by Tl Reeve
“Did you know seven of the women in your care were pregnant and later another three were found to also be pregnant?”
“Dear God, no,” Holly said, pressing her hand to her chest in what Mackenzie believed was feigned shock.
“Your Honor, these are the reports from the hospital at the time of rescue. Each of the seven women were between three and six months pregnant.” He held up another stack of forms. “The other three found out later they, too, were pregnant. Each have gone on to have healthy babies, but each one of the mothers left their babies at the orphanage due to the trauma each of them experienced.”
Holly didn’t say a word. Her lips were compressed in a thin line, and her hazel eyes were narrowed in rage.
“Thank you, District Attorney Charles. You may proceed,” Judge Wright stated, taking the new information from Charles.
“Let’s go back to the first time Hayden was kidnapped. Do you know who did it?” Charles asked.
Holly shook her head, schooling her features. “No. I’d been frantic. I had no idea who would have wanted my niece. Then Logan and a crew of search and rescue set out to track Hayden. That’s when they found her in the lab. I’d been so relieved.” Fat crocodile tears rolled down Holly’s cheeks.
“But, you do know the lab,” Charles said. “You’d been there before. It’s where you’d taken Hayden from. It’s where your brother and sister enjoyed torturing shifters and humans. Don’t you find it a little coincidental the one place you’d escaped from, was the one place your niece would be found?”
“Objection, Your Honor,” Mr. Walker said. “Calls to speculation.”
“Overruled. Answer the question, Miss Geithner.”
“No. I never thought she’d be brought back there. I thought we escaped that. I thought we were free,” Holly said.
“Except, they implanted the IUD,” Charles said. “Tell me, Miss Geithner, did you have Hayden examined by medical staff after the kidnapping?”
“No, I went on the run,” she answered.
“From your family?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“Would it surprise you to know we have thousands of emails from Mr. Worthington along with preserved text messages from Hazel and Simon, that included you?”
An audible gasp was ripped from the crowd. Not even Mackenzie had known the depth of the investigation and if the look on Hayden’s face was any indication, neither did she. The judged banged his gavel several times, hushing the audience. Some of the people in the gallery were removed while others continued to murmur amongst themselves.
“Order in the court!” Judge Wright yelled. “Mr. Franks, do you have this evidence with you at this time?”
“As a matter of fact, I have everything on several thumb drives due to the sheer volume of evidence.” He pulled the bundle of drives from a box positioned next to him and brought them to the judge. “It goes back to at least three months after Hayden was born and up to when Hayden was taken at the auction. It also shows coordination between Holly, Hazel, and Henry Worthington for the initial kidnapping.”
“You think you’re so smart.” Holly laughed. “You think you have all this wrapped up in a ball, when you don’t know anything at all.”
“Oh?” Charles quirked a brow. “Well, by all means, Miss Geithner, please inform the court what the truth is.”
“Do you know what it is like to be in the shadows of your brother and sister all your life? They were smart. They were special. I was shit. They started PBH on a wing and a prayer, and I did all the grunt work. I scoped out the people who’d be kidnapped. I lured them in. Then one day, I was told to befriend Jase and act like I would help him escape. When the twins were born, I snatched them up, giving Bodhi, who was a plain shifter, to Jase, and I took the squalling brat of a baby.” She let out a rough laugh. “Do you know how hard it is to pretend to be on the run when no one is chasing you? To coordinate everything on the fly to make sure all of the plans would go accordingly?”
“No, I don’t suppose I do,” Charles answered. “Explain it.”
“You couldn’t handle it even if I tried,” Holly snorted. “Suffice to say, I did it all. I made sure everything ran as we agreed. Then those stupid bitches of family members of mine had to go and get themselves killed.”
“Hazel and Simon?”
She nodded. “Yes, Hazel and Simon. It threw off all of my arrangements. It caused chaos within PBH and for a good bit of time, we went to ground. However, when I brought Hayden to Window Rock, it gave us the opportunity to begin again.” The smile on Holly’s face was filled with malice and glee. “And we did, too. Right under each and every one of your noses. Henry and I made a mockery of all of you. While I pretended to be the doting mate, Henry continued to test and kidnap shifters and those with abilities. Hell, Emmitt was a gift given to us by some hapless Good Samaritan who happened to see an injured wolf.”
“What happened in Massachusetts?”
Holly arched a brow. “What do you mean?”
“You were caught holding an auction.”
She waved off D.A. Franks and grinned. “We weren’t auctioning people.”
“Oh?” Charles pulled another photo from the notebook. “What’s this?”
The photo appeared on the projector, and it showed a huddled mass of humans held in a darkened room. If Mackenzie had to guess it was part of the old subway lines where Holly had been living since arriving in Boston.
“Rejects,” Holly said flippantly. “They weren’t shifter or psychic. They were the burn pile. The ‘to-be-killed,’ before we left Boston.”
Another gasp rang out in the court room. Holly’s eyes went wide. She covered her mouth with her hand, Makenzie thought in surprise or shock that she’d spilled what exactly she’d been doing, then she screamed. Holly raged at Charles then raged at her lawyer. She screamed profanities as the deputies brought into the courtroom by the bailiff, surrounded her.
Holly’s arms and legs flailed as she fought those who were trying to subdue her. The Judge dismissed the court in haste, allowing everyone to exit while the deputies and bailiff tried to neutralize the scene. Mackenzie, shocked by the turn of events, wrapped his arms around Emmitt, Nico, and Hayden and ushered them from the room. They didn’t need to be a part of the scene. They didn’t deserve to.
A spark of finality settled with him. They had the truth. Holly had told on herself, and maybe, just maybe, they’d all be able to move on with their lives. As they stepped out into the hall, a group of reporters swooped in, shoving recorders and microphones into their faces. Kalkin was there, though, pushing them back, giving them room to exit. Hayden’s soft sobs along with the vicious growls coming from Emmitt, tugged at Mackenzie. He understood both of them.
“A little further,” he whispered. “I’ve got you.”
When they stepped outside, he took a deep cleansing breath. Nico wrapped his arms around Hayden, while Emmitt shifted and ran off. He didn’t blame the guy after what happened, he wanted to run away as well.
A few minutes later, Kalkin pushed his way out of the building and joined them. “Go home. Charles said he’ll call when court is reconvened. I doubt it will be today. I am sure after Holly’s little display in there, either her attorney will want to plea bargain or she’ll be evaluated for her mental health.”
Mackenzie snorted. “She’s insane. No doubt about it.”
“I agree,” Kalkin said. “We’ll have to wait to get the full diagnoses first, though, if they go this route.”
Mackenzie grunted. “Bitch deserves to be put down.”
“I agree,” Nico snarled.
“Let it go,” Kalkin snapped. “No matter what happens, Holly is done for. Now, all we can do is live. That will eat her ass up. She will die in some cell whether in a jail or in a mental hospital without seeing the light of day again. We’ve finished what we started. All of you did your jobs to a tee. Don’t forget that. Now, go home.”
Mackenzie nodded. “Guess it’s for the bes
t.”
Kalkin laughed. “Don’t you have a mate to move in?” Then he looked to Nico and Hayden. “Don’t you have a new Raferty to create?”
Hayden grinned. “Not yet, but when Danielle gives us the all clear, sure.”
“Then stop living in the past. Start living for now. As soon as I know something, I’ll call you.”
Mackenzie got into his truck. Kalkin was right. He had a mate to bring home and a family to start putting back together again. As he pulled away from the courthouse, he didn’t look back. That part of his life was over. Now, he hoped the new chapter with Aurora and Abby would begin.
Chapter Fourteen
It felt odd leaving work while there were still some rays of sunlight in the sky, yet it was also something she could get used to. Thankfully, the day-shift supervisor had informed her less than an hour ago, working the day shift was on the horizon for her. A blessing, since working nights was stealing her ability to spend time with her new family and most of all Abby. However, she tried not to get her hopes up. Thing always had a way of happening, so for now, she’d keep it to herself until she knew for sure.
She slipped her key into the driver’s-side door of her car then got in. Since Mackenzie had court, Keeley had volunteered to watch over Abby for her. To say she felt bad about recruiting Keeley, was an understatement. While she helped wash dishes after Thanksgiving dinner, she found out the woman was already four months along in her pregnancy and was still tired. She knew Keeley didn’t say it to make her feel bad, but in a way, Aurora did, so she couldn’t wait to pick up her niece.
As she drove toward the Raferty compound, she’d also been a little disappointed with how the day went. She’d waited most of the afternoon hoping Mackenzie or even Kalkin would stop by and tell her what happened, but surprisingly, they’d all been scarce. Even the phone on her desk and her cell phone had remained eerily silent. The radio silence knotted her stomach. She worried about Mackenzie and Hayden, and it combined with the greater need of her mate. The two warring emotions left Aurora jittery and unfocused. Neither of them was a good combo when it came to her job.
“On no.” The sick feeling in the pit of her stomach increased when she pulled into the parking area of compound and only Keeley’s massive SUV was there. It wasn’t a good sign since she had learned that Raferty men were usually always around there somewhere.
The back door swung open, and Keeley stepped out onto the covered porch. It was the push Aurora needed to get out of the car. Whoever said Arizona didn’t get cold, fucking lied, and Keeley was proof of it. The alpha female had a pair of light-blue maternity jeans on with a pair of fur-lined boots and a very large blue sweatshirt with the word ‘Sheriff’ printed over her left breast. When she turned, Aurora caught a glimpse of Apache County Sheriff’s Department in bright yellow letters on the back.
“How’d you get one of those?” Aurora asked when she got close enough that she didn’t have to holler.
“Stole it,” Keeley smirked. “From the Sheriff’s bedroom drawer.”
Aurora chuckled. “They’re hard to get.”
“I know.” Keeley pinched the garment and stared down at it. “It’s a freaking sweatshirt, but how all the deputies act about them, you’d think it was threaded with gold.”
“They aren’t even offered to us lowly, support people.”
Keeley snorted. “You have an in now; you want one, Kal can get it for you.”
“I’d never take advantage of our connection,” Aurora replied.
Keeley laughed. “Then you’re an idiot.”
“This may be true.” Aurora glanced around the yard. On normal days, the yard was always filled with varying ages of children, running and playing. Not today. Another bad sign. “Where’s Abby?”
Keeley glanced over her shoulder, through the closed glass screen door. “Inside, with the rest of the wild bunch watching a movie.” Keeley led her over to the corner of the porch overlooking both hers and Danielle’s property. “It’s the first really cold day of the coming winter, and we had some snow flurries this morning. It makes the little beasties lethargic and lazy.”
“Ahh, like they’re bears preparing to hibernate,” Aurora answered. “Makes sense.”
“Kind of. The further we get into winter; you’ll find a lot of the shifters prefer to stay home after work and on the weekends. They like to cuddle on a couch and watch movies. On the flip-side, when the warmer weather returns, a lot of the female mates find themselves pregnant,” Keeley said, her gaze on Aurora’s stomach.
“We’ve just become mates.” Aurora didn’t like the way Keeley appraised her. It made her uncomfortable and a bit too vulnerable for her tastes.
Keeley smiled. “It’s a misnomer, you know.”
“What is?”
“Shifters, more importantly, wolves, don’t need the full moon to conceive. The chances are just higher, because wolves knot their mate, trapping their sperm inside of the female’s womb for a long period of time. But, according to Mrs. Martin, before she passed, there are wolves who can impregnant their mates outside of a wolf’s cycle.”
Aurora rolled her eyes at the other woman. “Thanks for the anatomy lesson.”
“It’s my goal to help.”
Aurora laughed. “This I know.”
Keeley cocked her hip against the railing. “Listen, why don’t you leave Abby here tonight and just go enjoy a quiet evening with your mate.”
Aurora went on alert, and the heavy feeling in her gut returned, only this time it felt as if her insides were being twisted into knots. “Oh, God, it was a bad trial day, wasn’t it? Did Holly get off on some stupid technicality?”
Keeley shook her head and chuckled. “No. Kal said Holly got exactly what she deserved. He’s just worried about Mac because it was an emotional day for all three of them. And when Mac left, he seemed to be in his head.”
That was dangerous in and of itself. Mackenzie tended to blame himself when he that occurred. “What about Riley and Liam?” As much as Aurora wanted to run off and find Mackenzie and comfort him in any way possible, they both had other, bigger responsibilities. Namely three children under the age of fifteen.
Keeley smiled, but Aurora saw something deeper in her hazel gaze, something she couldn’t place. “Kal is bringing them back to the compound to spend the night either here or with Dani and Caden.”
“I owe you, Keeley, like big time.”
Keeley pushed off of the railing and put her hand on her shoulder, giving Aurora a hearty squeeze. “No, you don’t, Aurora. You and Abby, you’re part of us, and this is what family does.”
Aurora blinked away the tears she could feel building in her eyes and whispered. “I know. I still owe you one or a thousand.”
Keeley smiled. “No, you don’t. The fact you’ve given Mac happiness and peace, it’s enough for all of us.”
Aurora nibbled on her lower lip, while she stared out over the property. None of the children had noticed she was there yet, and, more importantly, Abby hadn’t even noticed her yet. Had she, there would have been no way for Aurora to sneak off the porch and get back into her vehicle. But could she leave the little girl? Did she want to?
For Mackenzie? To help him? Yes, yes, she could.
“Wow.” Keeley peered into Aurora’s eyes. “I can actually see your wheels turning.”
Aurora frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Abby will be fine, Aurora.”
Aurora pushed a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s just been a couple of crazy weeks. Most days, Abby’s schedule has been shot to hell…”
“Kids are resilient, and she’s adapting to all the changes quickly without any issues. You know this. One more night without you isn’t going to hurt her.” Keeley glanced over at the house across the way. “Dani is home, she’s going to be here with me most of the night, she’ll monitor her. I promise.”
“Makes me sound as if I don’t trust you guys,” Aurora mumbled.
“Pfft. You’r
e a mom, even if she is your niece, worrying about your child, is normal,” Keeley reassured her. “If it makes you feel better, go inside and see her, talk to her for a few minutes, and then go to Mac.”
Whatever the kids were watching, had them all breaking out in laughter. She could hear it out there. It brought a smile to her lips, and Aurora would have to have been blind not to see the happiness, and the healthy glow in her niece’s cheeks.
Aurora glanced at Keeley. “I don’t want to disturb Abby. She looks as if she’s having fun.”
“She is, and she’s in good hands,” Keeley answered.
“I know. It’s just always been all about Abby, and it’s always just been her and me against the world. I’m learning slowly it’s okay to not always be in charge and to allow myself to be a woman and have other interests. It’s hard finding a balance.”
Keeley nodded. “For some, it’s one of the hardest realizations to come by. For you, though, it’s different since Abby has spent most of her life being sick in one aspect or another. You had to step up and be the one because you were the only one there for her. We all recognize it, and we want to help you find yourself. It’s a win-win for everyone, because Abby gets to spend time with her new cousins, and interact and play with children her age.”
“How’d you get so smart?” Aurora asked.
“I deal with stubborn Raferty men, day in and day out. The only thing I got going for me is my smarts,” Keeley quipped before giving her a small shove toward the stairs. “Now go find your mate. Although, you don’t have to go too far. He’s at his house.”
Aurora laughed. “Yes, mom.”
Keeley snorted. “I don’t think any mom would tell her daughter to go fuck her other half’s brains out.”
“At least not in the vicinity of her overprotective, alpha mate.”
Keeley chuckled. “Bingo! See, you’re already learning, my young neophyte.”
After saying goodbye to Keeley, Aurora got back into her car and took the five-minute drive to Mackenzie’s house. His work truck, parked in the driveway, was the only indication Mackenzie was even home. Other than the front porch lights, the entire house was dark. Aurora pulled her car behind Mackenzie’s truck and parked it. Before getting out, she took a deep, calming breath. She slipped out of her car when she felt a bit steadier and made her way to the door. If it was locked, she was screwed. Mackenzie had yet to give her a key to his home.