Sophie opened her eyes in the arms of the man of her dreams. She could see clearly, and he filled her vision. He was peering at her with a worried look, his dark eyebrows knitted close together.

Remi was the handsomest man she’d ever laid her eyes on, and she belonged to him. Something deep within her told her that, and their earlier communication only cemented it in her soul.

Heart blossoming with hope and joy, she whispered, “It’s really you.”

“Oui, chér. How do you feel?”

After pausing to think about what he’d asked, she said, “Everything looks more vibrant than before.”

“It’s an odd sensation at first.”

“You killed Hans and saved me.”

Tears filled her eyes at the realization that the nightmare she’d been living was finally over.

“Of course, I did. I told you I would, and I stand by my word. You’re mine, and no one is gonna keep us apart again.”

Another man walked over and squatted down beside Remi.

“My name is Clarence Collins, Sophie. I’d like to ask you some questions about your time with Gregor and Hans and what you saw and heard while you were there.”

“Am I in some kind of trouble because of them? I didn’t hurt anybody! I swear it!”

“No, you’re not. We’re investigating a rash of murders.”

“And the bodies that were taken to the swamp?”

“Yes.”

“It was Hans. He abducted people and brought them back to Gregor’s estate. And….”

“Does she have to do this now?” Remi asked. “She’s gone through a lot tonight... and before. She’s fragile. Can’t this wait?”

Sophie took comfort in that he was trying to shield her.

“She just gave witness, another confirmation that the orchestrators of those atrocities were Hans and Gregor. I’ll have to get a detailed statement from her later, but it can wait for the moment. I’ll call you next week and arrange a time for us to come back.”

“Merci.”

“Do you need another pack, Remi?” Paulette asked.

“Non, but would you bring one for Sophie?”

“Oui!”

“Paulette is my sister-in-law, and over there...” He pointed across the room. “...is my brother Luc.”

“I should get up and introduce myself.”

“They already know who you are.”

“And what we are to each other?”

Remi nodded and said, “Luc helped me search for you when we realized that you were my bloodmate. We went to Marcel’s to see if you were still there.”

“He was shot by dirty cops working for Gregor. And that asshole...” She pointed to Vance. “...was one of them! They killed him and took me back to the estate.”

“I’m sorry,” Remi said. “He was a good man.”

“I wanna make sure they’re brought to justice. I’ll testify under oath as to what they did to him and to me... and how much Gregor paid them to do it.”

Leaning against the wall, Magno said, “They will be. We’ll make sure of it. Everyone involved will get what’s coming to them either by the human courts or The Directive. My preference is the latter.”

Paulette called out, “Henri! Bring the vacuum and some club soda! We’ve got a mess to clean up!”

Luc approached them and said to Remi, “What happened with your eyes? I’ve never seen you carry out anything with a force like that. You burned Hans’ head off.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it was the universe giving me the power to save her.”

“Could be. Vampires have different abilities granted to them upon their change. Perhaps the Thirst enhanced yours.” He gave a short bow to her. “‘Ello, Sophie. Welcome to the family.”

“Hi,” she said with a smile. “Thank you so much for helping rescue me.”

“We’re done here,” Remi said to Luc. Then to Sophie, “May I take you home?”

Her mind went to her backpack and the thousands of dollars that were long gone.

“I don’t have one. I don’t have any money to get a motel room, either. I’m gonna have to find a place to stay, I guess.”

“Non. Remember what I said? You’ll be with me at my place. It’s ours now. It’s a few blocks down the street.”

Suddenly, waves of exhaustion went through her body, and she closed her eyes, giving thanks for the unexpected gift she’d received.

“Then, let’s go, Remi. I can’t wait to see it.”

“Sleep, chér,” he said, as he lifted her up and stood. “You’re safe with me.”