Page 76 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha
A murmur of relief went through the room.
“Ms Ferrera.” One of the lawyers, Reilly I thought, spoke up. “If you could give us as much detail as possible, please. We have to prepare a statement from you, as part of our preparation. I realise that this is a personal moment, and usually we would not press for such intimate information, but the circumstances demand it.”
“What sort of details?”
The lawyer flushed. “When did the President Declare his Intent? How did he court you? The circumstances of the mate bond. Anything, no matter small, could be important.”
In my mind’s eye, I envisioned a tightrope. I had to walk the line exactly right. If I was officially questioned about the contents of my statement, I couldn’t afford to be caught in a lie.Not when Bastien’s life could be at stake. I had to tell the truth and only the truth, while also hiding the fact that Bastien had never once said that I was his mate before he had bitten me.
Taking a deep breath, I held the lawyer’s gaze. “Anyone on the President’s security detail can confirm that on my first day, at breakfast with the President, he served my food before he served himself. That was the beginning of his courtship.”
Charlie and Stefan smiled and nodded. “It was as obvious as the noses on our faces,” interjected Charlie.
Just not to me. But I would never tell.
The pings in my head began to slow. I was on the right track. Just a little more.
The lawyer scribbled some notes on her legal pad. “Very good ma’am. What else?”
“Before Bastien bonded me, I definitely said yes. My consent was clear and I will swear that on oath.”
The other lawyer gave me a small smile. “Hopefully it won’t come to that ma’am. We will draft some formal depositions for the Council now so we lodge them urgently tonight if the Council hearing doesn’t go our way.”
The pings slowed. They hadn’t stopped completely, but hopefully between us we’d have enough evidence to exonerate Bastien from any charge.
Thank fuck.
“If you would please excuse us. We need to work on these documents. Please stay available for signing in a couple of hours.”
“Of course,” I said.
Luc turned in his chair. “Sam and Billy please escort them to an office. Charlie and Stefan you are dismissed.”
The room emptied quickly, leaving only Luc and myself. His mismatched eyes regarded me closely. “Very good,” he said. I gave him a quick, tight smile. He didn’t return it. Instead, he rubbed his eyes, looking tired. “We’ll just have to keep you off the witness stand.”
“What do you mean? I’m willing to give testimony.”
“Even though your statement won’t stand up to cross-examination?” I tightened my hand on my water glass, unsure how to respond. “I’m mated to your sister, Electra. I can read all of your body language.”
My pre-cog didn’t stir up at his words. But, just as importantly, my instincts told me that it was safe to confess to Luc. He was Bastien’s brother. Loyal to him. And more importantly, as my sister’s mate, her welfare came first. He wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise that. He had put his own life at risk more than once to save my sister. I could trust him.
My shoulders slumped. “Bastien didn’t Declare his Intent before he bit me.”
Luc’s eyes sharpened. “Is that why you thought it was a mistake when we talked?” I nodded, chewing on my lip. “But you wanted his bite?”
I nodded again. “Absolutely. Unequivocally.”
Finally, he smiled. “It’s unconventional but it seems pretty clear to me. You wanted to be bitten. He bit you.”
“So do we tell the lawyers?” My fingers tapped against my glass. “I don’t want to say anything that will hurt his case.”
“Let’s wait to see if Bastien can head this off in Council. If it goes further, we’ll ask them then. As his mate you can’t be compelled to give testimony against him.”
My nod this time was more confident.
Chapter 68
Bastien
