"Mr. Thorne, you came to this court with false claims and fabricated evidence. You have wasted this court's time and resources. You have harassed a young Omega who properly exercised her legal rights to dissolve an unhealthy pack relationship. Your behavior is reprehensible."
Judge Hawthorne's voice gets harder.
"Therefore, I make the following rulings. First, I declare that Reverie Bell is officially and legally bonded to the pack consisting of Nash Rivera, Grayson Morrison, and Theo Carter.As of today, December 23rd, they are officially her pack, and no other statements or claims will be entertained or used against them in any court of law."
Relief crashes over me like a wave.
"Second," the judge continues, "I order Mr. Thorne and all members of his former pack to cease all contact with Ms. Bell immediately. No phone calls. No emails. No social media contact. No third-party contact. Any violation of this order will result in contempt charges and possible criminal harassment charges."
"Third, I am imposing sanctions on Mr. Thorne and his counsel for bringing fraudulent documentation to this court. You will each pay a fine of $100,000 to be paid within thirty days. Additionally, I am referring this matter to the state bar association for review of Mr. Hamilton's conduct."
Timothy looks like he's going to be sick.
Kael looks furious and humiliated.
And I’m…free?
Judge Hawthorne picks up her gavel.
"This decision is final and not subject to appeal under the Omega Protection and Relocation Act. This court is adjourned."
She slams the gavel down hard.
The sound echoes through the courtroom like thunder, sealing the case, sealing my freedom, sealing my future with my real pack.
Epilogue: Merry Christmas
~REVERIE~
I'm squealing at the top of my lungs as we sprint through Oakridge's town square, my breath coming out in white puffs in the freezing December air, my heart pounding with excitement and exertion and pure unbridled joy that makes me feel like I could fly.
"HURRY GUYS! We're not going to make it in time!" I shout back at my pack, laughing breathlessly as I run as fast as my legs will carry me toward the massive town Christmas tree that towers in the center of the square like something from a fairy tale.
Biscuit barks excitedly, his little golden retriever puppy legs working overtime as he bounds ahead of all of us with surprising speed for such a small dog, leading the way with his fluffy tail wagging furiously like a flag of pure happiness.
He's only been officially ours for six hours but he's already claimed pack leader status in his own adorable puppy mind. His happy barks echo through the mostly empty square, bouncing off shop windows and making a few late-night stragglers smile as we run past.
The town square is absolutely magical right now, like someone took a Christmas card and brought it to life. Strings of lights are draped everywhere—wrapped carefully around lamp posts, strung in swooping lines between buildings, woven through the branches of bare trees.
The shop windows along Main Street glow warmly, their displays still lit up showcasing Christmas decorations and winter scenes. Fresh snow from earlier today covers everything in a pristine white blanket that crunches satisfyingly under our running feet. The massive Christmas tree in the center—at least forty feet tall, maybe more—is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights in every color imaginable, visible from every single corner of town like a beacon of holiday spirit.
Behind me, the guys are bickering and racing one another with the kind of competitive intensity usually reserved for professional sports. Their voices carry through the cold night air.
"I'm winning! I'm definitely winning!" Grayson yells triumphantly, his voice slightly breathless but victorious.
"Like absolute hell you are!" Nash shoots back, his longer legs eating up ground fast, boots pounding on the snowy pavement. "I'm literally right behind you!"
"Military training, bitches!" Theo calls out with smug confidence, putting on a sudden burst of speed that makes him almost catch Grayson. "Uncle Sam taught me how to run! You civilians don't stand a chance!"
"That's cheating!" Nash argues between breaths, his voice indignant. "Using specialized training is cheating!"
"How is using skills I learned in service to my country cheating?! That's the opposite of cheating! That's preparation!"
"Because you're faster than us regular people!"
"That's literally the entire definition of winning!"
"You know what I mean!"
