“You have nothing to hide. Cartwright is gone and you still have your memories. They’ll review the evidence, and the truth will come out.”
He’s right. Of course he is. I’m just scared of getting my hopes up. What if Cartwright wasn’t the only source of corruption? Can I really trust these witches to try me fairly?
The doors open, and we step out into a waiting room where a small crowd has already assembled. Recognition slams into me, halting me in my tracks. Anders dips his head in acknowledgement while Jamie grins and hurries over.
“Hey. What are you guys doing here?” I let Jamie pull me into a hug, grateful for the support.
“To support you and Lyall.”
My heart trips over itself. “Is he here?” Over Jamie’s shoulder, I notice a few other people, surprised I recognize them. One of them is big and blond with a rugged beard. That has to be Wulfric. Beside him is a slightly shorter man with ginger hair. He takes Wulfric’s hand and leads him over.
I force myself to breathe as the pack Alpha who exiled me stops only inches away. I always thought I was tall, but Wulfric is huge, and the sour expression on his face is far from welcoming.
“Soren?” the shorter man asks with a friendly smile. I nod, and he extends a hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Kieran. This is—”
“Wulfric,” I say, reaching out slowly to Kieran. “I recognize you.”
Wulfric looks down at my hand, like he isn’t sure if he should bite it off or not. Kieran elbows him, and Wulfric clears his throat. “And I, you.” I shake Kieran’s hand, then Wulfric’s, pulling away more quickly than is polite.
Wulfric’s brow furrows. “I… know what you must think of me.”
“Do you?” Anger snuffs out my nerves, making my nails bite into my palms.
Wulfric rubs the back of his neck. “I won’t excuse the choices I made. There were many ways I could have handled what happened. What I did wasn’t fair to you or my brother.”
His solemn tone is pretty convincing. It will take time for me to trust him, but at least he seems sincere. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
There’s a low growl nearby, and I freeze in panic when Gunnar approaches, flanked on all sides by men and women. His arms are bound behind his back, and a muzzle is strapped to his skull. Wulfric puts a hand on my shoulder and urges me closer to him and Kieran as the guards escort Gunnar past us. Just before they enter the big double oak doors, Gunnar looks over his shoulder at me. Wide silver eyes, narrowed in rage, find mine and then the door slams and conceals him from sight.
Wulfric exhales beside me. “I hope Arlo will be able to help him…”
The name is oddly familiar.
“Soren?”
At the sound of that voice, so small and hopeful, the noise in my head just stops. Throat thickening, I look up and Lyall’s there, two cups of water in his hands. Tears fill his eyes, his face a mirror of the joy and sheer relief coursing through me.
The cups of water hit the floor, soaking into the carpet when I pull him into a hug so full of desperation, it makes my chest ache. Lyall’s arms fly around me, holding me to his chest. “Gods, I missed you,” he says, cradling the back of my head.
“I’m here. Not going anywhere,” I say into his shoulder.
Lyall’s here. He’s okay. We’re together, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it stays that way. This man is my forever, the big damn love story I’ve been looking for, and I’m never letting him go without a fight.
Taking my face between his hands, Lyall presses his lips to mine in a kiss so hard and fierce, it takes my breath away. We’re both breathing hard when we break apart for air. Lyall nuzzles his forehead against mine. “I’m so sorry,” he whispers, tears lining his lashes. “I should have—”
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. I’m all right. We both are.” For the first time in the days since we were separated, I feel hopeful. I take his hand and kiss his palm. “We’re together. All we need to do is speak our truth to the Council, and then we’ll have our whole lives together.”
Lyall’s lips tremble when he smiles. “Aye. Together.”
“Erikson Pack? Fergus and Soren?” An older woman in a business suit enters from the double doors.
“Present,” Wulfric says.
She holds the doors open wider. “I am Councilwoman Harding. Please come inside and take a seat.”
Just like that, my nerves come rushing back. If they didn’t give me a fair trial last time, who is to say I will get one this time?
Lyall squeezes my hand. “Whatever happens, Soren, I’ll find you again.”
