Goosebumps appeared on Saffron’s arms at the power of the woman’s voice. He pulled his gaze from Saffron and turned to the alpha, doing as he was commanded. Sega and Abe led him down to the chair.
“Take a seat.”
“I’d rather stand,” Bishop replied.
“Very well. This won’t take long.” Eddie adjusted herself in her chair and crossed her legs. She eyed the bear shifter before continuing. “Bishop Milligan. You have been charged with attempted murder of a human, arson, and breaking the shifter mating code. You deliberately pursued a woman who was claimed by another bear, and that is against our laws.”
Bishop didn’t say a word. He stood with his legs as far as they would go due to his shackles.
Saffron’s heart raced. She couldn’t look away from the scene before her. Apparently, the human laws allowed shifters to take care of their own when it came to crimes. Bishop wouldn’t have to face the human authorities. Eddie, his alpha, would be the judge and the jury.
“I’ve looked at all of the testimonies and the evidence of the crimes committed. Bishop Milligan, you have been found guilty of the crimes I’ve already mentioned. You will serve thirty years in Purgatory Prison to pay for your crimes.”
Gasps went out around.
Saffron sat in shock.
He was going to prison.
She and Dasha would be able to live their lives in peace.
“That is ridiculous,” a man shouted. He was the exact image of Bishop. He had more wrinkles on his face and a few gray strands of hair. This must be Bishop’s father.
“Stand down, Milligan,” Selan barked. She eyed the older man and held up a hand. “Unless you want to do some time along with your son.”
He sputtered but then sat.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” Eddie asked.
Bishop turned his head and again met Saffron’s gaze, but this time, Saffron wasn’t afraid of him.
“I said don’t look at her.”
He turned back to the alpha.
“No, ma’am. I don’t have anything to say.”
“If you have nothing to say, then your sentencing has been concluded. Remove him and prepare him for Purgatory.” The alpha stood from her chair as Bishop was led back out.
The room exploded with chatter. Bishop’s family shot her a dirty look before stalking out. She shook her head, unable to believe they would be upset with her. It was their son who’d created this mess.
Saffron turned to Dasha in shock.
“That’s it?” she asked.
“What more did you want?” Dasha stood and pulled Saffron up. She wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her close to her. She cupped Saffron’s face in her hands. She pressed a kiss to Saffron’s lips, a small smile on hers. “Our laws and punishments are straight to the point.”
Their families surrounded them, smiling and congratulating them that their attacker had been put away. Saffron leaned into Dasha, a smile on her lips. She barely heard the conversation that was being held.
All she could think about was this nightmare was over. She and Dasha had to be treated for smoke inhalation, and Saffron had to deal with hypothermia. Lucky enough, she didn’t have any frostbite since the power had been cut to the building once the firefighters arrived at her shop.
The Lick or Bite was totaled. But would return soon. She had received the insurance money and was going to fix her baby up and make it even better than before. She had some ideas on how she could improve her ice cream shop.
She and Dasha had finally came up with a routine on where they would be living. Their primary home would be the house on the lake. They both loved the area and used Dasha’s cabin as their getaway spot, and she would go up there to work.
Life was good.
“How about it?” Dasha asked.