Chapter 144

Almara’s Pov

I think another day goes by and the delusional giggles have died down. Arthur suggested we defend ourselves just to get some sort of process going. So, instead of making up stories we’ve been reliving the same one in excruciating detail.

We told the officer watching us that we are going to defend ourselves and he didn’t seem like he cared one way or another about it. He got us the files that showed what the vampire police report has against us and Calvin was at least right about the case being built of straw. Still, we want to be prepared.

Cathy and I put aside our anger for now and have only been speaking to one another as business partners. It might be cold, but it’s getting the job done. Calvin was also unfortunately right that most of the charges fall on my head.

Robert never went inside the Council of Bloody Hollow, but he did keep watch making him accountable. Cathy and Arthur have the least amount of legal trouble because they’re only guilty of knowing about crimes and letting it happen.

The one odd thing about the documents in the police report is it doesn’t say who the attempted murder charge is for. Maybe it’s a bluff, but I plan to plead the fight in the bathroom with Claire as self-defense.

Of course, this will be her word against my word, but at least in a court of law if there are no witnesses to say what had really happened the charges should drop. Unfortunately, we’re relying on the vampires to be fair about this.

We’ve practiced cross-examinations on each other, trying to think of any questions they could ask us and we’ve all prepped and primed our answers. Now, we wait for the trial. We’re told it’s going to start today, we just don’t know when.

If time was going slow before, it’s crawling now. The fact that we have something to look forward to, without knowing when it’s starting is making every minute that passes seem excruciating.

I actually have excited nerves like butterflies in my stomach. I’ve always gotten like this before a fight, pumped with energy and clear-headed. Although this isn’t a physical fight, it’s still a way to defend myself and my pack and for that I’m always eager to do.

We all seem to be feeding off one another’s nerves. Arthur’s leg is shaking and he keeps making jokes about how even though vampires have been living forever they still haven’t learned who they shouldn’t mess with.

Finally, the guard comes is and unlocks the cell. He’s unlocked this door several times over the past week to let us go to the bathroom, but this time when the key turns and the door opens I have a feeling we won’t be back inside when it shuts again.

He leads us through some back hallways lined with black carpet and midnight blue walls. Along the heavy paint are gold trimmings of names and dates. My guess would be respected officers and this is the hall of fame.

I know it’s only been about a week since we pulled up to the front of this building, but I don’t remember it being so large. We come to two glass double doors, but the glass is purposely blurred so we can’t see through.

“Watch your eyes.” Is all the guard says and I’m in the middle of thinking of how that makes no sense when I’m suddenly blinded by a bright light.

I can hear the sharp inhales and hisses of a quick searing pain. I blink several times, my vision takes awhile to settle and when it does I expect to see some kind of grand court room filled with people, instead I see an empty parking lot.

I also realize that it’s not even sunny out. It’s a dreary and drizzly day, but just the fact that it’s day time is enough to send my pupils into shock.

“Why are we outside?” I hear myself asking and though I’m confused, I also want to fall to the ground and kiss the pavement. Oh, how I’ve missed fresh air, Lily says and I know it’s been too long since I’ve seen the sun if I’m calling the vampire land ‘fresh.’

In fact, the only reason I don’t fall to the ground in joy is precisely because we’re on vampire territory.

“The media is out front. The car here will drive you to the course house in private.” The guard says and I realize this is the most we’ve ever heard him speak.

In an instant we’re being shoved back inside another small space and on our way to the court house.

I peek over at Arthur in this new lighting and despite the dark circles and bags under his eyes, he’s incredibly handsome even with a lack of shaving. He catches me staring and leans over to give a kiss on my nose.

“I knew we’d get out of there, little wolf.” He whispers and wit ha laugh and a tease back I tell him,

“All thanks to you.” Arthur winces and pretends that I hurt him.

“Mrs. Almara, are you giving me attitude?” He smiles coyly.

“Maybe.” I tell him and lean back with my eyes close, shutting out the hunched over creeps scattered along the sidewalk.

Eventually we do pull up to another building that is more grand, though only by a bit. There’s no media yet, but I imagine they’ll get the hint soon enough that we’ve left the previous building and they’ll come here next.

We’re quickly shuffled inside and once more told to wait behind two tall doors. These ones are made out of oak wood and have been stained dark. In some sort of cherry-red coloring the word ‘Court Room’ is painted across the doors.

Our chains have been taken off our wrists, though a bigger chain is looped around our waists connecting us all together. I can’t help thinking this is extremely unnecessary, then again- maybe it’s not.

Once we’re secured, the doors are pulled open and we have to figure out how to walk in unison as to not trip anyone on our way in. I’m surprised to see the courtroom looks like any other. ‘

The ceilings are high and tiled with black roses, the floor is a hardwood, and the walls are an olive green. The vampire flag hangs over the judges seat which is empty for now. There’s a jury and I try to look for one wolf, but as far as I can see they’re all vampires and by the looks on the faces they aren’t the least bit impartial.

Taking up half the court room are rows of seats, but those too are empty. As for décor, all I see are portraits of the sadly familiar councilmen hung at different points in the room, and a couple of dried flower bouquets in tall ceramic glasses positioned by the doors we came in and back by the exit doors.

I notice there are six large oval windows on each wall, though the glass is stained which filters the sunlight out. Though I only got a taste of sunshine again, I have to admit the stained glass windows do look pretty.

The rest of the vampire territory might be a dump, but whatever money they do have they pour into their governmental buildings.

We’re brought over to our bench which is closest to the jury and I can feel the hatred pouring out from their eyes onto us. I try to hold onto excited sense I had before coming here, but knowing the jury already thinks we’re guilty is slowly draining my fighting attitude.

Arthur and Robert hold their head eye. It’s evident Arthur has had years or practice being in the public eye and is able to posies himself in such a way that shows he is unaffected by those around him, he knows who he is. Robert on the other hand keeps himself stoic, but comes off cold and not nearly as calmly assured of his innocence.

Then it hits me, I have no idea how I’m being perceived. I try to mimic Arthur’s calm demeanor but pretty sure I just look scared. Luckily, the officer announces that the judge is coming and asks the jury to rise.

The side door opens and no other than Delfino walks in.