Page 32 of Absolute Devotion

The agent just shakes his head, unbothered by our protests. “I need you both to remain here. We’re still assessing the situation, and until then, I can’t let you go. Now,” he says, voice sharp, “do either of you require medical attention?”

“No,” Xylo and I answer in unison, both of us glaring at him.

The agent raises an eyebrow at Xylo’s bloody shoulder. “You’re injured,” he points out. “I can call in a paramedic—”

“I said no,” Xylo snaps. “Just let us go. We’re not waiting around here while you waste time with useless questions. There’s nothing left to discuss.”

The agent sighs, crossing his arms as if settling in for the long haul. “You don’t seem to understand. You were involved in a violent altercation with several individuals we’re currently investigating. We need a full account of your version of events, and you’ll give it before you leave. Is that clear?”

I feel a surge of frustration rising, but fighting him will only delay us from getting home. We’re caught in their web, stuck here answering questions while Nala is out there, vulnerable and waiting. I know Montgomery and Zahria will keep her safe but it doesn’t make it any easier sitting here.

Xylo leans back, his gaze fixed on the agent with a look that could burn through steel. “Fine,” he says, voice barely more than a growl. “Ask your questions but make it quick.”

The agent nods, finally seeming satisfied. “Good. Let’s start with why you were here tonight.”

“We were here to meet with Victor,” I reply tersely, something I know they already know. “They requested a meeting. Said theywanted to ‘negotiate’ with us. Turns out it was a setup to stall us and send one of their guys after Nala while we were distracted.”

The agent scribbles in his notebook, completely unfazed. “And your purpose in protecting this Omega? Is she contracted to you in any way?”

I grit my teeth, biting back a retort. “We’re protecting her because she’s under threat,” I say carefully, not wanting to reveal more than necessary. “She’s not a commodity. She doesn’t belong to them.” As much as I want to reveal that she’s our mate, that might further endanger her.

The agent’s gaze sharpens, and he exchanges a look with the officer standing behind him. “I see. And you believe this threat is legitimate?”

“You have Victor and his men in custody,” Xylo says flatly. “Are you really asking if we believe the threat is legitimate? You saw them yourself. They pulled guns on us, and they were ready to do worse if we didn’t cooperate. That should tell you everything you need to know.”

The agent nods slowly, jotting down more notes. “Noted. And how did you become involved with…Nala, was it?”

My patience snaps. “That’s not your business. We’ve told you what you need to know. Now, if you’re done wasting our time, we need to get home.”

But the agent just laughs, his gaze narrowing at me. “Itisour business if she’s part of an ongoing investigation. We need to know everything about your involvement with her and with Redland Academy.”

At the mention of the academy, Xylo’s expression darkens further. “Redland Academy? You think we care about their twisted ‘contracts’? That place is just a front for trafficking, and you know it. They don’t have the right to call anyone their property.”

The agent raises an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing slightly. “You’re making some serious allegations,detective. Allegations that we may need to corroborate with further information.”

My fists clench at the thinly veiled accusation, and I take a steadying breath before replying. “Corroborate whatever you want. The fact remains: Nala isn’t safe as long as organizations like Redland are out there, and that’s why we’re protecting her. Now, if you’re so concerned with the truth, why don’t you focus on the real criminals—the people who tried to take her by force?”

The agent’s expression doesn’t change, but I can see a flicker of something in his eyes—a hint of unease. “We’re fully aware of the scope of this investigation,” he says, his tone clipped. “And I’d suggest you let us handle it from here.”

“Let you handle it?” Xylo’s voice drips with contempt. “Where were you when they were hunting her down, turning her into a tool they could auction off to the highest bidder? Where were you when they stuffed her in cages every week to taunt her and terrify her? Where was yourinvestigationthen?”

The agent doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t look away either. His silence speaks volumes, and a cold realization settles over me: this isn’t just about justice. There’s something else at play here, some hidden agenda that goes deeper than we initially thought.

I’m about to press further when another agent approaches, whispering something in his ear. He nods, glancing at us briefly before addressing his colleague.

“Escort them outside,” he says. “But keep them here. We still have questions.”

I exchange a wary glance with Xylo, who looks as ready to snap as I feel. But we don’t have much choice. For now, we’ll have to play along and hope we can get out of here soon. We’re escorted out of the club, where the cool night air hits me like a slap to the face, sharp and grounding.

The agent follows, his eyes narrowed as he motions for us to sit on the steps outside. Reluctantly, we do, and I feel the weight of his gaze on us as he looms nearby, clipboard in hand.

Xylo glances sideways at me, his voice barely a whisper. “This doesn’t feel right, Bear. They’re stalling.”

“I know,” I murmur back, my voice low. “But they’re holding all the cards right now. We have to wait it out.”

The agent steps closer, clearly picking up on our frustration. “One last set of questions,” he says smoothly, as if he’s doing us a favor. “And then you’ll be free to go.”

“Ask away,” I say, forcing myself to stay calm.

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