“And my kidnapping?If it wasn’t him, then who was it?”I asked.
“He said you were delivered to his door by an unknown person who gave him specific instructions, which included keeping you bound until your mark, if present, faded into non-existence, at which time it would be safe for Hestian to do as he pleased with you.Until then, he had to swear to keep you bound and not harm you or you would be found by your mate.”
Konni’s snarl made me jump.He immediately quieted and nuzzled me.
“Does that mean he’s free to go?”I asked.
“No.We’re not dropping any of the charges yet.He’ll remain in the hospital under police supervision for the time being while the investigation continues.Denial isn’t proof.As he provides proof to support his innocence, we’ll continue trying to prove he’s not.The false imprisonment charge is irrefutable, thanks to the security footage he willingly surrendered to prove he was not involved in your kidnapping.His legal counsel has already advised him to plead guilty to the Unlawful Imprisonment charge.He’s aware of the alternative.”
“What’s the alternative?”I asked.
“He interfered with a dragon’s mate.Human law doesn’t precede dragon law.His life is in Konni’s hands.He either pleads guilty to human law or faces Konni’s judgement.”
“He still might,” Konni said, lightly trailing his lips over my tender cheek.
I shook my head.
“I’ve made that very clear,” Felix said, “which is why he’s been extremely cooperative.We’re continuing to follow a lead on the person who delivered Ms.Elmantas to the Hestian Estate and will keep you updated.”
Konni disconnected the call before I could say anything else and continued cuddling me.I loved his cuddles and understood his need for contact…but I really wanted to eat without accidentally stabbing myself with the fork because he was nudging me.
“Why don’t you run us a bath while I eat this?”I said.
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“Would it make you sad if my current priority is food?”
“No.”He kissed my cheek then untangled from around me.
I ate faster as he walked away and reached for his phone to check the news.Mostly, I was curious what everyone was saying about Hestian and if I needed to ask Konni to add some fuel to the public hate fire.
However, I never even opened up the newsfeed.The numerous missed calls and unread text notifications caught my attention instead.
Curious, I opened the log and saw Lianna’s name.She’d been calling him on and off since Friday.He hadn’t answered any of them.Good thing for him.
Switching over to the texts, I scrolled back through hers, pausing to read the one on Friday, just minutes before my boutique appointment.
Lianna:My biggest regret is letting my temper get the better of me and leaving Steele Corp.Please forgive me, Drake.I can’t ever remember going this long without talking.I miss my friend.Please call me back.
Switching back to the call log, I saw she’d called him exactly at ten.The time of my appointment.She’d left a voicemail he hadn’t listened to.
I did.
On speaker.
“Drake, I don’t know what else to do or say to apologize.I was wrong.Steele Corp is your business to manage, and I shouldn’t have given you an ultimatum, no matter my opinions.I was just hurt and angry and feeling like I was being pushed out.Which I guess I was in the end.Please call me back, Drake.”
I snorted at the sadness in her tone then kept reading her texts, well aware that Konni was watching me from the bathroom doorway.
Lianna:What’s going on?Why did you take to the sky?
Lianna:I’m worried about you.Call me.
Lianna:Why is the news asking for information regarding Sophia’s whereabouts?What happened, Drake?Why did her disappearance set you off?Did you actually mark her?
Lianna:Please don’t destroy the city for someone who isn’t even worthy of you.
Lianna:Why are you targeting our family?Do you actually believe we had anything to do with her disappearance?
