Page 32 of Bind Me

However, to avoid being charged by Asbesta again, I’m settling for fresh water this morning, splashing in the pool behind my cabin. I dip under, my tail propelling me the length of the pool, then come up less than a foot from Chowder. He’s on his back, smacking a rock into a large clam he has balanced on his chest. I had to buy him a bunch on the way home yesterday because I know he loves them.

He makes that adorable chirping sound, almost sounding like he’s chuckling. “Who wants clam?”

“It’s all yours,” I answer, rubbing his head. I don’t eat seafood, but growing up with a wolf shifter for a father, I enjoy all kinds of land-based meat.

The sun is rising, flooding the skies with a blood-orange streak, the light breeze rustling the trees behind my cabin. Floating in the water, the earlier anxiety fades from my body. I didn’t sleep well again, contemplating yesterday’s events, and most prominent was Kaden and his comment about me moving into his mansion.

He was kidding, right?

I barely know him, and as we get to know each other better, we should live apart. Plus, look at my place. I glance around the cozy wooden cabin in the woods, neighbors not close, and the main road out of sight. It’s perfect for me. And Chowder loves it.

Just then, I spot two uniformed guards—those who work for the city, who are responsible for maintaining some level of peace. Except why are they at my place?

Having seen me, they make their way toward us in the backyard. I swim quickly to the edge of the pool, mostly to avoid flashing them since I’m in my mermaid form. I’m sure they’ve seen my kind before, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with having them leering at me.

With scowls and darkness under their eyes, they don’t look pleased. Something in my stomach unsettles.

“How can I help you, Officers?” I ask, keeping my voice light, feeling slightly awkward seeing as my breasts are bare, but I use the side of the pool to cover myself.

“Sasha Snow?” the tall one asks.

“Yes, that’s me,” I answer.

“We need to bring you into the station for questioning.”

My heart drops into my stomach. “Excuse me?” I splutter, glancing at Chowder, who seems as confused as me. He’s no longer on his back but swimming closer to the guards, eyeing them suspiciously.

“There’s a case that requires your cooperation.”

“What case?” My thoughts are on fast-forward, thinking if this has anything to do with the fjord trespassing and Asbesta’s guard, who lost two of his fingers to Chowder.

“For what?” I continue incredulously.

“We’ll explain everything once we get to the station,” the officer replies. “Now, you can come of your own accord or by force.” He touches the cuffs on his hip.

I swallow hard, stunned, my pulse thumping under my skin, that things keep going from bad to worse for me.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” I mutter, shaken up. “Look, I need to get out of the pool and get dressed. I’ll come with you, no trouble. Just… can you look away?”

They both shake their heads in unison. I heave a sigh, wanting to argue but not in the mood to be manhandled while naked. Already pulling back my mermaid form, I frown and swim to the steps. At least, I manage to give them a side profile of me naked as I climb out, feeling their leering gazes all over me. My skin crawls as I hastily grab my towel and wrap it around myself.

“I guess you’re coming inside with me while I put on some clothes.”

They nod; of course they do. Assholes.

Grinding my teeth, I call, “Chowder, let’s head indoors.”

He swims over rapidly, his gaze narrowing at the men. I pick him up, holding him close under my arm. The last thing I need is a repeat of what happened with the last guard who came to my house.

Ten minutes later, after the most awkward dressing session of my life, trying to keep the towel around me while pulling on clothes, I head into the kitchen. I give Chowder extra food and close him indoors before being guided to their car by the officers.

The whole trip, they don’t say a word, and I don’t bombard them with questions, knowing they’re just the messengers. But I have no idea what the hell is going on.

Finally arriving at the station, the silence continues as they lead me inside. They guide me along a narrow hallway to a small, dimly lit room with a table and a couple of chairs. One of the guards motions for me to sit.

“Wait here,” he says curtly before they both leave me alone.

I flop down on a seat, the metal chair cold, even through my clothes. My thoughts are still spinning out of control with confusion. What could they possibly want from me?

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