Page 126 of Tides of Fate

Lang bumps him in the shoulder.

But before he sits, Hayes looks at Jay and Nix, pointing a finger in their direction.

“Clear,” Hayes snarls.

Judge Sanderson picks up where his colleague left off.

“While we agree that this law will affect the defendant’s sentence, we have further to add.”

He pauses and looks at Nix.

Leo can only see his mate’s face in profile, but Sanderson must see terror because his voice issogentle when he speaks.

“While the law allows for trial by combat and death, there are two additional inclusions Ms. Christie may have failed to note.”

Holy shit.

Given the Judge’s foreboding statement, a murmur spreads through the courtroom.

“Don’t blame Ms. Christie. These changes were ratified two years afterward. I won’t bore you with their location, but regardless, we must also apply them in this instance as well,” Jones states.

“Our purpose is to interpret the full intent of the law. We must account for historical periods and apply them to our modern times.

Judge Patel gears up for one of her educational-style court decisions.

“While this is no longer 1853, Mr. Rena may be the only omega…”

The other omegas in the room rise.

Five men—at various stages of life, from countries across the world—stand united, showing Judge Patel that she is wrong.

Rena Nix is not the only omega.

Arlo bows, speaking loudly and with the confidence that freedom brings.

“We apologize for the disruption, Your Honors, but Nix isnotthe only omega.”

The news is shocking enough that even among the highly professional audience, a titter of whispered reactions spreads through the room.

A speechless Judge Patel is a sight to see. Her mouth is open, her eyebrows so high they could almost be considered an extension of her tightly pulled-back bun. After a long moment, she smiles.

“I stand corrected. Thank you. Please be seated. Well. Be that as it may, it changes nothing regarding this ruling.”

“This court will allow the trial by combat by Alpha James Rhodes or his chosen proxy,” Judge Patel says. “But we must be clear—this is to the death, and it does not matter whose.”

The pack has always known there was a possibility that Hayes could win and walk away a free man, no matter how unlikely. It’s why there had been so many strong reactions, so many furious outbursts, and so much self-doubt. But somehow, hearing it out loud only makes the idea much, much worse.

Because now, it’s real.

“Both parties will stay in the field until one of them is dead or dying. There will be no medical assistance permitted.”

The crowd mutters audibly now, causing Judge Sanderson to raise his gavel again with a pointed look. “The date will be set as soon as this court can secure a suitable location.”

“Finally, the guilty party will be allowed a brief,supervisedaudience with his accuser to air his grievances or to make amends—unless he waives his right to do so.”

Nix sucks in an audible breath.

There’s a hysterical burst of laughter from Hayes, drawing the attention of the entire courtroom. Lang whispers something, but Hayes continues to laugh maniacally.

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