Page 32 of Fighting the Lies

“As you wish.”

“Your brother spoke with the judge this morning. He has requested that your sentence be adjusted. He does not feel that your actions warranted hanging.” Ciaran was behind a desk. She realised as the minister for magic this must be his office.

“That’s not what he said last night. In fact, he quite vehemently expressed his interest in me dying and painfully.” She was being a little flippant, given her position, but right now, she was beyond caring. She wanted to know what the hell was going on.

“That was before another punishment was presented to me.” The evil grin on her brother’s face sent shivers down her spine.

“It’s not a punishment, Nicholas. It’s a chance to take her rightful position in life.” Nuka, who was sitting down with his legs crossed and wearing a smart suit, reached forward and took a mouthful of the tea, which had been placed on the table next to him.

“I think that depends on how you view what she’s going to have to do.” Phillip laughed. The corners of Nuka’s mouth turned up in a grin, which had Emma gulping. They were playing with her and trying to scare her. It’s a game all male shifters in position of power did. Her father was a master of it. She learnt that at a young age. She wasn’t going to let them ruffle her fur, though.

“Please, could we stop with the game, and just tell me what is going on? I’m getting rather bored, and if I am to be released, I want to go for a run.”

Ciaran shuffled some papers on his desk and placed one down. He ran his finger over it, as if trying to memorise the words written on it.

“Mr Bryant allowed the death sentence passed upon you for the death of his father to be commuted on the provision that you are released into his custody.”

“What?”

“You are allowed to walk out of court as a free woman, but you must re-join your birth pack. You brother believes that Glacial Blood is a bad influence on your character, and as such, he wants you to return to your home and a program of retraining in how a proper pack works. What do you say to this?” Phillip interlinked his fingers and cracked his knuckles. She knew exactly what the period of retraining would involve:starvation, beatings, imprisonment.

“I rather chew my own arm off.” She rolled her eyes.

Ciaran banged his fist against the desk.

“This is not a joke, Miss Bryant. This is your future, your life. I can take you out of this room now and string you, if you’d prefer. Your brother has made a concession to you, despite the fact that you are a convicted, cold-blooded killer.”

“Temper, temper. You wouldn’t want to get that spot back would you.” She probably shouldn’t antagonize the druid, but it was just so easy, because he was so stuck up with his own superiority. He flicked his hand and sent her flying with a magical ball of energy. It burnt her dress, and she could also smell scalded skin underneath.

“Enough.” Nuka stood.

“It was just getting fun.” She got to her feet and adjusted her body to distribute the ache running through it. Maybe she should get sensible now. If she was released to her brother, at least she would have a chance of escaping back to Glacial Blood and Scott. “I don’t have much choice in the matter, so if my brother wants to take me on, to correct me, I’ll go with no arguments.”

“Finally.” Phillip jumped to his feet. “Give her the document.”

“What document?” She questioned.

Ciaran handed her a sheet of paper. “It is your release papers. They state that you understand that your release is conditional on you submitting to the rule of the Alpha of the Las Vegas pack, to your brother.”

She scanned over it. There was nothing hidden that she could see. Basically she was signing that she would be happy to be beaten and God knows what else. Ciaran held up a pen, and she reminded herself this was the only way. She needed to agree to her brother’s rule, in the short term, so she could escape and return home. When Kas and the rest of the pack learned that she was free, they would do everything they could to come for her. She took the pen and signed.

“Perfect.” Ciaran took the paper and immediately filed them in a cabinet.

“Mr Bryant, you are free to take your sister and return to Las Vegas. I’m sure you are excited to return home. This unfortunate incident has kept you away from home for so long.”

“It has indeed. I have many a lady who will be looking forward to my return.” Her brother chuckled. She wanted to vomit. “But, there is something I must do first to ensure that my pack is strengthened. We all know there is a fight coming, and I want to be sure that I’m heavily aligned with the party that will win.” Why did her stomach suddenly do a somersault at the way her brother looked at her? “Emma, my first rule as your Alpha is to give your hand in marriage.”

“No.” She shook her head and stepped back. “I agreed to stay with my brother’s pack; I did not agree to this.” If she was married,she would be mated. Another’s scent would cover her body. Scott would not want her anymore. She couldn’t return to Glacial Blood. She was trapped.

“You agreed to your brother’s rule. This is his decision to make for you.” Ciaran replied

“You can’t do this.” She spat out.

“I can do with you whatever I want. You are mine to sell. You are nothing but a chattel to me. Just as all women should be.” Phillip was snarling with venom now.

“You truly are like our father. I thought I saw hope for you, but I see now that you are lost and just as much the devil as he was.”

“Don’t you dare mention his name.” Phillip stepped forward and slapped her hard around the face. He grabbed hold of her hair and flung her onto the floor before preparing his foot ready to kick her.

“No.” Nuka ordered

“She’s not yours yet.” Phillip responded before kicking her hard in the ribs.

Next thing she knew, he was flying backwards and suspended in mid-air. Ciaran held his hands up controlling the movement.

“I said no.” Nuka bent over and helped her to her feet. “She is not to be harmed. I need her in full health to carry my heirs.” The malevolent grin that spread over his face told her who her future husband was to be.

“Ciaran, let Mr Bryant down and transport us home. I have a wedding to prepare for.”

She was to be married to Nuka Lincoln, mated with him to carry his children. She should have chosen death.

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