Frost straightened. “I’ll contact DCI Thornton, ask her to reopen Faris’s case. If it really was self-defence, then there’ll be no further action from our pack.”
But there might be from the police where Xen was concerned if he’d been using banned magic. That was a discussion for another day, though, because there was only one thing I cared about. “And the pact?” I asked, aware of Jake coming up behind me. I leant into him, soaking up the strength he offered as my own started to flag.
“Consider it broken.”
“Thank the Goddess,” Jake breathed, resting his head against my shoulder.
“Now, fuck off,” Rys said, voice calm like he was discussing the weather. “And keep out of my way for the foreseeable future.”
We all watched as Frost and his pack members got into their cars, a collective sigh of relief escaping as they drove off.
“What about them?” Mase asked, pointing at Xen and the four members of his pack that he’d brought with him.
“I’m going to take him into the station.” Wyn came forward, Chylath and Syl following. “I just spoke to DCI Thornton, and she’s issued a warrant for Xen’s arrest.”
“That was quick.” But then we didn’t have to go through the same channels as our human equivalent. “But you can’t take him in on your own.” I didn’t care how defeated Xen appeared now. He was still dangerous.
Wyn blushed. “Chylath and Syl are accompanying me.”
Syl glanced at Rys. “I know I’m not police, but I thought it made sense to have a shifter with them. And since Max and Jake are injured…” he held out his hands.
Rys eyed all three of them. “Oh, I agree. It makes perfect sense.” His expression gave nothing away, but Gabriel smirked beside him.
“Gabriel and I will follow you,” Dathal said, as he and Axel joined us.
Talis came next and immediately pulled Axel close.
Mase winced. “Yes, we will. Lady Sarhin would murder us if anything happened to Chylath.”
With Elliot offering to take the four Rufford Park Pack members back with him, Nick returning home, and the rest of Rys’s pack disappearing back inside the house, it left me, Jake, Rys, Axel and Talis.
“Thank you,” I said, facing Axel. “Jake wouldn’t have got out of the pact without your help.”
Axel smiled, violet eyes full of warmth as he looked between me and Jake. “You’re always there for everyone around you. I’m happy I got to return the favour.” He shrugged out of Talis’s hold and I didn’t hesitate to wrap him up in a hug.
“Thank you,” I whispered again. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to express just how grateful I was.
“You’re welcome,” he murmured, then stepped back and took Talis’s hand. The two of them headed towards the trees.
“You can stay here as long as you need,” Rys said, already walking backwards towards the pack house. “And my offer from before still stands.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned around and went inside, closing the door behind him.
I closed my eyes as Jake’s hands slid around my waist.
It was over.
After three long months, we were finally free to be together.
To explore what had been building between us for years without us realising. Jake was everything I’d ever wanted, and now I got to show him.
In every way possible.
I couldn’t wait to get started.
