breathe again.
Dante stood near Varric, his expression carefully neutral. He'd tried catching her eye when she arrived. She'd looked away, focusing on Emmett instead. On Callum, who'd shown up with Cora and quiet support. On anyone but the lion who'd hinted at loving her and meant it.
"Let's begin." Varric's voice cut through the morning cold. The wolf elder stood beside the stone table, silver braids catching weak sunlight. "Hector Cross requested this hearing. He has the floor."
Hector stepped forward, immaculate in his expensive coat. His pale gold eyes swept the assembled Council with calculated confidence. Miriam sat with her half-moon spectacles perched on her nose, expression skeptical. Bram stood rigid in his dark robes, gray beard perfectly trimmed, pale eyes cold with judgment.
And Emmett, newly seated on the Council, watched Hector with wolf wariness.
"Thank you, Elder Thornwell." Hector's voice carried cultured authority. "I appreciate the Council hearing my concerns about Cross family holdings within Hollow Oak."
"We've reviewed your petition," Varric said. "And we've reviewed evidence suggesting your complaints are based on manufactured sabotage rather than legitimate management failures. Would you like to address that?"
Maeve's pulse kicked. This was it. The moment Hector's conspiracy crumbled.
Hector smiled. "I'd be happy to address it. But first, I'd like to present additional evidence that's come to light. Evidence concerning Maeve Cross's true intentions regarding Council authority."
Ice crawled down Maeve's spine.
"What evidence?" Emmett asked sharply.
Hector pulled papers from his coat, spreading them on the stone table. "Communications between Maeve Cross and outside interests. Specifically, efforts to undermine Council decisions through alliance with rival territories. She's been in contact with Alpha Maximus Brennan of the Aspen pack, discussing ways to challenge Hollow Oak's progressive policies."
"That's a lie," Maeve said. "I've never contacted Maximus Brennan. I don't even know who that is."
"Really?" Hector pushed a document forward. "Then perhaps you can explain this correspondence bearing your signature. Dated three weeks ago. Detailing your frustrations with Council oversight and your desire to operate independently of their authority."
Varric picked up the paper, scanning it. His expression darkened.
"That's forged," Dante said, moving closer to the table. "Same as the other documents we found in the cabin. Hector's been manufacturing evidence for months."
"Interesting accusation." Hector's smile widened. "Especially coming from the rogue male Maeve's been harboring. The one who's been making unauthorized investigations into private pride business. The one who assaulted my people."
"Your people were sabotaging her tavern," Dante growled.
"My people were conducting legitimate pride oversight." Hector's voice hardened. "Until they were attacked by an outsider with no authority in this territory. An outsider Maeveinvited into her business. Into her bed. Into decisions that should remain within Council jurisdiction."
Whispers rippled through the small crowd that had gathered. Callum's jaw tightened. Cora's hand found his arm, steadying.
"My personal life has nothing to do with this," Maeve said.
"Doesn't it?" Hector gestured to Dante. "You brought in outside enforcement without Council approval. Allowed him to investigate, to assault pride members, to make decisions about Hollow Oak business. That's a violation of Council authority. That's placing personal interests above community welfare."
