Page 137 of His Reluctant Omega

“And you’re aware that once I make my ruling, you will need to appeal the decision to the Provincial Tribunal as soon as possible?” the judge asked.

Wilder frowned. It was as if the judge was telling Tensen exactly what they would need to do in order to succeed. It gave him hope.

“I have the appeal ready to be filed,” Tensen replied. “I appreciate the shared knowledge, Your Honor.”

Judge Beck smiled. “Mr. Stephens, would you please rise?”

Avery cast a quick glance at Wilder before rising.

“Mr. Stephens, it is my duty as an officer of this court to uphold presumption of your guilt under our laws, especially when you admit it. No matter my opinion in this matter, I cannot go against the law as it is written. No matter… if I think a case such as this islongoverdue.” He lifted his gavel, pointing it at Avery. “Mr. Stephens, I find you guilty as charged but wish you all the luck before the Tribunal.”

Avery nodded. “Thank you.”

The gratitude seemed awkward given the judge’s decision, but the undertone was music to Wilder’s ears. It spoke volumes. If only the judges on the Tribunal had similar attitudes.

He could only hope.

“Judge, I have an issue to raise that you may be able to rule on here and now,” Tensen spoke up.

“Yes, Mr. Atkinson?”

“Avery’s alpha claimed him prior to his incarceration. Once placed in prison, it was soon concluded that he was indeed pregnant after that heat with his alpha.”

The court grew intensely quiet. Wilder’s ears warmed, unsure of the direction Tensen was going.

“And this has what kind of impact on this case?”

“As they arrested himafterhe was impregnated, by his alpha, we contend that the child in question does not belong to the province.”

“But not after the laws had been broken,” Judge Beck stated.

“The alpha in question was not aware that laws were being broken. The heat occurred and, instinctually, he surrendered to it. There was no other choice but to allow nature to take its course. By taking his child away, it would be unfair, as he did not break any laws.”

Avery’s head spun. He stared at Wilder, wide-eyed.

Appearing angry. Wilder frowned, tilting his head. Why would Avery be angry that Tensen was attempting to protect their child? Before he could whisper anything, Avery spun forward, an angry set to his shoulders.

Tensen added, “The children claimed by the province are fathered by criminals, those without rights because of the nature of their crimes. This alpha isnota criminal and has full rights under the law.”

Judge Beck looked thoughtful.

“Regardless of the alpha’s knowledge or otherwise, many laws were broken before Mr. Stephens found himself pregnant,” the province’s attorney said. “Our office considers this child a ward of the province.”

Judge Beck searched Tensen’s face. “And is this alpha here? Can he speak for himself?”

Tensen turned and faced Wilder. “Yes, Your Honor. He is.”

Concern filled Wilder. Avery refused to look his way. He rose and eyed the judge as whispers filled the courtroom. “Yes, Your Honor.”

“Approach the bench,” the judge ordered.

Wilder stepped carefully through the row before entering the swinging gate that kept the spectators at bay. He glanced to the side and saw Avery’s arms crossed. The omega stared straight without slanting his gaze.

His stomach was in knots as he approached the judge.

“You attest you are the father of the child Avery Stephens is carrying and will prove it after the birth via blood test?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

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