Page 32 of Into the Night

Nodding, I pull Maisy into a quick hug that ends up stretching out as both of us savour the moment’s comfort, knowing the rest of the day is likely to be awful.

“I’ll keep you posted. Get some rest, Maisy.” I’m not sure who needed that more as I sigh, giving her one last small squeeze, before stepping back. “I’ll bring her home.”

Maisy nods, but the sadness in her eyes tells me she’s not convinced.

Back in my room, I stagger to the shower and turn it on, letting the scorching hot water distract me from the ache in my chest. I don’t understand what the hell is going on. As the searing heat burns my skin, I scrub it clean, watching detached as the pink-tinged water swirls around my feet before disappearing down the drain.

It’s not Kali’s blood that coats my skin, but right now, I find it hard to care about what I did to anyone else.

All I care about is Kali.

When I’m confident there are no incriminating traces of evidence left on me, I hurry downstairs, stealing some cake and an apple for breakfast, before jumping in my truck and hurrying to the police station.

As the sun slowly peeks over the hills, bathing the town in a soft yet eerie glow, trucks fill the small parking lot with local residents, the emergency phone tree doing its job well despite the storm. Everyone is out to help in any way they can, despite the heavy clouds still lingering overhead. The worst of the storm may be over, but it’s far from pleasant outside.

My beast rattles around inside me, trying to assert his dominance, as we push through the crowd gathering outside.

Henry is easy to spot when we’re ushered inside.

Instantly, I know he’s just like me. His eyes briefly glow as he takes me in. He’s still staring when I feel a hand on my shoulder, and then turn to look into the face of the only other man in town that I’ve already met.

Jack.

“I don’t think you should be here.”

18

GRIFFIN

Jack’s expression is stern as he studies me, checking for signs that I’m about to lose control again.

Forcing myself to stay composed, I nod.

Jack steers us to the corner, away from the chatter around us from scared locals pouring over the details of Scott and Serena’s attempt to kill Holly, and Kali’s disappearance.

I tune them all out, focussing instead on the huge, agitated man in front of me, and the heavy footsteps of Henry marching over to join us.

“Did you hurt her?” he asks straight out, crowding into my personal space, trying to intimidate me. For once, the thing inside me doesn’t react, seeming to understand he’s just looking out for Kali. He takes my non-response for something else and presses closer. “DID YOU HURT HER?”

“No.” My reply is calm, but strong. Much as I’d love to take out my anger on somebody, it’s not going to help me find her.

Jack grinds his teeth, unimpressed at my presence here. The thick muscles in his neck bunch as he observes me from under the brim of his worn trucker cap. He thinks I’m trying to cause trouble, but that’s the last thing I want.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t kick you out of here right now. Or why Henry here shouldn’t lock you up until you can give us an iron-clad alibi for last night. Because last time I saw you, Kali was kicking you out of the bar, and you didn’t seem too keen to leave. And the first time we met, you were practically feral. That makes you a person of interest.”

Jack's face twists into something darker, and I can see the menace of the animal inside him shining through his coal black eyes. This is no gentle giant. Chest to chest with me now, he keeps his voice low.

“The King’s would probably love to hear about you harassing their cousin right before she goes missing. Give her back immediately, and if she’s unhurt, I won’t let them tear you limb from limb.”

Red clouds my vision as the thing inside me reacts to the suggestion I’ve harmed my woman. Fuck. I concentrate on not lunging at Jack while Henry stands side by side with him, waiting for my answer. His hand rests casually on his side-arm but the message is clear. Don’t do it. Because he’ll take me down if he has to.

I can’t blame them for being suspicious, my temper makes me look guilty, but they’re looking at the wrong man.

I clench my jaw, hesitating before answering, trying to figure out how to convince them I’m normally a stand up guy. But in the end, I decide the truth is the best option here. Hopefully they’ll understand when I tell them what’s really been going on.

“Let me introduce myself. It might make more sense then. I’m Griffin, the new ranger in Sutton.”

Jack’s eyes widen as my words sink in, but they practically bug out of his head when I add the next part.

---