“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m telling you. And Collin also let me go. I didn’t understand then what he and I have, and I wanted to leave, so he let me.”
Phoenix raises his hand, stopping me. “Wait, wait, wait. If he let you go, then why were you with him in Nevada?”
I sigh. “I told you. Because I chose to be with him.” Knowing that their skepticism won’t abate until I tell them all of the details, I rehash the last two months of my life.
The only parts I leave out are Declan’s and the rogue’s murders. Even though Collin stopped them from raping and killing me, I have a feeling the SF won’t be as understanding. But I make sure to emphasize that neither Collin nor his wolf have gone on any killings sprees since he took me.
When I finish, they all lean back, their expressions impossible to read.
“Wes?” Priscilla finally says. “What do you make of all of this?”
Wes scratches his chin. “It’s certainly something I haven’t heard before.”
“But she’s human,” Ray states. “How can a werewolf be fated to a human?”
Since Ray is looking to Wes for answers on werewolf clarification, I can only assume that Ray isn’t a werewolf. As for what he, Priscilla, and Phoenix are, I can only guess.
“Fated mates in and of themselves are rare,” Wes replies. “But I believe it can happen with a human. My grandmother told me that when she was a child, she heard of a wolf who was fated to a human. It’s even rarer than fated mates between two wolves, but it can happen.”
“So does that mean we’re believing this story of hers?” Phoenix sneers.
“It does explain why he was in her apartment all of those weeks ago, why she’s still alive, why she was on the run with him, and why they were sleeping together in Nevada.” Priscilla shrugs. “I’m not saying I believe it either, but it does explain it all.”
I rub my eyes, fatigue making them feel gritty. The stress of the last few weeks, while Collin and I tried to figure out how to start a new life together, is finally catching up with me. But I still feel sick at the thought of what’s happening to him.
“Can I see him? Please?” I ask.
Wes frowns, and I know his answer before he opens his mouth. “I’m afraid not. Even if Collin is your fated mate, it doesn’t change what he did or what he is. Rogues need to be held accountable for their actions, and unfortunately, we’ve never encountered a rogue who’s been able to stop his bloodlust despite what you claim or believe.”
“But he has stopped! I swear it! He stopped himself from killing both of you, didn’t he?” I send Pricilla and Phoenix an accusing glare. “You were the ones who broke into my apartment in September. So tell me, if he’s such a cold-blooded murderer who can’t control himself, why are you both still alive?”
The siblings share another apprehensive look.
“You know it’s true,” I continue. “He chose not to kill you. That’s why you’re still here, which means your argument that he can’t be saved is bologna. He wants to change. He said he’s not going to kill anymore, and I believe him.”
I’m near hysterics, and I know it, but desperation has taken a hold of me. I know I’m going to lose Collin if I don’t make them see that he’s worth saving.
“I think that’s enough for now.” Wes pushes his chair back. “Why don’t we get you a fresh change of clothes and something to eat.”
Ray, Priscilla, and Phoenix nod curtly and stand. They exit the room from another door at the opposite end, while Wes takes me back the way we came.
I follow him mutely, my heart heavy as I contemplate how saving Collin is even possible. Granted, I don’t know much about werewolves or supernaturals, but I do know that Collin means to be good. Even if he didn’t want that before meeting me, he does want that now.
Wes stops a few minutes later in front of another door. With a start, I realize we’re now in a hallway with windows. I was so lost in thought I hadn’t even paid attention to where we were going.
“There are a change of clothes and a hot meal inside. You’ll have to wait here until a squad member returns. It might be good to get some sleep.”