Page 84 of Omega's Fever
But here they are, and Milo’s wearing that stubbornexpression I recognize from court. The one that says he’s about to do something that’ll either save the day or get us all killed.
Our eyes meet across the hallway. Even from here, I can see the determination burning in those blue eyes. I can smell the change in his scent—no more suppressants dulling it, just pure Milo mixed with pregnancy hormones and something else. Defiance.
No, no, no.
Whatever he’s planning, whatever stupid brave thing he thinks he’s doing, I have to stop it. The plea is signed. The deal is made. All I have to do is walk in there and say yes, and everyone stays safe.
The guard opens the courtroom door. “Time to go, Hayes.”
I let them lead me inside, but my mind is racing. Milo follows, taking his seat in the gallery with Penelope and Damon. He is close enough that I can feel his presence like a physical touch. He is close enough that his scent wraps around me, making me want things I can’t have and won’t have for another seven to ten years.
Judge Melkham is already on the bench, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. Sutter sits at the prosecution table, papers spread before her, that smug smile saying she’s already won.
“Mr. Hayes.” Melkham doesn’t bother with pleasantries. “You’re here to enter your plea to the amended charges. You’ve had time to review the agreement?”
I should say yes. One word and this is over. Milo stays safe. The baby stays safe. Seven years is nothing compared to their lives.
But I can feel Milo’s eyes on me. Can sense Penelope’s terror and Damon’s coiled readiness. Whatever they’re planning—
“I need to think about it.”
The words hang in the air like a bomb. Melkham’s face goes from bored to furious in seconds.
“Excuse me?”
“I want to confer with my attorney.” I turn to look at Milo. “I want to withdraw the plea.”
“Your attorney?” Melkham’s voice could strip paint. “The same attorney you dismissed two days ago? The same attorney you said you didn’t need because you were representing yourself?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“No.” The gavel comes down hard enough to echo. “You don’t get to jerk this court around, Mr. Hayes. You signed a plea agreement. You dismissed counsel. You—”
“Your Honor.” Milo stands, and hell, he looks good. Color in his cheeks, fire in his eyes. My omega ready for battle. “My client has the right to legal representation at any stage of the proceedings. If he’s asking for counsel—”
“Is he your client or isn’t he, Mr. Warren?” Melkham’s glare could melt steel. “Because two days ago, he very clearly fired you. In my chambers. Which you were present for.”
“Circumstances have changed, Your Honor.”
“Circumstances.” Melkham laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “The only circumstance that’s changed is Mr. Hayes apparently enjoys wasting this court’s time.”
“Your Honor—”
“Five minutes.” The gavel comes down again. “You have five minutes to confer with your client and figure out what’s happening here. Five minutes, and then I want a final decision. Plea or trial. No more games. Are we clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Five minutes. Starting now.”
Milo’s at the defense table before Melkham finishes speaking. Penelope and Damon follow, creating a huddle that probably looks suspicious as hell but I don’t care. All I care about is figuring out what insane plan they’ve concocted and stopping itbefore someone gets killed.
“What are you doing?” I keep my voice low, aware of how sound carries in the courtroom. “You’re supposed to be—”
“Shut up and listen.” Milo leans close, and his scent floods my senses. Vanilla and determination and mine. “We have it. All of it. The real books, the security footage, everything.”
My blood turns to ice. “How?”
“Doesn’t matter how.” But something flickers in his eyes that tells me it matters very much. “What matters is we can prove you’re innocent. Penelope and Damon are willing to testify about who really ran The Pit.”