Page 33 of China

“Good,” Oz said.

“You weren’t worried, were you?” China asked.

He pinched his finger and thumb together. “A little.”

She smiled. “Duke’s a good male.”

“Now,” Craig said, “onto the business of exile. You killed the alpha in defense of a non-pride member, which means you’re not welcome in the pride anymore. The laws state that exile occurs immediately, with the exiled lion given twenty-four hours to clear out. However, because your intervention not only saved China but also paved the way for our pride to start over with fresh leadership, I’m waiving that portion of the law.”

“What do you mean?” Oz asked.

“I mean, you’re not a pride member so you can’t take part in any of our hunts or gatherings, but you’re welcome back to town to not only collect your things, but to visit with Teresa and Angel whenever you want. Just give me a call and let me know when you’re coming.”

Oz shook Craig’s hand. “Thanks. I didn’t expect that.”

“No worries. It’s a small change to the law, so it’s not a big deal. I’m going to go through the law books one by one and bring us into the twenty-first century. It’s about time that we got rid of antiquated ideas and let our pride breathe a little. It was too restrictive for too long, with the former alphas holding onto their power by terrorizing their people instead of being good leaders.”

“You’ll be great,” Oz said.

“So, is that it?” China asked. “He’s exiled now?”

“Yep.”

“How did the tribunal go?” Oz asked.

They rose to their feet. Craig walked with them out to the foyer and onto the porch. “It went well. I led the tribunal myself, which is my right as alpha. I followed the letter of the law—every single male will serve ten years except for Drager, because he was the one who had the bright idea in the first place. He’s serving fifteen.”

“Will you exile them when their sentences are over?” China asked.

“Most likely. It depends on their behavior and attitudes once they’re finished.”

“We’re going to head back to my place and finish packing up. We’d like to get going after dinner. Teresa asked us to stay and eat with her and Angel.”

“She invited me as well,” he said.

“She’s really pretty and sweet,” China said.

Craig rocked on his heels, his cheeks darkening. “Yes, she is. See you tonight.”

China hugged Craig and thanked him for his help and guidance, and then Oz shook his hand again. Oz took her hand and led her from the porch to a path that would lead to his home.

“I can’t believe how things worked out,” she said.

“It’s honestly amazing.” He stopped and caught her around the waist, drawing her close. “And it was all because you wanted to save your friend from Benecio. You started the ball rolling.”

“I’m glad I did. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me too, sweetheart. I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

* * *

After dinner, Teresa presented Oz and China with a large plastic container filled with cookies and brownies. “For the road,” she said, giving them both hugs. “When will you be back?”

Oz looked at China and she shrugged. “Maybe next weekend,” he said. “It depends on how things are going.”

“Well, let me know when you decide.”

She’d offered to pack up Oz’s house and workshop while they were in Kedrick, and it had made China laugh at how fast Oz taken her up on the offer.

---