Page 104 of Her Second-Hand Mate

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“Two years.”

“And you call that a fling?”

“Yes,” JD admitted reluctantly.

David frowned as he thought of his next question, “Was she the only female you were sleeping with during that time?”

“No.”

The courtroom was buzzing with whispers and shocked gasps.

“When did you break off this fling?”

“When she met her mate.”

“Did you have contact with her after she became the Luna of Greylock?”

“She sent me a letter once, saying she missed me and complaining about how boring her new pack was.”

“Did you reply?”

“No.”

“Did you love her?”

“No.”

“What happened the night of her death?”

Anderson remained silent. David repeated his question. When Anderson’s lips became white from how hard he was pressing them together, David looked at Phillips and Scott again, and they came forward.

“Respond!” they roared in unison, causing JD to clutch his head with both hands.

“She came on to me!” he gasped as if he was being choked.

Dominic was holding my hand so tightly that I worried he’d crack a bone, but I’d heal. I wanted to be there for him.

“A few of us from the Cali pack went to a human club; we partied, started talking about the old times, and ended up having sex in the club bathroom. I regretted it as soon as I sobered up. Haven’thad a drink since,” he looked at Dominic apologetically, but Dominic just stared at the wall behind him.

There wasn’t a single wolf in this room who’d allow this behavior to go unpunished.

“One last question, Alpha Anderson, are you currently sexually involved with any females in your pack?”

JD swallowed.

“Yes.”

“Very well. The witnesses can leave. We’ll reconvene in an hour for the reading of the decision.”

As we filed back into the courtroom, I saw David gently stroking Regina’s upper arms as they stood in the corner. Today was probably very triggering for her. I realized that I didn’t envy their closeness and connection like I would have if I’d witnessed the same scene a year ago. Now, I knew what a mate’s supportive touch felt like. I squeezed Dominic’s hand. He rewarded me with a smile.

“Order in the courtroom,” Prince John announced. “The unanimous consensus is that Luna Penelope Hedge acted in self-defense and was justified in the killing of Miss Heather Taylor.”

I breathed in relief. It was truly over.

---