Page 55 of The Predator

I shift on my feet as the police officer behind the glass assembles my wallet, keys, and phone into a plastic bag. I should tell him to toss the phone in the trash since I won't be using it again. The sheriff might have tampered with it. I suppose Lee could tell me for sure but I'd rather trash it and get a new one just to be on the safe side.

The thin, uniformed cop slides the plastic ziplock bag toward me along with a clipboard. "Sign here."

I stare into the man's eyes while I scribble my name on the paper, then snatch the bag from him, and head toward the double doors.Freedom at last.I step outside, to find the sun setting, the sky painted in an array of pinks and oranges.

Now it’s time to get back to the house, check on Elyse, and figure out what to do with the sheriff. If he thinks he can threaten me and I won’t retaliate, then he’s more stupid than I thought. I pause on the stairs when I spot Ely standing near the car, and then nearly lose my shit when I see who is standing beside her, talking at her.

Piece of shit.Of course he would wait until I’m behind bars to talk to his daughter. Elyse is pale, her body still as stone, although she seems to relax a little at the sight of my presence. The change in her posture is so evident even the sheriff glances over at me. His body language becomes rigid but in a different way. Like he suspects he might have made a mistake.

Fuck, yeah, he made a mistake.

Forcing my legs to move again, I shove the bag into my jacket pocket, my hands along with it, and head toward them. Once I’m close enough that I know the sheriff can hear me, I call out, “I don't care who you are, what your name is, or how much money you have. If you want your hands to remain attached to your body I suggest you remove them from my wife.”

His gaze shifts to me, and there is no hiding the hatred there as I come to a stop beside them. It's only then I notice what Elyseis wearing. The dress hugs her lithe body, the heels giving her a few inches on those long, muscular legs. She's done her hair and makeup, and in the light the ring on her finger glitters.

Fucking hell. My fucking girl is a goddess.

She meets my eyes and gives me a little pout. "We're missing dinner."

I lean down and kiss her cheek gently. "Well, I'll have to make it up to you."

I skip my gaze down her body one more time, and the sheriff's hand clamps harder onto her wrist. "Sheriff, I'm going to give you five fucking seconds to take your hand off my wife before I remove it. And when I say remove, I mean shatter the fucking bones in it so everytime you even consider moving you’re reminded of me.”

"That sounds like a threat, and I do believe you’re in enough trouble as it is, or would you like me to pile on a little more."

I shift closer to Ely in case he wants to try something, and the way my chest tightens when she leans closer to me…there are no fucking words. I know she’s terrified right now, but I doubt her father can see it. I can barely see it, and I've gotten very good at spotting every little emotion she tries to hide.

"That might work on others, but it won’t work on me. I’m not intimidated by you. Now remove your hand or I’ll remove it for you.” I snap.

He works his jaw, the muscles tense, and I know he’s considering what I’ve said, wondering if I’ll really do it.

Try me, fuck face. It’ll be a pleasure to break your hand and watch you squeal in pain.

With a sneer he squeezes her wrist, hard, and in turn Ely winces. So help me God, if he leaves a bruise on her I will kill him. Consequences be damned. Lightning quick, I snatch two of his fingers and crank them back. Almost instantly he releases Ely, who tugs her hand away like it’s been set on fire.

Staring into the sheriff's eyes, I warn him with nothing but a glare. “Next time I won’t be so kind. I don’t care if she’s your daughter, and I don’t care what your reasoning is.” Turning towards Elyse I lower my voice, and ask, “Are you okay, babe?”

She lifts her head, holding her chin high, and nods. “Yes, I’m okay. Thank you.”

“Good, then I think we should be going now.” I nod towards the car, and thankfully Elyse takes the hint and turns on her heels in that direction.

The sheriff and I remain deadlocked glaring at one another and I tighten my hold on his fingers. The need for revenge burns like acid in my veins. I want to rearrange this asshole's face, but I can’t lead with emotion.I can’t.I know it would feel great to hurt him the same way he’s hurt Elyse, but it wouldn’t stop him from doing something similar to another girl.So while I want to kill him, I decide to leave him with a warning instead.

I twist his hand enough that it sets him off balance, and he immediately tumbles to the ground, with a grunt.

“You piece of shit.” He snarls, pressing his hand flat against the concrete, while trying to push himself back up onto his feet.

With a triumphant smile I step forward, and slam the heel of my leather loafer into the back of his hand. A sickening crunch meets my ears, and a howl of pain rips from his throat. I know I’ll be put back behind bars if his guys witness what I’m doing, but in the end it’ll be worth it. Leaning down I take him by the throat, and tug him forward, while keeping my foot pressed firmly on his hand.

Then through gritted teeth I speak into his face. "Consider this a warning. Touch her again, and I'll peel the skin off your bones and feed it to you. Elyse is no longer fighting her battles alone. Fuck around, and you will certainly find out, sheriff.”

I release him with a shove, and take a step back. Swiping a hand down the front of my suit jacket I turn towards the car.Elyse stands in front of the door, waiting for me, and I peer around the parking lot to see if there are any other dangers.

But it isn't a danger I spot. A few rows back are Drew and Bel, watching, waiting. Emotion swells in my chest. They’re looking out for her, for me.

"The deal..." the sheriff growls behind me and I look at him over one shoulder, watching as he clutches his injured hand to his chest. “After what you just did I should tell you to fuck off, tell you there is no deal, but I’m a gracious man. So the offer is still there, and you’d be smart to accept it, because things are going to get a whole lot worse for you.”

"Great. I love a good challenge." I taunt.