by Zoe Chant
John sang a soft, worried chord, but sped up his pace. Despite what Griff had told the sea dragon shifter, every tiny rattle of the wheels over the courtroom foyer’s tiled floor sent agony spiking through his guts. He gritted his teeth—as best he could, given that his jaw didn’t close properly anymore—and endured.
We must be there. We must be at our mate’s side, in her hour of need.
Griff didn’t know whether the all-consuming, driving thought came from his lion, or his eagle, or his own mind. All three of them were so intertwined that even he couldn’t tell them apart anymore. His lion’s instincts, his eagle’s instincts…they were all just his instincts now.
And every instinct compelled him to go to his mate.
If Griff had had his own way, he would have been at Hayley’s side for the entire three-day hearing. But the hospital doctors had flatly refused to sign him out. When he’d raged at them, they’d just shot him full of sedatives and restrained him. Apparently any display of anger was just another symptom of his unstable, bestial state.
Of course, when Griff had woken up and tried calmly reasoning with the doctors instead, they’d decided that obviously Hayley couldn’t really be his mate, as he wasn’t showing enough emotional agitation at her predicament. Griff had been very tempted to show them exactly how much agitation he could cause, but that would have just got him tied down to the bed again.
Instead, he’d smiled and nodded. And, as soon as the doctors had left, called John.
Shortly thereafter, the hospital had suffered a severe, sudden, and curiously localized flood. The shifter ward staff had been much too busy panicking over the two feet of seawater sloshing around their break room to even notice a patient being quietly wheeled away.
“I do appreciate this, you know,” Griff said to John. “You can consider this payment of your life-debt.”
John grunted as he picked up the entire wheelchair—Griff included—in order to carry it down a flight of stairs. “This, payment of a life-debt? This is a worthy adventure, oath-brother. I am indebted to you for allowing me to participate in it.”
Griff’s breath hissed between his fangs as the wheelchair bumped down to the ground again. “You’re going to have to allow me to call the debt quits one day, you know.”
“Perhaps.” A slight smile tugged at John’s stern mouth. “But not this day. Through here?”
“Yes.” Griff could hear Michael’s refined, measured voice even through the thick closed door. “Quietly. They’re making final statements.”
We must stay high and hidden. We must scout out the terrain in order to judge how best to join our mate in this hunt. We must stalk softly until we are ready to pounce.
Unfortunately, a seven-foot-tall blue-haired knight pushing a completely shrouded figure in a wheelchair tended to attract people’s attention. Especially when someone started shrieking and waving at them the instant they appeared.
“Mr. Griff!” Danny yelled in delight. Only the restraining hand of the social worker seated next to him kept the boy from hurling himself straight at Griff. “You’re here, you’re here!”
Griff grimaced underneath his concealing hood as heads turned all around the large, circular hearing chamber. To Michael’s credit, the lawyer barely hesitated a second before smoothly continuing to deliver his closing statements. The judge and court officials also returned to the business at hand, though many of them stared curiously at him for a few moments longer.
“I didn’t know you were coming!” Hayley whispered, as John parked his wheelchair next to her seat. Her hand found his, squeezing it in gratitude through the sheets swathing his distorted body. “I didn’t even know you were being discharged!”
“Neither did the hospital,” Griff murmured back. “Tell you later. How’s it going?”
Hayley shook her head. “I thought that Reiner wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, not after what happened at his house. But somehow his lawyer twisted all Danny’s testimony, made it sound like he’s some sort of juvenile delinquent arsonist. Now it all keeps coming back to the question of who can be Danny’s alpha. Michael’s arguing that it can’t be Reiner, since he can’t be trusted with Danny’s welfare.”
The dark circles under her eyes looked like smudges of soot against her ashen skin. Griff knew that the rest of Alpha Team had been looking after her—he’d made sure of that—but she still looked like she’d barely eaten or slept for days.
“…Outstanding testimonies from varied, prominent citizens in the local shifter community,” Michael was saying. The overhead lights struck blue highlights from the faerie hound’s midnight skin as he pointedly held up a thick sheaf of papers. “Not least of which is a personal statement from the Phoenix, known as Ash, testifying that it is his professional opinion that my client holds absolutely no blame for the fire on the evening of November the first. I submit that this utterly refutes and repudiates Mr. Ljonsson’s claim that this incident can be used as evidence to deny my client custody. I further counter that as the fire occurred while Mr. Ljonsson had sole responsibility for Daniel Jamie Parker-”
Griff noticed that Reiner’s lawyer was staring hard at him. Griff recognized the man—he was a shark shifter of some notoriety, with an excellent track record and a reputation for deviousness. The last time Griff had encountered him had been at an arson trial. Griff had been giving evidence against the shark shifter’s client.
On that occasion, the lawyer had lost.
The shark touched Reiner’s sleeve, leaning over to murmur in his ear. The two fell into an intent, whispered conversation.
Hayley had spotted them too. “What are they up to now?”
“I don’t know.” To Griff’s frustration, he couldn’t quite make out the words over Michael’s impassioned defense. “But it’s something to do with me. And Reiner doesn’t look happy about it.”
Hayley chewed on her lip. “Let’s hope that means it’s a good sign for us.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cabell,” the judge said, as Michael finished his statement. “Do you or your client have anything further to add?”
Michael flashed a quick, inquiring look at Hayley and Griff. They both shook their heads slightly in answer.
“We have no further evidence to present, Your Honor.” Michael sat down on Hayley’s other side.
The judge turned to Reiner and his lawyer. “Mr. Paucus, your closing statement, please.”
The shark shifter stood. “Before proceeding to my closing statement, I would like to submit one further testimony on behalf of my client, Your Honor.”
The judge steepled her fingers, casting Paucus a stern look over the tops of her glasses. Griff didn’t recognize her. He’d only been involved in criminal court cases before, not family court matters. He could tell from her body language that she was a wolf shifter…and also that she was eager to close the trial. She didn’t look pleased by this last-minute disruption.
“You have had three days to present testimonies on behalf of your client, Mr. Paucus,” the judge said to the lawyer. “Is there a reason why this one seems to have slipped your mind until now?”
The shark shifter made a courteous little bow. “This witness was previously unavailable. I apologize for the irregularity, but I strongly believe that this testimony should be heard before you reach your final decision.”
The judge blew out her breath. Her eyes flicked to the clock, and back to the lawyer. “You may have five minutes. No more, Mr. Paucus. This is not the only hearing scheduled for today.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.” The shark looked straight across at Griff. “We call Griffin MacCormick to the stand.”
Chapter 27
Hayley
“What are they up to?” Hayley whispered to Michael.
Her lawyer shook his head, watching his opposite number with narrowed eyes. “I don’t know. I’d have said Paucus was planning to cast doubt on Griff as a reliable witness…except that he isn’t a witness. I didn’t include any testimony from him in our defen
se case, for exactly this reason. His condition means he’s too easy to discredit.”
Hayley twisted her hands in the hem of her tunic, her palms sweating as Griff stiffly struggled out of his wheelchair. The hospital sheets wrapped around him like a shroud, hiding even his face from view. Waving off John’s assistance, he managed to get himself into witness box on his own two feet, though she could tell the effort it cost him to stand upright.
He shouldn’t even be here. What if the stress causes him to have another seizure? Is that Reiner’s plan? Is he vindictive enough to hound Griff into a heart attack, just because Griff’s twice the lion he’ll ever be?
Reiner, however, didn’t look like this was all part of some scheme. His jaw was set in a tight, unhappy line, his muscular arms folded across his chest. Paucus said something to him, and Reiner snarled back under his breath, glaring at his lawyer. Hayley was certain that whatever was going on was Paucus’s idea, not Reiner’s.
That wasn’t very comforting. Reiner was petty and arrogant, but not devious. Paucus was another matter.
“Mr. MacCormick, kindly remove your…coverings,” the judge said, when the official had finished swearing Griff in. “The court must be able to see your face.”
“Mr. McCormick has a severe medical condition,” Paucus said smoothly, before Griff could speak. He looked meaningful across the courtroom at Danny. “Some here would find his appearance upsetting. I respectfully beg that the court permit Mr. MacCormick to retain his privacy, Your Honor.”
The judge nodded. “Granted. You may proceed with the witness. Five minutes only, Mr. Paucus.”
The shark shifter turned to Griff, hands clasped loosely behind his back. “Mr. MacCormick, would you please state your heritage and nature for the benefit of the court?”
“My maternal line are eagle shifters, and my paternal line are lion shifters,” Griff said warily. “I possess two inner beasts, both lion and eagle.”
“Mr. MacCormick’s unusual status is a matter of public record,” Paucus said to the room in general, as a small murmur ran round the court. “Mr. MacCormick, you possess the renowned perceptive abilities of the Scottish Highland white-tailed sea eagles, do you not?”
“I do.” Even with the sheet hiding his face from view, Hayley could tell from the way he leaned forward that he was focusing those very powers on the lawyer right now, alert for any hint of trickery.
“In layperson’s terms, Mr. MacCormick, is it accurate to say that you are able to detect when other people are lying or concealing the truth?”
“Yes.” Griff’s growl made the word a threat.
“And you have previously been called to use those powers when testifying in criminal court cases, haven’t you?”
“Yes,” Griff repeated, starting to sound slightly perplexed by the line of questioning.
Hayley was too. She had no idea where Paucus was going with this, and the uncertainty made her heart hammer in her throat.
It’s like Paucus is trying to build up his credibility, not knock it down…
Paucus addressed the judge. “I have personally been present at trials where Mr. MacCormick’s testimony was accepted as proof as to the veracity of other witnesses. I can provide references on request. For now, Your Honor, are you willing to accept that Mr. MacCormick can indeed do what he claims?”
“I am,” the judge said, glancing at the clock again. “Time is running out, Mr. Paucus. Is there a point to this?”
“Just a few more questions, Your Honor. Mr. MacCormick, you are romantically involved with Ms. Hayley Parker, and were previously alpha to her son, Daniel Jamie Parker, correct?”
“Yes,” Griff said shortly.
“Is it true to say that these facts naturally lead you to be antagonistic toward my client, Mr. Reiner Ljonsson?”
“I don’t like him, if that’s what you’re asking,” Griff said dryly. “Though I would dislike him just as intensely if Hayley was not my mate. He-”
“Apologies for interrupting,” Paucus said, in a tone that was anything but apologetic. “As time is short, please restrict yourself to answering only the questions I ask. In the past, have you physically confronted Mr. Ljonsson?”
“Yes. Several times. He started them all.”
“Just the direct question, please, Mr. MacCormick. You also lost a dominance challenge to him, and were forced to relinquish alpha rights over Daniel Parker?”
Griff’s assent was more of a snarl than a word. Reiner smirked across the courtroom at him.
“But he-” Danny started. His social worker whispered urgently in his ear, making him quieten down again.
“In summary, Mr. MacCormick, is it fair to state that you violently dislike my client, and personally wish him to lose this case? You have no reason to come to his defense?”
“You’re the one who hauled me up here,” Griff growled. “Yes. All of those statements are true.”
“Thank you. Just one last question. Please answer based on both your eagle powers of observation, and your personal knowledge of my client.” The shark shifter bared all his teeth in a cold, predatory smile. “Would Mr. Ljonsson ever knowingly endanger his son?”
Click. Hayley could practically hear the trap springing shut. Her breath froze in her throat.
From Griff’s absolute stillness, he’d stopped breathing too. He didn’t say anything.
“Your answer, please, Mr. MacCormick,” Paucus pressed. “I remind you that you are under oath.”
“I…” Griff hesitated. “Reiner’s judgment is-”
“It’s a simple question, Mr. MacCormick! Would my client ever knowingly endanger his son? Yes or no?”
“Objection, Your Honor!” Michael leaped to his feet. “Mr. Paucus is badgering this witness!”
“Overruled.” The judge was gazing thoughtfully at Griff, her brow furrowed. “Please answer the question, Mr. MacCormick.”
Griff’s shrouded head bowed. “No,” he said, very softly.
Paucus turned his back on him, smiling sweetly up at the judge. “No further questions, Your Honor.”
Michael’s eyes were burning red with anger. “Your Honor, I would also like to question this witness.”
“You have already made your closing remarks, Mr. Cabell. You had plentiful previous opportunity to gather a statement from Mr. MacCormick if you so wished.” The judge checked the time again. “I will take a moment before rendering my verdict. Mr. MacCormick, you may step down.”
Hayley jumped up, running to the witness box so quickly she even beat John. Griff’s paw clutched at her arm as she helped him back into the wheelchair.
“I’m sorry,” he said into her ear, his distorted voice filled with bitter agony. “I shouldn’t have come. You should never have met me. I just make everything worse for you.”
“Don’t say that.” Hayley grabbed his shoulder through the sheet, shaking him a little to break him out of his spiral of self-recrimination. “Don’t ever say that. It wasn’t your fault. And it probably won’t have made any difference anyway. The judge must have already made up her mind by now, surely.”
Griff’s concealed face turned in the direction of the judge. She was bent over her notes, her pen tapping thoughtfully on the paper. Hayley couldn’t read anything in her professionally blank expression…but Griff made a low, agonized sound deep in his throat.
“She had made up her mind,” he said. “And now she’s changing it.”
All Hayley could do was grip his shoulder, trying to comfort him even as she took comfort just from his presence. Minutes crawled by like hours. Across the courtroom, Reiner and his lawyer exchanged triumphant glances.
The judge sat back at last, taking off her glasses. “I am prepared to render my judgment. Ms. Parker, Mr. Ljonsson, please approach with your councils.”
Hayley didn’t want to leave Griff behind, but she had no choice. Michael took her elbow, escorting her up to the front of the courtroom. The judge’s box seemed as high and intimidating as a mountain. Hayley
had never felt so scared or so helpless.
“Ms. Parker, Mr. Ljonsson.” The judge folded her glasses, placing them neatly before her. “Based on what I have heard, it is clear that it is in Daniel’s best interests to have contact with both of you.”
Hayley’s heart started beating again.
“However,” the judge continued, and Hayley’s pulse thudded, “this presents logistical difficulties, given Mr. Ljonsson’s stated intention to continue to reside in Valtyra. It is clear that we will have to find a way to divide Daniel’s time between your two countries.”
Reiner scowled. “But-”
The judge gave him a quelling look. “I have not finished, Mr. Ljonsson. It is also clear to me that Daniel is in urgent need of a pride. His recent willful and reckless behavior stems from the lack of a true alpha lion to curb his instincts. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. Although it is not ideal to remove Daniel from his school mid-term, I believe that his shifter education must come first. Mr. Ljonsson, for the time being, I am granting you full custody of Daniel, effective immediately.”
The bottom dropped out of Hayley’s stomach. The room swam in her vision. “No!”
“I know this will be difficult for you to accept, Ms. Parker.” The judge’s stern gaze softened a little. “You are human, and cannot understand the strength of our instincts. But Daniel must have a pride. Mr. Ljonsson can provide him with that. You cannot.”
“But, but you said,” Hayley stammered out. She wanted to beg, to scream, to grab Danny and run away, anything but accept this judgment. “You said he needed to see both of us. He needs me too!”
“This is true. He does. At the moment, his need for a pride is greater, but this will change as he masters his lion.” The judge turned to Reiner, who was practically glowing with satisfaction. “Mr. Ljonsson, after Daniel has integrated into your pride, you will ensure that he has regular contact with his mother. I will draw up a schedule based around school holidays.”