Roderick excuses himself to interview someone else, and when he’s out of earshot, I arch a brow at the stranger. “One of yours?”
He smirks. “The livestream of the courtyard was a nice touch.”
Ah. This must be Declan’s guy. “I’m relieved that Aidan knew what I was sayin’.”
It was risky sending a text of one word—“courtyard”—but at least now everybody had heard the crimes directly confessed by both Whitmore and Xavier.
“You’ll also be relieved to know that Isaac Thornfield is in custody. You guys managed to time the delivery of the files with the live stream of that meeting perfectly. We were already on our way here when you started the stream from the courtyard.” He nods to where Whitmore and Brooks are being taken out of Xavier’s car and into an FBI vehicle. “You know, I’m a big fan of your work.” He grins, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “There’s something strangely comforting about meeting the omega I’ve replaced fingerprints in the database for.”
“Oh?” My tone is amused, and I prop my hand on my hip.
“Oh yeah,” he nods, leaning forward slightly. “There’s something very…sensualabout the lines and…curvesof a fingerprint.”
I bark a laugh. “I’m flattered, but—”
“The onlycurveyou’re going to see is the arc of my foot as I shove it up your ass,” Hayden nearly snarls, coming up next to me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
That’s…surprising.
Less surprising is Kole coming on my other side. “He would not see it if you were behind him,Bratishka. Better make it the arc of your kick as you take out his family jewels.”
Sam comes next to Hayden. “Guys, don’t be ridiculous.” Finally the voice of reason. “All you have to do is jab someone once in the trachea, and they’ll collapse right in front of you.”
Of course.
“The whole point was there being acurve,” Hayden rolls his eyes.
West lets out a little laugh as he stands next to Kole. “I think what my packmates are trying to say is—”
Munoz lifts his hands with a chuckle. “No need, I got it after the first foot threat.” My guys watch him with narrowed eyes as he shoves his hands into his pockets. “I’m gonna head out. If anyone gives you any trouble, just tell them you’re a part of ‘Project Theta.’ They’ll back off.”
He turns around, heading to his car before stopping. “Oh, and Jo?” He looks over his shoulder. “Say hi to Declan for me.”
I give him a little wave, elbowing Kole when he growls. When the agent drives away, I turn on them, crossing my arms. “Is this gonna be a thing now? Growlin’ and threatenin’ men who get too close to me?”
Sam shrugs. “I mean, if we’re going out in public, yeah.”
Hayden smirks. “Don’t act like you won’t get all omega-growly at women who talk to us.”
I arch a brow, crossing my arms. “They wouldn’tdare.”
Turnip squeaks in agreement, popping her head out of my jacket pocket.
At that moment, one of Declan’s white vans comes through the gates, and my heart beats a little harder.
I watch as the car parks, and Roland sprints out of the back, making a beeline for Adela.
“Adela!” he shouts, and at the sound of her father’s voice, Addie seems to break out of her catatonic state.
She looks at him in disbelief, her eyes shining with tears. “D—Dad?”
When he reaches her, I watch with teary eyes as her daddy wraps his arms around her. “Oh, Addie, honey.”
She clutches the back of his shirt, pulling tight.
“I missed you,” she sobs. “I needed you, Dad.”
“I know, sweetie. I’m here now. I’m never leaving you alone again, okay?”
