Moon of Misfortunes

16

Rubio watches me carefully, making sure I'm eating enough. "You need your strength," he says softly. "We have a lot to discuss."

I nod, taking another bite of bread. "I know. It's just," I pause. "Everything has been a lot to process."

He reaches out and places a hand on mine, squeezing gently. "We'll figure it out." 

After we've eaten our fill, Rubio clears the tray away. He reaches out and grabs his shirt draped over the back of the couch, slipping it on. He sits back down beside me. The seriousness of the situation settles back in, and I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation ahead.

"Alright," I say, meeting his gaze. "Let's talk about the appeal. What do we need to do?"

Rubio's expression becomes more focused. "First, we need to gather any evidence that can support your appeal. We also need to prepare your testimony, make sure it's clear and compelling. We can't leave any room for doubt."

I nod. "What kind of evidence do we need?"

"Anything that proves your innocence or casts doubt on the charges against you," Rubio explains. "Witnesses, documents, anything that can support your case."

I bite my lip, thinking hard. "There might be a few people who can help. But getting them to testify won't be easy."

"Who are you thinking? I still have a lot of influence as a former Alpha," Rubio said, his eyes focused intently on me. I took a moment, considering my options.

"I want the Queen," I stated firmly. Rubio sucked in a breath through his teeth, his expression shifting to one of concern.

"I'm not sure I have that much influence, but I can try."

"And I also want Nikolai to testify," I added, watching Rubio's reaction closely.

He tensed for a second. "Why?"

"I know he thinks I did this, but the logs at the house and his staff know I was home that night. I really only left the pack once, and I was escorted by our Gamma the entire trip."

"What do you mean that you only left the pack once? Once the whole time? And why wasn't the Beta or Nikolai himself with you?" Rubio's confusion was evident, and I could sense his frustration.

I nodded, biting my lower lip for a second. I knew he wouldn't like the answers. Bracing myself, I began to explain. "He was too busy at the time, he always was. He didn't like other men, mated or unmated, looking at me. Our Gamma was a mated woman with a family."

"Mated or unmated," he scoffed. "Just because he would cheat doesn't mean he can keep you locked up."

"He was really insecure about our Beta, Garrett, being around. He thought Garrett stared at me too much."

"I can't blame the guy. I'd stare, too," Rubio said firmly, his gaze locking onto mine. I felt my cheeks flush pink at his words, relaxing a little. I had expected him to get angry, but he didn't.

"Anyway," I rushed out, feeling suddenly flustered. "I didn't leave our house much either, and when I did, it was just into town. Needless to say, I couldn't have left the pack without someone knowing, let alone travel across the country to the Queen's estate. Logistically, it doesn't make sense."

I got up and walked into the bathroom. Carefully, I reached into the cabinet and retrieved my books, notes, and pens, which were all wrapped up in a towel. I brought them back into the room and laid them on the bed. Rubio opened the notebook before reaching for a pen.

"Do you mind if I write some stuff down? It might help later," he rambled out.

"Please do," I encouraged. "I had a rough outline in there about how the trial was supposed to run and the basis of demanding an appeal. A big thing was that due process wasn't honored."