Chapter 8 - THE HEARING UNDER THE SILVER MOON
The territorial council convened two weeks later.
Emma sat beside her attorney.
Nathaniel occupied the opposite side of the chamber.
Grant Holloway stood before the elders.
Daniel and Madeline sat behind him.
The hearing concerned alleged retaliation against Emma following the Bonding Ceremony.
Emma's attorney presented employment records.
Emails.
Lease documents.
Witness statements.
Grant argued that Blackridge had acted within its authority.
The attorney disagreed.
She pointed to provisions protecting pack members from discrimination based on mating status.
Emma watched the elders.
Some looked uncomfortable.
Others seemed bored.
Then Nathaniel stood.
He didn't shout.
He didn't threaten.
He simply asked:
“Is a pack member's livelihood supposed to depend on whether a wealthy man chooses her?”
The chamber went silent.
Grant's face reddened.
“That's an unfair characterization.”
Nathaniel looked at him.
“Then explain the timing.”
Grant said nothing.
Emma's attorney continued.
The evidence showed that concerns about Emma's employment began only after the ceremony.
No previous disciplinary warnings existed.
Her performance reviews were positive.
Finally, the council issued an interim ruling.
Blackridge was ordered to preserve Emma's employment and housing rights while the matter was investigated.
Emma exhaled.
It wasn't a complete victory.
But it was something.
Outside, Nathaniel approached.
“How do you feel?”
Emma smiled.
“Like I might throw up.”
He laughed softly.
“Understandable.”
She looked at him.
“Thank you.”
He shook his head.
“You did this.”
Emma stared.
He continued.
“You spoke. You documented. You stood your ground.”
She smiled.
Then took his hand.
Across the courtyard, Daniel watched.
His expression was unreadable.
May you like
And Emma realized something important.
She no longer cared what he thought.
