Page 94 of Rhett

With face flushed, Blanche said, “We’re so sorry. We should have believed in your innocence, Nova.”

Ambrose, the owner of the only hardware store in town, stepped forward. “Yeah, we’re sorry, Nova.”

Ivy, the town’s dentist, proclaimed, “We knew you didn’t do it.”

“Welcome to the Black Forest Ridge family,” a group of them said in unison.

With no smile, Nova studied the crowd and said, “Let this be a new start.”

I reached over and took her hand, squeezing it softly.

She continued. “All I ask is that when someone new comes to this town, take the time to get to know the person before being judgmental. And last, but not least, please welcome them with open arms.” At the end of her statement, the audience clapped and whistled.

Bonnie whispered something in Nova’s ear before raising her arms and yelling, “Quiet down!” The crowd silenced. “I also have an announcement.” Bonnie jammed her hands on her hips. “It’s now official. My granddaughter is the newest family member of the Ridge.” Nova nodded in agreement. “And we’re damn lucky to have her serve as the town’s midwife.”

That announcement caused another round of whistling and clapping. But of course not everyone was happy with the breaking news—Gertrude, Shane, and Josie each had thunderous expressions before storming away.

Turning Nova to face me, I cupped her cheek. “I’ll be seeing you later,” I promised.

“And I’ll be waiting,” she whispered.

I handed her over to Bonnie, who ushered Nova away and into her vehicle before driving off.

I watched the crowd disperse before stepping back into the station to join my pack. We were about to serve justice to Sam the Ridge way, and that called for preparation.

* * *

An hour later, we arrived in separate vehicles to the outer edge of the forest. Quinn and Mack helped me get Sam out of the back of my cruiser before Emmett, Brody, and Jasper joined us.

Dragging Sam away from the vehicle, we made our way into the forest. The moonlight was bright as we silently trekked deeper into the forest.

It didn’t take us long to make it to our destination—a ceremonial circle at the center of the forest. According to Quinn, his forefathers created the circle eons ago. It was a sacred place designated for justice to be served to shifters who wrongly spilled the blood of the innocent.

They each took a spot around the circle while I placed Sam in the center, taking the handcuffs and shackles off him. Sam swung, cutting me on my cheek.

“Motherfucker,” I yelled, shoving him to the ground. “You wanted a one-on-one fight. Well, now you’ve got one.” I stripped off my shirt and boots.

Sam shouted, “Bring it.” After he undressed, he beckoned me with a finger. “Come dance with the king.”

I was a powder keg ready to explode when I faced off with Sam. My canines lengthened past my lips as we brawled back and forth and Sam foamed at the mouth.

I unloaded on Sam, dropping him multiple times. I was meticulous and calculating with my strikes, hitting him with body shot after body shot. Sam’s eyes turned frantic, and he shifted into his wolf. Wasting no time, my body shook and I transformed, my clothes shredding like confetti.

My jaguar darted forward, catching him by the throat with canines sinking into his flesh. Sam’s wolf bucked and thrashed, trying to loosen my grip, but to no avail. I dragged him to the ground, applying pressure. His bones made a crunching sound. His wolf choked and gasped until his body went limp.

Releasing him, I shifted back into my human form. “The king is dead,” I said.

Each member of my pack said in unison, “Justice is served.”

CHAPTER25

RHETT

After burying Sam, we headed back to the station. I hopped out of my cruiser with no shirt on and blood and guts on my chest. And thank goodness the crowd had disappeared from in front of the station.

“You off to get your woman?” Jasper asked.

“Yup,” I replied.