Chapter 267 A New Beginning

Chapter 267: Chapter 267 A New Beginning

The courtroom had nearly emptied, but everyone still seemed to be watching Eira and Alpha Killian.

Lila discreetly pulled out her phone and snapped a picture. The photo was slightly blurred, but she didn’t care. Somehow, the imperfection made it feel more real.

Fiona clicked her tongue.

Beside her, Barry glanced over. "What?"

"I’m telling you," Fiona whispered, crossing her arms. "The ice queen belongs with the sunshine boy."

Barry let out a quiet laugh. "We’ll see. Time will tell."

A few steps away, Beatrice and Martin exchanged a worried glance. They said nothing, but they couldn’t stop watching Eira.

Across the room, Alpha Sebastian started toward Eira, intending to stop her before she left.

Then he met Alpha Killian’s eyes.

Alpha Killian wasn’t angry. That would have been easier.

He looked like a wolf guarding its territory, silent and unyielding, warning Alpha Sebastian not to take another step.

Alpha Sebastian stopped halfway down the aisle.

Alpha Killian’s arm was still around Eira’s waist. Eira noticed Alpha Sebastian’s stare and glanced over her shoulder.

For one brief second, something unreadable crossed her face.

Then she looked away.

"Let’s get out of here," she said.

"Come on," Lila said. "I know a coffee shop around the corner, and you’ve earned something with whipped cream."

Eira let them pull her toward the exit.

Alpha Sebastian could see the edge of Eira’s camel coat, but never her face.

She was only a few steps ahead.

Still, the distance felt impossible to cross.

Alpha Roger stood near the back doors, his expression grim as he watched his son approach.

Alpha Sebastian stopped in front of him. His head lowered.

"Dad, I’m sorry."

Before Alpha Roger could answer, Alpha Sebastian slapped himself hard across the face.

The crack echoed through the nearly empty courtroom.

Alpha Roger’s gaze dropped to the red mark rising across his son’s cheek.

"Are you out of your mind?" he demanded. "Do you have any idea what you just did? Your mother still needs surgery. There’s the operation, the hospital stay, the follow-up care. Do you know what all that costs?"

Alpha Sebastian said nothing.

"Even if you had fought for only ten percent of the marital estate, you still could have walked away with over ten million dollars," Alpha Roger said. "Instead, you gave it all away."

Alpha Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "I owed Eira."

"And what about this family?"

Alpha Sebastian finally looked up. His eyes were hollow but steady.

"Mom’s surgery and treatment are already covered. Don’t worry about that."

Alpha Roger gave a bitter laugh. "Fine. The medical bills are covered. What about the house? The cars? Where are we supposed to live?"

"I paid the lease on a townhouse at Southridge Estates," Alpha Sebastian said quietly. "One year, up front. We’ll have a roof over our heads."

"And after that?"

"I’ll figure it out."

Alpha Roger stared at him. Anger fought with grief across his face. His son had lost nearly everything, yet he was still trying to carry everyone else.

"Forget it," Alpha Roger muttered, turning toward the doors. "We’ll talk at home."

They stepped outside into the cold gray morning.

Near the curb, Eira stood with Lila, Alpha Killian, and the others. Their voices and laughter cut through the damp air like sunlight breaking through clouds.

Alpha Sebastian stopped on the courthouse steps.

He watched Eira smile at something Lila said. Alpha Killian stood beside her, close enough to protect her, but not so close that she seemed trapped.

For the first time, Alpha Sebastian understood that he had not simply lost his marriage.

He had lost the life Eira might have shared with him.

And there was nothing left for him to chase.

Just as Martin had said, this was a new beginning.

And in Eira’s new beginning, Alpha Sebastian no longer had a place.

"Eira, sweetheart."

Beatrice touched her arm and guided her a few steps away from the others.

"Dr. Shaw knew about the hearing," she said. "He’s been worried sick. Call him later and tell him how it went. The poor man deserves to breathe again."

Eira nodded. "I will."

"And one more thing." Beatrice glanced toward the group gathered beneath the courthouse steps. "Look around. All these people showed up for you today. You won. The least you can do is buy them lunch."

Eira blinked. "Lunch?"

"Yes, lunch." Beatrice gave her arm a fond squeeze. "Martin booked a table at Bellini’s. Anyone who can’t make it can get a thank-you note or a little gift. Nothing extravagant. It’s the thought that counts."

Eira looked toward Lila, Claire, Miles, and the others. They were still laughing beneath the pale winter sun, their breath clouding in the cold air.

"That’s how you build real friendships," Beatrice said more gently. "One small gesture at a time."

Eira swallowed.

"Martin and I won’t join you. You kids can relax without two old wolves hovering over the table."

"Thank you," Eira said, her voice tightening. "For everything."

Beatrice smiled. "We’re family. But don’t get too sentimental. You’re still picking up the check."

A laugh slipped from Eira before she could stop it.

She pulled Beatrice into a hug.

Beatrice held her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Your friends are waiting. Go on, sweetheart."

Martin opened the rear door of the black sedan. Beatrice climbed in, and he followed after holding the door for her.

Eira watched until the sedan disappeared into traffic, carrying the last of the courtroom’s tension with it.

Then she turned to the others.

"Thank you for coming today. Lunch is on me."

"No arguments," Lila declared. "I’m ordering the truffle fries."

"And the chocolate cake," Claire added, wiping the last of her tears from beneath her eyes.

"Obviously."

Everyone laughed.

Everyone except Alpha Killian.His expression had tightened.

"You’re not coming?" Eira asked.

"I can’t." His gaze shifted briefly toward the city. "My parents are hosting an important guest this afternoon. I’m handling it for them."

Lila groaned. "Who’s important enough to steal you from free food?"

Alpha Killian’s jaw tightened.

"Henry Crawford."