Page 69 of Fated Redemption
Abby felt her heart expand. Under the table Rhys and Moe each took her hand.
“I’m looking forward to the future,” Rhys said, squeezing her hand.
“Me too.” Moe brought her hand up and kissed it.
The diner door opened and Baptista walked in holding a brown envelope. His eyes found Gabriel and he took a step forward. He was about to walk to his prince when he took another deep breath. He stood riveted to the spot. Abby watched in fascination as his eyes, looking confused, scanned everyone before they locked on their table.
Abby looked at Moe and Rhys, seeing if either of them was responding to the large vampire enforcer. He dropped the brown envelope and shoved tables out of his way, heading directly toward them. Seconds later he had scooped up Peyton and was running a gentle hand against the back of his head where he still sported a bloody bandage, his nostrils flared. Peyton had just enough time to squeak before Baptista captured his lips.
Abby, Moe and Rhys stared, shocked.
When Baptista lifted his mouth from Peyton’s, the smaller man’s lips were swollen.
“I knew I should have stayed in the bar,” Peyton whispered.
“Mine!” Baptista growled.
EPILOGUE
“Sir, Fate responded to the Alpha Mother’s plea. The addiction was lifted from Rhys so that he would not harm the Alpha Mother’s son. Salsiby’s efforts to shoot the next Arkadion were useless.” The small man knelt before the gentleman.
Smiling, the gentleman ran a hand over the man’s soft curls.
“Good work. See pups, this is what it looks like to do the job right.” The gentleman was pleased. His newest recruit held such promise. When the man looked up at him there was nothing but adoration in his eyes. Yes, this could prove to be useful.
“But sir, Salsiby is dead,” Devon said.
The gentleman raised an eyebrow. “I know, such a pity. He deprived me the pleasure of killing him myself. Luckily, your beta wasn’t that smart. I had so much fun with him.” The gentleman sighed and moved away from his new devotee.
He watched the wolf Alpha carefully. The shifter tried and failed to hide his anger at the death of his wolf, but dared not say a word.
The gentleman decided that the usefulness of the wolf Alpha had just expired.
“Hyena, your clan still owes me blood, and a lot of it. It’s time for you to pay your debt.” The gentleman sat at his desk.
“What about my pack?” Devon asked carefully.
The gentleman looked up and smiled. The Alpha flinched and the gentleman knew that the wolf hated himself for fearing him so.
“I am done with your pack,” he said.
“We’re free to go?” Devon asked.
The gentleman couldn’t help it. He laughed and laughed.
“No, what I said was I was done with your pack. Unless you come up with a way to please me and soon, I plan on killing every last man, woman, and child.” The gentleman waved his hand. The wolf looked like he was about to be sick. If the Alpha threw up on his new rug he wouldn’t have to worry about his pack, he would kill him right here and now.
“You’re free to go. Oh and boys? Don’t disappoint me.”
The small man curled up around his feet like a faithful hound.
“Payne, a bowl of kibble for my new pet.” The gentleman eyed his chessboard. Soon. Soon the real game would begin.