My father won’t even look at me.
We’ve been here for fuckinghours, arguing back and forth over the technicalities of the fucking ridiculous Bonding laws in Navarre. Even Ollena Hayward looks flustered as she leans back in her chair.
I can feel the frustration leaking out of my pack, making my skin itch as I shift in my seat. It feels wrong to be away from Sienna when she’s so close to her heat.
“Milo,” she says forcefully. “This is ridiculous. The law may be the law, but it is severely outdated. This particular process has highlighted some significant weaknesses that we, as the Council, have a moral duty to consider!”
Justice Milo only sneers. Whilst Ollena has been pushing heavily for Sienna to be pulled from the Trials, Milo has been an unlikely ally.
Or maybe not so unlikely, given he’s bosom buddies with Erikkson.
“As I have said, and will continue to say, Ollena, no matter how many times you try to change my mind. The law may be harsh, but it is thelaw. It is here to protect the majority, to provide much needed structure and order to Navarre. If we change every little part at the drop of a hat, then it will cease to have meaning.”
“This is ridiculous,” she retorts furiously. “We have to consider the wellbeing of the omegas involved in the Trials. Sienna Michaels has been severely neglected through the actions of the Cohen pack. Their match clearly needs to be disbanded!”
Jax growls under his breath where he’s slumped in the seat next to me, his arms crossed. We’re squeezed into the most uncomfortable fucking wooden chairs, facing the Council in invisible battle lines.
Ollena turns to my father. “David.” There’s a clear appeal in her voice. Whilst my dad has always been a neutral voice, his views have often landed with Ollena’s perspective, he, Ollena and Elio are natural allies against the often regressive views of Erikkson and Milo.
My dad meets my eyes for a single moment. The disappointment filling them is enough to gut me.
Sighing, he turns to Elio. “You’ve been quiet, Elio. What are your thoughts? You treated Sienna Michaels following her blood poisoning.”
Health Elio steeples his fingers together, his eyes considering as he looks us over.
“I’m afraid,” he says heavily. “That I have to agree with Ollena. Unless you can give us a reason to think otherwise, Tristan?”
My jaw tightens. “I have said everything I need to say. Whilst we had a rocky start, and I fully acknowledge the role played by my pack in that, we are completely invested in a future with Sienna as our Bonded.”
Elio nods slowly, but he looks disappointed.
There’s a lot of that going around.
My father sighs. “Given that Ollena is seeking an exception, not a change in law, I believe a vote will suffice, rather than a unanimous decision. Milo?”
The Justice Councilor nods as he stares down his nose at me. “I disagree with the premise of making an exception. The laws are in place for a reason. Sienna Michaels stays where she is, and the Trials should be completed.”
Erikkson finally stirs. “I quite agree, Milo. Maintaining the integrity of the law in Navarre is paramount.”
Ollena scoffs, but she doesn’t say anything.
Elio frowns. “Whilst I disagree profusely with the actions taken by the Cohen pack, I believe that Sienna Michaels should remain where she is.”
Ollena swings her head around to him, disbelief written all over her face. “Elio?”
He tilts his head. “There is much to play out here, Ollena. The pack deserves a final chance.”
Ollena purses her lips. “That could cost Sienna Michaels everything. I vote to remove her from the Cohen pack.”
I can feel the relief from my pack that the voting is leaning in our favor, but it does nothing for the discomfort coursing through my chest. Frowning, I rub at my chest. Jax turns to me.
“You feel that?” he mutters. “I thought it was this shit, but now…,”
I nod as my father stands, pushing the feeling away. He finally looks at me, but the disappointment is still firmly front and center.
“I agree that the Cohen pack should be given another chance,” he says slowly. “Although I am highly tempted to say otherwise.”
“Of course you would,” Ollena mutters. My dad turns to her.
