Page 29 of Kidnapping of a Myth

“I love you, baby beast.” She kissed Cerberus’ head and rushed out of the house with a mountain of guilt crushing her shoulders. The animal looked crestfallen at his abandonment, and as she climbed into Eamon’s work truck, she froze. “Wait… I have an idea.”

She raced back into the cabin and strapped her pitbull into his harness and leash before grabbing a grocery bag out of the pantry. She shoved his travel bowls into it, along with some dry food and an assortment of toys, and then she ushered him out of the house and into the truck. Cerberus gleefully settled between them on the bench, and as Eamon started the vehicle, he draped his arm over the dog’s back as if this were how they always traveled. For a moment, he concentrated on pulling out onto the main roads, but once they reached a comfortable speed, his hand hung over Cerberus with expectation. When Bel didn’t move, he waggled his fingers, and she realized he wanted her to take his hand.

“Is every tool you own in the truck bed?” Bel smirked as she slipped her fingers through his, scratching Cerberus with her other hand as he watched the trees fly by with rapt attention.

“When Wendy called yesterday, I was expecting to leverage my bank account to help them, not the skin off my back. That crowbar and bolt cutters you hid in my trunk might have fooled some, but I figured it was better to come prepared with more reasonable explanations for my strength.”

“That’s smart,” Bel said. “The older truck was a good idea, too.”

“When you’ve lived as long as I have, you become a master at concealing your nature, but sometimes my truth has no choice but to show itself. I’ve learned how to make excuses for situations that have no explanation.”

“Is it difficult?” Bel asked. “Always having to be less than you are? Always having to hide and pretend? No one can ever really know you.”

“Why do you think I prefer to spend my time with you?” He met her gaze over Cerberus’ head, driving perfectly between the lines despite not watching the road. “You were unfortunate enough to learn my truth before you ever saw my face. I still hate myself for that night.”

“You were cursed. You had no choice.”

“I should have fought harder, but it doesn’t change the fact that you knew the truth before you even met me. I’ve never had to hide from you, and for some unfathomable reason, you accepted me. You stopped being afraid, and I don’t have to pretend. You have no idea how freeing it is being around you.”

“At first I hated knowing what you were, but now?” Bel shrugged, trying to wrangle her emotions at his confession. “Now I’m glad I do, even if it freaks me out that the monsters of legend are real.”

“Monsters?” Eamon teased with an insulted tone. “Ouch.”

“You know what I meant.” She reached over her dog and slapped his chest. He feigned outrage and pain at her flirtatious violence, and Cerberus assumed their playfulness was an invitation to join in. His head shot up between them, his big, pink tongue catching Bel in the eyes, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as she collapsed against Eamon’s shoulder. “Don’t tell Griffin, but he was right. I needed to go home, and thank you for being there. Thank you for breakfast and for saving me and for not judging me when I act recklessly or irrationally during a case.”

“This is why I break and enter,” he chuckled. “You won’t live with me because you’re stubborn, but I’ll always have your back. Even if you never love me in return, I’ll always be there for you…and this big guy.” He patted Cerberus as they finally pulled onto the Darling Estate, the entrance guarded by squad cars.

Bel flashed her badge, and they drove down the long lane in silence, instantly somber as they rejoined the fray. Griffin stepped out of the house as they parked, frowning at the strange car until he saw Bel inside. He offered her a tired smile, but it faded when he noticed Eamon.

“He’s a friend of the family,” Bel said as she jumped out of the truck. “They want him here.”

Griffin gave her a‘sure, that’s it’expression, but he kept his mouth shut.

“Where’s Wendy?” Bel asked.

“Living room,” the sheriff answered, still eyeballing Stone “She’s with Michael and a protection team.”

“Thanks. I’ll be fast.” Bel patted his arm as she raced up the stairs and into the hallways, stopping short when she saw Michael curled up on the couch. He was a shell of a boy, a ghost drifting among the living, and she prayed her idea would work.

“Bel.” Wendy appeared out of nowhere and threw her arms around her, the enthusiastic greeting so different from yesterday’s hostility. “I’m glad you’re back. These officers are nice, but I trust you more.”

“Eamon’s here too.” Bel returned the younger woman’s hug.

“Oh, thank god.” Wendy wiped the tears from her eyes. “Last night was horrible. I couldn’t sleep because of fear, and Michael is not okay. I don’t know what to do. I wish my parents were here.” She paused, chest heaving. “I’m sorry, you’re a detective here to do a job, and I’m acting like you’re my mom.”

Bel forwent that comment and accepted the woman’s true meaning. She was older than Wendy, but not by that much. Maybe eight years at the most.

“And I’m sorry I was so awful yesterday. I was dreadful, and you just wanted to help. And you did, so thank you.”

“Yesterday was hard for all of us; your family most of all,” Bel said. “There’s nothing to apologize for. And, yes, I’m a detective on this case, but I’m also here with Eamon, who’s your friend. We want this to end well for your family.”

“Me too.” Wendy glanced at her lethargic brother. “I just wish I knew how to help Michael. You saved him, and I’m eternally grateful, but how do I save him now? How do I stop my baby brother from living in this pain?”

“It’s a long road, trust me, but there is one thing that always helps me, and if it’s okay with you, I would like to try it with Michael.”

“Yes, please. Anything to help.”

Bel squeezed Wendy’s hand and then crossed the room to where the boy lay with a glazed expression. “Hi, Michael.” She crouched before him and rubbed his back comfortably as she continued. “I have a surprise for you. You want to see it?”

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