Chapter Twenty-five

“Ms. Stewart, why did you leave the scene of the crime.”

This was the fifth time she had been asked to come to the police station, and she was tired and upset with the routine. Caden was standing behind her holding his tongue because she had begged him to.

“Detective Baker I don’t know what you would have done, but I woke up from having been drugged. I was lying within a circle with strange symbols in it. When I could make my body sit up, I saw Jim, he looked like was dead or dying. I also saw a headless corpse. Maybe you would have stayed and taken notes, but since I was still being held for the murder of the other females, I made myself get up and leave. I did call the police after I called Caden.”

“There would have been less confusion if you had stayed.”

“Yes, because I wanted to be alone in a jail cell again where one of your officers abused me, knocked me out, and took me to a warehouse to kill me. You’ll have to excuse me if I don’t agree with you.”

He had the good grace to blush and squirm in his chair.

“That should have never happened.”

“You're correct detective,” Caden replied.

“I know you were able to determine that Jim killed the other women are you trying to pin the death of the other man on me now?”

Jim had survived. He was in the hospital surrounded by guards. She worried that he would escape or somehow beat the murder wrap and come after her again. Just last night Caden assured her that would never happen.

“No, you’re not a suspect. There is no way you could have killed him.”

“Then why am I here?”

“I wanted to hear your side of the story again. I also wanted to inform you that your ex-boyfriend died last night.”

“What?”

“A nurse went into his room and found him dead. As far as we can tell it was natural causes that stopped his heart. Do you know anything about his death?”

She was shocked to hear he had died and he could see it on her face. Still, there was the thought that she was somehow involved.

“I know nothing about his death, but if you want me to be sorry he’s dead forget it. He killed those women because they looked like me. He wanted to kill me, he tried to do it. I’m not sorry he’s dead, but I’m sad it came to this.”

“Do remember anything else that happened in the warehouse?”

“Are you trying to find any inconsistencies in my statement? I’m done Detective Baker. Accuse me of a crime and process me or stop harassing me. It’s your fault that I was in that warehouse. Your fault that I almost died. Where were you when I needed you?”

“Ms. Stewart, please allow me to extend my sincerest apologies for this having happened on my watch.”

“Leave me alone, that will be an acceptable apology. If we're done?”

“We are.”

She got up and walked out with Caden by her side. “I bet he hopes he doesn’t see any of us again.” She told him in the car.

“Sage.”

“Stop, are you going to apologize again?”

“I am.”

“Caden you fought for me. You protected me when I couldn’t protect myself.”

“I was out of control.”

“So what, you had sexy red eyes. When I called to you, talked to you, you listened. I’ll always be there to bring you back from the edge of insanity, baby.”

He smiled loving every time she called him baby.

“Did you kill Jim?”

“He deserved to die.”

“But did you kill him?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.” Her world was different now, and Caden was right. Jim deserved to die. She slipped her hand into his and thought of a future where she didn’t have to scared.

They drove home silently. He stopped in front of The Wolves Den.

“Deja asked me to stop by for a minute, and you still haven’t seen it.”

“Where ever you’re going, I’m following.”

He got out and came around to open her door. He took her hand and helped her down then backed her up against the Jeep. His lips found hers. The kiss was long and hard as his body covered her. She could feel his need pressing against her.

“Damn I love the way you kiss.” She was breathless and happy.

They went up the steps once he was in control and opened the double doors. Surprise was yelled as the lights came on. The club was filled with balloons and streamers. Music started to play as everyone talked at the same time.

They walked over to the bar. “Welcome to the family,” Deja greeted her.

“I didn’t change like you did.”

“You don’t have to change to be part of this family,” Fire hugged her.

“I’m happy to have a sister.” Xander gave her a big hug.

“I guess we don’t get the next part of your explanation,” Sage said to Cait. After what she had seen, she wanted to know everything the female was keeping secret.

“I got a feeling you’ll be hearing it soon.”

Sage reached out and pulled Caden close basking in the warmth of his arms.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too, baby.” She smiled everything was right in her world.