Page 82 of Hart's Redemption

“Elijah, I trust you with my life. More than that, I trust you with my heart.” I stared back at him, both elated to hear him say those words and wary of the other shoe about to fall. “Besides, that’s not what I was going to say.”

“Then what?”

“I didn’t want to put you in any more danger than you already were.”

I stepped closer to the bars, careful to stop shy of actually touching them this time. “At least answer me this: Is there any version of this plan where you live?”

After a moment, he nodded without voicing the response.

“Out loud, Josh. I want to hear you actually say it.”

He winced. “Yes. There is a chance you could live through this.”

“That is not what—”

“Eh-hem.” Lombardi’s discreet interruption drew our attention to where a cluster of formally dressed individuals had appeared at the far end of the room. Some of them appeared to be from the panel, while others were not. However, they were all undoubtedly supernaturals.

I bit back a growl and turned to face Josh. “I know promises aren’t something you can readily make, but I’m making you one right now. When you walk out of here, we’re looking at having kids.”

“Elijah.”

“No arguments. I don’t want to hear how it’s impractical or potentially irresponsible. Dr. Lyons said that you had one of the worst cases of Mein Zeke she’s ever seen, but look at you. Four months in isolation and you’re even-tempered, collected, and haven’t rambled once. I want a family with you, Joshua Hart, and you’re going to give me one.”

Josh stared at me in open shock, apparently stunned speechless. The moment he appeared to regather his wits, I spun on my heel and walked back toward the courtroom, Lombardi’s quiet snicker following me every step of the way.

Chapter 26

Josh

Elijah’swordsplaguedmein a near-constant loop from the moment he left to the moment I was escorted out of my holding cell and back into the courtroom. I glanced at him as I moved to take my seat. His face was a resolute mask, while his eyes were liquid pools of empathetic cognac. The bond pulsed in my chest, and I knew he felt it too.

Children. Elijah wants children.

The fact that he’d practically threatened me with a family didn’t even matter. A real family to call my own had been all I’d ever wanted. A family filled with laughter and unconditional love, walks hand-in-hand down the street, and all the support you could stomach. It was a dream I’d been too afraid to haveuntil Elijah had woken me to the reality. Now that dream lived in him, and I’d do nearly anything to make it come true. In order for that to happen, though, there was only one path I could take—the riskiest.

I leaned over to whisper into Lombardi’s ear. His eyebrows rose in quiet surprise, but he didn’t question my decision. Just gave a simple nod and replaced one tablet with another.

No sooner did I finish conveying the change in plans than the doors opened and the panel reemerged. Each member filed in and took their appropriate seat, from the human delegates on the left to the supernatural on the right. Despite my early success in creating friction between the two groups, they seemed to have found a new balance.

The gavel rang pure and clear, slicing through the muted noise, and Senator Stevens’ voice filled the void. “This tribunal is now back in session. Prosecution, call your witness.”

Camilla Hightower stood gracefully from her chair. “Prosecution calls Detective Joshua Hart.”

I straightened in my chair.

“Objection!” Lombardi shouted, causing me to falter momentarily. “Prosecution established their intent to call Beatrice Harker to the stand prior to recess.”

“Sustained,” Senator Cowan responded.

The Chancellor of the Elements smacked their hand on the table with a loud crack. “Overruled. These proceedings are not pursuant to your human laws. Detective Hart will take the chair.”

I looked over at Lombardi, who appeared less than pleased at the change in events. He stood, displaying a composure contradicted by the fire burning in his eyes, and addressed the panel.

“Esteemed Assembly, as I was under the impression Beatrice Harker would be testifying next, I have not prepared my questions.”

The Ambassador of the Winter Court turned up her nose. “Detective Hart is on the list of viable witnesses to be called. You were provided with this list in advance. It is the prosecution's witness, and they are within acceptable standards to call whomever on the list they so choose.”

“Is there a problem?” There wasn’t an ounce of apology in Senator McMillan’s eyes.