Page 7 of Omega's Fever

Judge Melkham’s eyebrows climb toward his receding hairline. “Mr. Hayes has not been convicted, Counselor. Perhaps you should review your client’s file more carefully. He is innocent until proven guilty, despite what you might think”

The insult lands exactly where intended. Milo’s flush deepens and I want to punch the judge in his smug face.

I’m also less than impressed that my own attorney has already decided I’ve been convicted, cute as he may be.

I sit still and breathe through my mouth, trying to minimize the omega’s scent in my nostrils. It doesn’t help.

“Let’s discuss discovery materials.” Judge Melkham moves on like he hasn’t made my attorney look like an idiot in open court. “Ms. Sutter?”

The prosecutor stands. “All discovery has been provided to defense counsel, Your Honor. Witness statements, physical evidence, financial records. We disclosed everything two weeks ago.”

Two weeks ago, I had a different attorney. One who didn’t smell like heaven and look at me like I’m a wild animal about to attack.

Which, to be fair, isn’t far from the truth right now. By god, I want to eat him alive.

“Mr...?” Judge Melkham glances down at his notes. “Winters, did you say? Do you have any issues with the discovery provided?”

The omega’s cheeks burn even brighter. “It’s Warren, Your Honor. And I... I haven’t had adequate time to review all the materials. This case was reassigned to me this morning.”

“This morning.” The judge’s tone could strip paint. “So you’re unprepared?”

“I...” His voice dies. His shoulders hunch inward, making him look smaller, younger. Something protective roars to life in my chest.

“Motion hearings will be scheduled for Monday.” Judge Melkham continues like Milo hasn’t spoken. “I trust that will give you adequate time to familiarize yourself with your client’s case, Mr. Warren.”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Any preliminary motions at this time?”

Milo shuffles through his papers. “The defense requests jury sequestration, given the previous mistrial due to jury tampering.”

“Denied.” Judge Melkham doesn’t even pretend to consider it. “Sequestration is reserved for cases with substantial media attention or credible threats. This has neither.”

I bite back a laugh. No credible threats. Right. Cobb’s reach extends far, but apparently not far enough to concern Judge Melkham.

“Moving on to the witness list from the previous trial.” The judge flips through his own papers. “Several failed to appear. Will the prosecution be calling the same witnesses?”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Victoria Sutter doesn’t bother hiding her satisfaction. “We’ve taken steps to ensure their attendance this time.”

Steps. I wonder what kind of steps. The kind that involve police escorts? Or the kind that involve Cobb’s men making sure certain people stay quiet?

“Any plea negotiations?” Judge Melkham asks, though his tone suggests he already knows the answer.

“No, Your Honor.” Sutter’s smile shows too many teeth. “The state has no interest in offering a deal at this time.”

Of course not. They want the big win. The headline-grabbing conviction. Take down the scary alpha who ran fighting rings and trafficked women. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t do it. All Sutter wants is the headline.

“Moving on to the trial date.” Judge Melkham consults his calendar.

My attorney makes a note as the judge sets out the dates. Or he tries to. His hand shakes so badly that his notes are just squiggles. I can smell his distress now, sour under thesweetness. I want to pull him into my arms and cuddle him until he feels better.

I grit my teeth. That would not play well with the judge.

“One more thing.” Judge Melkham’s eyes narrow as he looks at Milo. “If you intend to continue appearing in my courtroom, Mr. Warren, I suggest you invest in suppressants. Strong ones. This display is highly unprofessional.”

Milo goes scarlet from his hairline to below his collar. His mouth opens and closes. The humiliation rolls off him in waves, sharp and acrid.

“Yes, Your Honor.” The words come out strangled.