I dash through the infirmary doors and right into Luca’s arms. He holds me gingerly, trying to avoid the bandages around my hips, but still manages to swing me around until I’m dizzy and giggling. Saints, I shouldn’t laugh, not at a time like this, but we’re alive.
I know in my heart that Rad’s off licking his wounds, and that, for now, we’re safe.
Luca passes me into Ian’s arms, just as Ian passed me into Luca’s the day before. Like they know that I need each of them. Their scents in my nose, their bodies against mine.
“Irresponsible, brave, beautiful, wonderful, troublesomemenace,” he breathes. “You scared me half to death.”
“I’m just scratched up,” I promise. My wrists sting where they’re wrapped around his neck, but I’m smiling. “I did it,” I tell him. “Everything we worked on. The omega trap, my affinity… all of it.”
“I doubted the former could be done, but I never doubted you. Never you, Juniper.” He squeezes me tightly and then releases me, abashed. “We… we need to talk soon.”
I flinch, knowing his rejection is coming. That he loves me but can’t be with me, but he leans forward, kisses my forehead, my nose, and each of my cheeks, and then hands me my book bag. “I knew you wouldn’t want to leave his side. But I also knew you wouldn’t want to fall behind. I’ve spoken with your other professors, and you’re excused from lessons while Mr. Monroe is in the infirmary—and as long as you need afterward. Your assignments are in your bag. Take care of yourself, too. Promise?”
A blush burns in my cheeks, but I nod. “I promise.”
He takes my hand and gives it a light squeeze, the smile he graces me with just as soft.
I watch him leave with a wistful smile on my face.
“He’s right,” Marcus murmurs. “Have you had anything to eat or drink since Friday?”
Luca pulls me into a hug from behind and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Three of the sugariest drinks Ciel makes and a black coffee for Marcus?”
“And a cinnamon roll?”
“Not what I had in mind,” Marcus says with a roll of his eyes.
“Cinnamon rolls all around it is,” Luca says with a grin, giving me a tight hug before letting me go.
A man clears his throat behind me just as I breathe in rain and milky Earl Grey.
I turn to find the detective inspector watching me as my alpha leaves with no small amount of curiosity.
“Thank you for coming to the temple the other day, detective inspector. Are you here for a statement?”
“Ah, no. I’m actually here to talk to Mr. Leclerc. He’s indicated an interest in pressing charges for his mate’s attack. Though I’ll need your statement at some point, but please, rest first. If Mr. Leclerc does decide to pursue legal action, I’ll need to get paperwork to the courts as soon as possible.”
“Is that even your jurisdiction? Saints, I hope it is, since local law enforcement won’t do anything about it.”
The inspector gives me a secretive smile. “Itis, in fact, my jurisdiction, not that of the Fairhaven PD. Mr. Radcliffe is an American citizen, and Misters Leclerc and Monroe are Canadian citizens, making it an international matter. I just so happen to be theonlyone here with the jurisdiction. And, apparently, with any kind of spine.”
“They’ll come after you, too,” I tell him. “Rad and his cronies. The Soldiers.”
He cracks his knuckles and grins the most dashing grin I’ve ever seen. “Let them come.”
I could really start to like this particular inspector. “I’ll see if Cass can spare a few minutes.”
* * *
Cassian meetsme at the door to the nest, pulling it closed behind him, concern in his dark eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Detective Inspector Miller is here to see you. He mentioned you were going to press charges against Rad.”
“It’s my right and privilege as Simon’s mate. A beta pressing charges against an alpha of Rad’s status would be trodden over in the courts.”
“But an alpha ofyourstatus stands a chance.”
“Precisely. I want to do this, Junes. And I think Simon and I both need it. But it may require you to make a public testimony. Just know, if you do or don’t make a statement, youwillhave my protection. And I will get justice for both you and Simon, through less scrupulous means if necessary.” He looks back into the nest where Simon is laughing weakly. “I can’t protect you the same way I can protect him, but if pressing charges against Rad for hurting my mate can get that piece of shit off your back…”
