“Mr. Finch has kindly provided a great deal of information about the minor in question. Asher seems to be a successful student, getting all A’s and B’s at a prestigious local school. It also appears he partakes in team sports, excelling in hockey at a high level. I don’t see anything here that points to abuse.” She shuffles through the paperwork again, holding up her finger for silence. “I also have medical records. A single broken wrist about two years ago, as a result of a hockey accident. Where is your evidence of any kind of abuse or neglect?”
Our lawyer nods happily several times at the point she’s made, and I gust out a relieved breath. She really might be on our side.
“Your honor, we have concerns about criminal activity in the home.” My jaw falls.Criminal?I’ve done nothing criminal in my life. Even when I was homeless, I never stole so much as a stick of gum.
“That is a very serious accusation. I am going to assume that you have evidence? If you do, I need you to turn it in right now. I don’t like being surprised in my courtroom,” she admonishes him, and he produces a thin single sheet of paper, which the bailiff retrieves and then hands to Judge Peters. Her eyes scan the document, brow furrowing while the courtroom is so silent you could hear a pin drop. Suddenly, Mr. Finch allows his chair to scrape loudly along the floor as he rises to his full height.
“Objection, Your Honor. I have not received this document and should have been allowed time to prepare.” Judge Peters motions him forward, handing over the document. From my vantage point, I can’t see what it says, and my imagination runs wild. Anxiety swells, and out of nowhere, a cramp hits me, forcing air out of my lungs.No. No. No. Not yet.
“While this document is not pertinent to today’s proceedings, I would advise caution. This information is not as damning asyou seem to believe if you choose to allege that the defendant is an unfit mother. The profession of Ms. Alton’s roommate is perfectly legal, as is the way Ms. Alton herself has made money to ensure the comfort of herself and her son. You will need a great deal more evidence to prove her to be unfit.”
She turns and looks at us, eyes drilling holes into me. It’s as if she’s staring straight into my soul and passing judgment on everything I’ve ever done wrong. I do my best to hold the judge’s stare and not squirm, but I don’t manage for very long. I’m pretty sure she is an Alpha with the waves of dominance rolling off her. A very irritated Alpha at that.
Anger rushes through the bond, and I quickly squeeze Vonn’s leg to stop him from growling at the judge. Instinct tells me she won’t like the challenge.
Our lawyer coughs loudly, drawing everyone’s attention, and I’m thankful for the reprieve.
“If it pleases the court, I move to have these ridiculous proceedings dismissed. Asher Alton does not have a father of record on his birth certificate. He is a member of Pack Keene, as is Phoenix Alton. Provided in your packet is a copy of their paperwork, determining Asher Alton as the son of Julius and Vonn Keene. With all their pack documentation approved, the omega’s child now belongs to the pack. Asher Alton has never met the plaintiff and, as such, there are no grounds for custody. Pack Keene would like to deny the request for paternity testing on their son.”
For a moment, the courtroom goes dead silent. Evan and his lawyer stare at one another in complete shock.How did they not see that coming?
I wait, the room growing tense as the silence continues. Sour lemon and burnt hazelnut erupt around me, and a whine nearly slips from my lips. My eyes are burning as the heat beneath my skin grows, ready to erupt.
But I’m not the only thing about to explode…
Chapter Forty-Six
Julius
Curling my toes in my shoes, I do my best not to shift from side to side, but the energy in the courtroom is off. My instincts are prickling. This room is a tinderbox, and the Judge is holding the match. Searching, I glance at Nixie’s parental pariahs, who sit silently, frowning. They’re reading the room, just like me, and we’re all pretty sure the case is about to go in our favor.
Before I get to continue my observations, the Judge bangs her gavel to get everyone’s attention.Silly since we’re all standing waiting for you, lady—but whatever.She’s been pretty fair through the whole thing, so I guess there’s no reason to complain.
“After reading the case, I have found a lack of evidence that requires Asher Alton to be forced to comply with paternity testing. The law on this is quite clear. An omega’s children belong to the pack; therefore, Pack Keene may deny the request. This case is dismissed.” The second the Judge lays down her official ruling, all hell breaks loose.
In the blink of an eye, Evan shoves his lawyer over and launches at us, his eyes narrowed onmyomega.Hell fucking yeah! Bring it, bitch.
“You spoiled little cunt!” he rages, so focused on getting to her that the dumb fuck completely misses the giant Alpha standing in his path. “You were supposed to be mine! My pussy to fuck whenever I wanted. To breed.”
Nixie’s sour raspberry scent breaks through her blockers, filling the courtroom, but my sweet girl need not worry. My hand curls into a fist, and I pull my arm back gleefully. I’ve been wanting to hit him since Nixie told me about their non-consensual breeding.Well, kill him more like it, but this will have to do.There’s an audience, after all.
Rearing back, my arm goes sailing forward as I smash Evan’s fucking face. My hit is perfect, a loud cracking echoes around us as I get him right in the center of his face. He reels back as blood pours satisfyingly from his nose, and I use his disorientation as an opportunity to grab his shirt. Using my well-earned muscles, I lift him off the floor and give the pathetic excuse for a man a shake.
“Eyes on me!” I bark, catching Vonn comforting Nixie in my peripheral vision. My omega is pale and shaken, which only makes my rage grow. A deep growl radiates from my chest, making Evan’s attention snap to me—right where it should be.
“Y-You can’t do this!” And that’s the thing about bullies; they think they can get away with anything until someone bigger, badder, and stronger steps the fuck up to stop them.
“I can. I have. And you will stay the fuck away from my Pack,” I snarl. Reaching into my pants pocket with the hand not holding Evan up, I slip a flash drive out, then bring him closer. “You’re not the only one with the ability to dig up the dirt on someone. Come near us again and I’ll bury you.” I hiss the warning, then punch him once more in the gut for good measure beforewatching him crumble to the ground. Court security steps in to remove the pathetic pile of trash, hauling him up by his arms and escorting him toward the judge.
With her eyes flashing in anger, Judge Peters makes one final statement. “After that abysmal behavior, I feel more certain than ever in my ruling. Furthermore, I’m adding an order of protection forallof Pack Keene. From this day forward, the plaintiff is not permitted within five hundred feet of them. This order will also be extended to Linda and George Alton. Case dismissed.”
It’s a nice, if unnecessary, gesture. The dirt Liam found on them all should more than ensure they stay away. But having it legal isn’t bad.
When I turn to my omega, my grin freezes. All thoughts of celebrating slip my mind when I take in her appearance. Sweat has formed on her brow, but Nixie’s face is ghost white, and her eyes are glossing over.
Reaching out, I brush my fingers over her cheek. “Shit, your skin is burning up, firebrand. What’s going on?”
She shakes her head, closing her eyes as if the light is too much. The strong scent of sweet raspberries and poppies blooms around me.
