Abby growls and starts to bark. Joslyn looks toward the hallway and tells Abby to hush. She quiets down at her command, but she’s still on guard, ears up and hackles raised.
Atta girl, Abby.
“Carter? Carter Huntington?” She stands and walks toward the officer holding Carter’s arm. His look is calculating, eyes shifty, as his face lights up with recognition.
“See! She knows who I am. She’s the owner of the Wolves, and she knows who my dad is! Tell them this is all a mistake, Mrs. Robertson. He attacked me. I’m the victim here. She’ll set you straight.” His arrogance and entitlement are back in full force now that he thinks he’s found a sympathizer.
I watch Jos as her spine straightens, and an icy demeanor takes over her body. This is a woman who finally knows her own power, and it’s fucking glorious. I’m so damn proud of her because I know this whole situation can’t be easy for her.
“Oh, I know your father, Carter. And your mother,” she replies, a cold disgust filling her face. “And I know without a doubt that they would be ashamed of your behavior today. Since she and I sit on the board for SafeHouse, I’m quite sure she’ll have plenty to say, and you can be damn sure that we’ll be discussing it. Now, I suggest you behave and let the nice officer do his job.” She turns her back on him and walks away.
I watch the color drain from Carter’s red, swollen face while Jos is speaking, and it’s vindicating. He’s finally coming to grips with the realization that there isn’t a sympathetic face in the room. But that doesn’t stop him because a minute later, that shrewd look is back on his face as he looks at Lexi.
“Lexi, baby, you know I didn’t mean it, right? It was an accident, baby. I love you. You just make me so crazy because I love you so much.” His pleading voice makes me want to vomit, but damn, my daughter’s a badass. She stands up and turns toward him. Her face is a mask of pain and anger, but behind that is a core of steely resolve that I’ve never seen her display before. The women in my life are blowing me away today.
“That’s not love, Carter. It won’t matter how many apologies you make. We’re over. I never want to see you again. Ever.” She turns away from him abruptly and resumes her seat next to mine. I want to cheer. I’m so damn proud of her. She’s breathing hard, but she’s not sobbing, and to me, that’s a win.
“Time to go, Mr. Huntington.” The officer pulls his arm before he can formulate a response and drags him down the hall.
Joslyn gives me a thoughtful look, then heads to the kitchen. As the EMTs come through the door with their gear, Joslyn returns with another ice pack.
“For your hand,” she says, and I take it, ignoring the sting as I hold it to my right hand. She reaches out and squeezes my other hand before adding, “I’m glad you were here for her, Damon. I’m glad she has you.”
I lift her hand, pressing it gently to my lips. I want to tell her I wish with all my heart that she’d had someone to do the same for her, but now isn’t the time or place.
“Me too, Jos.”
An hour later, after a thorough examination by the EMTs, the bruising on Lexi’s face, wrists, and arms is starting to show. They didn’t suspectany broken bones or internal injuries. I’m taking her to the hospital after we’re done with all the police questions, just in case. The Wolves’ new team doctor will meet us there. He’s already signed an NDA for the team, so Joslyn assures me that Lexi’s privacy is protected.
She left the room at one point to call Carter’s parents, but we haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet. She did say that she’s meeting his mother for lunch later in the week so they can talk. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to thank her enough for her help.
Chapter Thirty-One
Joslyn
It’s eight before the police finish all their interviews. Damon and Lexi are headed to the hospital, and I’m driving home. Evan sticks with me until we get to my house, then heads home for the night after a brief discussion with his nighttime replacement. I’m beyond exhausted, and my stomach’s loud with its displeasure at missing dinner.
After loading up Abby’s food bowl, I grab a box of cereal because that’s as good as it’s getting tonight. Sometimes you need a little Captain Crunch in your life for balance. I always have a box in the back of the pantry for emergencies.
Lexi’s face haunts me. It threatens to take me back to that dark place where I lived when Kurt was alive, and it’s terrifying. The memories keep rolling through my mind, and I’m too tired to stop them. Abby pads over and lays her head in my lap. My pupper always knows when I need some extra love. I stroke her soft head. I want to let it all come out, sob, scream, and hit things—all of it—but I can’t. I won’t. I won’t lose that iron control I’ve got on my emotions. I’ve been holding back so I could be strong in front of Damon and his daughter, but my control is fraying. I pull Abby onto my lap and bury my face in her silky caramel fur.
My phone dings. I hope it’s Damon letting me know about Lexi.
Damon:Hey there, beautiful. Doing okay?
Joslyn:I’m fine. How’s Lexi?
Damon:Finally asleep. Keeping her tonight, not serious tho.
Joslyn:Great. Was worried. What about you? Ice your hand?
Damon:Got an ice pack. Worth it tho. Not what you want to hear, I’m sure.
Am I upset with him for what he did to Carter? I should be, but I’m not. If anything, it was incredibly satisfying. Damon was there to defend his daughter, and I love that for her.
Joslyn:Well, it was satisfying. Maybe a little hot.
Damon:Wow!
