“We will not break an amnesty made in good faith,” he says quietly. My shoulders sag, my knees buckling beneath me as Max wraps his arm around me.
“But,” he continues, “we need to resolve this. I move to an immediate vote on the repealing of the Omega Creed. Justices, are we agreed?”
Evans and Johnson nod immediately. Garcia and Miller look mutinous but follow their lead.
Imler gestures. “Everybody, please retake your seats. You too, Ms. Grey. Your pack will need to return—,”
“We’re not leaving her,” Luc says, his voice firm. “We stay here, or she comes with us.”
Imler considers for a moment, before inclining his head. “Very well. Remain where you are.”
He takes a seat as the other Justices do the same. Evans remains standing alone.
“We call upon the Supreme Court to vote on the abolition of the Omega Creed laws,” he says steadily. “Should the vote be in favor of abolition, a motion will be made to formally approve the dissolvement in the Senate. Should the vote be against abolition, the Creed will continue as before.”
He sits, and Garcia stands, her pinched face twisted as she glares at me.
“I vote against the abolition of the Omega Creed.”
It’s not exactly unexpected, but it still sends a spike of fear flickering through me. My bones feel so tense they could snap.
It’s all happening so fast. My breathing speeds up, my grip on Max so tight I have to force myself to relax. Nik’s hand settles on the back of my neck. His grip is light but soothing, the hold just enough to stop me from breaking down altogether.
Johnson is next to stand, her eyes assessing as they slide from me to my pack.
“I vote in favor of the abolition of the Omega Creed.”
She nods to me as I suck in a hopeful breath, before taking her seat.
Miller stands, her face sour.
“I vote against the abolition of the Omega Creed.”
Two against, one for. Evans speaks up next, a small smile on his face.
“I vote in favor of the abolition of the Omega Creed.”
An even split. Luc takes my other hand in his.
“Please,” I whisper.Please end it.
Imler takes his time getting to his feet and brushing at some non-existent link on his suit sleeve. The whole room drops to silence, everyone holding their breath as he looks up, his face almost nonchalant as he waves a hand.
“I vote in favor of the abolition of the omega creed.”
It takes a second for his words to sink in. Luc shouts out as the courtroom erupts into a mixture of cheers and anger.
My body folds, Max not quick enough to catch me before my knees hit the floor. He drops next to me, his hands cradling my face as I cover it with my hands, sobs breaking out of me.
“Ava, sweetheart, you did it,” he whispers disbelievingly. “You did it, love!”
Luc is right behind him, laughing joyously as he lifts me easily, his hand wiping away tears from my cheeks. “You,” he presses a hard kiss to my mouth, “are a fucking miracle, brat.”
I just gape at him, and he throws his head back with laughter.
“Where’s Nikolai?” I mumble, and Luc sets me down, squeezing my shoulders. I spin around, and spot my bear alpha. He’s frozen, his eyes wet, and I throw my arms around him.
“Nik,” I murmur, my voice hitching. “Nikolai.”
