Chapter 83: Chapter 83
I didn’t sleep that night. How could I?
Christian spent hours on the phone with Connor, reviewing pack law and council procedures. I sat on the couch, listening to legal jargon I barely understood, feeling like everything we’d built was crumbling.
"The hearing is in three days," Connor’s voice came through the speaker. "Tom’s arguing that Sophie granted sanctuary without proper Alpha consultation. He’s claiming it sets a dangerous precedent for Luna authority."
"Sophie has every right to grant sanctuary," Christian said, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.
"I agree. But Tom gathered support from traditionalist Alphas. They see this as an opportunity to limit Luna’s power across all packs."
I pulled my knees to my chest. "So I’m the test case."
"Unfortunately, yes." Connor’s tone softened. "But Sophie, you made the right call. We just need to prove it to the Council."
After the call ended, Christian came to sit beside me.
"I should have consulted you first," I said quietly. "Before granting sanctuary."
"No." Christian’s hand found mine. "You made a Luna decision. You don’t need my permission for that."
"Tom’s going to use it against us."
"Let him try."
But I could feel Christian’s worry through our bond. This wasn’t just about Lily anymore. This was about our entire position at Shadow Ridge.
Morning came too fast.
Diana showed up at our quarters with coffee and a grim expression.
"The pack is divided," Diana said, settling into a chair across from us. "Half support Sophie’s decision. The other half thinks she overstepped."
"Great," I muttered.
"Patterson is leading the opposition within Shadow Ridge. He’s been vocal about Luna’s limitations." Diana’s eyes narrowed. "He’s also been seen speaking with Harold."
Christian’s jaw clenched. "Of course he has."
"There’s something else." Diana pulled out her tablet. "I did some research on mate bond abuse cases. There are legal precedents that support sanctuary decisions made by Lunas. Especially in cases involving mate bond violence."
"Can we use that at the hearing?" I asked.
"Connor’s already building the case around it." Diana looked at me directly. "But Sophie, you need to be prepared. Tom’s going to attack your character. Your judgment. Everything about you."
"I know."
"And Harold will be there, supporting Tom’s claims."
Christian stood abruptly. "Then we make sure our case is airtight."
The next two days were a blur of preparation.
Connor arrived at Shadow Ridge with boxes of legal documents and case files. We converted Christian’s office into a war room, covering every surface with papers and precedents.
"The key is proving that Lily was in immediate danger," Connor explained, pointing to a case file. "If we can demonstrate that returning her to Tom would have resulted in serious harm or death, your sanctuary decision becomes legally justified."
"We have Diana’s medical reports," Christian said.
"And my testimony," Diana added. "I can confirm the extent of the abuse."
I reviewed Lily’s injuries documentation, and my stomach turned. Burns. Fractures. Evidence of repeated trauma. How had Tom gotten away with this for so long?
"His Alpha refused to intervene," Marcus said, as if reading my mind. "Mate bond issues are considered private in traditional packs."
"That’s barbaric," I said.
"Yes," Connor agreed. "But it’s also reality. Which is why your decision to intervene matters, Sophie. You set a new precedent."
Marcus coordinated with his intelligence network, gathering more information about Tom’s alliance. The five Alphas backing him were all traditionalists. All opposed to progressive pack leadership. All threatened by the changes Christian and I represented.
"This is bigger than just us," I said, staring at the names on Marcus’s list.
"It always was," Christian said quietly. "We’re fighting for what Shadow Ridge becomes. Traditional or progressive. Stagnant or evolving."
Everyone was preparing for war. And I couldn’t stop thinking about Lily.
She was the center of this mess. Tom was using her as ammunition against us. Harold was manipulating the situation. The whole thing was spiraling because I’d decided to help her.
I found myself walking to the medical facility without planning to.
Lily was sitting by the window when I entered, staring out at Shadow Ridge territory like she couldn’t believe she was safe. She turned when she heard me, and her good eye widened.
"Sophie. I didn’t expect—"
"We need to talk," I said, closing the door behind me. "About Tom."
Lily’s entire body tensed. "What about him?"
"He’s forcing a Council hearing. Using you as leverage against Christian and me." I sat down across from her. "He’s claiming I overstepped by granting you sanctuary."
"No." Lily’s voice cracked. "No, this is my fault. I brought this on you—"
"Stop." I held up my hand. "I made my choice. But I need you to understand what’s happening. Tom isn’t just coming for you. He’s coming for all of us."
Lily wrapped her arms around herself. "He won’t stop. He never stops. That’s what the bond taught me. He’s obsessive. Controlling. He thinks I’m his property."
