The One He Claimed

Chapter 186: Zahn’s Trial

SophieConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

It was an exhausting day, but an incredible one to watch as Lucas won his pack. I’m so happy, so very happy for them, and also excited to know that my sister’s pack will be surrounded by two strong allies. But I’m also sad that another one of my best friends will be leaving my pack, and maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones again, but when Hunter and I finally went to bed last night, I cried in his arms again.

He didn’t say anything, just let Shaw purr at me, calming me down until I feel asleep. When I woke up this morning, he was already gone, having tucked his pillow against me so that his scent would still be in my nose. I smile, thinking of my thoughtful mate, breathing in his scent.

And then, my mind begins going through everything that needs to happen today and I nearly shoot up out of bed. Today is the trial for Alpha Zahn.

I’ve just waddled my way out of bed when the door opens and the scent of pancakes, maple syrup, and butter waft into my nose, followed closely by an even better scent, pine. The scent of my mate.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he says, walking in with a tray of food.

It’s bizarre. Even as pregnant as I am, even as uncomfortable as i I am, not having had my mate inside me in over a day has hot desire flaring to life, heating my core and making my arousal pool between my thighs. The man is so ridiculous gorgeous, so loving, so caring, and as he smiles a knowing smile, I know he’s also as connected to my thoughts and emotions as he always is.

He sets the tray aside. “Did you need something else before you eat this morning, my love?”

If I didn’t have our giant baby in between us, I’d leap into his arms. Hedda’s possessiveness flares, wanting to mark Hunter yet again.

“How about I take care of that ache, then Hedda can mark me as many times as she wants,” Hunter, or maybe it’s Shaw, purrs.

“Good thing you’re already naked,” he says, walking to me, turning me toward the bed and bending me over before removing his clothes and easing my ache. By the time he’s done and Hedda has marked him again, pushing her venom into his body, finally feeling sated for now, our breakfast is lukewarm.

“I’ll go get some more,” Hunter says.

“No, it’ll be fine. We both need to get ready for today,” I say and over breakfast Hunter and I discuss what to expect today.

We’d had our warriors bring Alpha Zahn with them in a passenger van when they came for the competition. When he arrived, he’d gone straight to Amelia’s cells which is where he’s remained for the last two days.

“Lucas won’t be able to vote, since he’s technically still part of our pack. But he and Kinsley will be able to sit in and ask questions. Jake is obviously presiding, and hopefully Ezra has spent enough time with him that he feels comfortable with his role. It’s fairly straightforward, as long as Zahn doesn’t act like a fool.”

“I’m pretty sure we all know that he WILL act like a fool. That’s what he does.”

“True, so then Jake will have to decide if the trial continues, if it has to stop, or if it continues without him there. And then, he’ll accept the votes of the other Alphas and make the final determination on Zahn’s punishment.”

“That’s a lot to ask of a new Alpha.”

“It is, but Ezra is a good Alpha. Like me, he includes his Beta on most of the decisions in the pack, so Jake has some knowledge of how to preside over something like this. But, yeah, it’s a lot of responsibility being thrust onto a new Alpha. However, the next time we have one of these, it will most likely be Lucas who presides, as long as it’s nothing to do with our pack or his.”

When we’re done with breakfast, we head downstairs to find most of the Alphas and Lunas congregating in the back of the packhouse ready to head over to Lucas and Kinsley’s new pack. It was a smart idea of Amelia’s to just do it now, while everyone is already here.

Rather than rushing over to see my niece first thing this morning, I go straight to Jocelyn. She’s standing beside Amelia but looks like she’s feeling ill.

“You’re going to be fine,” I tell her. “I spoke to Hunter, and we can both stand beside you during the trial. Hunter said he’ll make sure to stand between you and Zahn.”

“Thank you, I just…I can’t go back there, Sophie,” she says, wringing her hands.

“You won’t. None of these Alphas believe in forcing a mate to their will. Well, possibly one, but we’ll see how he votes today,” Amelia says, looking at Calvin who is holding his daughter and looking like he’s afraid she’s going to break in his arms.

Once everyone arrives, we begin to make our way to Lucas’ new pack. When we get there, I realize the Alphas must have gotten up early to set up a trial room of sorts. It’s not like the committee room, but in the dining hall, they’ve pushed tables and chairs against the wall except for one large, long table where the Alphas and Lunas will sit and two smaller tables, one that has one chair for Zahn, and one that has three chairs for me, Jocelyn, and Hunter.

Hunter and I get Jocelyn settled, as the other Alphas and Lunas take their positions at the head table, with Jake at the center. Hunter remains standing and a few moments later, Zahn is brought in by several warriors.

He snarls at the head table before looking around and finding Jocelyn.

“Jocelyn, stop this! You are my mate! ENOUGH!”

“Alpha Zahn, have a seat. This court has not been brought to order,” Jake says, sounding confident and not at all like a brand- new Alpha.

“Look here, pup,” Zahn sneers at Jake.

“Alpha Zahn, you have been warned to keep your mouth closed until you are addressed by this court. If you cannot do so, you will be removed and this court will continue without your testimony,” Jake says, never once looking away from Zahn.

Zahn growls, but doesn’t say another word, and once he is settled, Jake begins.

“It has come to the attention of this court that Luna Jocelyn is currently residing in Alpha Hunter’s pack. The court understands that Alpha Zahn feels that Alpha Hunter is actively and maliciously keeping Alpha Zahn away from his mate, against both of their will. For those reasons, Alpha Zahn waged a war against Alpha Hunter, which he and his pack lost. Alpha Zahn is that correct?” Jake asks.

“He brought me to his pack under false pretenses. He stole my mate from me, and he refuses to even let me see her,” he snarls. From the corner of my eye, I can see Zahn trying to look at Jocelyn, but Hunter is artfully maneuvering his body to keep him from glaring at Jocelyn.

“And what pretenses were those?” Jake asks.

“To help me form a better mate bond with my mate. Instead, he took her from me and refuses to let me see her,” he growls.