Page 210 of Claiming the Pack's Omega

But wow. Melodramatic much? Who the hell is this guy performing for? Hopefully not the judge. I seriously pray that he's not the type of guy to make a decision off on something like that.

That's when I realize that some of the audience behind him is nodding along.

That just irritates me. Of course they think I'm lying. If I were telling the truth, it would mean they'd have to admit that their precious Northside actually fucked up fifteen years ago after the riots happened. They can't face the fact that their stupid legislation actually has long lasting impact.

I clear my throat and paste on as pleasant a smile as I can. The court battle to get the judge to rule in our favor isn't the battle at play. There's also the court of public opinion and I don't know whether it's because I'm bonded to a councilman now, but I want to win that fight too.

"Excuse me, but was there a question there?" I ask, my gaze not dropping from his.

The lawyer's jaw clenches as he stares me down.

"It seems that you lack an ability to read subtext, Ms. Carver," he sniffs. "My question is, but do you really expect us to believe that you're not on that stand with any ulterior motives?"

"Objection," Theo growls, standing from his seat. "Argumentative, your Honor."

There's a moment of silence as the entire courtroom waits with bated breath for the judge's response.

"Sustained. Mr. Buckland, you will rephrase your question," the judge says.

"Yes, my apologies."

He's not sorry at all. His sharp, cutting gaze bears down on me at full force. His burnt bread scent twists throughout the air, significantly angrier than he's letting himself look. And he looks pissed.

He glares at me like he's expecting something. Like he's expecting me to cower and apologize.

How is an alpha like him allowed to let out their dominance like this in a courtroom? To an omega witness? That's absurd.

Lucky for me, his show of power just seems to piss me off.

He also hasn't asked his question yet.

"What was the question you wanted to ask me?" I ask. I fight to keep my entire body still. The only thing that moves is my right brow as I raise it imperiously at him. I appreciate the witness stand elevating me above my normal height, because despite his tall stature, I'm still slightly above eye level to him in my seat.

"Fine then, Ms. Carver. I see how this is going to go," Mr. Buckland huffs. "Tell me. You admit that you were a willing prostitute, and you claim that you saw Northside clients. You've lived in the Southside your entire life, correct?"

"Yes," I say. "I have."

I don't like this breadcrumb line of questioning. It makes me worry I'm going to say something wrong.

"And the only Northsiders you would ever interact with were these supposed clients of yours, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then it would not be outside the realm of possibility, maybe even the realm of probability, that you are here, testifying for a high-profile case because you're seeking out new clientele?"

I can't hide my expression at that ridiculous line of questioning. Neither can my mates, if their anger that's pulsing through the bond is any indication. I glance over to the stands and see Milo and Stone gripping Killian's arms to keep him from standing up.

"Objection!" Theo snarls, jumping up from his seat again. "Leading the witness, your Honor."

"Overruled. Mr. Buckland, you may continue."

"Well then, Ms. Carver, what's your answer?" Mr. Buckland starts pacing again, but he inches closer and closer to the witness stand with each step.

It makes my hackles raise. My inner omega doesn't like that. Hell, the rational part of my brain doesn't like that. It's like he's stalking his prey, and I'm bleeding in the water.

“No, I don't need to anymore," I say.

A grin crosses the faces of the defense attorneys, even the one still sitting at the desk, and a jolt of fear runs down my spine. Did I fuck up?