The next day came all too fast. It’s like I didn’t sleep at all because when I slept, I slept hard. I couldn’t help but think about the punishment that Michael was going to receive. Whatever it was, it wasn’t going to be what he deserved. It was going to be too light. Too many people wanted to kill him just for the Rape, but that charge did not constitute the death penalty.
We all gathered for breakfast the next morning. From the looks of everyone, I wasn’t the only one who didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. We didn’t have to leave right away because we didn’t need to be in court until 10 AM.
“Melanie, how are you doing this morning? After breakfast, why don’t you and Anthony take a walk around the gardens? I’ll take care of Austin for you while you do,” suggested Mom.
“Thank you, Mom. I’m a little anxious as if you couldn’t tell. I think a walk around the gardens would do me some good. Would you like to join me Anthony my love?” I cooed softly.
“I would love to join you. Just let me know when you are ready to go, my love,” answered Anthony with a soft smile on his handsome face.
When I see him smile like that I almost melt into a puddle on the spot. He is so handsome. He takes my breath away. My wolf is literally lying down with her head on her front paws panting at the sight. ‘Down girl, I’ll take care of you when we are alone. I promise,’ purred Anthony in our link.
‘Promises, promises,’ I purred back at him.
Anthony led me out of the villa so we could take a walk in the gardens. He led me to my favorite spot and we sat down on the bench. Anthony sat down and then pulled me down to straddle his lap. I sighed as I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him gently on the lips.
Anthony took my sweet, innocent kiss and turned it into a smoldering, passionate kiss. He knew exactly what he was doing. He knew what he started when he smiled at me before we went on our walk. Now he needed to fulfill his promise to take care of my brewing desires. To quell tamper my lust before it brews out of control.
‘Oh baby, I love you so much,’ Anthony cooed as we kissed in the garden.
I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed in these short months. I have a loving mate who would do anything for me. He shows me nothing but love and he shows me how much he loves me with every movement, touch, and kiss. How did I get so lucky?
Our make-out session had to come to a close because Dad had sent me a message telling me we had to leave in ten minutes. Okay, sure no problem. Anthony and I got up from the bench and straightened ourselves. I asked if I looked good enough to go to court and of course, he said I looked perfect. Of course, he would say that he thinks I look perfect in sweatpants and a T-shirt.
Before we left Uncle Vladimir’s villa, I double-checked myself in the guest bathroom downstairs. With no major adjustments needed, I used the restroom and then we left for the Municipal Building to learn Michael’s fate. We met everyone just inside the courtroom. We could tell that I wasn’t the only one who was anxious this morning.
Everyone was ready for the trial to be over and done with. When everyone was in place and the Judge was ready, she had Michael brought in. Michael looked like he didn’t sleep at all last night. He looked haggard with black circles under his eyes, his hair was messy (uncombed), and he didn’t bother to shave this morning. It was almost as if he didn’t care what he looked like because he knew his fate had been sealed at this point.
“Good morning Your Majesties-Alpha Queen Sophia and King Consort Mason, Alpha King Matthew and Queen Diana. Today we are here for the verdict and sentencing of Michael Halstead. The charges are as follows: Assault of Dutchess Melanie, feticide, Kidnapping, and Rape of Dutchess Melanie. The Additional Charge of Accessory after the Fact of the Murders of the Transport Guards. Michael Halstead, you will stand for the reading of the verdict and the sentencing,” announced Judge D’Amato.
“The European Council finds the defendant Michael Halstead ‘Guilty’ of all charges,” announced Judge D’Amato.
Queen Diana gasped as Judge D’Amato announced the guilty as-charged verdict. In the end, he is still her son. We all understood this and can empathize with her.
“The European Council has determined the following sentence for each crime: For Assault-10 years, Feticide-10 years, Kidnapping-20 years, Rape-20 years, for Kidnapping and Rape-20 lashings per week, and the defendant will wear silver to slow healing of wounds, and Accessory After the Fact in the Murder of the Transport Guards-15 years. Michael Halstead will serve a total of 75 years, receive 20 lashings per week, and wear silver to slow the healing of his wounds. He will reside in a maximum security facility with the first 10 years being in solitary confinement. Michael Halstead, do you have any questions?” inquired Judge D’Amato.
Michael just shook his head ‘no.’ He didn’t raise his head to look at her. I think he finally understood that he no longer held any control of any kind over anyone.
“Dutchess Melanie, do you wish to say anything to the defendant before I have him removed from the courtroom?” asked Judge D’Amato.
I was shocked that she asked me this but before I knew what I was doing I was rising out of my seat. “Yes, Your Honor,” left my lips before I could stop it. I was shocked even myself.
“Then please approach the bench so you may address the defendant,” advised Judge D’Amato.
“Yes, Your Honor,” I replied as I moved forward from the gallery area to right in front of the bench where the Judge was sitting. I turned around to face Michael. He still hadn’t raised his head to look at me. I couldn’t believe how arrogant he had been a short time ago. Now he was a shell of what he was.
I just stood there for a moment. I wasn’t sure what to say. I didn’t want to beat a man while he was down so to speak-pardon the poor choice of words. I wanted to yell at him for everything he did to me but what would be the point? He lost and he knew it. He was beaten and he looked it. How would that make me look? It would make me look like a bully-that’s what it would make me look like. I moved closer to him and he still didn’t move or look at me.
Everyone in the courtroom watched me very carefully. I knew they were all trying to figure out what I was going to do or say next. I wasn’t quite sure either.
“I can forgive you for assaulting me but I cannot forgive you for killing one of my babies. The first one may have been unintentional but the other was malicious in nature. I just wish I knew what I did to make you hate me so much to do all of this to me. I remember us playing together as children we were so carefree and happy. Then when you got your wolf, you changed. You became distant, and arrogant, and thought that males made better leaders than females. I will continue to prove you wrong each and every day,” I advised as I stood tall with my head held high and walked by him to retake my seat in the gallery area.
No one said or made any noises as I walked back to my seat. Once I sat down, the Judge commanded, “Bailiff take the defendant away. This case is closed.” Once Michael was led out of the courtroom we all got up to leave.
“I’m so proud of you Mellie,” Dad gushed as he wrapped me up in a hug. “You did good.”
“Well done, Dutchess Melanie,” exclaimed Elder Hawkins as he approached us.
“Thank you, Elder Hawkins. It’s a pleasure to see you again. How are you doing today?” I asked him as I bowed toward him.
“Very well thank you for asking. I should be asking you that question. I’m glad this part is finally over. Now, we can get on with our daily lives,” observed Elder Hawkins.
“Absolutely. I can’t wait to get back to my normal routine. Give me my crazy normal anytime,” I mused out loud to which my Dad and Anthony chuckled.
“Take care of your mate, your son, and yourself Dutchess Melanie. Troy, I know I’ll be talking to you soon,” Elder Hawkins said as he left the courtroom. We knew he would be returning to the States very soon if not today.
“You too Elder Hawkins. Give my best to Astrid,” I exclaimed before he left.
Alpha King Matthew and Queen Diana approached us outside the courtroom. “Dutchess Melanie, I am so sorry for what my son did to you. I know words cannot undo what he has done. I wish I knew who or what changed him after he got his wolf but that will probably always remain a mystery to all of us. I don’t know if I will see you again for a while. Please be safe. Take care of your babies. Let us know if you need anything,” advised Alpha King Matthew.
“Yes, Alpha King. I will do so. Thank you,” I replied as I bowed toward him.
Queen Diana looked distressed at the whole situation. She looked like she wanted to break down and cry. My heart ached for her. As Michael’s mother, she bears shame for what he did even though she didn’t do anything. I know when she gets to a private place, she will break down and sob in her mate’s arms. I wish I could ease her burden but I cannot. Michael was the only one who could’ve done that.
We all made our way back to Uncle Vladimir’s villa. I didn’t even have to ask for anything it was just given to me when we walked into the sitting area. Chocolate ice cream was waiting for me. Anthony didn’t hesitate to start feeding it to me as I held Austin in my arms.
My family knew exactly what I needed-them and chocolate ice cream. My comfort zone.