Page 72 of Shattered

“And you’re telling me this because...”

He spun her to him then back to her up to the wall. “Because, when you walked into the bathroom, the sway of your ass got my dick hard, and I need you again.” He lifted her with ease and Aurora wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Why, Mr. Raferty. You are a dirty wolf, aren’t you?” Her features morphed into a mask of pleasure as he lowered her onto him.

The wolf joined him. “Damn right I am, and don’t you forget it.”

Chapter Ten

Although he’d rather be with Aurora, Mackenzie focused his attention on what was happening in front of him. He sat in the front row of the courtroom, along with the other witnesses for the case, and studied Hayden, who waited to be cross-examined by Holly’s lawyer, Alexander Walker. His niece had already spent most of the morning on the stand answering District Attorney Franks’ questions as he had set the stage on Hayden’s life and outcome with Holly. The only thing rankling Mackenzie’s nerves was the fact Charles didn’t bring up the affidavit of Justine Gabbles.

If the DA had it, why not enter it into record? There had to be a reason, but whatever it was, Mackenzie had no idea what it could be. Nonetheless, District Attorney Charles Franks hadn’t painted a pretty picture of Holly’s treatment with Hayden. Along with the most recent evidence yet to be entered into the case—Holly’s involvement in breaking up Nico and Hayden. The notion he could be involved in even a tiny bit of whatever plot Holly cooked up, twisted his insides. Hayden didn’t deserve any of the hate her aunt dished out whenever she got the chance.

When they dismissed for lunch, Mackenzie went off on his own, needing the time to gather his tattered thoughts. He figured the case would be hard on him and everyone in the family, however thinking it and trying to prepare for it, were two different things, and he’d done a horrible job of it.

Looking back on it all, the signs were there. He’d seen glimpses of the real Holly and yet, his stupid pride got in the way, or, perhaps, it’d been his guilty conscious demanding he pay for all of his dirty sins. Either way, the pain his family endured because of Holly could have been avoided if he’d opened his mouth and said something.

Now, as he waited for court to begin and Alexander Walker to start asking Hayden whatever heinous questions the man had on tap, Mackenzie couldn’t help but worry what would happen next. He squeezed his folded hands together and let out an impatient sigh. “This shit is for the birds.” He didn’t say it for anyone in particular, more so in hopes of getting the show on the road.

Hayden turned in Mackenzie’s direction as Nico sat beside him. “She’s stronger than you all give her credit for. She’s been preparing for this longer than what you’d think.” Nico gave her a small wave.

Mackenzie snorted and shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. She shouldn’t be in this position.”

Nico scoffed. “She wants Holly to rot in hell—or in this case, prison—for the rest of her life. My mate will walk through the gates of Hell to make sure it’ll happen, too.”

The naivety of Nico’s words, pissed Mackenzie off. “It’ll be a setback for her.”

The boy stared a hole in him. Determination lit his amber eyes. “No, it won’t. Like I said, she’s a lot stronger than you all give her credit for.”

“Boy, you don’t have to tell me how strong that girl is. I’ve seen the steely resolve coursing through her body. Doesn’t mean this won’t hurt her, or even give her nightmares again.”

“Not your problem anymore, Mac. As her mate, it’s mine,” Nico snarled. “But let me reassure you, Mac, if they should rear their ugly head, I know exactly how to get my girl back into the light.”

Mackenzie had no doubt the boy could, however, it didn’t change how he felt about the situation. He opened his mouth to say more, but the bailiff called the court to order. The judge entered the area in his long, black robe and took his seat before turning to address Hayden.

“Mrs. Raferty-Lopez, I’d like to remind you that you’re still under oath.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Hayden replied.

The judge looked to the defense. “You may proceed.”

Hayden’s face was devoid of expression, her eyes didn’t hold their normal spark of mischief and merriment, instead, they were filled with a strength of will he’d never seen in her before. Mackenzie sat back as Mr. Walker strode over to the podium with a notebook.

“Good Afternoon, Ms. Raferty,” Alexander said, opening the folder.

Hayden flashed the guy with a quick smile and corrected him. “Actually, Mr. Walker, it’sMrs. Raferty-Lopez or you can even call meMrs. Lopez if it’s too hard for you to remember the whole thing.”

Nico grunted. “See told you.”

Mackenzie smirked in amusement. So the boy had.

“Yes, that’s correct. You’re mated now?”

“Correct, I’m mated and married,” Hayden corrected the attorney once more.

“Who is your mate?” he inquired.

“Nico Lopez.” Hayden’s gaze flickered to Nico for a second before her attention returned back to the lawyer standing across from her.

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