Page 41 of Moon Kissed

“Nothing casual about it. You never should’ve let her get away with that blackmail shit in the first place.”

No. No, no, no.I sank low in my seat—lower than my sinking heart.Everything I did. Everything I sacrificed, and it’s over on the first day. How is this happening? This can’t be happening.

“If people found out she got away with murder by threatening to expose the werewolves, every fucking psychopath, murderer, thief, and omega is going to do the same.”

“Hey,” Nia barked. “Nice group of people you’re lumping me in.”

Badr arched a brow at her like he forgot who she was or why she was there. “No offense meant,” he tossed at her as he hauled me out of my seat. “Orion, finish writing your statement while I’ll take care of her. No point tying her up, but if she tries to run, I’ll blind her.”

I stumbled over the carpet, heart lodged in my throat and choking out anything I could’ve said in my defense. What could I do? How would I get out of this? Yes, it was extraordinarily difficult to keep a moon wolf captive, but that didn’t mean it was impossible. Blinding me would do the trick just fine.

“I told you I’d make you pay for what you did to my brother,” Badr hissed in my ear. “Oooh, look at that. You’ve finally lost that stupid fucking grin.”

“Wait,” I gasped. “Don’t—”

“Stop.” Someone grabbed and tugged me free of Badr. “Volana didn’t kill Hall. We were together in the detention hall the entire time—”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Badr bellowed.

“—and I’ll swear that to everyone and anyone who asks,” Orion plowed on. His hands were firm and warm pushing me behind him—protecting me. “If Hall really was killed, she’s the one person in this school who couldn’t have done it, so stop wasting time going after her and find the real killer.”

A heavy, smothering silence filled the room... then shattered like a Ming vase.

“What the hell!”

“What’s wrong with you!”

“We were almost rid of her!”

“You stupid fucking fool!”

My wolf whined inside of me, deeply pained by our fates’ vicious words and rejections. All except one.

I tipped back, staring up at the hard line of Orion’s jaw. He weathered their anger without flinch or apology. A mere hour ago the man was on his knees before me, whimpering for want of me.

But that didn’t make him anyone’s bitch.

“Are you certain this is the statement you wish to give?” Dagem asked tightly.

“I was never uncertain about my statement. Volana didn’t kill him, so go find the person who did.”

“Demerit, Mr. Wheeler.”

“Are you serious? For what!”

“Smoking on school grounds,” Dagem snapped back, slamming the phone down. “All of you, out. Nia, escort her back to her dorm and make sure she stays there.”

I was already out the door before she finished her sentence. I had enough of this clown show and wanted away from it as soon as possible. Nia hurried after me.

We were only halfway down the hall when a slammed door and raised voices smacked our ears.

“What is wrong with you?” Badr gritted. “All you had to do was say you were with us!”

“Back off.” That deep growl could only be Orion. “You assholes never should’ve put me in that position. Framing an innocent person so that a killer can go free? That’s insane!”

“She’s not innocent!”

“She is of this!”

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