Page 39 of Fetch Me A Mate (Shifter Mates of Hollow Oak #1)

DIANA

T he second Council meeting felt different from the first. Diana arrived with Rowan beside her, his presence steady and reassuring after their night of revelations. Miriam met them at the glade's edge, her sharp eyes taking in Rowan's healing bruises without comment.

"Ready for this?" Miriam asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"Good. Because Gerald Finch is already here, looking like he swallowed something unpleasant."

The Council had arranged themselves in their usual semicircle, but the atmosphere was less formal than the previous night. Varric looked almost amused, while Elder Bram appeared distinctly uncomfortable. Gerald Finch sat off to one side, his normally pristine appearance disheveled.

"Diana Merrick," Varric began. "Thank you for returning. And Rowan Baneville, thank you for joining us."

"Council." Rowan's voice was respectful but not deferential.

"Tonight we address the resolution of false charges filed against Ms. Merrick, and the prosecution of the individual responsible.

" Varric's gaze fixed on Finch. "Mr. Finch, you've confessed to accepting bribes to file fraudulent complaints.

Do you have anything to add before we proceed with sentencing? "

Finch lifted his head, his face haggard. "I want to apologize. To Ms. Merrick, to this Council, to the community I betrayed."

"Apologize for what specifically?" Elder Bram's voice was cold.

"For taking money from Backwoods Consulting to manufacture evidence against the inn. For filing false reports about financial irregularities, supplier complaints, and operational violations." Finch's voice cracked. "For attempting to destroy an honest business because I needed money."

"How much were you paid?" Emmett asked.

"Two thousand initially. They promised eight thousand more if the Council revoked her license." Finch looked directly at Diana. "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve any of this."

Varric stood, his presence commanding the glade. "Gerald Finch, you're permanently banned from any position involving Council business. You'll make full restitution to Ms. Merrick for legal costs and lost business. Criminal charges will be filed through human authorities."

"I understand."

"Furthermore, you'll provide a written statement detailing every aspect of this conspiracy for our records and for potential future legal proceedings."

Finch nodded miserably. The guards escorted him away, leaving silence in his wake.

"Well," Varric said, settling back into his chair. "That was illuminating."

"Is there still a question about Diana's fitness as innkeeper?" Miriam asked sharply.

"None whatsoever." Varric smiled, the expression transforming his weathered features. "The complaint was fraudulent, the evidence was fabricated, and Ms. Merrick has proven her competence repeatedly through actual performance rather than manufactured crises."

"Then what's the verdict?"

"Diana Merrick will remain as innkeeper of the Hearth & Hollow Inn, with full Council approval and community support." Varric's voice carried across the glade with formal authority. "A routine review will be conducted in one year, not from doubt but from procedural thoroughness."

"Motion seconded," Emmett said immediately.

"Agreed," added the other Council members in sequence.

A soft sound filled the clearing. Applause, restrained and dignified, very Hollow Oak in its measured approval.

Diana looked around to see familiar faces emerging from the forest shadows.

Twyla clapped with obvious satisfaction.

Tom Brewster snapped photos for the town newsletter.

Edgar and Rufus Tansley nodded their approval from beneath an ancient oak.

"How long have they been there?" Diana whispered to Miriam.

"Since the beginning. This is their inn too. They wanted to witness the decision."

Varric stood again. "Before we adjourn, there's one more matter. Rowan Baneville, the Council formally recognizes your service in protecting this community from external threats. Your actions last night ensured the safety of our residents and eliminated a significant security concern."

Rowan nodded but said nothing.

"Furthermore, we're prepared to offer you an official position as Community Security Advisor, reporting directly to this Council."

"With respect, I decline."

"May I ask why?"

"Because my priority is the inn and its keeper. I'll help with security issues when needed, but my loyalty belongs to Diana and the life we're building together."

Varric's smile widened. "A diplomatic way of saying you're choosing love over politics."

"Something like that."

"Admirable. The offer remains open if you change your mind."

As the crowd began to disperse, people approached Diana with congratulations and promises to book future events. The community that had once viewed her with suspicion now embraced her with genuine warmth.

"You did it," Twyla said, wrapping Diana in a fierce hug. "Really did it. Proved you belong here."

"We all did it," Diana replied. "This community fought for the inn as much as I did."

"Because you gave us something worth fighting for."

One by one, the well-wishers departed until only Diana, Rowan, and Miriam remained in the glade.

"How does it feel?" Miriam asked. "Being officially, permanently, undisputedly the innkeeper?"

"Like I can finally breathe," Diana admitted.

"Good. Because now the real work begins. No more proving yourself, no more fighting for acceptance. Now you get to simply be who you are and do what you love."

"Run the inn."

"Build a home," Miriam corrected. "For yourself, for this community, for the travelers who need sanctuary. That's what innkeepers really do."

They walked back toward town in comfortable silence, Diana flanked by the woman who'd trained her and the man who'd chosen her. The inn's windows glowed warm and welcoming in the distance, calling them home.

"I need a minute," Diana said when they reached the inn's front steps.

"Where are you going?" Rowan asked.

"Kitchen. To process this properly."

Diana slipped through the lobby into the kitchen, closing the door behind her. She leaned against the counter, looking around at the space that had become her domain. The scarred butcher block, the ancient stove, the window that looked out over the square she now belonged to permanently.

Then she cried. Not from sadness or relief or overwhelming gratitude, but from the simple, profound satisfaction of having fought for something precious and won it completely.

She was home. Really, truly, permanently home.

When the tears finished, Diana wiped her face and returned to the lobby. Rowan and Miriam were talking quietly by the fireplace, their voices low and companionable.

"Better?" Rowan asked, studying her face.

"Much better." Diana straightened her shoulders and looked around the lobby that was finally, officially, undisputedly hers. "Now, who wants something to drink? We have celebrating to do."