The Wolf's Cub (The Wolf's Peak Saga Book 3) Page 15

  We filed into the pews on the right side of the room behind the prosecution bench. The prosecutor was a lycanthrope lawyer who would be interviewing us, and Seth’s lawyer would be the same sort. Jasper and I sat in the very front row, with a clear view of the proceedings. Annabelle sat next to me, her hand comfortingly on my arm. I clutched her hand, and she gave me a supportive look.

  Benedict sat down behind the bench and motioned to the guard standing by the side door. The guard nodded and opened the door, speaking a few words before a pair of guards entered with Seth chained between them. He had cleaned up, running a brush through his black hair. It was longer than I’d ever seen it now, almost hitting his shoulders. His dark eyes met mine and he smirked. I averted my gaze to my lap.

  “Lord Wolfric,” Benedict said, looking at Seth, “your defender has not arrived yet.”

  “I didn’t solicit one.”

  Benedict stared at him. “Pardon?”

  Seth leaned back leisurely in his seat. “I didn’t solicit one. I’m acting as my own defense.”

  I turned to Jasper. “Can he do that?”

  “Technically, yes,” Jasper whispered back. “It’s generally accepted to be foolish, but he certainly can.”

  Benedict spoke up. “Before we proceed, I need to verify: you are acting as your own counsel and do not wish to solicit a defense attorney?”

  “That is correct,” Seth said.

  Benedict turned to the little old woman who was taking notes. “Let the record show that the defendant insists on defending himself.”

  The woman nodded.

  Benedict addressed us all. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to hear the case of Seth Wolfric and to determine proper punishment. Lord Wolfric, you have been charged with the murders of Gareth and Eva Wolfric, Ellen and Leonard Henstridge, and Roderick Melle; the attempted murder of Christoph Wentz and Adam Wellington; the planning of the murder of Jasper Wolfric, Duke of Faolancaster; and several counts of assault and the attempted murder of Christine Wolfric. Do you have anything to say before we begin?”

  “Not guilty.”

  Benedict frowned. “Of which part?”

  “All of it.”

  Benedict sighed. “Lord Wolfric, your guilt is not in question here. We are deciding your punishment.”

  Seth shrugged.

  I leaned into Jasper. “What is he doing?” I whispered.

  Jasper shook his head. “I have no idea. Just trying to cause problems, I think.”

  “Do you think it will work?”

  “The elders won’t stand for his mischief.”

  He seemed sure, so I just kept clutching his hand.

  “All right, well now that that’s settled”—Benedict glanced at Seth, who didn’t blink—”I would like to invite Emerson Chadwick to come forward. Counselor?”

  The man seated at the table in front of us stood, organizing the papers in his hands.

  “Thank you, Elder,” he said. “As you’ve previously stated, we are here to levy the charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, and kidnapping toward Seth Wolfric. I would like to call my first witness, Duchess Christine Wolfric.”

  Swallowing, I glanced at Jasper, who gave me an affirmative smile. I stood up and smoothed the skirt of my dress before leaving the row and stepping forward. Mr. Benedict helped me to the witness stand, and I sat down, looking out over the court. Everyone was loaded on my left–hand side, with no one sitting behind Seth. If I could just keep my eyes on Jasper, I would be all right.

  “Please state your name for the record,” Mr. Benedict said.

  I cleared my throat. “Christine Wolfric.”

  “Previously Croft?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “What is your relationship to this man?” he asked, pointing at Seth.

  “He is my brother–in–law.” I tried not to look.

  “Seth has tried to murder you, is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir. Several times.”

  “Can you please detail the incidents?”

  I looked down at my hands. “All of them?”

  “Yes, please.”

  I took a deep breath. “The first attack came a few days after Seth came to visit us.”

  “This was in August?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And what happened?”

  “I was in the library, looking for a book. He cornered me.” I took another deep breath, trying to steady my shaking hands and shaking voice. “He told me he thought I was too good for Jasper. He held me over the railing and kissed me.”

  I hated saying the words out loud. I had hardly told anyone—only Bridget. Not even Jasper. I was too ashamed and didn’t want to upset him, but he was furious now. His mouth was pressed into a tight line, and I knew if I could see them, his fists would be clutched at his sides. He looked straight ahead, refusing to look at his brother.

  “What happened next?” Mr. Benedict prompted.

  “Seth tried to get me to run away with him, but I said no, and he stormed off,” I said. “I tried to stay away from him after that, but I began to get very sick. I discovered he had given a root to one of our servants that was meant to poison me.” I didn’t look at Daisy. I knew she was still torn up about her mistake.

  Mr. Chadwick turned to the elders. “We will interview that maid later in our proceedings,” he said. “Now, my lady, what happened next?”

  “I told Jasper. Seth must have overheard, because he trapped me in the hallway. He threatened to kill me, and pressed a knife into my side. Jasper stopped him. Then I ran into the woods.”

  “Why did you do that?”

  I could only stare at my hands. “I found out that Jasper was a werewolf. I didn’t know beforehand. I was afraid.”

  “I see,” Mr. Chadwick said. Benedict was giving Jasper a disapproving look. “Then what?”

  “Seth found me and he tried to attack, but Jasper intervened. They fought for a while, until Seth wounded Jasper. I had brought a knife into the forest with me, and we tousled, but I managed to stab him. When the rest of Jasper’s council came for us, Seth had escaped while I was tending to Jasper.”

  “This was all in August?” Mr. Chadwick asked.

  “Yes.”

  “What happened in December?”

  “We were throwing a Christmas party, and discovered one of the councilmen, Roderick Melle, had been killed outside. A few days later, another one of our councilmen, Adam Wellington, was attacked in the same fashion but survived. He was able to identify Seth as his attacker.”

  Chadwick turned to the elders again. “We have Lord Wellington here to testify as well,” he said. “And what happened in January?”

  “Our carriage was ambushed by Seth’s men. They kidnapped me and dragged me to a castle in the middle of a moor. They held me hostage until Jasper arrived, then Seth planned to kill us, but we escaped.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” Chadwick said to me. “Now, we’re going to allow the defendant’s...the defendant to ask you a few questions about the information you’ve given us.”

  I swallowed hard. I had been dreading the cross–examination, but now it was going to be even worse. I couldn’t let Seth see my terror or dread, so I simply nodded.

  Mr. Chadwick sat back down at his little table, and Seth stood up. He was still handcuffed, but allowed to move freely as the guards kept an eye on him. He crossed over so he was standing right in front of my seat and looked me straight in the eye. I refused to look away and refused to let him see my fear. I stared right back, my nostrils flaring.

  “Hello, Christine,” Seth said. I didn’t respond. It didn’t faze him.

  “Christine,” he said, strutting as if he were on stage, “let’s talk about the so–called attack in the library. You claim that you were looking for a book and I assaulted you.”

  “You did.”

  “Are you sure, Christine?”

  I looked at him straight on. “I’m positive.”

  “I think that our stories ar
e a bit different.”

  “Of course they are,” I spat.

  “What I remember is that you were in the library, and I came in looking for a book. You called out to me. You wanted me to help you find something. I came to you, and you kissed me.”

  My jaw dropped. “I would never.”

  “Really? If I assaulted you, why didn’t you tell anyone? I think you wanted it.”

  “I did tell someone,” I said. “I told Bridget.”

  For once Seth looked surprised. “Did you? But you didn’t tell your husband. Why not?”

  I glanced at Jasper, who seemed very eager to hear this as well. “I was embarrassed. I didn’t even know how to tell him,” I said, keeping my eyes on my husband. “And I didn’t want to be the reason that he didn’t speak to his brother. As it turns out, I would have been doing him a favor.”

  Seth changed tactics. “Christine, you were with child during this time, correct?”

  I paused. “Yes.”

  “And isn’t it true, don’t we all know, how women’s minds get when they are pregnant?”

  I squared my jaw. “What are you implying?”

  “I’m implying that perhaps you weren’t quite in your right mind during these episodes, and that you may have gotten a little mixed–up.”

  On my lap, I clenched my hand, my nails digging into my palm. “Imply if you like. I have witnesses for many of these attacks.”

  Seth shook his head, approaching where I sat. He put his chained hands on the low wall between us. “Christine, are you mad at me?”

  “Of course I’m mad at you!” I said. “You’ve ruined my life!”

  He sighed. “Are you sure it’s not because I’m Lowell’s father?”

  Chapter Twenty

  I stared at him. “I’m sorry, what?” I could feel my face turning red at the insinuation.

  He tilted his head at me. “Is it possible that I am the father?”

  “Absolutely not!”

  “Are you sure?”

  I was fuming. “We never had relations in that way!”

  “Are you saying I never touched you?”

  “Never!”

  “Well, then, Christine, how could I have attacked you?”

  I saw what he was trying to do, but I wasn’t going to let him do it. “You never touched me in a romantic way. Besides, I was already pregnant when we met, so I’m not sure what you’re playing at.”

  “Are you sure you were already pregnant?”

  “You can ask Dr. Brighton. He’ll confirm.”

  He smiled at me, but it wasn’t a genuine smile. It was cold and his eyes were empty. “I’ll do that.”

  I watched as he resumed pacing. “So, for now, let’s operate under the assumption that it is my baby.”

  “Absolutely not!”

  “Aren’t I asking the questions here?”

  “Objection!” Mr. Chadwick said, and Benedict turned to Seth.

  “Lord Wolfric, no more foolishness, please. If you cannot continue your line of questioning with respect and facts, then I am going to have to ask you to sit down and forfeit your questions.”

  “Fine,” Seth said with a wave of his hand. “Christine, you claim that I kidnapped you.”

  “You did, yes,” I said.

  “But the way I see it, you came willingly.”

  My jaw dropped open. “You’re joking.”

  He shook his head. “Not at all.”

  “Your men dragged me kicking and screaming from my carriage and tied me up, then locked me in a room. I have witnesses.”

  “Do you now?”

  “Y–yes?” I hated that I was stuttering, but I was so confused.

  “You don’t sound very certain.”

  I straightened my back. “I have several witnesses.”

  Seth shrugged. “If you say so.”

  I watched as Seth paced. I had no idea what he was playing at, what he was trying to do. Was he trying to trap me in some sort of lie? I wasn’t lying. Was he trying to confuse me? If so, he was succeeding. I was more concerned about whether or not he was confusing the jury. I glanced over at them, but their faces were impassive.

  Seth turned back to me. “You know, Christine, I’m very disappointed in you.”

  “Sorry?”

  “I’m disappointed with you. I thought we had a better relationship than this.”

  “We scarcely have a relationship at all!” I scoffed.

  He ignored me. “But I had hoped that when you got up here, you’d tell the truth. Instead, you’re denying everything.”

  “Because you’re telling outrageous lies!”

  He gave me a pitying look. “Or perhaps, you aren’t right in your mind.”

  My jaw dropped at Benedict hammered his gavel. “Lord Wolfric, that is quite enough! You may sit down.”

  I glanced up at the elder as my hands hook. He gave me a sympathetic smile. “My lady, would you like to step outside?”

  “Yes, please.” My voice was scarce more than a whisper.

  “You are dismissed.”

  I stood up from my seat and hurried out of the courtroom. I didn’t run, wanting to keep my poise, but I walked as quickly as I could into the lobby before I broke down in tears on the settee.

  I heard the door of the courtroom open and shut, and glanced up to see Jasper hurrying across the lobby toward me. He sat down next to me and put his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. I tried to steady myself, but I couldn’t stop shaking.

  “He’s a liar,” I said, sniffling. “A bloody, bloody liar.”

  “I know,” he said rubbing my back.

  “Why would he say such things?”

  “He’s trying to throw you off.”

  “I would never, never—” My voice cut off as the nausea rose in my throat. “Never, never.”

  Jasper actually chuckled a little. “I know, my dear. I don’t believe a word he says.”

  “But what about everyone else?” I asked, wiping my eyes. “What about the elders, the jury?”

  “I’m sure they’ll see through Seth. Benedict seems to be losing his temper with him quickly.”

  “I just can’t believe he would imply such horrible things,” I said, leaning my head on Jasper’s shoulder. “The very idea that I would do...those types of things...with Seth. It’s repulsive.” I couldn’t stop my mind from creating a visual, and that in itself made me want to vomit. It was disgusting.

  Jasper pulled me in for a hug and kissed my forehead. His actions were comforting, but I could tell he was thinking hard about something. After sitting in silence for several minutes, I finally had to ask.

  “Jasper, what are you thinking about?” I suspected I knew, but I needed to hear his words.

  His eyes flickered to his hands before he spoke. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you tell me what he did to you in the library?”

  I swallowed, taking his hand in mine. “I was embarrassed and horrified. And I thought there was perhaps still a chance of reconciliation between you two. I didn’t want to get in the way of that.”

  “But my darling, why would you want me to reconcile with someone who assaulted you?”

  I didn’t have an answer for that. I had been foolish, I knew. “I don’t have any blood family left,” I explained. “And Seth is your only blood family left. I didn’t want you to lose what you had.”

  He sighed. “Despite my lycanthropy being passed genetically, our blood does not define us. You surround yourself with people that care for you and help you grow, and that is who becomes your family.”

  I nodded. He was right. I didn’t remember much of my family. Jasper and Annabelle and Hazel and Bridget had become my family. I would be lost without them, and they had shaped me into the person I was today.

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “No more secrets, I promise.”

  “No more secrets,” he confirmed. “Are you ready to go back inside?”

  I took a deep breath. “Yes.”

  He took my hand and
together we walked back into the courtroom. Everyone turned to look at us as we entered, including Seth. He grinned with his sharp teeth and waved, but I kept my shoulders back and my eyes forward as we went to sit down.

  “Are we ready to continue?” Benedict asked, and we nodded.

  Chadwick stood up. “I’m calling Seth Wolfric to the stand.”

  Seth strutted to the bench. He sat down, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. He smirked at the lawyer, but it didn’t ruffle Chadwick at all.

  “Lord Wolfric, what do you have to say in defense of the duchess’s testimony?”

  “She’s bitter,” Seth said with a shrug. “We had our fun, but I was ready to be done with her. She wasn’t happy with that.”

  “I’m sorry? You had fun?”

  “Oh, yes,” Seth said, winking at me. The bile rose in my throat again. “In the library, in the courtyard, in her bedroom. I could tell this was all new to her, she was so tight. I like to think I helped dirty her up a little bit.”

  “Oh my God,” I whispered. I was going to either swoon or vomit, and I wasn’t sure which. Beside me, Jasper’s jaw was squared and his knuckles were turning white as he clenched his fists.

  “You should have heard the way she moaned my name as I ran my hands up her creamy thighs,” Seth continued as he mimed the action. I wanted to die.

  “That is enough!” Benedict said, standing up from his bench. “Court adjourned. We will resume tomorrow.”

  The guards roughly grabbed Seth’s arms and dragged him from the courtroom.

  “Goodbye, Christine,” he sang as he was hauled through the door.

  Everyone got up to leave, but I felt glued to my seat. I was completely frozen. My limbs felt like lead, and my breath was short. I had never been so embarrassed and humiliated in my entire life. Not when my landlord had tried to exchange sex for rent, not when I had slept on the streets. I had thought that Seth couldn’t make my life any worse once he was locked up, but I had been wrong. He had spoken disgusting horrors about me in front of my friends and family, completely humiliating me, and somehow making me vulnerable despite him being the one in chains.