Page 116 of Knot Only His

The lawyer’s voice grates against my ears. “We have evidence that Ms. Foster lived as an alpha in New York. Convenient timing, wouldn’t you say, that she suddenly ‘discovers’ she’s an omega right when Mr. Parker needs to prove stable pack dynamics? Is she an omega? Is this another lie?”

My lawyer stands. “Objection, Your Honor. We have medical documentation proving Ms. Foster had an alpha implant. The removal of this implant revealed her true omega nature.”

“Documentation that could easily be falsified,” Jake’s lawyer sneers. “And what about Mr. Parker’s character? A man who would exploit a vulnerable woman—”

Red clouds my vision. My muscles coil, ready to launch over the table and wrap my hands around his throat. Only Asher’s firm grip on my arm keeps me in place.

“Your Honor,” my lawyer interjects, “I have sworn statements from Ms. Foster’s doctor detailing the medical emergency that led to the discovery of her implant. Additionally, her mother is prepared to testify about the circumstances that led to the implant’s placement.”

A small sob escapes Harlow. The sound cuts through me like a knife.

“Mr. Parker has shown a pattern of deception,” Jake’s lawyer continues. “And now this omega charade—”

“Objection!” My lawyer’s voice cracks like a whip. “You are making assumptions.”

The courtroom feels like center ice during overtime - tense, with everyone holding their breath.

Jake’s lawyer and mine are trading verbal checks like players fighting for the puck.

“Miss Foster,” the judge’s voice cuts through the tension. “Can youtake the stand?”

Her perfume hits my nostrils, but the sweet scent is muted. Now it’s mixed with anxiety.

Harlow’s eyes find mine, fear swimming in those turquoise depths. I squeeze her hand. “Don’t worry. Nothing you say is incorrect.”

A small smile tugs at her lips. “Thanks.”

My chest tightens as each of my pack mates stands to kiss her before she takes the stand.

Carver’s lips linger on her forehead, his protective growl barely contained as he whispers something to her.

Oliver gives her a quick peck and a wink that makes her shoulders relax slightly.

Asher’s touch is gentle, clinical almost, but his eyes tell a different story. There’s heat there whenever he glances at her gorgeous face.

Watching them support her, something breaks loose in my chest. This isn’t just about Jagger anymore. This is about protecting our omega, our pack, our family.

Harlow shifts in the witness chair, her fingers twisting together.

The judge leans forward, asking her to begin. “Please tell the court how you met Mr. Parker.”

She takes a deep breath.

“I would like to start by telling the court, I was never deceptive.” Harlow’s voice starts soft but grows stronger. “And the pack never asked me to be anything other than who I am.” Her eyes find mine again. “Regarding Mr. Parker. I met an alpha in a club and despite being an ‘alpha’ myself, I thought I could smell him as my scent match.”

“But how can that be? You were an alpha!” Jake’s lawyer jumps up.

Harlow’s spine straightens, her voice sharp as skates on fresh ice. “Will you let me finish?”

My heart pounds against my ribs as Harlow’s voice fills the courtroom. Every protective instinct in me wants to shield her from this, but her strength...

God, her strength, leaves me in awe.

“I met him at Club Midnight,” she continues, her fingers twisting in her lap. “Another alpha was getting aggressive, wouldn’t take no for an answer. Coach Parker stepped in. Though, I didn’t know who he was then.”

The memory hits me fresh. How her scent, although not as brilliant as it should be, cut through the manufactured darkness. Then my body moved toward her before my brain could catch up. I hadn’t known then why I felt so compelled to protect her.

“And you didn’t know who he was?” Jake’s lawyer interrupts.

---