Our honored judge asks the Lodging’s lawyer if they have any more evidence to bring forward.
He launches into a tirade about Zack attempting to “break out” of prison on the first day, as well as the physical altercations he’s been involved in during his prison time, but I shoot down all his reasoning with my prepared statements. As his arguments dry up, the judge asks him a second time.
The man wilts slightly. “None, Your Honor.”
That hard judicial gaze swivels in my direction.
“I have one more item, Your Honor.” I turn to find Rickon, and he nods. “Mr Rickon Jones would like to testify as Mr Jones’ bonded alpha.”
Even the bailiff, who must’ve seen everything under the sun, stiffens at the idea.
I wave to Rickon, and he gets to his feet. He squares his shoulders, and it strikes me he seems bigger and bolder than I remember. It can’t be that he’s had a growth spurt, and is it even possible for a twenty-seven-year-old to bloom? And yet his jaw seems sharper, and his alpha aura clear enough to recognize from across the room.
Maturity or not, he’s still devastatingly beautiful, like an angel gracing mortals with his presence.
“Your Honor, my name is Rickon Jones, and I was the first alpha to come into Zack’s proximity since he bonded with our omega.” He skims through the education and positive reinforcement program he and Red developed and then gets to the point. “Approximately two months ago, Zack approached me one night and asked if he could bond me. I know the idea is startling, but I understood his intentions.”
He turns toward Zack and flashes him a sweet smile. “Zack’s desperately trying to learn everything about us. For him, it was more dangerous not to have a direct link to my emotions, because he didn’t have the words he needed yet. Emotions speak more clearly for a man with his past.”
Rickon’s gaze falls on me, and pride flows through my chest at how well he defends his alpha. Just as he always took my side in everything when we were younger, now he’s giving his strength to Zack. I thought I was the one protecting him, but now I see it’s Rickon’s quiet assurance that allowed me to always be confident in myself.
Rickon continues. “Recently Zack showed signs of alpha dominance, meaning he’s learning to be our pack alpha.”
I smile grimly, remembering the exact painful moment that nature manifested.
“These emerging signs, as well as my own love for Zack convinced me to trust him. In the months since and through the incidents Callisto already explained, Zack hasn’t exhibited any aggression that could endanger our omega or myself. The only exception was that fight at the prison we just saw on the screen. Red Jones and myself were incapacitated by alpha dominance through the bond as Zack fought to defend himself.”
Red reaches for his hand, supporting him.
Rickon folds her hand in his, drawing strength from his omega. “If Zack were a violent and dangerous person, that wouldn’t have been the first time. Instead, even as a feral, he’s held his emotions in check to avoid incapacitating his pack. The only danger posed in this situation is the prison, where Zack has been injured and ganged up on. I ask, for Zack’s safety, and ours, that you release him back into our care.”
The judge smiles, the first smile he’s given all day. “Thank you for your heartfelt plea, Mr Jones.” He flicks through his notes, lips pursing as he reviews. “Normally I’d take time before giving judgement, however, this case appears dazzlingly clear to me.” He lifts a sheet of paper and dangles it between two fingers. “Not only have the Omega Center voiced support on Ms Jones’ behalf, but I have a petition here with a hundred thousand signatures in favor of Mr Zackary Jones’ release.”
I turn and catch Red and Rickon’s gaze, giving a slight nod. Their hard work paid off.
The judge sets the papers down and links his hands together. “Given the outcome of the OCB investigation into the attack on the steps of this very courthouse on the eighteenth of last month and the text messages Ms Jones received, I conclude that Mr Jones’ response was maliciously provoked, and furthermore, his behavior until that point has been satisfactory. Therefore, the appeal is upheld and Mr Zackary Jones is free to rejoin his family effective at the end of this hearing.”
Elation fizzes up my throat. We did it. Red and Rickon squeal and hug, radiating excitement.
The judge lifts his hand. “I would like to caution Mr Jones’ pack to keep him away from public spaces until he’s further into his recovery process—I suggest another six months. Bail is set at one dollar.” He bangs his gavel. “Case closed.”
My hands quiver as I sweep my notes together. It’s been such a long journey to reach this point, both physically and mentally. I’ve learned so much about feral rehabilitation along the way, and about Zack’s place among the people I love.
“Callisto!”
When I turn, Red throws herself into my arms. I hug her, fighting back tears as her sweet omega scent clouds around me. She’s so happy.
And I am too.
Chapter forty-five
Rickon
Emotion swells in my throat as the judge declares Zack’s freedom. Our fractured pack can finally be whole again. While Red hugs Callisto, I sprint across the room to the dock where the guards release Zack from his cuffs. Before the hearing, Zack promised me he’d be home soon to take care of me, but I felt hopeless, unable to face the despair if the appeal was dismissed.
Now it’s true.
Zack steps forward and catches me, lifting me up and swinging me around. I twine my legs around him and finally let myself fall apart. For weeks I had to be strong, for Red’s sake and his, but not anymore. Now I cry openly, not caring who hears my sobs.
