Page 137 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

“Yes,” Gavin said. “She’s always taken care of me, and her pack has taken me in, too. They treat me like their own. I don’t have to worry about food or watching my sister get hurt or work herself to death. It’s the first time I’ve been able to relax.”

“Thank you,” the judge said and gestured to me. “You can retake your seat.”

The judge was quiet as Gavin took his seat next to me, his small hand clutching mine.

This was it. We had to keep our composure as he meticulously sorted through every witness statement, picture, and piece of evidence that was presented.

Finally, he took his glasses off, folded them up, and set them on the bench in front of him.

“Both parties rise, please.”

Gavin clung to me as we stood, our mother standing on the other side and muttering something we couldn’t quite hear.

“Given the overwhelming evidence, the police reports that have been entered, the testimony from his teachers, community leaders, and friends, I’ve determined that it is in the child’s best interest to remain in the custody of his sister.”

He looked directly at my mother.

“Due to the violence that has been exhibited, there will be no visitation awarded. In fact, a protection order will be put in place.”

My lungs seized. We did it. He was mine.

“You can’t do this! He’s mine!” our mother shouted as she slammed her fists on the table in front of her. The judge quirked an eyebrow and that was enough for her lawyer to hiss warnings at her.

“However, there will be child support to be paid to Dhara Lancaster for the care of Gavin Lancaster.”

“You want me to pay child support?” she spit out. “This is your fault!” She pointed a manicured finger angrily at me, spit flying from her mouth. Her eyes were wild as she finally showed us her true colors.

“That is the last outburst, Mrs. Livingston. Unless you’d like to go to jail.”

She snapped her mouth shut.

“Furthermore, I will encourage Dhara Livingston to seek financial legal counsel regarding recovering what has been taken from you.”

He banged his gavel and stood. “I wish you luck.”

“Thank you,” I said. My voice broke as I pulled Gavin into a fierce hug. He clung back to me just as tightly.

It was over. Gavin was mine.

The courtroom was quiet for a beat before my mother lost it completely. We turned just in time as the commotion pulled us from the moment. Her lawyer had a hand around her middle as she fought to get to us. The sheriff moved between us, arms crossed, and my pack was already jumping the partition to close in around us.

My mother was dragged away screaming. The judge gave the sheriff orders, but I was too busy holding my brother to my chest to listen outside of the fact she’d be going back to jail.

“We’re free, Gavin.”

“I meant what I said, Dhara. You’ve always been more of a mom to me than her.”

“And you’ve always been mine,” I promised, hugging him tighter.

My pack and our families surrounded us as we filed out of the courtroom, offering congratulations and hugs all around until there wasn’t a dry eye in the group.

Everything was a blur after that.

The immense relief I felt nearly had me dizzy and wavering on my feet.

August and Lachlan were on either side of me, their electric scents holding me just steady enough to stay upright.

“We’ve got you, omega.”