36. Sadie

One Month Later

Security opens the limo door, and Bear scoots forward.

I check in one last time. "You can stay back. I've got support if this is too much."

"No, I'm good. I want to go. I need to see for myself the final verdict and make sure you're safe," he grumbles, turning to look at me over his shoulder.

"Okay. But if it gets to be too much, ask Graham to go with you?"

"Promise." He kisses my forehead. "And the same goes for you. You don't have to do this, and anytime you want to leave, we will follow."

My throat is tight, but I nod. "I know, and I need to see it too."

Tristian and Graham squeeze my hands, following Elliot and creating a protective wall.

Hunter helps me out of the limo, tucking me into his side. "Baby girl, I love you, and no matter what happens today, we're going home."

Logan takes my other side. "Besides, I make a mean getaway driver."

That memory of the first time we met when he said that same thing helps ease any lingering tension. "I got this, but thanks for the backup."

The sky is a dull grey, summer storms looming on the horizon of the Lux skyline. I take a few deep breaths of my pack's scent, shoring up my defenses.

The crowds make a deafening roar, protestors on both sides screaming and waving signs. Since the Alpha Council voted to enact new laws after their investigation into LanCo, our nation has been in a heated debate over scent matching and the need for pharmaceuticals.

I refuse to let them reach me in my bubble, calling on my bonds to insulate me against the mayhem all around us.

We ignore the press line, letting security guide us up the steps into the courtroom where my mother, Caroline Lancaster, will be sentenced today for the murder of my father. Memories of my father's death on these same steps try to wedge their way in, but the chorus of purrs from my pack keeps me in the moment.

Inside, the room is packed with lawyers, government officials, police, and reporters. We make our way into the courtroom and sit with my aunt's family at the back. She turns toward me, her face free of makeup and her hair done in her signature braid. I take her hand, the two of us quiet while the bustling room begins to settle. My pack whispers soothing words, crowding into me and purring.

When my mother is brought in from the side door, the only change in her usual perfectly crafted appearance is the weathering of her face. She's aged a decade in the last six months. She is a statue, still beautiful and terrifying, but I can see the tightening of her features and the suit she wears is an old one. The woman behind the mask is broken.

I didn't attend the trial and wasn't sure I wanted to come today. But the therapist I've been seeing said it might give me closure, so I'm here. I'm not sure what she thinks I need, but the sight of my mother doesn't bring me any peace.

The judge calls the room to order and reads through the recommendations made by the jury. They find her guilty on all five counts, including premeditated murder. That's good news, but if I'm honest, I don't feel much of anything when I look at the woman who raised me. The judge accepts their recommendation, sentencing her to life in prison without parole. Commotion rings through the crowd, and I find my feet moving toward the front of the room.

My mother turns at my approach, her eyes cold and her voice full of venom. "Sadie Anne Lancaster, I'm innocent! The Kings did this. How could you betray your family after everything we did for?—"

Bear growls, stepping forward, but I wave him off. I didn't grow up right, and my parents hurt a lot of people. But I've learned that it's not on me. Only figuring out how to be different is.

"I don't owe you anything. I'm not a Lancaster anymore. You are reaping the consequences of your own choices. Tell the lawyers to stop calling. Goodbye, Mother."

She hisses, but I don't care what the words are. My pack surrounds me, touching me and closing in on all sides as they escort me from the room.

Hunter whispers in my ear, "That's my girl."

I listen to their purrs as people try to speak with us. My pack sends memories like feelings through the bond. I take a deep breath and let them fill me with the joy of days at the lake and river, the peacefulness of our backyard, and lazy mornings making love before heading to the farmers' market in town. I think of private moments with each of my mates, like the way Logan braids my hair most mornings, or the rose petals Graham keeps fresh in my drawers, or the way El always finds a way to touch me. And I can breathe because home is a place inside me, and all this shit doesn't matter. It only matters that I've done my part to hold my parents accountable.

The press wait outside, and beyond them is the shouting crowd.

At the door, I turn to Hunter. "I know I don't owe them anything, but this time, I want to do this, and I need you all with me."

I step into the melee and brace myself. My pack lets me walk a step in front of them, but I can feel their body heat, the way they blanket me with their protection and love.

Microphones and cameras are pushed toward my face. I take a deep breath and give what I hope is my last public speech. "Today, my mother was found guilty of murdering my father in a unanimous decision by the jury. They sentenced her to life in prison without parole. With the close of her trial, I am closing my public life. I ask that you respect our pack's privacy as we try to move forward in the wake of these devastating events. The King Hospital foundation will remain open, and efforts to address the negative effects of LanCo drugs will be ongoing."

Voices shout, hurling questions.

"How do you feel about the verdict?"

"Is it true your father tried to murder you to keep you silent?"

"Did you?—"

Logan steps forward, his voice strong and smooth when he says, "There will be no more questions."

Hunter and Elliot create a wall, Graham and Tristian flanking them. The security team surrounds us, pushing back the sea of bodies until I can duck into the waiting limo.

It's done.

My pack shuffles into seats around me, their purrs never stopping. I snuggle into Elliot's side, keeping a tight hold on Logan's hand.

"Let's go back to Knotty Pines, where we belong."