He spreads papers across a presentation table for the judge to see clearly. Points to highlighted sections with a laser pointer. Walks through each supposed error with clinical precision that makes it sound completely damning.
"Furthermore," Timothy continues, gaining momentum, "Ms. Bell entered into a contract with Mr. Rivera, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Wilde while still legally bound to my client's pack according to state records. This constitutes pack fraud under section 14.2 of the state pack laws and violates federal omega protection statutes. She's essentially committed bigamyunder pack law by having bonds with two separate packs simultaneously without proper dissolution procedures."
He pulls out more papers. Shows financial records. Points to dates on calendars. Makes it all sound so convincing even though I know it's lies.
This is what Kael does.
Makes lies sound like truth.
"My client has suffered significant emotional and financial damages from Ms. Bell's actions," Timothy says with practiced sympathy. "Her public accusations of mistreatment on social media have severely damaged his professional reputation in his community. Her viral content has painted him as an abuser when he was merely exercising his legal rights as pack Alpha. All he wants…all he's ever wanted…is for his Omega to return home where she legally belongs."
Timothy pauses for dramatic effect, looking around the courtroom and making eye contact with people in the gallery.
"Mr. Thorne has been extraordinarily patient throughout this ordeal. He's tried to reach out privately through mutual friends. He's attempted mediation through pack counselors. He's extended olive branches repeatedly. But Ms. Bell has refused all contact and has instead chosen to publicly defame him and his pack on multiple social media platforms with millions of viewers. We're simply asking this court to enforce the existing valid pack bonds and return Ms. Bell to her rightful pack in the city where she has legal obligations."
He returns to his table, gathering his papers into a neat stack.
Sits down with the confidence of someone who just delivered a winning closing argument.
Judge Hawthorne looks down at the documents in front of her, then back up at Timothy.
"Is that everything? Do you have any other comments or evidence to present?"
Timothy stands briefly. "No, Your Honor. Everything is here. All we're asking is to have our Omega back in the city where she belongs. Not in this old ugly town full of geezers and hopeless folks who have nothing better to do than meddle in pack business that doesn't concern them."
Gasps ripple through the gallery. Several Oakridge residents mutter angrily.
Patricia Morrison looks like she wants to throw something. Charlotte's face goes red with fury.
Timothy sits down looking smug.
Kael leans back in his chair with his arms crossed, grinning like he's already won.
The silence in the courtroom feels suffocating.
Then Nash rises slowly from behind our table, every movement deliberate and controlled.
He adjusts his suit jacket with careful precision, straightening his tie with one hand, taking his sweet time while the entire courtroom watches him in confused silence. He buttons his jacket. Rolls his broad shoulders. Cracks his neck slightly. His blue eyes are cold and calculating and dangerous. He looks like a completely different person than the man I know. This is Nash the lawyer. Nash the predator. Nash the opponent you don't want to face.
He's been planning something.
"Your Honor," Nash says clearly, his deep voice carrying easily through the entire courtroom. "I need to make something absolutely and unequivocally clear before we proceed any further with this charade."
Judge Hawthorne nods, looking intrigued.
"Go ahead, Mr. Rivera."
Nash smiles. Not warmly. Not kindly. Dangerously.
"I'm not here to represent Reverie Bell in this case."
Silence.
Complete shocked silence ripples through the courtroom like a shockwave.
I slowly look up at him with wide confused eyes. Theo and Grayson both turn in their seats.
What? He's not representing me? Then who is? What's happening?
