Revolting

Michael paced nervously back and forth across the sagging porch, not caring how the warped boards groaned under his massive body. He couldn't be still, not with his fate hanging in the balance. If he lost Hannah now, after everything... As if sensing his thoughts, Hannah stopped him by placing her small body right in the middle of his track across the porch. She wound her arms around his waist and leaned into him, pressing her head against his chest, listening to the steady thumping of his heart. He sighed into her and pressed her slight body tighter against him. He breathed in her sweet scent and let the magic of her bond sooth him.

It seemed like hours past, but in reality it was more like twenty minutes later when the Luna came to call them back to the conference room. Hannah refused to let go of his hand as they entered the room. Someone had removed the body of Sarah Sakwa. Michael and Hannah stood before the table, pressed close together as they waited for the decision of the alphas.

Eudora stood up, pushing back her chair. "Michael Bishop. Our counsel finds that your behavior previous to finding your mate was morally objectionable. Your disregard for life resulted in the deaths of countless innocent rogues. Although we have determined that no laws were broken in your hunt of rogues on neutral land, nor in the possession of the poison, we have deemed that your behavior makes you unsuitable for the station and responsibility of pack alpha. Fate has already removed you as Alpha of the East Glade pack."

"As to the matter of the attack on Rebel Moon... after listening to the testimony of the witnesses present, and conferring with Alpha Shane, we have come to an agreement that the attack was a spontaneous emotional reaction to the rejection of your mate, and not a premeditated act of aggression. The human you killed entered into the fray with full knowledge of the risk that fighting would bring to his fragile body. Rebel Moon, and the widow of the fallen human, have graciously extended forgiveness for the death of their packmate, and have asked us to consider that by losing your pack, your alpha status, and all of your wealth you have already been punished sufficiently for your crimes." "The counsel also found that Michael's care and compassion not only toward his mate, but toward the rogues he befriended over the last six months, are an indication of his reformed character. So, Michael Bishop, you are free to go." Michael felt his whole body sag in relief. His face split into the happiest smile as he grabbed up his mate and spun her around until she squealed. He set her down and turned to the table. "Thank you, Alphas." He turned especially to Alpha Shane. "Thank you for allowing me to stay on pack lands, and for giving me mercy."

Shane acknowledged Michael with a nod, and smiled indulgently at him. "Take care of our girl. Although she has never been officially inducted into our pack, we all love Hannah like a daughter."

Michael looked down at her mate, her face was flushed prettily with excitement. "She's lucky to have you as a family." Michael said with a half smile. He scooped her up into his arms and ducked out of the room, eager to be free of the alphas, and the confines of the house. He no longer had to worry about boundaries or house arrest. He jumped off the porch and ran for the trees with Hannah still in his arms. Once he entered the forest, he gently set Hannah on her feet and reached for his shirt.

"Run with me sweetheart. I want to celebrate my freedom with you."