Chapter 26 #2
“Are you sure about that?” she says, and I’m uncertain where she’s going with this. “During the incident, you never once asked to review the report or for the police to further investigate as to whether it had been an accident or not.”
His eyes are pinching at the corners. “What are you suggesting, Mrs. Rose?”
“I’m referring to care, Mr. Colby.” She raises her voice slightly.
“The police confirmed with me that you declined to read the details of the case and asked them to close it immediately, as it’s just another criminal dying in an accident.
But I’ve learned tonight that Jerry had been murdered while under your reintegration program, but you didn’t so much as blink at losing a convict.
Within two days, you had a new inmate brought to my property to take his place. ”
We’re all silent, staring at Mr. Colby, who’s swallowing loudly.
“It’ll be interesting to see how the press presents this to the public,” she continues, and I’m loving how strong Eve is, certain that this is where Lucy gets her strength.
“A man murdered under your program, and you didn’t even read his report, but instructed the police to close the case without a full investigation.
All because it would interfere with your scheduling and meeting your program quotas.
I mean, who cares about a dead criminal, right? ”
He clears his throat. “Is this your attempt to blackmail me because—”
“Oh, heavens, of course not,” she says in an innocent voice.
Her knitting and magazines are scattered across the bed, making her look like the sweetest grandma, but the look behind her eyes is something else completely.
“I’m informing you of what’s about to be released to the public. Of course, that can be changed.”
She just watches him, smiling, and I chuckle softly. It’s glorious to see our parole officer squirming. He breathes rapidly as he straightens his jacket with a few strong tugs.
“When will the doctors release you from the hospital?” he asks, his words clipped.
“End of the week.”
“Then,” he says, smacking his lips, appearing strained.
“It just happens that the location the men were to be transferred to can no longer take additional placements.” He lifts his chin.
“As long as Ethan resumes his role at the lodge immediately until you return home, the convicts can continue their program at Crimson Pine Lodge. And this will never be discussed again. Clear?”
“You have my word,” Eve says, taking Lucy’s hand, both of them grinning. “But I will need confirmation in writing about the men continuing their program with me.”
“Of course,” he states sharply, the muscles in his neck tense. Without another word, he marches out of the room.
Relief crashes through me because we no longer need to leave Lucy.
Eve and Lucy are laughing. I rush to Lucy, embracing her and kissing her. Then I turn to Eve, saying, “We can’t thank you enough.”
“You can,” she says. “By taking care of my granddaughter like your life depends on it.”
“I swear it on my life.”
“God, that was intense,” Lucy finally says. “I couldn’t even talk from how anxious I felt that he’d say no. You’re amazing, Grandma.” She pulls away from my arms, and they embrace. When she returns to me, she wipes tears from her cheeks. “I’m so happy you’re not leaving me.”
“I would never,” I admit, hugging her tightly. “Nobody’s ever going to drive us away.”
An inferno seems to be pouring off her body, her breaths racing, but it’s her scent that’s thick and sweet. She’s pressing herself against me, a small moan spilling from her lips. And shit, I need to get her out of here.
“Grayson,” Eve says sternly, and I lift my gaze to hers. “Take her home, right now!”
“Agreed. Gorgeous, we need to leave.” I’m already drawing her to the door as she shudders against me, her hands fisting my shirt. Her heat is coming.
I walk her into the hallway, and her fingers crawl under my shirt. “Grayson,” she purrs my name, and my cock throbs, responding instantly to my Omega.
Right, worst place ever for this, with the hall still full of commotion and the police.
“I’ve got you,” I whisper, then sweep an arm under her knees, the other across her back, and scoop her up. “Hold on to me.” And I’m on the move fast as she wraps her arms around my neck, tucking her face against me.
On the way, I nudge Wolf and whisper quickly, “She’s going into heat right now.”
Lucy moans, reaching for Wolf, tugging at his shirt, and his eyes are bulging as he leans into her.
I shove him off her. “Dude, snap out of it. You and Roman finish here, and come back to the lodge as fast as fucking possible, understand? I’ll tell you everything about the parole situation later, but ‘we’re remaining’ is the summarized version. ”
He’s nodding, grinning, staring at Lucy. “Fuck me, yes. I’ll be there soon, songbird.”
“And give me the keys to Ethan’s car. You can all cab it back,” I say.
He darts to Roman and returns in seconds, handing me the keys. “See you soon. Now go, go, go.” He blows her a kiss and swings back to the group, telling them they need to hurry up. Roman glances our way as Wolf leans in and whispers the news in his ear.
But I’m already speed-walking with Lucy, who’s purring, rubbing herself against me. My cock is growing harder. We’re out in the cool night, and Ethan’s blue car is in sight.
Everything’s sorting itself out for once, all the bullshit and danger, but most importantly, we aren’t being separated from our Omega.
She’s all that matters, and to me, she’ll always come first.