Chapter 43

(Isabella’s POV)

Santiago bought me a new suit for the trial. I pull my hair back into a low bun, allowing some of my curls to fall and frame my face.

The suit’s form-fitting blazer and pencil skirt are navy blue. I leave the blazer open, revealing a creamy white silk button-down blouse. The skirt ends just below my knees. I roll my sleeves up to three-quarters length. My stiletto heels match the suit perfectly.

I sit with my legs crossed until I hear my name called.

My eyes scan the courtroom as I enter and land on Jesse. He stares at me with dark hatred fixed in his eyes…his pupils are like black saucers bearing into me like a silver-bladed dagger.

As I make my way to the stand, I see Layla and, a couple of rows back, Karan, Santiago’s dad. Their eyes all but match Jesse’s.

On the other side of the room, I spot familiar faces from my pack. In the front row, I see Ariana and her parents. Seated next to Ariana, I see Levi and Santiago.

Ariana smiles and winks at me. She mouths the words “You got this!” Levi smiles and nods my direction. Santiago’s icy blue stare meets mine. As usual, his face reveals nothing. But he nods at me. This, oddly enough, is reassuring.

I promise to tell the truth and sit down.

My eyes close, and I take a deep breath.

Elias sits with Jesse. He stands and approaches me. “State your name and relationship to Jesse Hansen for the court,” he says.

“Elder Elias, I believe it is inappropriate for an Elder to provide legal counsel. It suggests that the court’s mind is already made up,” I say coolly, maintaining eye contact with him with every word I say.

“You need to learn respect, young lady,” Elias returns. “You are required to answer. And not in a position to argue with my authority or representation.”

My attorney stands up. “Your honor, I object. I absolutely agree with my client. It is inappropriate for an Elder to provide legal representation in these proceedings.”

“Overruled counselor,” the judge says. “Ms. Costa, answer the questions.”

“My name is Alpha Isabella Costa. I am the rightful Alpha of the Caladrius Moon Pack and former Luna of Crimson Claw. I was married to Alpha Jesse Hansen. We were fated mates.”

“Were married and were fated mates?” Elias asks with a raised eyebrow. “And Bella, as I have already cautioned you before, you are not legally allowed to refer to yourself as an Alpha at this time.”

“And as I informed you once already, my name is Isabella. My wolf and my mate are the only ones who refer to me as Bella. Secondly, I am a rare exception concerning my status.”

“And what may that be?”

“Both of my parents were alpha-born. It is not just a title for me, Elder Elias, it is as much my identity as my name and eye color.”

His eyes widen…he then changes the line of questioning.

“Explain to the court how you were married and fated to Jesse Hansen and committed countless acts of adultery with your alleged new mate, Santiago Morales.”

I hear Santiago growl lowly at Elias. The courtroom goes deafeningly silent. My throat constricts as my heart crawls up my windpipe and throbs so hard I hear it beating in my ears.

My attorney growls and objects. The judge overrules.

I take a deep breath. “We have evidence that proves everything you just said is backwards,” I tell Elias. “I was fated and married to Jesse. He cheated on me countless times with Layla Washington. They went as far as to conspire for me to be drugged and raped so they could frame me for infidelity and take my pack and other assets. That is how I met, Santiago actually.”

Elias started a redirection. “Uh huh, I see…”

“Excuse me, Elias, but I wasn’t finished answering your question. You referred to Alpha Santiago without using his title. As he is not the one on trial here, I must insist that if you address him, it should be with respect and using his title. And furthermore, my marriage was historically abusive. I was not only forced to endure his adultery through the mate bond, but because he couldn’t impregnate me, I was made to go through painful IVF treatments. Since ending our relationship, he has physically attacked me twice.”

My attorney stands. I look at her nervously. She beams with pride and smiles at me, then winks as she approaches the bench. “We submit exhibits A-D into evidence. This all supports my client’s claims, your honor.”

The judge announces a recess to examine the evidence and excuses me from the stand. I leave the courtroom with as much grace as possible and head to the ladies restroom, where I vomit.

“You did great,” my wolf says. “I’m proud of you, Bella.”

(Santiago’s POV)

I can’t help but feel proud of Bella for the way she stood her ground. It wasn’t just any legal counsel grilling her on that stand, but the head of the Elder Council.

“It wasn’t just herself she stood up for,” my wolf reminds me. “Alpha Santiago.”

“I know. She was amazing up there. Confident and articulate. It was impressive.”

“When are you going to admit that you love her?”

“I’m not in love with her. I do admire her, though.”

After the recess, our attorney, Sybil, asks Bella some clarifying questions. Jesse takes the stand and lies through his teeth. Layla takes the stand and lies as well. Sybil gets them both on cross-examination.

Then, I’m called to the stand.

“Alpha Santiago. Is it true that your involvement with Isabella Costa directly led to her divorce and rejection of Alpha Jesse?”

I scoff. “No, Alpha Isabella did everything she could to please an abusive adulterous mate. She chose divorce directly ahead of being drugged and framed for committing the crimes that he did, in fact, actually do. We met right after she was drugged. We discovered we are second-chance mates. There was no physical relationship until after she rejected him.

Elias begins to object. The judge interrupts. Sybil and Bella stand.

“I’ve heard enough. There is no evidence that Isabella was the one to commit infidelity in her union. In fact, the evidence shows disturbingly the opposite. This leaves me no choice but to reinstate Alpha Isabella Costa’s status over the Caladrius Moon Pack as well as awarding her assets back to her accounts.”

I immediately look at Bella.

Tears stream from her chocolate brown eyes.

Warmth fills my chest.

I exit the stand, and before I reach her, she jumps into my arms.

She kisses my cheek. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“You’re welcome. Can I take you out to dinner…to celebrate?”

I’m thankful she accepts my invitation. I take her out to a fancy meal. We share a bottle of wine.

“My wolf harasses me about you,” she says suddenly with a snort and a giggle I can’t help but smile at.

“Really? Mine does the same,” I say.

“What does yours say?” she asks.

“He wants me to admit that I’ve fallen in love with you,” I say without thinking.

She stops and sits up straight, suddenly very sober.

“I’ve been denying it to him and myself, but if I’m being honest…” I say looking into her chocolate brown eyes. Her low bun has hair falling out of it, with more loose curls grazing her shoulder. “I think I am, Bella.”

Her lilac scent wraps me in a sensual hug.

“I’ve been falling,” she says.