Page 161 of Alpha Awakened
“That’s what you don’t get about shifters. We’re not meant to have loose associations with our teammates. When we’re bonded as a pack, we’re stronger. And personal relationships, including those of a romantic nature, help build those pack bonds. When we feel the pull toward our mate we can’t ignore it. It’s more than casual dating. The wolf within us won’t settle until we’ve acknowledged that pull and claimed that person as our mate. Having our pack members and our mates at our sidesettles the wolf within us and lets us give our full focus to the job that we do.”
“The US Legion cannot simply allow shifters to run amok, fucking whoever they want and then when they get caught, claiming their wolf made them do it to get out of trouble. There are fraternization rules for humans too, Major Ortiz.”
“I’m not saying shifters should have a free for all. What I’m saying is when a call to mate happens between two soldiers of unequal rank, instead of trying to force them apart, put structures in place to ensure that the two can continue to serve together without disrupting their unit.”
“Major Ortiz, you yourself benched these two soldiers when you had an issue with them during a training exercise.”
“They only had an issue because they were trying to stay away from each other in order to follow the rules. It wasn’t working. It made them both miserable and ruined their focus. Once they accepted their bond, they were back in the game sharper than ever. I’ll remind you that the 448, Ice and Hazard included, just rescued the entire shifter council from a mass assassination attempt with zero loss of life. And we took down the mastermind of that plot twenty-four hours later. Does that sound like a group that can’t do their job because of romantic entanglements?”
Kelly was silent for several moments. “You’ve made some good points, Major Ortiz,” she finally said. “However, I’m unable to make a decision regarding this on my own. The summary courts-martial will make the final call. You’ll be allowed to make your points again with them.”
“I know you will be asked to speak during the trial. Will you speak for or against my men?”
Kelly stared at her, her gray eyes sharp and considering.
“I will speak for them, Major.”
Sam’s shoulders loosened with relief. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“You’re welcome. Dismissed.”
Sam left Kelly’s office and headed for her own. She had an important call to make.
Chapter 62
December 11, 1982
09:00
US Legion Base - Fort Grove
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
The day of the hearing arrived. Hazard dressed in his service uniform after a shower in the brig’s washroom. Jax had brought it to him since it was required dress for the hearing. He assumed he’d taken Ice his service dress as well.
Hazard didn’t regret anything that had happened the past few months. Royce was his mate and he would never regret meeting or falling for him. But he hated that their relationship might cost his lover his career. He knew how much Royce loved being in the military. How much it meant to him. Being a soldier was Ice’s whole life. With that in mind, he’d made his decision. He knew what he had to do.
An MP came and escorted him to the chamber where their hearing would take place. Inside there were two tables facing the hearing bench with a large space between them. Ice was already there, sitting at the table on the left. The alpha was also wearing his dress uniform, along with a plain black balaclava. Hazard was instantly hit with a sense of relief. It was the first time he’d seen his mate in three days. When he made eye contact with Ice, he could see the same feeling of relief reflected in his dark eyes.
“Miss you,” Ice mouthed.
Hazard smiled at his mate. “Miss you too.”
The MP directed him to sit at the other table, then retreated to stand at the chamber doors.
The hearing chambers was a large room, with wood paneling on two walls, while the back and front walls were painted a bright white. Large windows on either side of the room let in the morning sunlight. The floor was green and white marbled tile. A high judge’s bench with three seats for the courts-martial members dominated the room. Behind it, tall, brass flag poles held the US and US Legion flags.
The chamber door opened, the sound loud in the quiet room. Hazard twisted in his seat to look behind him and see who was entering. Jax, Ortiz, and Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs came in. Hazard sent them all a grateful smile for coming to show their support. Following after them was a blonde officer he’d only seen a few times before. Hazard gave her a polite nod.
He started to reface forward, but the door opened again. More soldiers came in, about a dozen of them. The group consisted of privates from the group of recruits he trained, members of their support team, and other soldiers he and Ice often interacted with. Most of them were shifters but there were some humans as well. Lance Corporal Boone was there, Private Bell, and Private Thomas, the kid Ice had saved from bullies. Jennings and Hightower, the two Ice sometimes played cards with. And even Captain Hayes. The wounded soldier proceeded into the room with slow, careful movements. His left arm was in a sling and he walked with the assistance of a cane.
Hazard was surprised to see them. His expression must have said as much, because Boone grinned and gave him a thumbs up as they all took their seats in the back of the gallery.
“We’ve got your back, brother,” the young alpha said.
Soon after, the three officers who would decide his and Ice’s fate entered from a door at the rear of the chamber. They took their seats on the bench.
“Good morning,” the woman who sat in the middle greeted the court. “I’m Lieutenant General Hart. To my right is Lieutenant General Collins and to my left Lieutenant General Reid.”