Page 35 of Understanding Fate

“I must say I’m surprised you decided to waste your time coming all the way out here. This is merely a formality, Stone,” Marlo’s voice taunts.

“You seem awfully confident for a lying thief,” I state, fighting to keep the anger out of my voice as I undo the button on my suit jacket.

“I think you have me mistaken for your father,” he replies, making my blood boil.

Kill him.

My wolf pushes for control, and Marlo’s eyes flash as a grin slides into place.

Fuck you, asshole.

Ever since he broke into our pack house on the day of my mother’s funeral, I have hated him.

How could anyone try to kill an Alpha the day he lost his Fated?

He’s pure evil, and had my dad not let him go to spare me seeing another death, Marlo would be dead, and I would have all of Nevada to rule.

He’s lucky it wasn’t me. I wouldn’t have shown him mercy.

The doors behind the bench open, pulling our attention. Five committee members, two guards, and a court reporter enter, taking their seats above us, effectively cutting off our conversation.

I scan each, identifying four members immediately.

Doug Martin

Jonathan Barton

Oliver Horn

Mark Goodman

The fifth is the largest of the men. He appears to be almost 6’8" and probably 250 lbs with a full barrel chest. He’s dressed casually in a deep blue shirt and jeans. His dark brown hair is knotted at the top of his head, and a full beard adorns his face.

My eyes flash to Noah, the mind-link message immediate.

Dante: Who is that?

Noah: No idea, not a sitting Alpha or Council Member.

Keeping my demeanor relaxed, I quickly glance at Marlo, noting that his expression remains disinterested as he twirls a pen.

“Good Afternoon Alphas. Counsels. We appreciate your timely response to our request for this hearing. After reviewing the evidence submitted, we decided this could be handled more quickly in person. To begin, would each committee member state their name and affiliation for the court record, after which we will have each party do the same,” he finishes pointing to his left for the men to begin.

“Jonathan Barton, Alpha assigned to LLC Security oversight.”

“Mark Goodman, Alpha for the Portland Pack, Oregon State LLC Representative.”

“Douglas Martin, Alpha for the Redding Pack, California State LLC Representative, Presiding member”

“Oliver Horn, Alpha assigned to Legal Oversight.”

“Mo.”

The man doesn’t elaborate or provide any more information; he just leans back and casually crosses his arms.

“Let the record show the fifth member is Massimo Bjorn, here for interspecies transparency from the Colorado grizzly sleuth,” Martin adds before pointing to Marlo to continue.

“Deacon Marlo, Reno Pack Alpha, Nevada State LLC Representative.”

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