Page 15 of Edward’s Bunny

Fuzzy Bunny

Edward

Icouldn’t believe it. My mate. It was my fated mate. I finally laid eyes on him, and he was gorgeous. He had a slender, toned frame that was encased in tight black skinny jeans. They seemed to be tailor-made for him. I couldn't help but be drawn in.

His short platinum hair was expertly spiked, and the gleam of a metal eyebrow piercing hinted at a rebellious streak. The black eyeliner accentuating his striking blue eyes sent shivers down my spine. His punk-inspired attire exuded an irresistible mix of confidence and vulnerability, a siren's call I could not resist.

A subtle throat clearing from behind me broke me out of my trance. I straightened my posture, steeling my gaze as I refocused on my pride. “Bring out Amy Borrut the lioness.”

The crowd quietly murmured at my command, and I glanced quickly at my mate. He bit his bottom lip as he watched the proceedings. I refocused on the back of the room as two of my enforcers brought my son’s ex-girlfriend Amy forcibly to the front. Gone was the vibrant beauty that once emanated from her; she now appeared tired and unkempt, with shadows under her eyes and disheveled hair. This is what happened when you did something so heinous as to attack a mate.

“Amy Borrut—”

“You’re Majesty,” Amy’s father, Dan, interrupted. “If I may?”

“You may not,” I replied uncaringly. I wanted to get this over with and introduce myself to my mate. “Amy Borrut. You have been found to conspire and attack a fated mate. Restitution has been asked for and is required. Hayden Satchel, as one of the aggrieved parties. What restitution are you demanding?”

Hayden stepped forward and came to a stop before Amy. The shock from my earlier conversation with Hayden and Owen lingered, their decision still weighing on my mind. Hayden wanted to kill her, but Owen was adamant that no one died today. I was even more shocked that Hayden agreed.

“My mate is kinder than I. I would have asked for your death.” His voice trembled with anger. Hayden scanned the room before staring down at Amy. The rage and fire in his eyes were palpable, and I never wanted to be on the other side of my son’s wrath. He continued, “We have decided on fifty lashes. A lash for each cut my mate endured.”

I jerked a nod and stepped beside him. “This is the restitution demanded. While I agree with my son that death would’ve been better, I respect my son-in-law’s choice. Enforcers, you will take her to the pride lands and administer the punishment. Furthermore, you, Amy Borrut, are banished from the pride after the punishment.” Amy burst into tears, and an unknown feeling of sympathy and compassion bubbled within me.

I sighed. “I see your remorse, Amy Borrut, and I grant you permission to stay within my territory. However, you lose all rights of the pride, and if you ever conspire against anyone, it will mean your death.”

Amy nodded vigorously as the tears continued to stream down her cheeks. “Never again. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I was wrong.” I nodded and waved to the men guarding her. They grabbed her arms and removed her from the room: one down, one to go. I thought.

“Bring in Former Queen Gertrude Satchel.”

Once again, the crowd murmured as two guards escorted the queen—my ex-wife—into the room. Trudy's unyielding nature shone through, her chin lifted, and her eyes narrowed in defiance. She walked proudly and showed no remorse. It was a stark contrast to Amy’s resigned personality.

“Gertrude Satchel, you have been found to have conspired and attacked a fated mate. Restitution has been asked for and is required.”

“Who the hell is anyone to demand restitution from me? I am queen. My fa—”

I roared, and my lion rose within me. “You are no longer queen, and your father is dead. He has no influence here any longer. This is not twenty years ago when he wielded power. Your title is stripped, and we are legally divorced. For your lack of remorse, I label you rogue.”

Throughout the room, sharp intakes of breath echoed. Being labeled rogue in the shifter world was sometimes worse than death. The rogue was forever marked with a brand of betrayal and could never join a pride or pack. They would be hunted and receive no respite from any shifter. Many considered it a fate worse than death.

Trudy’s eyes widened, and she screamed and cried at my declaration, but I remained unmoved. Her entitlement and actions sickened me. To think I once cared for her as a friend.

“As for restitution, the claimants have demanded fifty lashes. Enforcers, you will take her to the pride lands and administer the punishment. After which, brand her and cast her out of my territory.” I leaned down and stared into her eyes. “If you are seen here again. I will kill you.”

She swallowed, and her eyes widened with fear at my words, betraying her once unshakable confidence. Satisfied, I stood and waved her away. The two enforcers immediately grabbed her and dragged her from the room over her screams.

I stood straight and scanned the room, taking note of the many shocked expressions. It wasn’t every day when something like this happened. I relaxed my stare and softened my voice.

“My people. This is and was a difficult decision. One that I took no pleasure in. I’d hoped that things were different, but unfortunately, they were not. Restitution has been delivered, and justice restored. You are all dismissed.

The room began to empty, and my gaze shifted back to my mate. I was still shocked that I had a mate and that he was here. I have met my mate, I thought.

Hayden and Owen and a young lion named Talon went to the little prey shifter’s side. Laughter filled the air as their smiles radiated joy. I needed to know my mate. Heck, I didn’t even know his name. I was so behind the eight-ball.

“Majesty? Is everything alright?”

I glanced at Walter. “Who’s that young man? The one that’s not a member of the pride. His scent tells me he’s a prey shifter, a rabbit if I’m not mistaken.”

Walter nodded. “Yes, sire. His name is Brian, and he’s Owen’s best friend. And you’re correct. He’s a giant Flemish rabbit. From what Mike tells me, don’t call him a bunny or prey princess. He gets pissed off.”

---