Love. Against all odds, it had happened.
Despite fighting it, despite feelings of guilt, it had claimed him. His mountain lion agreed. Right now, it chomped at his innards, wanting to protect Elaine and her family. Connor had known a long time ago he would have given his life for her. He just hadn’t understood why.
For the first time in his life, he felt clarity and peace.
After they took care of Hill, he would tell her how he felt and they could start planning a life together.
* * * *
As Royal drove to the abandoned rest stop, he tried Seb on his cell once again. “Where the hell are you, you fat slob? Let me guess. Stuffing your face, as usual? I need you back at the house to guard the prisoners. I’m heading out to pick up Elaine Gleason.”
As he disconnected, a frisson of suspicion tickled the skin between Royal’s shoulder blades. Had Seb betrayed him?
No. He didn’t have big enough balls for that. Betrayal would actually take a brain.
It was more likely he’d turned off his phone. He would pay for his carelessness. If only Vadim hadn’t gotten himself killed. Vadim had been ruthless, unfeeling. He’d been perfect. Royal had always liked the fact that Seb provided some muscle and he never disobeyed, but there had been times when he’d spotted a glint of resistance in the man’s eyes. He’d done his best to quash it, but perhaps he hadn’t done enough.
The longer he drove, the more he began to wonder about Seb. Minutes passed, and he still didn’t return the call.
Something was wrong.
As soon as Royal put his foot on the gas pedal, he’d wondered if he should have forced the doctor and his tart into the car. Having them at gunpoint might have proven a stronger incentive for Elaine to come away with him. But no, he’d figured it was easier this way. If Elaine misbehaved, one call to Seb would have ended the lives of his basement guests.
Oh, Royal. It’s all going to shit now, isn’t it?
The womanly voice intruded on his thoughts. He knew the soprano tones, better than he knew his own baritone.
“Jinny?”
It had been so long. He thought he’d never hear her again. And yet, here she was, coming to him somehow in his moment of need. Everyone else had deserted him. John, Vadim, and perhaps Seb as well. Jinny never left. Jinny stayed with him. And once he had Elaine under his wing, he’d see to it the spirit of his Jinny remained alive forever.
If only her words didn’t make his stomach turn.
Royal stopped worrying about Marcelle and the doctor. They couldn’t get in his way now anyway. For all he cared, they could rot in that cell.
He continued toward Exit 25. He’d chosen the spot because of its access to the highway but also because it was desolate. It hadn’t been used as an official rest stop since the eighties. The government had built a number of new rest stops at the time, tearing down several old ones. The building at Exit 25 had been sold to a local developer, but development plans had fallen through years ago and the lot remained stagnant and empty. Surrounded by woods, it allowed his bear an escape route, but the large adjacent parking lot allowed him to see anyone passing through.
Royal drove into the lot, parked in one of the spots closest to the building, and remained in his car for a few minutes.
He checked his phone. Still no answer from Seb.
Anxious in a way he hadn’t been since his father first took a swing at him, Royal got out of the car and planted himself in front of it.
He was on his own here. Seb wouldn’t be calling.
Screw them all. He didn’t need them.
But you still need me, don’t you, brother?
Her voice. It sounded so near.
He checked his watch. Noon. His new Jinny should be here any time. He’d forget his old life and begin a new one with his only love.
Love. Jinny’s voice changed in his head. It dripped with resentment.The only one you’ve ever loved is yourself.
He paced in front of the car. “No, that’s not true. I did so much for you. I’ve killed for you. I created a shrine to you.”
That wasn’t for me. Nothing you ever did was for me. You did those things to appease your wicked desires. You’re a monster, Royal.
