Chapter 12 #2
I smiled when Thane glanced over, as if he could sense my eyes on him. He gave me a wink, and Bastian caught it, elbowing Thane as he whispered something I couldn’t hear. Thane threw his head back and laughed, and the sound warmed something inside of me.
War was deep in conversation with August and Faust. The three of them stood in a small group with their arms crossed over their chests. I couldn’t help but snort at the picture they painted. Three pissed-off-looking males that were so large that they dwarfed the room we stood in.
Merrick was unpacking and speaking with Atlas. His laugh was boisterous as he tried to make my cousin laugh, the thick Irish accent only adding to it. I always liked Merrick. There was something so warm and safe about his presence.
Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it was Merrick who carried me out of that prison cell that day at the facility. After Serenity found me, Merrick carried me out and set me down under a large tree, ordering several wolves to fetch me some much-needed water.
That’s where Gareth found me and scooped me up in his strong arms, telling me everything was going to be alright and that they were going to get me somewhere safe.
He and Merrick had fought off so many armed humans that day. I remembered the bloodlust in their eyes and the ferocity of how they killed. All the while, they protected me.
I’d passed out sometime after that and later woke up in the safety of the Blood Moon pack house. That was the last time Gareth ever looked at me kindly—until now.
Sean and Gareth were now bringing in the rest of the luggage from the cold, the icy snow blowing in after them. Gareth kicked the door closed behind him, and I ran over to lock it up.
Loxley made herself comfortable with a cup of tea that Thane handed to her and sat on one of the chairs next to the fire Bastian just started with a wave of his hand, violet magic crackling at his fingertips.
Soon the cabin was filled with voices, new scents, and laughter. Even despite all the absurd shit going on lately, the fact that we were all here safe and sound together was enough to take a few moments to appreciate.
I joined Loxley by the fire, and Serenity ambled over a moment later, two mugs in hand, passing one to me. I took it gratefully, my fingers still chilled from the frozen air.
We sipped our tea while the guys situated everything for us. I wasn’t complaining. The moment they showed up, every ounce of feminist energy in my body flew out the window.
The night wore on, and everyone settled around the fireplace, some perched on cots and others sharing the couch or the comfy shag rug on the floor. It was getting late, but everyone was on edge, wondering when the other shoe would drop and Estelle would make more problems for us.
“I've been in contact with the prosecution in Sol,” Bastian said. “You’re due in court to give a statement in three days, Trix. It’s happening fast. They're impatient.”
I sucked in a breath, dread pouring through my body. I knew it was coming eventually, but I wasn’t ready to leave the safety of this cabin. “Am I going to be arrested again?”
The thought of being locked in a cell for any length of time had me grinding my teeth and my skin itching uncomfortably.
“It’s just a formality, but no, you won’t be arrested. It’s a private hearing, and once you give your statement, you’ll be free to come back here for a few weeks while we wait. That is, unless the jury can make a decision in just a few hours. That's the best-case scenario. ”
"That's good news," I replied, feeling some relief wash over me. I gave Bastian a watery smile. “I never thanked you for helping me. For acting as my lawyer. You have no idea how grateful I am.”
He nodded, giving me a warm smile back. “Anything for family.”
The warmth emanating from the fireplace did little to temper the chill that had settled over me like a second skin as I thought about the impending court hearing. Three days. Three days to prepare myself for what could be the defining moment of my life.
As everyone began settling in for the night, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Fear and anxiety made strange bedfellows in my mind as I contemplated what lay ahead.
I looked around the room, taking in everyone’s faces, and wondered how I’d managed to find myself among such a motley crew. It was strange, but here with them, I felt something like belonging.
Someone clearing their throat interrupted my train of thought. It was Atlas, his eyes holding mine as he spoke, “You know we’re all here for you, right? Whatever happens in there—” he nodded towards Bastian, “We’ve got your back.”
I felt a lump form in my throat at his words, and suddenly, I couldn’t blink away the tears that had gathered in my eyes. They weren’t tears of sadness or pain, but they were a testament to the fact that Atlas’s words had touched me deeply.
“Thanks,” I muttered, my voice choking with emotion.
Atlas just smiled at me before turning his attention back to the game of cards he was playing with Faust and Merrick, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again.
I looked around the room once more, letting out a heavy sigh as I rubbed my temples. The whole situation was weighing heavily on me, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take before I broke down completely.
Suddenly feeling claustrophobic among so many people, I got to my feet and made my way toward the door. "I'm just going for some air," I called out to no one in particular as I slipped my shoes on and stepped outside into the icy night.
The snow crunched under my feet as I walked a few paces away from the cabin, looking up at the stars, which twinkled like fragile diamonds in the sky. I took a few deep breaths, letting the chilly air fill my lungs and clear my head.
But my peace was short-lived as I heard a twig snap behind me, causing me to spin around quickly. My heart was pounding in my chest, and fear was creeping up my spine as I saw a shadowy figure approaching me.
Gareth's voice broke through the stillness of the night, "It's just me."
I let out a breath. "You scared me," I admitted.
Gareth offered me a small smile before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigarette. He lit it up before gesturing for me to join him.
"I can't believe you're still smoking," I said with a hint of amusement in my voice as we stood there silently, watching the smoke curl up into the air.
"You'd be surprised how little some things change," he replied cryptically. He didn't smoke often, but I'd caught him a few times back home whenever he was feeling stressed.
I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling a little irritated at his vague answer. But before I could press him further, he spoke again, "You can talk to me if something’s bothering you. I'm not a dick anymore, remember?"
"You think smoking and talking is going to solve everything?"
"No," he said firmly. "But sometimes, just having someone there who listens can make all the difference."
I plucked the cancer stick from his lips, taking a drag myself, letting the hot nicotine fill my lungs. We stood there in silence as we passed it back and forth, staring off into the night sky.
Finally breaking the silence after what felt like an eternity, Gareth took one last drag before flicking it away into the darkness. "There's no point in driving yourself insane worrying about the hearing. You're innocent. That's that."
”I’m fucking scared, Gar,” I said, letting out a long, shuddering breath. "I'm innocent, but that footage says otherwise."
The back door opened behind me, a sliver of light peeking through as both War and Thane stepped outside to join us.
“Who’s scared?” Thane asked, making a gimme gesture to Gareth, who rolled his eyes and handed him a cigarette, which he lit with the flick of his wrist.
“Probably everyone,” I said dejectedly. “I’m freaked out about going back for the hearing. You know she’ll be waiting for me.”
War nodded. “Most likely.”
Thane elbowed his brother. “Thanks, mate; that's going to make her feel loads better.”
War frowned. “I’m not going to lie to her. There’s a good chance Estelle has some shit up her sleeve, and what better time to try it than during a murder trial? She lives for the spectacle.”
I chewed on the inside of my lip nervously. “How the hell did I get myself mixed up in this crap?”
War looped an arm around me, pulling me in close to his side and shrouding me in his warmth. “You can’t choose the family you’re born into.”