Page 65 of Tinsel Time Treasure
“That sounds like a yes.”
“You were going to knot me anyway,” I protested.
He chuckled. “Probably. But it’s something different to think about.”
“That’s cheating.”
“Is it? Wouldn’t you rather think about moaning as you come, rather than through all the shit that happened before?”
“Yes…” I admitted.
Max kissed my hair. “Just don’t have a stiffy when you go up to give your victim statement.”
I gasped and lightly smacked his chest. “Asshole.”
He leaned in and kissed the side of my neck. “As you love to say: that is where you prefer your knots.”
I groaned, forcing myself not to think of how good he felt inside me.
“I’ve got your blazer,” Max said, breaking my train of thought. “We should probably get going.”
I took a deep breath, stepped back, met his gaze, and nodded. I needed to do this, for myself and all the other omegas who’d been in similar situations.
Max reached out and took my hands in his, tracing the backs with his thumbs. “You’re strong, and you can do this. I’ll be there, so will Annie and Grace, and your friend Kaleb. You might be the one speaking, but you’re not alone. We’ll give you whatever support you need.”
I smiled. He was right. That asshole who’d made my life hell for nearly a month was nothing compared to the people who loved and supported me.
“I’m ready.”
Max brushed his lips over mine. “Good. Just remember. I love you.”
I smiled. “I love you too.”
I put on my blazer and winter coat. But it was Max’s warm hand at the small of my back that helped fend off the chill in the air.
It was nearly an hour later when we took our seats in the courtroom—Max, Annie and Grace on one side, with Kaleb and his mate Frankie on my other. My parents had sent a text during the drive over, apologizing for not being able to be there and asking me to call later with updates.
My leg bounced as we waited for the judge to get through the bench trials preceding Frederick’s—that was until Max rested his hand on my knee, calming me instantly.
My alpha was there. He was the one who’d opened his home for a stranger in need, and made me feel safe when my life was in turmoil. He was the one I’d fallen in love with because of his kindness and gentle nature.
I sighed and leaned against him, taking the strength he offered while we waited.
It was more than an hour before the case was called. The judge reviewed the plea deal, then permitted me to present a victim statement.
There were grumbles and growls of anger from the audience. The other alphas in the room were not happy about Frederick’s actions, and I realized why he’d agreed to a plea: his lawyers had insisted that things would not go well in front of a jury, or even a judge. A deal was the best option for him.
It only got worse as he gave a statement asking for leniency, stating that another omega had been in heat when we’d met, and it had made his alpha side react stronger than it should have.
Even the judge despised the excuse, glaring at Frederick and silently challenging him on whether he considered the man who was about to decide his future a fool.
I held my breath as the judge considered the plea, evidence, and my statement.
The world seemed to stop when he announced the sentence—two years, plus another year of probation. He was also ordered to not contact me for any reason.
I collapsed against Max, feeling like a weight had been lifted.
We made our way from the courtroom as they prepared for the next case and Max wrapped me in his arms in the hallway.
