“As long as Omen is safe, that’s what matters.” Foster pulls his chair closer and tugs me against his side. I lean into him, taking the comfort he offers as my thoughts fly in a hundred directions.
“Have they found my mother?”
Shepherd shakes his head. Of course, they haven’t. She would have run as soon as she realized the FCDA was breaching the church. Mother always preferred to hide in the shadows, whispering her evil to others. Only behind closed doors did her true nature rear its ugly head.
“I got a call from Miss Adler. A federal judge has agreed to hear your divorce and custody case. They’ve set the court date for next Monday.” Relief sweeps through me. If I weren’t already sitting, it would have knocked my legs out from under me. There is hope now that both my children and I will be free of Colin’s control.
Foster pulls me to my feet, urging me into the living room where our fort has been moved to cover the couch. “Let our Alpha do the dishes while we cuddle. I need you in my arms.”
Settling into the corner of the couch, I lean against his chest and melt. My head falls to rest on his shoulder, and my eyes flutter closed. “You’re very relaxed today, Angel.” His hands brush against my sides, up and down in soothing motions.
“I’m ready.” The admission is barely a whisper, but it feels loud beneath the canopy of blankets and twinkling lights. His hands freeze on my stomach, and his breath catches in his throat. I peek one eye open, watching as his throat bobs with an audible swallow.
“Ready for what?”
Turning my head to the side, I press my nose against his scent gland. My lips brush his skin as I answer. “For us.”
I giggle when he groans, his hips lifting to grind against my backside. He’s clearly happy and turned on, but makes no move to do anything about it. A grin stretches across his lips, and his hands continue their paths up and down my sides.
“You’ve done it now, Angel! We’re going to sweep you off your feet!”
Despite his promise, nothing happens between us immediately. We’re thrown into chaos again when Shepherd gets called into the DAU to help track Ben. Foster is also gone a lot, having to cover at the community center when the usual manager is down with the flu. Kaitlin and I join him a few times and hang out with the older kids, but it’s hard to leave theapartment knowing there are still so many threats lurking in the dark.
Monday morning comes fast, leaving us standing outside the courtroom and waiting for our case to be called. Lilah looks amazing in her form-fitting black slacks and silvery top. A blazer rests on a nearby chair, something she said she’d throw on when we go in.
Given that the temperature today is in the mid-nineties and the courthouse air conditioning system is struggling to keep up, I understand her losing the extra layer. I wore a simple sundress, one of the few outfits I have that still fit and are respectable enough for this situation. Sweat still trails down my spine even in the breathable material. I couldn’t imagine wearing pants today.
A man steps out of a nearby door and calls out to the room. “Docket 67439. Colin Boyd, Hannah Montgomery-Boyd.” I grimace hearing my married name, but shove down the discomfort. If today goes the way I want, I can lose both names permanently.
Lilah leads the way, guiding me into the small room. There are two wooden tables with an aisle between them, and two rows of additional seating. Lilah claims the table on the right, directing Foster, Shepherd, and Kaitlin into the seats behind us. Nerves make my legs bounce as we wait for Colin to arrive.
Minutes pass, deepening the judge’s scowl. No one else shows. Not Colin, nor his lawyer. We’re the only ones in the room.
“Well, Miss Adler, it appears opposing counsel doesn’t feel the need to attend today, so let’s begin.” The judge is a stern, older man—an Alpha, given his strong presence—but he doesn’t seem unkind. Factual would be the best word to describe him as he reviews the petition for divorce and request for full custody of both children.
Lying the files in front of him, he meets my eyes. “Mrs. Montgomery-Boyd, I accepted your case to prevent you from falling prey to the corruption we are learning runs deep in your home state of New Hampshire. The testimonials provided by the DAU and FCDA prove your strength and tenacity. Unfortunately, they do not make your situation any less complicated.”
My nails dig into my palms as I nod sharply, trying to fight the anxiety clawing through my body.
“As Mr. Boyd could not be bothered to appear before me today, I see no reason not to grant your petition for divorce. For your request to be granted full custody of your daughter and unborn child… that’s where I am torn. You have no work history and an incomplete education. How do you plan to provide for your children? To shelter and feed them?”
Lilah had warned me this would be our biggest hurdle. Money is one factor I have no concerns about. I hadn’t wanted to reveal anything with Colin in the room, but since he isn’t here… “Your Honor, when I became an informant for the DAU eleven years ago, I requested that any payment be put into a savings account, one that wouldn’t be listed in my name. I was afraid my family would find it and realize I was working against them. Now that I am free from the cult, the DAU is transferring the account to me.”
I nod to Lilah, who presents a statement from the account and a copy of my contract with the DAU. The amount in the account… it still shocks me to see it. There will be no need for me to work for the foreseeable future, but I know it isn’t a permanent solution.
The judge must agree, because he frowns at me. “And your long-term plans?”
This is what I’d pulled Lilah aside to discuss as soon as we arrived this morning. Without guaranteed stability, I’ll neverwin this case. Custody will be split between me and Colin, which cannot happen. But there is a golden ticket in my pocket; I just have to be brave enough to use it.
“With the divorce finalized, I am joining the Wilson pack.” I gesture to the two men behind me, but I don’t dare look at either of them. I’ll combust if I see their expressions. “They are my Fate-matched mates. We share a matching birthmark connection.” I offer my elbow up so he can see the mark on my skin.
Shepherd or Foster must do the same, because the judge nods. “I see. That’s a most joyous discovery. Wilson Pack, are you prepared to add Hannah and her children to your pack roster?”
“We are, Your Honor.” Shepherd’s voice rings confidently through the room. He doesn’t doubt us. He never has.
“Then I see no reason to deny your request for full custody. Congratulations, Wilson Pack. Counselor Adler, file the paperwork with the court, and I’ll approve it as soon as it reaches my desk.”
We’re dismissed so the next case can begin. I walk on shaky legs, still reeling from the stress. It’s…over? Truly? Sweet, buttery lemon engulfs me as soon as we step into the hallway. Foster’s arms hold me tight against his chest, his relief as palpable as my own. “You’re free, Angel.”
