Grimm Consequences Read Online Free PDF

time she’d seen the shadows around me gather in a direct reflection of my mood. “So last night,” she finally said, “when I saw . . . something . . . ”
    My heart sank. I could only imagine what she’d actually seen when I’d momentarily lost control, my concern for her safety overriding all other thoughts. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you about this sooner. Tess, there are things about me . . .”
    My words trailed off. God, the things that I knew I should tell her, wished I could tell her, about who I’d once been. True, the scars of penance I bore on my skin were a result of my disobedience, a direct reflection of the torture I’d experienced. But the scars on my soul went far deeper than anything the Judges could dole out. I didn’t know that I’d ever be able to make amends for my past.
    We rode the rest of the journey to FMA headquarters in silence. I was still brooding over my own thoughts when I pulled into a parking space and shut off the engine. I’m not sure how long I sat there, up in my own head, before Tess leaned over and pressed a kiss to my cheek.
    â€œThere’ll be time to tell me everything. I promise.” She winked at me with a grin when I turned to look at her. “I’m not going anywhere, remember?”
    As she grasped my lapels and pulled me to her for another kiss, I hoped like hell she was right.
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    Al Addin gave us a nod in greeting as he rose from his seat and came forward to meet us when we entered the courtroom. Mary “Contrary” Smith wasn’t far behind him, peering disapprovingly at us from over the top of what Tess called her “naughty librarian” glasses.
    Mary normally acted as the prosecutor for the FMA, representing the side of law and order when Tales got themselves in deep shit and had to face the consequences. But this time she was representing the FMA—or, more specifically, those of us who’d pissed off the Tribunal. And she didn’t look like she was happy one damned bit about it.
    â€œYou’re late,” Mary hissed through the faux smile she’d donned, making a show of shaking our hands and welcoming us to the proceedings. “The Tribunal will be arriving any second to give their decision.”
    â€œSo, sounds to me like we’re right on time then,” Tess replied, giving Mary a friendly smack on the back as she passed.
    Mary rolled her eyes. “I think I liked it better when she hated me,” she drawled before following Tess to our places at the defendants’ table.
    I made to follow, but Al stepped into my path. “Are you sure you’re up to this?” he asked, keeping his voice low. “I can ask them to stay the proceedings until tomorrow, give you a little more time to recover.”
    I was touched by his concern and felt like an even bigger ass for lying to him all these years. Tess was right. I should’ve confided in Al a long time ago. But too much time had passed now. “I’m good,” I assured him. “Hell, Al—I spent most of yesterday trying to track down a monster. I think I can handle hearing the Tribunal’s decision about the disappearance of Sebille Fenwick’s body.”
    Al nodded. “Fair enough.” But before I could go, he grasped my arm. “Look, Nate. Sometimes I have to do things that piss people off, but you know it’s for a greater good, right?”
    I eyed him warily, wondering what the hell he was talking about. “Yeah, I know. Anything I should be worried about?”
    â€œAll rise.”
    The sudden announcement from the court’s bailiff cut our conversation short. I shared one last questioning look with Al before joining Tess. I briefly grasped her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Here we go.”
    Tess glanced over her shoulder toward the door. “Where the hell’s Trish?”
    The five members of the Tribunal filed in, silent