Chapter 1
Powerful Gaia, also known as Mother Nature, entered the courtroom in a whirlwind, and everyone rose.
Her makeshift court was fashioned out of a giant cloud, so standing would have been impossibly dangerous for some of the accused. Even though shapeshifting birds and dragons could have hovered, she didn’t believe in death sentences for those without wings—especially before the trial. So she’d had her gods create a temporary solution. A small section of Fenway Park’s bleachers was missing, but oh well, it was off-season, and they served the purpose. When she had taken her gilded throne, everyone sat on the floating benches.
Gaia surveyed the gallery. In attendance were werewolves, dragons, a vampiress, and a whole flock of phoenixes.
“Welcome to my tribunal. Some might call it a kangaroo court, but youwillhave representation. As you’re aware, there are several cases to be heard, but all of them are for the same crime.”
One of the younger phoenix boys glanced at a nearby dragon and whispered, “What’s a kangaroo court?”
His friend answered, “I think it’s an Aussie version ofJudge Judy.”
Gaia folded her arms and glared. “You will be silent until asked to speak.Allof you. Is that clear?”
Several voices answered, “Yes.”
She huffed. “All right. Now, even though you will be represented, it ismytribunal, because I’m the superior commander of everything and everyone. I’m thegoddess of all.See this throne? Mine. See this ether? Mine again. You will treat me with the utmost respect—as is my due. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” someone said.
She shot to her feet. “Who said that?”
No one fessed up.
“I hate being called ma’am. It makes me feel old. Even though I’mliterallyolder than dirt. I’m vain. Deal with it.”
“Sister, shouldn’t we get on with the trial?” Fate asked from the front row. The delicate brunette goddess seemed nonplussed.
Gaia sighed. “Yes. You’re right. I should begin with introductions.” She pointed to the sister who had just spoken. “My sister Fate will be the voice of the defense.”
“They couldn’t help it!” Fate shouted and jumped to her feet. She wore a light-blue toga that matched her eyes.
“Not yet, you idiot!”
“Oh. I thought you said… Never mind.” She sank back down on the front bench. “Carry on.”
Gaia rolled her eyes. “And for the prosecution, my sister Karma.” She swept her hand to the other side of the aisle, where a red-haired beauty with catlike green eyes and a slightly evil smile rose and waved. She wore a smart black suit with a sparkly shoulder pin.
Barely audible groans met Mother Nature’s ears.Ha! Fearing Karma is a sure sign of guilt!
“And now I will read the list of defendants. Please rise when your name is called. Werewolf Nicolas Wolfensen, dragons Drake Cameron, Rory Arish, and Shannon Arish, Vampire Ruxandra…” Gaia glanced up from her list. Locating the youthful-looking vampiress in the red dress, she asked, “What’s your last name?”
“LeBlanc,” she said. “But I haven’t used it since I—”
“Yes. Since you fake-married ahuman.I know. That’s why you’re here, dumbass.”
The blonde bombshell clenched her fists and leaned forward, looking like she was about to object, until Nick, the werewolf, clapped his hand over her mouth. Drake, the dragon, grasped her arms so she couldn’t land the punch she was aiming at Nick’s head. She struggled against their powerful grips, her loud protests muffled.
“Thank you, Wolfensen, Cameron. Your cooperation has been noted. Another outburst like that, Ms. LeBlanc, will land you in my ethereal jail—indefinitely. Understood?”
When Ruxandra finally calmed down, Nick tentatively removed his hand. As he wiped the blood from two puncture holes in his palm onto his suit pants, she whispered, “Ass kissers.”
Mother Nature cleared her throat. “I will now continue reading the list of the accused. Phoenixes Antonio Fierro, Miguel Fierro, Gabriel Fierro, Dante Fierro, Noah Fierro, and Luca Fierro.”
“What did we do?” Luca, the youngest, asked.
“I’m getting to that part. As I said, you’re all accused of violating the same law. My number one edict. Does anyone remember what that is?” she said with syrupy sweetness.
