Page 73 of Kidnapped By the Beast

Her voice—Alexandra’s voice stopped him.

He turned, chest heaving, fists still curled.

She stood there, her hand reaching toward him, her eyes wet but steady.

“Enough,” she said. “I just want to get out of here. I just want to go home.”

Her words cut through the Rage like a blade. He wanted to kill—to extract bloody vengeance. But even more, he wanted her to feel safe and happy and well. Slowly, painfully, the curtain lifted and the Rage bled away.

He growled low and frustrated, but he turned his back on the broken officers.

She’s right. Not here. Not now.

Besides, it was time to get out of here—the crowd was out of control.

The chamber was chaos. The Magistrate screamed as the mob dragged him across the floor. More people surged—shoving and shouting—their fists raised high. The whole place was about to explode.

Without hesitation, Brandt scooped Lexi up and slung her over his shoulder.

She gave a startled cry, pounding her fists against his back.

“Hey! I can walk!”

“Not fast enough,” he snarled, barreling through the crowd. “Hold tight, sweetheart—it’s time to go.”

The mob parted for him—some out of fear, others out of awe—as though they could still see the fire of Rage burning in his eyes. Brandt didn’t stop until they burst out into the sunlight, the cool air hitting his chest like water.

Safe. Alexandra was safe and she had been avenged.

That was all that mattered.

39

LEXI

The sunlight outside the Halls of Justice was blinding after the dim, incense-heavy interior. Lexi blinked hard, her eyes stinging, and lifted a hand to shield her face. The outer courtyard was wide and paved with pale purple stone, smoothed by countless feet. Great carved pillars lined either side, etched with curling glyphs that seemed to shimmer faintly in the sun.

A fountain splashed at the center of the square, the water dark and mineral-rich, sending up a cool mist. But the smell of it couldn’t mask the other scents crowding her senses—sweat, dust, and the metallic tang of blood.

Behind them, voices from the courtroom spilled out in a low, furious roar, echoing through the open doors like the distant rumble of a storm.

Lexi took a shaky breath. Her legs trembled, though not from fear this time. Adrenaline still pumped hot through her veins.

I did it. I actually did it! I didn’t just stand there like a scared little mouse. I spoke up—I told them what was done to me. And people listened.

The thought filled her with pride. For once, she hadn’t been helpless—hadn’t just endured whatever fate threw at her. She’d fought back and it felt wonderful.

A sudden laugh escaped her—breathless and a little wild. Before she could stop herself, she turned to Brandt.

He stood like a sentinel in the sunlight, broad shoulders squared, his dark hair gleaming. His golden eyes were still fierce, scanning the crowd spilling from the hall, but when they flicked down to her, warmth softened them.

“Are you all right, Alexandra?” he rumbled.

“I’m more than all right!”

Overcome, Lexi flung her arms around his neck, rising on her toes to press her lips to his. He bent easily to her, kissing her back. His mouth was firm and steady—grounding her even when the whole world still felt like it was tilting.

“Thank you,” she whispered against him, her voice shaking. “Thank you for helping me get justice.”