Page 86 of The Alpha's Fake Mate

Saben stood. “It is, your Honor.”

“And the Omega is here today in this court?” The judge glanced directly at me.

“He is, your Honor.”

“I am aware of this Omega’s records. Including medical. The big question here is if the bond was made under duress.”

“If you allow it, he will testify it was, your Honor,” Saben answered.

“I wasn’t finished. If he would not mind taking the stand, I have some questions I’d like to ask him.”

“I have some questions as well,” Bosk’s lawyer said abruptly.

Powers turned toward him. “Did I indicate you could speak?”

Inwardly, I smiled. Still wary, I was willing to take the stand. A month ago, even a week ago, I probably would have been in no shape to speak in a court like this. But now, with Orion at stake, and my heart, I’d do anything.

“If you will.” Powers nodded at me, and the bailiff came to escort me to the witness chair.

Eyes straight ahead. Head clear. Body balanced and under my control. I swore to myself I would not look at Bosk.

Ori looked worried, watching me go, body poised as if to grab, embrace, and whisk me away. I gave him a little nod, and he leaned back, perhaps a bit more relaxed.

I took the stand and looked up at Judge Powers.

He made me state my name and swear to tell the truth. Then he took no time in delving into his questions.

“I have your medical file here, and the date. It was on that date you received these injuries?” He began to read them off. Broken wrist, fractured ribs, various sprains, bruises and contusions. He also mentioned the tearing of the anus in three places.

I felt my face warm, but I continued to stare straight up at his face.

“Those injuries were received on that date?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“In the mating hall of Zilly’s Omega farm.”

“Did you consent to the mating of Alpha Bosk?”

I hesitated. Of course, I had. I had gone to my first time willingly, as all Omegas were trained to do. I expected to service an Alpha in his Burn.

“Yes,” I replied, clearing my throat.

“So you went willingly to do your duty as an adult Omega on the farm.”

“Yes.”

“What happened after that?”

I cleared my throat again. My skin began to feel clammy. My back and thighs began to sweat. “I entered the room. As soon as the door closed and the privacy light came on, he—he grabbed me and shoved me against the wall. He immediately tore my clothes. He called me a whore and pushed me to the floor. I—I tried to get up. I was going to ask him if he would wait a minute. I needed to ready myself. I needed to go a little slower. But he started punching me, and I fell flat on my face. I—he—“ I stopped.

“Take your time,” said the judge.

“He knocked me hard in the head and the room started to spin, and I felt him—I felt him pull me up by the hair. He grabbed my hand and twisted it. I heard—I heard the bone break.” My wrist throbbed as the memory came back fully.

“I couldn’t move. I couldn’t hear him to obey his commands. He shoved me hard against the wall and my ankle gave way. I started to fall. He—put his fingers in me, jammed them hard, then something else. Himself. I felt myself tear. I was screaming, I think, I couldn’t hear anymore. He—he punched my head and face over and over as he—as he raped me.”