Page 113 of Siren in the Rain

The remaining LAPD officers depart and we all head to the SUV.

“You guys can drop me off at the hospital,” Shae says.

My heart clenches. “No way. I’m going with you.”

“It’s bound to be a long night. You should go home and get some rest.”

I take his face in my hands and cup his cheeks. “I’m your mate, love. And I’ll keep telling you as many times as you need me to. I’ll always be by your side, through thick or thin.”

Dallas puts his hands on his hips as he stops in front of the vehicle and gives Shae his patented Papa-Bear-Says-Cut-the-Bullshit look. “You’re a part of MEOW Squad now, and we stick together through thick and thin. We’re in this with you all the way, Shae.”

“You bet your ass we are!” I agree heartily.

Everyone yells their agreement and Shae chuckles as he wipes at fresh tears forming in the corners of his eyes. “Thanks, everyone.”

“No thanks needed,” I say. “That’s what family’s for.”

He squeezes my hand, a look of promise in his eyes. “You’re right. You guys are my family for life.”

Chapter

Twenty-Five

Coin: It’s almost time for me to go.

Griff: Go? What do you mean?

Coin: My job here’s nearly complete. There are others I need to check in on.

Griff: Are you sure you can’t stay? What am I gonna do without my Magic 8-Coin to guide me?

Coin: Sorry, kid. A magic coin’s work is never done. You’ll manage just fine without me.

Griff: Will I ever see you again?

Coin: Who knows? I may pop in on you from time to time.

Griff: I’m getting super sad now but I want you to know, I’ll always remember you and all you’ve done for me and Shae. Thank you.

Coin: You’re welcome, but I didn’t do anything but tell the truth like I see it. Such is the destiny of a magic coin. Best wishes to you and your mate for a bright future.

Griff: Do you really think we have one?

Coin: Without a doubt.

—Private conversation between Griffin and his coin

Shae

The next two weeks were a blur, but I can recall certain moments with shining clarity as my mother came back into my life and karma finally started catching up and kicking long overdue ass.

That first night, we all stayed at the hospital, taking turns between the waiting room and watching over my mother while she was getting the care she needed. My grandmother arrived in the wee hours of the morning and joined us, taking over the vigil with Anemone.

In the end, Griffin and I managed to catch a few hours of sleep on a cot generously provided by the nurses before we got up early in the morning and headed to the police station.

Once we arrived, a tired-looking Detective Monroe met us, still wearing her rumpled suit from the night before. The three of us headed into an interview room where I made my formal statement.

Between my statement and the detective’s supplemental questions, the interview lasted several hours. It was an exhausting and painful experience recounting my captivity, but I found it easier than in the past. Before, it was like my nerve endings were raw and perpetually bleeding, but the rituals I underwent with Pearl healed them to the point where they’re more like old scars now that give faint twinges every now and again.

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