Page 116 of Tides of Fate

Leo hopes it’s not bad news—at least not already.

“Thank you for coming early,” she says again. “We have been shifted up on the docket, so we are a bit pressed for time.”

There’s a bit of commotion at the news, but Nix sits up straighter in his chair, the picture of prim serenity with his hands folded neatly over each other—ignoring Grayson’s offered hand.

Nix shakes his head. Leo remembers what he said to Nix on their bonding day:

It’s hard to hurt and think of the people we love at the same time.

Anyone who knows what to look for can see the truth—Nix knows he is going to hurt, and he isn’t sure he can be strong enough if he accepts the comfort Grayson is offering.

“I apologize for not calling you sooner, but we were only just notified of the change.”

“Why were we moved up the docket?” Finn asks, jaw clenched in frustration.

Jay follows Antonio into the room and stands behind Nix’s chair while Leo’s father closes the door.

“That’s a good question. We weren’t given a reason, but usually, when there’s a change to the schedule, it’s because the defendant has given just cause or the judges have other commitments. Most likely the former—seems the defendant has had some difficulty settling in,” Leo’s father says with a fleeting smirk before his expression settles into his banal court expression.

“Indeed,” Erin says as she opens her tablet. “Here’s how things will go…”

They spend the next fifteen minutes reviewing the order of proceedings before a uniformed court official knocks on the door.

Erin takes a moment and looks at Nix directly. “Nix, I want you to understand one thing before we go in there: you have done nothing wrong. No matter what happens today, you are not to blame for any of it. Do you understand? You can trust me.”

Nix must see something in her eyes because he sighs and takes a deep breath. “Okay.”

They all shuffle toward the door, Nix in the lead, but when he holds out his arms for his pack, they all cuddle in close. Luca drags Rowan forward like they’re cuffed together, with Finn and Grayson behind, and Gideon pushes Leo in so he can take the rear, facing Jay over everyone’s heads.

“Ready?” Jay whispers.

Nix hums from the center of the pile, and they break apart with lingering hands on his shoulders, back, and—in Jay’s case—his cheek.

“Love you, baby boy. Let’s be done with this.”

Nix finally accepts Grayson’s hand, and together, they follow their legal team out the door and down the hall toward the main courtroom.

The heavy doors remain closed, with a sign outside indicating that the case has been closed to the public. Two guards stand at attention, and as the group approaches, they step aside to open the doors.

Though the case is closed to the public, the courtroom is packed. Leo scans the faces, surprised by the turnout. Some are strangers, but many spark recognition. An older gentleman waves and bows slightly as Nix whispers, “Artem.”

Nearby, a young couple smiles warmly. Nix freezes for a moment beforenodding, and Antonio leans in to murmur, “Neighbors from the apartment complex.”

At the back, Leo spots a group of men, including Arlo and his mate, Baz.

Baz throws a cheeky finger-heart, making Leo cough to stifle a laugh, and Finn steps away to greet them briefly, returning to Leo with a grin barely contained.

“The omegas,” Finn whispers. “They came to support Nix. They called a press conference for afterward.”

Nix catches their words, his eyes finding the group. For a moment, he stands still, then presses a hand over his heart in silent acknowledgment.

The row just behind them holds Dr. Riordan Kennedy, Dennie from the ER, and Yasmine, the nurse from the ICU—their presence is a testament to how far Nix’s strength and courage have reached. Even Dr. Spencer, Nix’s endocrinologist, stands beside a woman Leo doesn’t recognize, their small waves warm and encouraging.

But it’s the sight of the family row that sends tears burning behind Leo’s eyes. The far end holds Finn’s parents and two other pack members who helped raise him. Between them are Grayson’s mother and father from Connecticut and Rowan’s mother, who has made the journey from Clarksville. Leo’s moms sit in the last two seats on the aisle.

The row behind the pack is filled with supporters, each one there because Nix needed them—and they answered the call. It’s a testament to how much they are loved.

At the front of the room, behind a short wooden rail, Erin and Leo’s father settle into their seats beside the appointed prosecutor, Darla Davis. She’s young—no older than Jay—but carries herself with a confidence that lives up to her reputation as the “firecracker,” Leo’s father calls her. An alpha, fiercely good at her job, she’s exactly the kind of ally Nix needs today.

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