Page 200 of Ravaged Soul

Snickering, Ethan takes a look over him. “This the patient?”

“Soon to be corpse,” Warner supplies. “He’s flatlining. Think we should call it.”

“Shh!” Axel presses a finger to his lips. “It’s past your bedtime, Grandpa!”

I’d throttle the pup on Warner’s behalf if we hadn’t found him on death’s door in a locked cage. He’s earned himself some leeway before his next beating for being a blabbermouth.

“Ember, this is Ethan.” Warner nods towards him. “Our ex-team leader. He retired and lives in Briar Valley with his partner now.”

“Hey.” She waves a limp hand.

“Hi, Em. Glad you’re safe.”

“Me too.”

“And it’s fiancé now,” Ethan corrects with a glance around our circle.

I give him the side eye. “When were you going to mention that?”

“Ryder got me drunk one night and popped the question. I couldn’t exactly refuse.”

Punching him in the shoulder, I leave the wheelchair to grab him around the waist. “You sly shit! I don’t know whether to be happy or mad.”

“Alright, alright.” Ethan playfully shoves me away. “Enough celebrating. Ryder’s playing the role of bride to be. Go fawn over him and his wedding plans instead.”

“Congrats.” Warner beams at him.

“Thanks. So who else do we have coming along?”

Clearing his throat, Blaine shifts uncomfortably on his feet. Ethan casts him a perplexed look as if he can’t figure out how to place him. Then shock and disbelief take hold. After all, we did dismantle the Madden empire together.

“Are you… Blaine fucking Madden?”

“Hello again, Ethan.” Blaine avoids making eye contact. “You know that isn’t actually my name. Just Blaine Madden will suffice. Less of the fucking part. Or failing that, Blaine.”

“Right.” Ethan blinks rapidly. “What the fuck?”

“It’s a long story,” Warner hedges.

“Clearly. What the hell have I missed? We put this guy behind bars.”

I plaster on a weak smile. “Actually… it’s a fun story.”

“Fun?” Warner splutters.

Ethan fights to compose himself. “Let’s get you all somewhere safe. Then I’ll raid Killian’s homemade whiskey supply, and we can dive into this fun story that involves a wanted criminal standing on my doorstep.”

“Can’t wait,” Blaine murmurs.

Leaving us to gather the few belongings we travelled with, Ethan walks over to the other side of the hangar where the bathrooms are located. I frown while watching him rap on the ladies’ door.

After a long pause, the door swings open. My breath catches at the golden-olive skin of the woman who emerges. It’s beenalmost three years since I last visited Briar Valley to help Ethan move after the Sanchez case was wrapped.

In that time, Willow hasn’t changed. She still radiates joyful optimism with her effortless smile and warm, open nature. Even her midnight-black curls and full curves haven’t changed a bit.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” She saunters over to us.

“Come here, you.” I drag her into a bear hug. “Hey.”