by Tl Reeve
“That’s too bad, Mr. Dryer. Your daughter would have been a smooth, perfect lay.” Raymond pierced the skin at Bell’s neck.
A drop of crimson blood slid down her neck, and Rapier saw red. The lion surged forward the same way he’d done in the middle of town when his girls had been threatened. He charged at Raymond; his claws extended. No matter what happened next, either Quincy would die or he would. One way or the other, all of the bullshit came to an end tonight.
At the same moment Rapier jumped at Raymond, the bastard pulled a gun on Rapier. He closed his eyes. If this was how he went, he wanted to recall all of the great memories he had with his family and his mate. He remembered all of the small times with his daughters, especially the first time he saw them only a few short weeks ago, standing outside their home. He thought about his kitten and the cub just forming deep within her womb. Yes, she’d have three wonderful reminders of him when he was gone.
Bell’s scream accompanied the crack of a projectile hitting flesh then the splat of blood hit the ground and his face. The hot, metallic scent hit his nose, and Rapier froze. It didn’t make sense. He opened his eyes. Raymond’s body lay in a crumpled heap in front of him. Bell was a couple of feet to his left. She curled herself into a small ball. She trembled as she lay there. Her breath came in soft cries while she covered her ears. Blood covered the right side of her clothes, and for a split-second Rapier worried she’d been hit too.
Rapier found his ripped shirt and used it at a cloth to remove some of the blood and muck from his face before he went to his daughter. He couldn’t let her see him like he was, all covered in the muck and shit of Raymond. He glanced at the body once more to make sure the asshole wouldn’t be popping up and trying again.
“Princess,” he whispered, trying to be non-threatening when all he felt was rage and adrenaline.
“Daddy?” She pulled her hands from her ears.
“I’ve got you, Bell.” He eased toward her before gathering her up in his arms. “I’ve got you.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy. So, so sorry. I-I shouldn’t have agreed to go.” Her frightened sobs began anew as she plastered herself against his heaving chest.
“It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you. You’re safe.” He stroked her fine, silky hair. “I’ve got you.” A content purr filled his chest while he continued to hold his daughter. “And, I’m never letting you go.”
The rumble of an Enforcer drew his attention from his daughter. The vehicle pulled to a stop near the bonfire. Both doors opened. Caden got out from the passenger side and Kalkin from the driver. Both took in the scene then slowly approached with their guns drawn. Rapier laughed. A sense of manic delight overtook him. He hadn’t been the one to pull the trigger. He hadn’t even hurt Raymond. Someone took the shot though, and he had his suspicions. There was only one person as far as he was concerned who had such excellent aim and control.
Jenna.
“What the fuck happened here?” Kalkin asked as he drew near.
“I’m assuming that’s a rhetorical question,” Rapier drawled.
“She okay?” Kalkin lifted his chin in Bell’s direction.
“It’s not her blood, and she will be, in time,” he replied.
“What a fucking mess,” Kalkin grumbled. “I’m guessing you don’t know how he was shot or who did it?”
Rapier glanced up at him and shook his head. “Nope. Not a clue.”
“And the rest of your family is accounted for,” his Alpha stated.
“Well, if you have Caden with you, I’ll assume you know that answer too.” Rapier glanced down at his daughter. “If you don’t mind, my truck is a quarter mile back. I’d like to take her home.”
“Not so fast now. I need to take your statement.” Kalkin held his hand up as Rapier went to stand, cradling Bell in his arms.
“Caden can take it at the house,” Rapier answered. “I won’t allow my daughter to continue to sit here and smell Raymond’s piss and shit and blood. She needs a bath, some food in her belly, and a couple of shifts to heal herself.”
“Goddammit, let me do my job,” Kalkin snarled.
“I am,” Rapier growled. “Not here though.”
“Fine. Caden, you follow him to the truck. I’ll get the team out here to start collecting evidence.” Kalkin turned to Rapier. “We’re going to need her clothes too. Caden can bag them when she gets a bath.”
Rapier nodded. “Come on, princess, let’s go home.”
Chapter Nineteen
Rapier started for his truck, but came up short as two people appeared in front of him. Jenna stepped into the light first. She carried the black case of her rifle in one hand, and the other was in her jacket pocket. Behind her, Hauser. I fucking knew it. Several questions rolled through his head; however, they’d have to wait until later. After he got Bell home and cleaned her up.
She passed him without saying a word. Her features were neutral, and she didn’t throw off her normal anxious bitch attitude either. For a split second it worried Rapier. He’d never seen her this way. Instead of going to his truck, he went back to the fire where Kalkin stood. Whatever she had to say, he had to hear it before bringing his daughter home.
“How?” Kalkin said in greeting.
She shrugged. “I had a hunch. This place used to belong to Rapier—us. It seemed fitting; don’t you think?”
Rapier scrubbed his face and shook his head. “All of you are going to be the death of me.”
Hauser chuckled. “The shot was clean. I witnessed the whole thing.”
“From where?” Kalkin asked.
“I spotted Jenna,” Hauser answered, like it’d been no big deal.
“Of course you did.” Kalkin blew out a breath.
Jenna handed Kalkin her rifle case. “I know what protocol is in a situation like this. Desk duty or time off until the investigation is complete. I’ll take it. I understand—stood the position I would put you in when I came out here.”
Kalkin snorted. “Falling on the sword, or rifle in this case, I see. Fine, by the book then. You’re on temporary leave until the conclusion of this investigation. Leave your badge and gun on my desk in the morning.”
Jenna nodded. “Understood.”
“I also want you to be evaluated by the county psychologist as well before you return to duty.”
Jenna cocked a brow. “What?”
“You have been through enough shit in the last ten years, Jenna. You should talk about it. Get it all out there. Killing Raymond won’t make it any better or easier,” Kalkin said.
“The hell it doesn’t,” Jenna muttered. “Fine. Shrink me up. I got it.”
“Don’t sound so fucking defeated.” Kalkin looked to Hauser. “You’re also going to write up a fucking report as well.”
Hauser held up his hands. “Can do. It was a justified, clean hit.”
“I’m sure it was, but we have to do this by the book. There are already too many bodies and too much shit that went down in Window Rock. If we can’t dot all of our i’s and cross all of our t’s we’ll be under investigation. We already have a shit load of attention here. We don’t need the State’s Attorney’s office here trying to snoop around.”
The slamming of a truck door caught Rapier’s attention. Osirus came running toward them. He appeared equal parts pissed off and impressed. He stopped short when he saw Rapier. “I came as quick as I could.” He grinned. “I followed Caden and Kalkin.”
Rapier laughed. “Glad you made it.” He hefted Bell into Osirus’ arms. “Hold her, I can’t go home smelling like Raymond. It’s driving me insane.”
Osirus cuddled Bell to his chest as he stepped aside. “Hey, Bell. I’m glad we found you.”
Rapier walked over to the Enforcer Kalkin and Caden drove up in. “Do you have any water in here?”
“In the hatch. Under the floorboard,” Kalkin said. “Should be a gallon jug of water and a spare shirt.”
“Thanks.”
Rapier reached into the vehicle and lifted the flimsy board
to find a whole shit load of supplies. Kalkin had everything from flares to rope to food, nestled in individual compartments. He found the one he needed and grabbed the water pouch. Rapier bent forward and poured the contents on his head and neck. It would have to do until he could get home and wash the rest of the grime away.
The smell of death slowly dissipated, and the lion relaxed. He replaced the bag then grabbed the spare shirt. After he put it on, he picked up the blanket there and placed it on the top of the Enforcer. Once he replaced everything as it was, he strode back to where Osirus stood with Bell. His best friend’s head was bent while he and Bell were having a hushed conversation. Relief surged through him. Bell was safe. His daughters were going to be just fine, and now he needed to get her home.
“I got a blanket. It won’t do much for the smell, princess, but it will help keep you warm.” Rapier opened it while Osirus put her back into his arms.
“Thank you, Daddy.” Bell snuggled into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Jenna is one badass bitch,” Osirus said. “Not even an ounce of hesitation.” The pride in his friend’s words had a smile tugging at Rapier’s mouth.
“Nope, she sure didn’t. You better mark that ass and keep her close,” Rapier reminded him.
“I plan on it.” Osirus rubbed his hands together. “Do you need me for anything else?”
Rapier shook his head. “I’m going to get Bell home and spend time with my mate and daughters.”
“Then I’ll get Jenna out of here too,” Osirus replied.
“Sounds like a plan.” Rapier turned to where Caden stood with his brother. “You ready, slow ass?”
“Fuck you,” Caden grumbled. “Let’s go.”
“Daddy.” Bell looked up at him again, tears brimming in her eyes. “I really am sorry.”
“Shh, princess. I know you are.” He kissed her forehead. “All I care about is getting you home, safe and sound.”
“But, Jenna will lose her job because of me,” Bell whispered.
“No, she won’t,” he said. “Kalkin won’t get rid of anyone who saves lives. Your aunt saved you and me both.”
“But she’s being put on leave,” Bell insisted.
“It’s only until the investigation is over. She’ll go back to work. Besides, it means she’ll have more time for you and Zoe.”
Bell sniffled. “I don’t want her to lose her job.”
“Ahh, princess. She won’t.” Rapier carried her to where he’d left his truck, then buckled her into the passenger seat. As he started to get in behind the wheel, Caden pulled up beside him in the Enforcer.
“I’ll follow you,” Caden said.
“Fine.” Rapier started the truck then backed up, before turning around. “We’ve got time, if you want to rest.”
Bell shook her head. “No, I’m okay.”
Rapier turned on the radio to one of the most mundane music channels he could find. The silence was welcoming, sure, but he figured, in this situation a little music would help ease both of them. As he glanced over at Bell, she fought to keep her eyes open. His poor little cub was dead tired. She’d been through one hell of a day.
As the empty desert lit up with the twinkling of Window Rock’s street lights, he let out a breath of relief. They’d done it. All of the bullshit was over. No more Raymond. No more looking over their shoulders. No more wondering if something else would befall them. They were finally free.
He and Jasmine would re-start their life together in security and comfort. He could watch his mate’s belly grow with the cub she carried. He could be there when she had their baby. Hold their child for the first time. Excitement and contentment lanced his heart, and he allowed himself to feel. To enjoy what the future would hold for them without hesitation and without fear.
Rapier turned off the main street onto theirs. The days of running were over. They’d found a home now for all of them, including his brothers. He nudged Bell. “Wake up, sleepy head, we’re almost home.”
Bell rubbed her eyes and sat up. “Mom is going to be so upset with me.” She looked at her clothes. “They’re ruined.”
“Clothes aren’t important,” he said. “Your mom will be happier you’re home than anything. You’ll see.”
She nodded. “Okay. Why did Mr. Caden follow us home?”
“He’s going to take your clothes for evidence,” Rapier answered. “He has to.”
“Oh. Will he keep them?”
“Yes.” Rapier pulled into the driveway. “You’ll never have to see them again.”
“I’m missing a shoe,” she said. “I lost part of the evidence.”
He laughed. “I am sure the forensic team will find it, don’t worry.”
“They were my favorite.” She sniffled. “They went with everything.”
Rapier shook his head. Kids thought of the damnedest things sometimes. “I’m sure we can get you another pair.”
“Promise?” She looked at him with wide, tear-filled blue eyes.
“I promise,” Rapier replied. “Now, let’s get you inside so you can get a bath.”
“I’d really like that, I feel sticky and it smells so gross,” Bell said, pushing the blanket off her.
“It’ll go away when you’re cleaned up.” Rapier popped open the door of his truck after shutting it off.
“How do you know?”
“Because my lion felt the same way until I washed Raymond’s blood off.” Rapier came around the truck as Caden pulled in behind him. “Your lion smells everything ten times clearer than your human side does. It’s part of being a shifter.” He unbuckled her seatbelt then lifted her into his arms. “Come on, let’s go see your mom.”
“I love you, Daddy,” Bell whispered.
“I love you too, princess.”
* * * *
The rumble of Rapier’s truck drew Jasmine’s attention from the dishes in the sink. Tate, Henry, Zoe, Utah, and Wy were in the living room watching a movie. Cormyr, Saber, and Rashid were taking turns standing guard at the door. As soon as Rapier had called, Osirus had taken off, leaving her to care for the injured tiger.
She didn’t mind though. Utah found Zoe.
Jasmine glanced over her shoulder. Utah lay beside the couch in his tiger form. Zoe had been asleep with her fingers tangled in his fur. She couldn’t say thank you enough to Utah. When Annabelle brought him to the house, he’d shifted twice, then held his tiger form. His feet were still wrapped in the salve Mrs. Martin made for him. He didn’t need it anymore; however, if Jasmine had to guess, it was the kindness and love shown to the big cat by two women who didn’t even know him well that made him keep the wrappings in place.
The truck door closed, then moments later, a second one closed. When she glanced out the window, blue and red lights reflected off the walls of the house, and she frowned. What now? She dried her hands and went to the back door, ready to give whoever a piece of her mind, when she stopped short. There she was. Her Jelly-Belly. Her cub. Bell clung to her father, holding onto him for dear life. Her pretty, prim clothes were tattered and torn. They were also covered in blood. The putrid scent of death clung to her, and Jasmine’s stomach rolled.
Rapier strode toward her. The shirt he’d been wearing when he left was gone, replaced with a Sheriff’s Deputy t-shirt. She frowned. His hair was also wet, and dirt marred his features. What the fuck happened out there? She stepped aside as he entered the house, and she smelled the distinct scent of death. Jasmine shivered.
“She’s fine,” Rapier whispered. “A little tired is all and worried about her clothes.”
Jasmine let out a breath and opened her arms to the small bundle in her mate’s embrace. “Let’s get you both situated. We should get her a bath and some food. Then you can tell me everything that happened.”
“I need her clothes, please,” Caden said, joining them on the steps to enter the house. “It’s for the investigation.”
Jasmine nodded. “So, are you also here to take Rapier in as well?”<
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Caden scrunched up his face. “What? No, not even close.”
“Jenna shot Raymond,” Rapier said.
Jasmine blinked. “What?”
“Jenna took the shot,” Caden answered. “No one is in trouble. As far as I am concerned, it was a clean shot, and Jenna will be back to work in no time.”
“Mommy?” Bell opened her pretty blue eyes and stared up at Jasmine. “I’m sorry. I should have told Zoe no more forcefully.”
“I don’t care about that right now,” she replied, placing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. “You’re home. It’s all I’m concerned about. Later we’ll talk about sneaking out of the house.”
“Yes, Mommy,” Bell said clinging to her tighter. “I love you, Mommy.”
“I love you too.” Jasmine nuzzled Bell’s cheek before glancing at Caden. “If you’re coming in, come in. Zoe and Utah are sleeping. The boys are watching a movie so keep your voices down. I’ll bring you Bell’s clothes in a minute.”
Caden nodded as he stepped into the kitchen. “No rush. Take your time. I suspect forensics will be on the scene for a few hours anyway.
Jasmine started up the stairs as Rapier grabbed himself a beer and a soda for Caden. She shook her head. Both men would be the death of her; she could only imagine this had to be how Danielle felt around both of them. She glanced down at Bell who struggled to keep her eyes open. Her poor little cub had been put through the ringer.
“You can’t sleep just yet. You need a shower.” Jasmine nudged Bell awake. “When you’re done you can go lay down and sleep the night away.”
“Okay.” Bell yawn and stretched as Jasmine put her down. “I really am sorry.” She kicked her remaining shoe off and pulled off her sock. “I don’t know where my shoe went or my sock.” She frowned before pulling off her skirt then her shirt. Blood caked her torso from bleeding through her clothes, along with dirt and grime.
“It’s not yours, baby, remember,” Jasmine whispered.
“I know. It’s Raymond’s.” She undid her braid then handed Jasmine the band and clip. “Will you stay with me while I shower?”