Chapter 46
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 on my omega. 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 before watching 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 for all of 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.
Heat. Bite. Mate. Claim. Mine.
My brain goes fuzzy, but fortunately, I have a packmate who’s exceptional at keeping his wits about him.
“She’s burning up. We need to get out of here.
” Vonn swings Nixie into his arms, then steps behind me like I’m a human shield, and it’s my absolute fucking honor.
Puffing up my chest, I march purposefully toward the door.
People move out of my path, and it’s a good thing because I’d gleefully run them the fuck over.
Keeping my head on a swivel for any threats, I head straight for the door. Thankfully, no one stops us, and a few moments later, we step out into the sunlight. A cool breeze fans us, and I hope it’ll help make Nixie a bit more comfortable.
“Is she doing okay? I can see the car from here.” A small hand grips the back of my suit, the heat of her skin searing right through the thick material. Fuck.
“I’m f-fine.” Nope. I know that word. “Need my nest.” My mind wrestles with indecision. Should I sprint for the car and bring it here, or should we all go together?
As if reading my mind, Vonn answers, “Stay close. I don’t see anything off, but Nixie needs you near.” God, I can’t wait to have a window into my omega’s emotions.
“Got it. Let’s go together then, straight to the car.
” We do just that, moving as one through the busy block.
Trying to ignore my instinct to claim and rut my firebrand right here, my brain goes into planning mode.
“Do you want to drive home? Or me? Her nest is all set up, thank goodness—so talk to me. What needs to be done?”
“Don’t talk around me,” Nixie hisses, giving my jacket an angry tug.
“You’re both sitting in the front. Someone needs to text Cassia.
She’ll keep Ash during my heat; she always does.
” Her voice is soft, pain lacing every word, but I’m shocked at how lucid she is.
Judging by the heat radiating off her, Nixie is already in full-blown heat, or nearing it.
“You’ve got it. Are you okay with my asking Cassia to stay in our old apartment?
” After a few discussions, we all decided to let go of Nixie’s place, but kept the apartment just in case we needed somewhere to crash after late games.
The house isn’t too far away, but it’s still nice to have a place right by the arena.
When we get to the car, I quickly unlock it, open the back door, and step aside so Vonn can place Nixie in.
My packmate is pale, his pupils dilated.
For the first time, I realize he’s struggling.
Our omega slides gracefully inside, even cramping and sweating from the pain, she’s still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Nixie gives me her phone, hands shaking, then scoots in.
Her scent makes me want to follow her and lick every inch of her, but I resist.
Vonn, on the other hand, attempts to climb into the backseat, making Nixie growl.
“No. Both of you in the front.” Vonn’s shoulders slump, crestfallen, so I give him her phone. “I want my nest.” A whine slips from her sweet lips, and it takes everything inside to keep my shit together.
But my omega wants to have her heat in her first real nest, and nothing else will do.
“Come on, man. You text Cass, and I’ll get us home in one piece. The faster we get going, the sooner we can help our girl.” His stormy hazel eyes find mine; he’s barely hanging on, but he steps to the side and lets me close the door.
“Why won’t she let me help her? I-I can feel the pain and her need,” he whispers brokenly, staring down at the ground. He’s been so self-assured with Nixie from the start that his lack of understanding startles me.
“Our omega wants your help. But remember how she talked about never having a heat in a nest of her own? She’s got one now, and we need to get her there. Nixie’s instincts are pushing her hard—if we get carried away in the car, she won’t end up with the heat she’s always dreamed of.”
Vonn brightens instantly, finally understanding the feelings barreling down the bond into him.
He rushes around and slides into the passenger seat.
I climb into the driver’s seat before starting the engine.
I wait just long enough to make sure everyone is safely buckled in until I slam the car in reverse and get the hell out of here.
“And, Julius?” Nixie gasps from the backseat, where her scent is growing deeper by the second. “If I don’t walk out of this heat with your bite, you’re in big trouble.” No sweeter words have ever been spoken.
“Firebrand, consider it done.”
I press the gas pedal as far as it can go.