Sophia''s POV
Jackson''s silver eyes zed with impotent fury as specialized restraints were
sped around his wounded limbs, forcing him back into-human form.
Half-naked and bleeding, he looked nothing like the polished politician who''d
charmed his way through my defenses. This was the real Jackson Hayes-
desperate, cruel, and utterly defeated.
"This isn''t possible!" he screamed, spittle flying from his lips. "I am the future
Alpha of Shadow Creek! You have no right to do this to me!"
Ava let out a coldugh that raised goosebumps on my arms. "Future Alpha? You
don''t even qualify as a man. A real Alpha protects the people they love, not uses
them."
I stepped forward, looking down at the pathetic figure he''d be. "Jackson, I
finally understand what real love is. It''s not control, it''s not possession-it''s mutual
respect. Too bad you''ll never understand that."
His eyes fixed on me, wild and frantic. "Sophia, you''ll regret this! Without me,
you''re nothing!"
My little brother stepped forward, his face scrunched up with righteous anger.
"You big meanie! You made my mom and sister cry! Dad says men should
protect girls, not hurt them!"
Even in this moment, my heart melted at his innocent defense.
"What do you know, kid?" Jackson snarled at Lucas. "The world is more
Ava moved protectively in front of Lucas. "He understands more than you do as
an adult. At least he knows right from wrong."
I gently stroked my brother''s dark hair. "Lucas is right. Real men protect us, not
act like you."
"My father won''t let this stand!" Jackson thrashed against his restraints. "The
Hayes family won''t just ept this!"
Tyler''s voice remained perfectly calm. "Richard Hayes has already been arrested.
Your entire conspiracy has been exposed."
"No..." The fight drained from Jackson''s body, his voice dropping to a horrified
whisper. "That''s impossible... our n was perfect..."
As they dragged him away, I shifted back to human form, gratefully epting the
robe a female guard offered me. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest.
Despite our werewolf healing, bruises bloomed across my skin in purple-blue
flowers. Beside me, Ava did the same, wincing as she straightened. Blood matted
her hair where she''d struck the table, but her eyes were clear and victorious.
Lucas ran to her first, flinging his small arms around her waist. "Mom! Are you
okay?"
My heart melted watching him-my little warrior, so brave and so small at the same
time.
He proudly held up his hands, now back to normal little boy hands. "Mom, look!
Your training really worked! I can contro. my power now!"
His voice was filled with childlike pride as he wiggled his fingers for Ava to see, his
whole face lit up with excitement. I couldn''t help but smile through my tears,
overwhelmed with love for my precious little brother.
"Our little hero was amazing," I said, my voice thick with emotion as I stroked his
soft dark hair. What would have happened if he hadn''t shown up when he did?
Ava wrapped him in a tight embrace. "Baby, you were so brave, but please don''t
put yourself in danger like that again. Mom will protect you, okay?"
alicelea
Then he turned to me with those innocent eyes that could melt the coldest heart.
"You okay too, Soph?" he asked, reaching for my hand with his small fingers.
Words failed me as emotion overwhelmed my heart. I knelt down to his level and
wrapped my arms around his tiny frame, pulling my baby brother close against
my chest. This little boy who''d just risked everything to protect us deserved all the
love in the world. I pressed a kiss to the top of his head, inhaling his familiar scent
of cookies and sunshine, silently thanking the Moon Goddess that he was safe.
Over his head, my eyes met Ava''s. The woman I''d spent months hating based on
lies and maniption. The woman who''d just risked her life to protect me. Her
face was bruised but resolute, green eyes holding a warmth I''d forgotten existed
between us.
"We were friends once," I said softly, my voice catching on the words.
Her green eyes softened, a sm