41. Luther

41

Luther

The process is pretty much what I'd expect, Detective Ward standing at the entrance to gather me and Maceo before dropping us off in an interrogation room. He sits across from us but doesn't speak, another officer entering the room and closing the door behind him. I mildly recognize this Alpha, someone I know is acquainted with Hudson and shouldn't be allowed to detain me due to conflicting interests.

Maceo lands a hand on my shoulder, squeezing lightly so that I don't make a scene.

My rights are read to me before the detective offers his name, Detective Peyton. He drops into a seat beside Detective Ward, placing a thick file in front of us. "Luther Keller, you are one hard man to understand. You have everything at your feet, a wonderful pack, a company, and a private condo but gave it up to steal another man's Omega?" He whistles, following it with a laugh.

I launch forward, Maceo's hand on my shoulder the only thing stopping me from swiping the detective's face.

"Touchy, are we? It's too bad that there's a file worth of evidence regarding Hudson's Omega and how you wrongfully detained him in your house. I'm aware that Hudson has sent a slew of texts and has called as well, asking for his Omega back."

I turn to look at Maceo, wondering how to respond. The investigation had been ongoing and we were not required to speak with or contact Hudson. He nods, telling me that I can explain. "An ongoing investigation into the Alpha's abuse placed his Omega in my custody. An order of protection was also filed a few days ago and was being assessed by the courts."

Detective Peyton laughs, slapping the table as if it truly is funny. "Luther, you are a smart man. Without Luca's testimony, there is nothing to those claims, not even with the medical records. It's an open-and-shut case. You're illegally holding onto another man's Omega and an order of protection?" He opens the folder and points to the papers I signed off a few days ago. "These ones? They're a joke. A judge would have never signed them."

"Did they even make it to the judge?" I ask, trying to keep my voice level but it's increasingly hard as I realize that Detective Peyton is not a man of the law. He works for money or someone else, maybe even the mayor but not for the good of the people.

"I don't know what you're insinuating, Luther Keller, but I don't like it. The way I see it, you've gone out of your way to take something that isn't yours. I also know that the Omega you stole went through a heat and while you've done a bang-up job cleaning yourself up, reports say that you took off for your Omega's heat a few days ago. It wasn't Blake's which only leaves Hudson's Omega."

My Alpha bristles every time the detective disrespects Luca by calling him Hudson's but I can't react. It'll only make this worse. As it is, Maceo has his work cut out for him.

"You've broken the law for your own gain, or maybe the gain of one of your pack. I'm not sure. Either way, your claim on that Omega has been revoked and you are required to return him to his Alpha by tomorrow. You're going to jail, Luther Keller. I hope this was worth it." A deviant grin spreads across Detective Peyton's lips as he slams the folder closed and then exits the room, leaving Detective Ward to cuff me.

"I'm sorry-"

"Bullshit, Charles. Don't start now. You know good and well Hudson should be behind bars for the shit he pulled and the Omega he abused but I guess your job is worth more than a life." I growl at the detective as he gently pulls my arms behind my back and slaps the metal around my wrists. The reality of my situation is becoming too real and I almost wish that I had slathered myself in my mates' scents before I left. "Maceo—"

"I got them, Alpha."

"Promise me one thing, Maceo."

"Anything."

"Don't push them away. You may not be ready to jump in head first but I trust you. Grayson trusts you and you are what they need. I have a feeling you might need them just as much." I bow my head forward, Maceo leaning his head against mine before Detective Ward pushes me toward the door. Maceo briefly ran through the process so that I wouldn't be blindsided.

I'll spend a day or two in the local jail before they figure out where to put me and that's the most crucial time for Maceo to work through not only the case but through my assets. Hudson will try me for everything and I need to have nothing for him to take. Nothing.

We pass through the main area, Hudson launching toward us. I should have known that he wouldn't be held back, that everyone is following his version of events rather than the truth. His fist connects with my face, my instincts telling me to fight back, to prove to everyone here who is the strongest Alpha. However, that will only make it worse.

So, for the first time in my life, I concede.

I bare the brunt of the pain, clench my teeth, and bow my head. Everyone here will believe I am guilty with that one move but it might just save my life.

And then I close off the bond so that my mates don't suffer right along with me.