Parker knitted his fingers together. “I agree with Mr. Moore that it doesn’t look good that both females altered their version of events. It can be hard to decide which statement holds the truth. I must also say that it is quite odd that someone who would fight so strongly for a shifter would even give the time of day to someone such as Kenny Cogman, biological father or not.”
Landyn nodded. “It would also be fair to note that it is the word of three against two—three boys whose stories never changed. They all come from respectable families and have never been in trouble with the law.”
Gwen almost snorted. Well of course, they hadn’t—Colt wouldn’t have arrested them.
“But there are other things to consider,” added Harrison. “Like that the Moores have a reputation in their hometown for being anti-shifter. The accused himself has a reputation for being violent and reckless.”
Emilio stared at Colt as he said, “I find it curious that the sheriff did indeed mishandle this case—or, to be specific, didn’t handle it at all. Nor did he handle it when the accused confronted Miss Miller at her home, bat in hand.” He held up a hand when Ezra went to speak. “Yes, I did see the injuries. But I know the difference between bruising that’s been done by fists and bruising done by blunt objects. Someone hurt your son, but it was not Miss Miller.”
“I find it hard to believe that Miss Miller and the accused were in a relationship of any kind,” said Parker. “I also find it difficult to believe that she could hide any prejudice from five shifters, particularly when one is a Seer. She has done our kind a good service, and I thank her for that.”
Emilio looked at Colt. “If you had dealt with this matter and the accused had been punished by human law, he would not be in this room right now. In a sense, you are partly responsible for the punishment he will endure at our hands.”
Ezra jumped to his feet, spluttering. “Punishment?”
“Brandt Moore, it is obvious to us that you are guilty of the assault on Miss Windsor,” Parker declared.
Relief filled Gwen, and she felt like she’d taken her first real breath since yesterday. She squeezed Zander’s hand and threw a smile over her shoulder at Andie, whose eyes were wet.
“We will detain and punish you, and then you will be released tomorrow,” continued Parker. “Your friends will also join you and receive punishment.”
Rowan’s father grabbed his son. “Not a chance.” And chaos pretty much broke out.
A defeated-looking Colt remained still and silent as the others shouted and cursed and protested. The council members merely left through a door near their panel, effectively dismissing them.
Brandt whirled on his father. “Do something! You can’t let them take me!” By then, three stocky males had entered the room and were already heading his way.
Red-faced, Ezra promised, “I won’t let him, I’ll—”
“You said you wouldn’t let this happen!” yelled Brandt. “You said you’d get me off!”
Arriving at the bench, the three males grabbed Brandt, Rowan, and Mack. As they were hauled away, their parents and Ezra’s chauffeur, Thad, struggled to follow. More shifters piled into the room, forcing the humans to step back while the boys were shoved through the door that the council members had disappeared through.
“Let’s leave now before their attention turns to us,” said Andie.
Gwen nodded. “Good idea.” But it was too late. No sooner had they all begun sliding out of the bench than Brandt’s mother, Moira, came storming toward Andie.
“You lying whore! My son never touched you!”
Andie just regarded the hysterical woman steadily. “I can see in your eyes that you know that’s not true.”
“You’re pinning it on him because you hate humans!” Moira screeched. “This is a hate crime! And you . . . you’re not even a person! You’re an animal!”
Andie gave her a brittle smile. “And yet, I’m not the one who drugged and beat someone with a metal pole while my friends laughed, am I? Now back the fuck off.”
Gently bumping Andie aside, Gwen said, “Move your ass, Moira; your time to embarrass yourself is up.”
She raised her hand to slap her, but Gwen grabbed it. “No, Moira. Your boy made his bed. It’s his own fault if he finds it lumpy.”
“Get your hands off my wife!” Ezra bellowed. He tried shoving his way into Gwen’s personal space, but Zander pushed him back.
“Fucking touch her and you’re dead,” Zander growled, eyes flashing wolf.
The asshole froze, gulping because, yeah, Zander could be a scary bastard at times. As he opened his mouth, no doubt to issue a threat, Gwen waved a dismissive hand and said, “Spare me the ‘You’ll pay for this’ bullshit, Ezra.”
“Take Andie outside, Gwen,” said Zander, eyes on Ezra. He didn’t move his gaze from the bastard as his pack mates and Gwen’s family headed to the exit. His wolf lunged at the human, desperate to tear him apart. Zander barely kept him suppressed.
The last to leave, Yvonne lingered and said, “Emilio Mendes was right—it’s partly Colt’s fault that your son will pay at the council’s hands. But you’re at fault too, Ezra. In buying his way out of trouble his whole life, you taught him that he could do whatever he wanted and there’d be no consequences. Now he’s learning the hard way that there are. So if you want to start blaming anyone for what happened here today, look at yourself first.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Arriving back at the house, Gwen was surprised to see yet another SUV parked outside. Four people exited the vehicle—two of whom she’d seen before. She did a quick study of the unfamiliar tall, sable-haired female and the huge male at her side with perceptive brindle-brown eyes. As she took in the fluid way they both moved, Gwen was quite sure they were shifters.
“What are you guys doing here?” asked Bracken.
Jesse snorted. “What do you think we’re doing here? There’s a chance you’ll need backup. We came. And, yeah, I’d like to get my fucking hands on Rory after he sent the cops to Harley’s club.”
Gwen waited with her family and Andie while the Mercury wolves and the newcomers exchanged greetings. It was obvious to her that they were all close.