Chapter 192

Chapter 43: Ayla “Okay,” I replied. “Thank you, Denny. Alpha Theo is right. We still have to command you. Being a rogue for so long, I understand that it can be uncomfortable. But as long as you stick to our agreement and don’t fight it, there shouldn’t be any pain.”

“I get it.” Denny replied.

I linked Theo to have him remove the chains holding Denny in place. I didn’t think keeping him restrained would encourage him that we were making a genuine offer. I was trying to gain some trust.

“Tell me if you recognize this man,” I commanded. Kingston handed me his phone, which had a grainy picture of a man.

Denny’s eyes narrowed as he examined the photo for a few moments.

“It could be him,” he said hesitantly. “I really didn’t get a good look at him.”

“Any details you can give us could help,” I said.

Again, he thought.

“Oh, he’s a lot of scars,” Denny said. “There’s a nasty one on his throat. Makes him sound strange. I didn’t really see it, but some of the others had mentioned it several times. And I did see his hands. They’re covered.”

I looked at Kingston. He nodded. It was Grogan.

“Okay, tell us everything that has happened since you first heard about the Boss,” I asked.

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15 48 Chapter 43 Ayla 288 Wouchers We spoke with Denny for a couple of hours, going over details multiple times. I was feeling the commands start to take a toll on me. I had to concentrate harder than I thought to maintain control of my energy without going too far. Several times, Theo had to link me to pull back before I started to hurt Denny.

“I think we have enough for today.” Theo finally insisted.

I nodded. It was getting late. Giving Denny a gentle smile, I rose from my seat. Theo’s hand went to the small of my back.

“We still have the other rogue here that was captured with you,” Theo said. “When we question him, can we expect the same kind of cooperation from him?”

Denny’s face contorted in disgust. “I don’t know,” he replied. “But he’s not nice. He was cast out of his pack once he turned eighteen. He’s killed at least two rogues that I know of. But I don’t know if he holds any real loyalty to the Boss. He just likes trouble.”

Theo nodded. He hesitated a moment. “There was a third rogue down in Bonnerville. Did you know him as well?”

Denny shrugged. “I’m not sure. They separated us pretty quick. But Lloyd had a lackey always following him around. If Lloyd got caught, I would bet so did Ratty. He’s not violent like Lloyd, but he’s still a right bastard. Likes to steal food and bully anyone he comes across.”

Theo nodded.

We left the cell and headed back to the investigation room. I rubbed my temples as a headache started to form. Mina had taken one of the lab assistants with her to check out another lab for the day, so it was still empty. Theo had recorded the session and would have one of the 20.27%

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O 15:48 Chapter 43 Ayla 298 Vouchers assistants write down the pertinent information. Kingston had been incredibly quiet throughout most of the interview. He had asked a few questions, but for the most part, he stood off to the side, brooding.

It was a little annoying.

He was busy looking through the file we had given him earlier when Theo took my hand to take me upstairs for the night. I paused.

‘Can I have a minute?‘ I asked. ‘I’ll meet you outside.‘

He glanced toward Kingston behind me.

‘One of us needs to say something,‘ I said.

Theo sighed quietly. I know.” He squeezed my hand. ‘Don’t take too long. You need some rest. And link me if you need me.‘

‘I’ll be fine.‘

He leaned in and gave me a quick but firm kiss. ‘I love you.‘

‘I love you, too.‘

I watched Theo leave before I returned to the table and sat across from Kingston. He was pretending not to notice it was just the two of us. But I knew he did.

“Why are you here, Kingston?” I finally asked, breaking the silence.

He glanced up at me. His eyes caught mine with a look that said I should know.

“Kingston,” I warned. “Why are you here?”

“Is it so hard to believe that I just want to help? That all this concerns me, too, and it’ll be better if we work together?”

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O 15.48 Chapter 43 Ayla 288 Nouchers “It’s not hard to believe.” I stated. “But it’s also not hard to believe that you would use this opportunity just to get close to me again.”

“And that’s so bad?” he asked painfully.

I sighed, rubbing my temple again to ease the ache.

“You pushed too hard tonight,” Kingston said, reaching over and lifting my chin with a finger. He looked into my eyes, examining them for a few moments before pulling away. “Commanding comes easy to Theo and me. We’ve been using the ability practically our entire lives. Yours has been dormant. You need to be more careful.”

“I can take care of myself just fine, Kingston,” I said. “I appreciate the concern, but I’ll never get used to it if I don’t push my boundaries. And it’s my decision to make.”

“You shouldn’t have to be taking care of yourself,” Kingston mumbled.

“Excuse me?” I was trying not to get angry. “I will always be in charge of my own life and well–being. I’m not an invalid. But if you think Theo doesn’t bend over backward to take care of me, then you’re blind.” I pushed my chair up. “And this conversation is over.”

Kingston winced, raising a hand to halt me. “Wait,” he rushed. His expression was still pained and full of sadness. “No, please, you’re right. I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

I slowly sat back down, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Kingston, I won’t listen to your opinions about Theo’s and my relationship,” I said sternly. “We love each other. I’m happy. And quite frankly, that information is a courtesy because none of it is any of your damn business.”

He grimaced again.

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O 15:48 Chapter 43. Ayla 1288 (Vouchers “You’re not coming between us, Kingston,” I said. “So, why are you here?”

Kingston rubbed the back of his neck with a deep breath. “I miss you, Ayla. I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he said genuinely. “And yes, I wanted to be close to you again, but not to cause you trouble. Truly. Isn’t there a way we can be friends again?”

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