Page 24

My anger continues to rise when I see a pair of her panties half-hanging out of the drawer. She must feel so violated. My jaw ticks and I clench my fist in an effort to withhold my need to punch something.

“Captain?” Celine’s crystalline voice rings out from her bathroom area.

“Coming.”

He heads over to her, and I coincidentally find a small mess that needs cleaned up outside her bathroom. Slyly, I peek to see what they’re looking at.

“What do you make of this?” She points while still holding the cat, floofy tail swinging in the air.

Blood splatter litters her vanity counter and they both inspect it.

“There aren’t any other blood trails that I can see in the apartment, and I don’t know where he would’ve done it either. Sure, there’s shattered glass in the room but again, no other blood.”

Interesting. I discreetly inhale to scent the blood and keep the memory of it locked down for future investigation. It is odd there’s no other sign of injury with how much was wrecked save for this one spot.

“I’ll have the boys take a sample for the lab. Very odd indeed.” The captain rubs his bald head and walks back out to the living room.

I speed over to the closet and hide behind the door before he can catch me eavesdropping. Once he’s out of the room I walk over to Celine.

“We’ll get to the bottom of this, I swear.

” Inching closer I slowly wrap an arm around her shoulders, and she leans into me.

Midnight must be anti-hug sandwich because he yowls and hops out of her arms. Without the cat between us it allows me to fully hug my mate.

Her hair tickles my nose, and I nuzzle into it.

Celine sighs and tears soak into my shirt.

“You don’t have to be strong all the time.

” She silently sobs harder. “I’ll be strong for both of us right now.

Let it out.” I back us into her bathroom and sit us down on top of the toilet lid under the guise of privacy.

Officers and detectives still mill about but they keep a wide berth between us understanding the situation.

It seems like a lot of cops for a break-in, but my guess is they realized it was Celine’s address and more of the force came out than necessary. It’s nice to know her team has her back.

After a few minutes of letting herself feel all the emotions she sniffles, and I dry her remaining tears with a tissue.

“Celine?” Captain Potato Chip calls out from around the corner, and I can see him rubbing his neck awkwardly while interrupting our moment.

“Yeah, Captain?” She gives a last swipe to her face, and I see the moment where she puts her mask back on.

“We’re going to head out. The investigation will continue, and we’ll look at cameras of the surrounding area to try and nail this guy.

I don’t know why he targeted you specifically, but it seems you’re the only apartment that was broken into.

Anyone come to mind that could’ve done this?

” He holds a pen at the ready above his notepad.

“Uh, I don’t know. You know how it is with this line of work, there are a lot of people that could have it out for me I suppose.” Her brow wrinkles and I want to smooth the delicate skin out. “Nobody specific comes to mind but you never know.” She shrugs and the captain takes a few notes.

“All right, Detective. I’m sorry this happened, and we’ll do our best to catch the culprit.

For now, do you have somewhere else you can stay?

” He shifts his weight to one booted foot and tucks his notepad into the breast pocket of his vest. “The lock on the door is busted and even if it wasn’t I don’t feel comfortable with you staying here after everything that’s happened. ”

A flash of surprise crosses Celine’s face like she hadn’t even considered the fact she couldn’t stay here right now. It goes to show how flustered she is.

“Yeah, I can call A—" She starts but I promptly interrupt her.

“Me. She’ll stay with me.” I flash my perfectly white teeth and the shocked expression on both of their faces is comical.

“You?” They ask in tandem.

“Me.” I smirk.

“Don’t you live right next door? Does that make much sense when the apartment one door down got broken into?” The captain scowls.

“First off, I resent the fact you think I can’t protect her.

” Celine rolls her eyes at my comment, but I continue.

“Second, it’s kind of perfect, isn’t it?

I doubt they think she’ll stay this close to the scene of the crime and if they come back, we can catch them red handed.

Third, how dare you? I’m perfectly capable of watching out for Celine.

” His comment hits a nerve, and I can’t help but defend myself.

“Celine.” Captain Corn Chip gives an exasperated sigh her way. “It’s up to you. No matter what you decide we can post officers on watch just in case.”

Celine rolls her lip between her teeth and by the determined set of her eyes I know she’s going to agree with me.

“It’s fine. I’ll stay with Zavier.”

“I swear I’ll keep you safe, Celine. The captain here will get to the bottom of this I know it.” I nuzzle into her, and she stands there stiff as a board, which I don’t like. She was loosening up to me on our date, but this break-in has shut her down.

“Right.” He eyes us warily. “Take the next few days off, Brennan.”

“Captain—” Celine starts to argue but closes her mouth when he holds up a hand.

“Having someone break into their home would shake anyone. You haven’t had time to process, and I want you to take time off. Okay?” He pleads with her, and I give her a reassuring stroke down her back. “Nobody will think less of you, and we have everything handled.”

Celine nods reluctantly, and I dance a little on the inside at the thought of extra alone time with her.

The squad slowly makes their way out of her apartment and close the door best they can with the busted lock. They leave caution tape for us to put up once we’re done escorting Midnight and some of Celine’s things over to my apartment. It doesn’t take more than two trips.

“Got everything?” I snag Midnight and flip him over in my arms like a baby. She watches expectantly like the cat will shred my skin for attempting such a thing, but he purrs contentedly.

We’re best buds.

“Yup.” She gives one last cursory glance around her living room and shuts the door. Taping up the frame she covers it in record time and trudges over to my apartment. The sad slump of her shoulders hurts me to watch.

Midnight hops out of my arms as soon as we enter the living room, and he makes himself comfortable on the couch. I hope Celine can settle in just as easily as him.

“I’ll take the couch.” She announces suddenly and I have to resist the urge to hold my hand to my chest like a Victorian child with the plague.

“I think the fuck not,” I refute.

“Excuse me?” A small laugh comes out of her and she crosses her arms, ready to argue. Little does she know I’m a stubborn vampire and would never let my mate sleep on anything less than a comfy bed I personally vetted.

“I’m not making you sleep on the couch, Celine. You’re my guest.”

Quicker than she can track I grab the blanket and pillow she just sat on the couch cushions and deposit them on my bed.

Vampires don’t need much sleep, so I hardly ever use the king size mattress.

The crisp black comforter is ready for her to dive under.

Fluffing the pillows I stand back and admire my work.

“I’m not sleeping with you. Just because we went on a date doesn’t mean we’re cuddling.”

“Aw, but I’ll be the little spoon.” My lip juts out and she slugs my shoulder. “I’m just kidding. I’ll take the couch.” Snagging a pillow and fleece blanket off a chair in the corner of the room, I set them up on the couch.

“I feel bad kicking you out of your bed.” She stands awkwardly in the doorway of the bedroom with her blanket hanging loosely from her fingertips.

Even amidst the chaos of getting here in a rush, rain slicking back her hair, makeup running down her face, and red eyes from unshed tears, she’s still the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

“Zavier.” Snapping pulls me out of my daydream. Celine taps her foot in rapid succession on the hardwood floor and lets out a huff. “Did you hear me?”

“You want to get married and have my babies? Great plan. Love that plan.”

Her cheeks burn red, and she chucks a pillow at my head.

“Shut up. You know what? I don’t care that I’m stealing your bed.” Hair flows around her shoulders as she abruptly turns and closes the door behind her.

A snort comes out at her thinking a flimsy piece of wood would keep her safe from me.

“Meow.” The disgruntled sound behind me shows Midnight making himself at home on my makeshift bed. The bakery has opened, and he is working overtime to produce biscuits.

“Make yourself at home, my friend. Neither you nor your owner will be leaving.” It sounds ominous but I’d be damned again if I let her slip through my fingers.