Page 215 of What We Become

“Maritime import channels,” Holden repeats, and his voice has changed. The detective filing evidence even while he’s bleeding. “What do you know about the Kennel?”

Gloria’s expression doesn’t shift. “Is this an interrogation, Detective?”

“Holden.” That’s Micah, blanket still around his shoulders, voice carrying the specific register that means not now. “She just saved our lives.”

“I know.” Holden keeps his eyes on Gloria. “But someone’s been probing Odin’s network, and Stephen’s voice just came through the club’s speakers. I need to know whether any of it connects.”

Gloria smiles at him, but it’s like seeing a crocodile smile—horrifying.

“We can discuss my business interests another time, Detective. But rest assured, everything I do, everything I am, is done to protect my family. Despite what you may think, I’m not someone who allows the abuse of others for no reason. Much like yourself.”

Holden inclines his head in grudging acknowledgment.

“If my son loves you, then you’re under my watch. Which means I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you get your answers.” She turns back to the road. “We should move. I believe you all have a reckoning to plan and execute. You have until . . .” She looks at her watch. “Sundown for the drugs I gave him to wear off. Until then, we’re at your disposal. Anything you need.”

“Thanks, Gloria,” I say, rubbing my hands together as I look around at all my guys. “I’m going to need a pink dress.”

I drag in a breath that tastes like salt and blood and cool evening air.

Under the jetty, the shadows feel alive.

The tide hisses against the pilings somewhere beyond us, the ocean rolling in and out like a slow, hungry thing. Wet sand presses cold against my knees where I crouch across from Stephen, and the wooden beams above throw broken shadows over his face. We brought him here because I wanted him where it started. Where Brock took me to hurt me and turn me into his next “pet.” The exact place I was reborn.

My heartbeat is so steady that it surprises me. The last time I was in this position, I was shaking and crying. Now, I’m completely in control.

We wait for Stephen to wake. The cold works through my dress, and my knees ache against the sand. But I’m patient. That’s something Stephen taught me.

Finally, his head lolls, then jerks. A rough sound catches in his throat behind the gag. His lashes flutter. He blinks hard, disoriented, his eyes trying to make sense of the shadows, the ropes binding him, the ache in his body. He’s on his knees, slumped forward, dick out, flaccid. His wrists are bound behind him. Ankles tied. He can’t move. And even if he could, it wouldn’t matter.

I have a story to finish.

“Wakey, wakey,” I singsong. “Rise and shine, Stephen.”

He blinks, and then his gaze snaps to me.

I smile.

Even in the shadows, I see the panic hit. It comes on fast and ugly. He glances at his exposed crotch and makes a muffled series of noises, jerking harder against the restraints, trying to talk through the gag, trying to ask questions I’m never going to answer cleanly.

I fold my hands in my lap and tilt my head. “Do you like my dress?” I smooth my hand over the pink dress Ray collected for me. “It’s really close to what I was wearing that night. I mean, it’s not the same. But close. I thought you’d appreciate the visual while I finish my story.”

He goes still for half a beat, and it’s like watching all the pieces slide into place behind his eyes. The barn. The knife. The words he dragged out of me one ripped-open piece at a time.

A slow shiver works through him, and then he starts trying to speak again.

“Now, now, Stephen. Don’t go changing your mind. You’ve been so focused on getting this story out of me. Went to so much trouble to know how it ends. I think it’s only fair I walk you through it.”

I lean in until my mouth is almost brushing the gag stretched between his teeth.

“Now where did we leave off?” I murmur, smiling when he flinches. “Oh. Right.”

I let my gaze drag over his face, his throat, the pulse jumping there in frightened little bursts.

“Brock was trying to force his dick into my mouth.”

His whole body tightens.

“Don’t freak out, Jamie—I mean, Stephen—you’re about to get exactly what you wanted.”