Half-Blood Curse - a werewolf shifter romance

25 - The End

I'm so sad to see this story end, but I felt like I've told the whole thing. I'm sure I'll write bonus content for them in the future, but for now, this is their happily ever after!

Gabriel was patient, usually. He trusted his mate, and his pack, so he was at least calm and level-headed at the moment.

But he wanted out. He wanted to get back to Lucas.

There was nothing to do but wait, however. He was in a holding room deep inside an SIA agency, which was better than a public prison but still suffocating and maddeningly boring. He'd lost count of how many times different agents had come in to interrogate him, always asking him the same questions phrased slightly differently, trying to catch him in a lie. But Gabriel wasn't lying. Midas had stolen his mate to try and start a war. That much was clear as day.

Finally, after what felt like days, Gabriel was escorted by some agents and his pack lawyer to a conference room. On the large screen, a judge was waiting to finish the hearing and make his order. On a little square in the corner of the television, Gariel saw the other representatives of this whole debacle; members of the wizard council, and their lawyers.

Gabriel wanted to snarl at them, but he kept his face studiously blank and neutral. He sat in one of the uncomfortable chairs and waited. His energy was edgy and he was desperate to get out, to get to his mate, but the only way to do that was by acting calm and in control.

"I have heard all the necessary statements," the judge began, looking sternly into the camera. "All the witness information has been submitted, all the facts have been investigated and turned in. I have made my decision. I find the intent to harm lies with the deceased Midas Leventhal, head of the wizard council, and the wizard council is responsible for reparations."

The news wasn't a surprise. Gabriel glanced at the door, but refocused. Soon. He'd be out soon.

"The council is ordered to pay those reparations to the city of Chicago for any damages caused, to the pack for any damages caused, and to the families of the missing wiccans and hedge witches who were killed by Midas. The council will submit to a thorough federal investigation, and any wizards who are found to have had any knowledge of, or any hand in Midas's actions will be arrested under criminal charges. And, Alpha Gabriel, you and your pack are to take no further action against the council. This must end here. Any attempts to take revenge against magic users for this conflict will result in criminal charges. Is this clear?"

"Yes, your honor," Gabriel said.

"Now, wait a minute-" one of the wizards attempted to speak, but his lawyer shushed him firmly.

"We understand, your honor," one of the other wizards said quickly. Any one with half a brain would know they should settle this now. Taking this further to court would be a nightmare for them. A jury wasn't likely to be kind.

Other things were said, but he stopped listening. Gabriel's lawyer took some notes, so at least he would be able to read them later, but he was so ready to get out that he could barely concentrate. Finally, he was dismissed.

His heart was pounding as he was led through the building. He could almost feel how close Lucas was, as if he was walking towards the warm sun after days in the cold and dark.

Through the security checkpoint, past the lobby, out the front doors. There, there he was. Lucas was standing by several pack vehicles, Sonia and Joseph on his left and Micheal on his right. He caught sight of Gabriel and his smile lit the whole city. The blue skies and the sunshine had nothing on the brightness of his joy. He was as stunning and as perfect as always.