“Damn right I can.” His sister descended the stairs, already pulling out her phone. “Robert and I will coordinate with the Justiciary to process victims and secure the estate. You two are officially off duty.”
“I need to file a formal report…”
“Tomorrow,” Bridget said firmly. “After you’ve slept for twelve hours and eaten a proper meal.”
Ant felt he should argue. The responsible part of his brain was already cataloging follow-up questions and the loose ends that needed tying.
But Viktor’s hand tightened on his waist, Able leaned heavier against his leg, and Bridget’s expression said she’d physically carry him out if necessary.
“Tomorrow,” Ant agreed.
They walked out of Claudius’s estate into late afternoon sunlight. Behind them, freed victims emerged tentatively into the gardens, blinking like people waking from nightmares. Ant had given them justice. He’d given them freedom, and for now, that was enough. Although he’d really love a coffee and maybe a full steak meal. Viktor could probably do with one, too…and one for Able as well.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Viktor pulled into the driveway and cut the engine, relief flooding through him as their home came into view. Three hours of driving with Ant dozing against the passenger window, Able’s anxious panting from the back seat, and Viktor’s own exhaustion pressing down on his shoulders had made the journey feel twice as long.
But now they were home, and more importantly, they were safe.
Ant stirred as Viktor opened his door, blinking slowly. “We’re back?”
“Yeah, babe. Come on.”
But when Viktor moved to help him out, Ant shook his head and pushed himself upright with visible effort. “I need to take care of Able first.”
Of course you do.Viktor bit back the automatic protest. Able had been through hell as well. The loyal dog had never faltered, even when Ant was in the midst of his magical nightmare. The least they could do was give him dinner and let him decompress.
“Let me help,” Viktor said instead.
They managed to get into the house, Viktor turned the deadbolt, and leaned his forehead against the door, his hands still on the lock. They were home. More importantly, they were safe. Claudius was in custody, and Finch would have his justice.
We made it.
Warm arms wrapped around him from behind. Ant pressed his face between Viktor’s shoulder blades, his slight weight resting fully against Viktor’s back.
“It’s good to be home,” Ant said softly.
Viktor turned in his mate’s embrace and pulled him close, one hand cradling the back of Ant’s head. They stood like that fora long moment - just breathing together, appreciating the quiet and Ant’s warm and inviting wards.
Able whined and pressed against both their legs, his tail wagging uncertainly.
“Hey, boy,” Viktor said roughly, reaching down to scratch the dog’s ears without releasing Ant. “You did good. You did so good.”
Ant’s fingers curled into Viktor’s ruined shirt. “Poor Able probably needs food and a good run outside.”
“I know.” Viktor pressed a kiss to Ant’s temple. “Come on. Let’s get into the kitchen and see if there’s anything there worth eating.”
In the kitchen, Ant filled Able’s water bowl while Viktor opened a fresh can of premium wet food and mixed it with kibble. Able watched from the kitchen doorway, his tail wagging uncertainly until Ant set the bowl down.
“Good boy,” Ant murmured, scratching behind Able’s ears. “You did such a good job protecting us.”
Able wolfed down half the bowl of food before pausing to drink deeply from the water. Viktor refilled it while Ant slumped against the counter, eyes half-closed.
“He needs to go outside,” Ant said softly.
“I’ve got it.” Viktor opened the back door, and Able trotted out into their fully fenced yard, immediately putting his nose to the ground. It would be familiar territory for him, which had to have been a relief in its own way. Viktor certainly felt that way.
Viktor turned back to find Ant swaying slightly, one hand braced on the counter.
