Chapter 31
Emerging from the bedroom, the man sniffed.
Wolf shifter! He moved around the living room, sniffing, perplexed there was only one scent he could find.
When he reached the table on which the documents had rested, the man stood still.
Closing his eyes and inhaling deeply, he tried to figure out who the wolf shifter was.
There was something unusual about… Suddenly, the man’s eyes shot open. Holy shit!
~/~/~/~/~
Fussing with Fionn’s tie, Kieran said, “You look gorgeous Fi. Everyone’s eyes will be on you so make sure you follow Penn’s instructions.”
Seeing himself in the mirror, Fionn had to admit Ki did know how to use clothes to make the most of one’s assets.
Gone was the image of a teenager and, in its place, was a smart-looking young man.
Turning to look at his back, Fionn lifted his jacket, smirking at how hot his ass looked in the form-fitting dress pants.
“Stop looking at your perfect ass,” Kieran giggled.
Raising an eyebrow, Fionn asked, “Why? It’s hot!”
Rolling his eyes at his friend’s comment, Kieran replied, “Because you need to listen to me instead.”
Dropping his jacket, and meeting Kieran’s eyes in the mirror, Fionn said, “Go ahead. I’m all ears.”
Chuckling at the image of his friend being two giant ears, Kieran replied, “I hope not. Okay, the most important thing I want you to remember is not to get angry…or at least don’t show it…at anything your sleazeball relatives do or say in court today.”
“Why should that matter?” Fionn asked. “I have proof that I’m an adult.”
“I know you do, but your uncle will lie and come up with some cock and bull story. Do not react to it, please, Fionn. It’s important the judge sees you as a young man in control of his emotions, especially because you’re a dragon.
Please let Penn, Cody, and Dylon deal with your uncle and other relatives; all you have to do is sit there calmly and be respectful of the judge’s authority. Will you do that for me?”
The seriousness of Kieran’s voice caused Fionn’s fear to blossom once more. “Ki, you’re freaking me out and, just so you know, no matter what happens, I will not live with any of my fucking relatives so, you better have a back-up plan to save me.”
Kieran grasped Fionn’s shoulders, turning him around so they were face to face.
“You listen to me Fi. Under no circumstances will they get their hands on you, I promise. If the judge rules against you don’t argue…
just remain calm, excuse yourself and head to the men’s room.
Once you’re there disappear, using your portal, understand? ”
“That’ll take me to my hoard.”
“Yes, and from there you can go anywhere, right?” asked Kieran.
“Yes,” answered Fionn, “but, where should I go?”
“To Brian’s boat. He’s staying here at the hotel so you won’t run into anyone. Once there, send me a message that you’re safe.”
“Okay, but I don’t understand why the judge would rule against me if I have the proof. What kind of fucked up system is that?” asked Fionn.
Brushing a piece of lint from Fionn’s jacket, Kieran knew how fucked up things could get; all he had to do was remember what his parents did to him.
“Fi, even with all the evidence in the world, shit happens for many reasons. You are the rarest dragon there is and that makes you priceless. We already know your uncle is a liar so we can’t count on him or his lawyer to play it straight. ”
“Do you know what’s gonna happen? Did your spirit tell you? Is that why you’re laying all this shit on me?” asked Fionn.
“No, my spirit doesn’t know, but I personally know about the greed that controls the decisions of some shifters.”
Nodding, Fionn remembered what had happened to Kieran. Changing the subject, he said, “Did I ever tell you I spoke with my mother and she said to trust the Blackwood Pack?”
“Wise woman,” Kieran grinned. “Logan’s mind-linking me.
Are you ready to go? Mystia’s arrived to take you to the pack house.
” Studying his friend’s face, Kieran saw the fear deep in Fionn’s eyes.
“Fi, I vow everything will be all right. Whatever happens in court, your relatives won’t get near you. Okay?”
Swallowing hard, Fionn blinked several times, fighting the tears that Kieran’s promise had triggered, suddenly realizing the meaning of true friendship. “I love you Ki. You’re the brother I never had.”
“I love you too, Fi. And you’re right…we are brothers. So promise your big brother you’ll do exactly what I’ve told you to,” Kieran smiled.
Matching Kieran’s smile, Fionn said, “I promise.”
“Good. Then let’s go before Logan goes crazy.”
~/~/~/~/~
Opening his eyes, Fionn found himself standing next to Mystia in a huge living room where Cody and Dylon stood waiting.
Shaking off the dizziness he always experienced from using the vortex with her, Fionn decided he liked the portal better, even though it took longer to get somewhere.
Feeling power flowing around him, he looked around the room, seeking its source.
“Thanks, Mystia,” Cody said, giving her a hug.
“How’re my grandpups?”
“Jake and Jessica are spending some time with Daniel in Jackson’s study. I’m sure they’ll be over the moon to see you again so soon.” Cody smiled. Then, looking at the young dragon, he said, “Let me guess…Kieran dressed you.”
“How didja know?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Cody smirked. “Because you look stunning and he’s the only person I ever met who has the knack for doing that.”
Glancing down at the dark gray suit his friend picked out for him, Fionn shook his head. “He made me wear a pink shirt. I figured that was a dead giveaway.”
“Yeah, that too.” Cody laughed. “How are you feeling about today? Nervous?”
“Yeah, a little bit…no, a lot. I don’t trust my uncle.”
“We don’t either but Dylon has a plan to protect you,” Cody said, reaching for his mate’s hand. “Let’s head to his office so he can fill you in before we head to San Francisco.”
“Lead the way. Is this the Blackwood Pack’s house? It’s enormous.”
“Yes, and yes. You can pick your room later. By the way, Theo and Norm are on the second floor and Kieran and Logan will be moving to one of the suites on the first floor,” explained Cody.
“Where’s Zane?”
“Second floor, but since he’s mated now, he may move to a suite on the first floor.”
“I guess you’re pretty sure I’ll win in court today,” Fionn said.
Stopping, Cody turned to look at Fionn. “Yes, I’m positive.”
The certainty of his answer helped tamp down some of Fionn’s fear, yet he couldn’t allow himself to totally believe Cody; his uncle was a greedy liar—just as Fionn’s father had been. Entering Dylon’s office, he sat down in the chair Cody pointed to and waited to hear about the plan.
~/~/~/~/~
After Fionn had left with Mystia, Kieran joined Logan and the others.
Listening to Reif describe the ancient buildings in Angelopoulos, he suddenly had an idea.
“Macushla, when we go to Mykonos, we can visit Reif’s home at the same time.
Oh, my gods, it would be so amazing to visit a place no one has ever seen, I mean, even my Shaman didn’t know about it, and I thought he knew everything.
Hmmm, I think we should go there first because if we go there after Mykonos, I think we’ll be too tired to really enjoy it because of all the parties at the gathering, if you get my drift, but if we go there first, we’ll be fresh and can soak everything in.
What do you think? Isn’t it a fantabulous idea? ”
“Ay, I would like to see it too,” Brian said.
“See, perfecto! Then Reif and Brian can come with us to Mykonos,” burbled Kieran.
Before Logan could answer, Zane and David reappeared. Holding up the bag,” Zane said, “We got everything.”
“So, did we!” Theo exclaimed, bursting into the room with Norman, who had three cardboard tubes tucked under his arm.
“The lady was so helpful, making sure the maps we picked out were all from different years, well, maybe more like centuries. We weren’t sure how far back we needed to go, so pooh bear told the lady we’d take a whole bunch. Isn’t he clever?”
“Good,” said Logan. “Put everything on the table while I gather the rest of the troops.” Then, he texted Dakota and Colton to join them.
~/~/~/~/~
Sitting between Penn and Dylon at the table in the courtroom, Fionn turned his head and watched as his uncle entered, stopping short after seeing five rows of enforcers sitting behind Fionn and his lawyer. Turning to Penn, he murmured, “My uncle’s here.”
“Good,” answered Penn, opening a folder and taking out several documents.
“Where’s Cody?” Fionn asked, giving a quick glance around the room. “I thought he was going to be here, too.”
“Don’t worry about him,” Dylon replied. “Remember, don’t react to anything the asshole does. We got this.”
Lacking the confidence Dylon was projecting, Fionn sat back in his chair and concentrated on getting his riotous emotions under control.
Once again, his life was in the hands of other people, some of whom certainly didn’t have his best interests in mind, and bad memories of his father threatened to overcome him.
He swore to himself that, no matter what happened at this hearing, he would never allow anyone to wield that kind of power over him again.
“All rise!” the bailiff’s voice thundered.
Stumbling to his feet, Fionn stared at the black-robed figure entering the courtroom, trying to pick up on any vibes from the judge who would decide his fate.
Penn tugged on Fionn’s jacket, forcing him to sit back down.
Listening to the bailiff inform the judge all parties were present in the matter, he looked around, seeing his uncle seated at the other table with, what he assumed was, his lawyer— confirmed when the judge spoke to him.
“Mr. Walker, you have informed the court that you wish to introduce new evidence that supports your client’s petition, is that correct?”
Rising, Walker answered, “Yes, Your Honor. May it please the Court, I’d like to submit it now.” Then he handed documents to the bailiff and to Penn.
After quickly skimming through the papers, Penn stood. “Your Honor, I must object. This is clearly a move by the opposing counsel to gain an unfair advantage by keeping this evidence undisclosed until today.”
“Denied. Mr. Anderson, this is not a criminal proceeding but one seeking to determine what is best for a minor. Any and all evidence will be considered today.”
Nodding, Penn asked, “May I ask the Court for a short recess in order to confer with my client regarding this new evidence?”
Holding his breath, Fionn watched as the judge frowned at Penn and, just when he thought the request would be denied, heard him say, “Ten minutes.” Within seconds, he found himself surrounded by enforcers as Penn led him out of the courtroom and into a small private room.
“What the fuck happened?” Fionn asked, as Dylon closed the door.
Handing the young white dragon the papers the other attorney had given him, Penn said, “According to your uncle, our midwife certificate belongs to a child…also named Fionn…your mother had prior to you, but who died within months of his birth.”
“What a load of bullshit!” exclaimed Dylon.
“I don’t understand,” Fionn said, studying the documents. “Why does it matter? We have the midwife’s testimony…she was at my birth.”
“Yes,” said Penn, “but by submitting these new documents…which I believe are forgeries…our midwife’s testimony will only confirm she was at the birth of a male child who was named Fionn.
Since she hasn’t seen you since that night, she can’t testify that you’re that child.
In effect, her testimony will only strengthen your uncle’s claim. ”
The fear Fionn had held in abeyance came roaring back as the impact of Penn’s words sank in.
Rising, he had one goal and that was to flee, get as far away from his uncle as possible since Fionn now knew it was a lost cause.
He should have expected it. Taking a step towards the door, Fionn was stopped by a hand on his arm.
“Whoa, where are you going, Fionn?” asked Dylon.
“Let go of me!” Struggling to free his arm, Fionn’s anger grew, no longer aimed at just his relatives but now including his lawyer and the man who was preventing his escape.
Pulling forth his dragon’s strength, Fionn tried to pry Dylon’s fingers off him but when he couldn’t lift even one, conceded defeat.
“What the fuck are you?” Fionn growled, astonished at Dylon’s power.
“Sit,” Dylon said, forcing the dragon down in his chair.
Frustrated, Fionn spat, “Fine. Now what? You’re going to keep me a prisoner just like my father did?”
“Fionn, please,” said Penn, quietly. “No one is keeping you a prisoner. If you’ll just let me finish…”
Scowling, Fionn muttered, “Go ahead. I guess I don’t have a choice.”
Nodding at Dylon to remove his hand, Penn continued. “I expected something like this would happen, especially after Jackson informed me what kind of dragon you are.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?” snapped Fionn.
“I plan to go ahead and submit our midwife’s certificate to the court, and ask the midwife to confirm she was present at the birth. While she can’t swear the child listed on the certificate and you are the same, it’s important she verify the authenticity of it,” Penn explained.
“Why?” asked Fionn, sullenly.
“Because it is,” said Penn. “Don’t forget the other witness we have…
the family lawyer who can testify to the dates of the gifts received from your relatives.
” Gathering up the documents, he added, “Fionn, I know you haven’t had many people you could trust in your life but I’m asking you… please believe that I will win.”
“Yeah? Why should I? Right now, all I’m seeing is my uncle has outfoxed you with fake shit,” Fionn snorted, pissed that Penn would even request that leap of faith from him.
Slipping the papers into his briefcase and snapping it closed, Penn turned, locking his eyes with Fionn’s. “The Fates gave me the task to help you and I will not fail them. Now, can I trust you to remain calm and not to react to any lies and bullshit your uncle throws out about you?”
Seeing the truth in Penn’s eyes, Fionn felt his anger recede and his hope rise again.
Remembering his mother’s words…‘Trust everyone in the Blackwood Pack. They will protect you from anyone who means to do you harm.’ Fionn then turned to Dylon and, finding the proof of trust also in his face, answered Penn’s question, “I promise. No matter what happens, I won’t react. ”
“Okay, then let’s get back in there and kick some butt,” grinned Penn.