Omega and the beast

Chapter 37

"...Given that the suspects are young and since they all in one way or another had a tough upbringing, I and the jury would like to declare Becca Louisa Moe guilty of joy riding."

I gasped, staring at the back of Becca.

"However, in lack of evidence from the joyriding from earlier occasions than the latest, like with the Jaguar and since the car's owner withdrew the report, you get away easy. You are sentenced to six months in juvenile detention where you are also entered in a rehabilitation program for youth suffering from PTSD. In addition to that, you must pay a fine of $5,000 each."

I gasped and clutched Reed's hand convulsively, staring at the back of my sister who slouched where she sat. Mom cried with relief, dad too. But we all knew that Reed's lawyers worked their ass off to ease Becca's way out of this whole thing.

Reed refused to let the police see the Jaguar, insisting it was all a misunderstanding on his part. They wrote off that theft, but the judge and jury probably had it in mind as well.

"Good heavens," I turned to Mike who breathed out in relief under his breath. "I said it would work out, bro."

"Thank you, Jury, for your service today. Court is adjourned," the judge said and struck with her gavel. Everyone stood up and Becca glanced back at us, tears flowing but with a relieved expression on her face.

It was the best outcome she could get and then she probably deserved a worse sentence for real. But knowing that she would be out again next summer and that she was getting mental help made me happy.

Our parents rushed over to hug her over the fence before Becca was led out. My siblings, Noah with Luka, Mike, and Alex stood up to leave the court while I was still sitting there, feeling both relieved and low.

"Ryan?" I glanced up at Reed. "It's over now."

"It is," I gasped, tears rolling.

"It was the best we could do for her, my love."

"I know," I sobbed. "I am not sad, really." I looked at the door that Becca walked through. "I am just so relieved, but without you she never would have,"

"Now she's getting the help she needs." I nodded. "Come."

It was early afternoon. The whole day had been devoted to Becca's trial for the car thefts. I hadn't dare to go at first, but Reed persuaded me to do it claiming I would regret it otherwise and how it could ease my anxiety.

It was the first time I left Hookhill since I returned there, and it was both liberating and terrifying. Liberating since I had the need to get away from home for the moment, but terrifying since I now knew how vulnerable I was. Especially when I wasn't claimed yet.

I've been pestering Reed and flirting with him since he told me about the rite of claim. I want nothing more than for him to mark me as his own. But he wanted to wait, and that made me frustrated too.

Alex had firmly exclaimed how she wanted to come along today, and I could see that Otto and his wife followed our car with their bikes. I had pointed this out, and Reed then said that since day one I have always had someone following me or guard outside my apartment.

Maybe it should have stressed me out or made me irritated, how someone stalked me. But somehow the thought of it filled me with security. My Alpha protected and cared for me already before I knew how I belonged to him, and he to me.

"Aw, honey!" As soon as we got out into the street, mom took me in her arms. "So good to finally see you again. You look fine!"

"The same to you, Mom," I hugged her hard.