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, Iunderstand that it can be uncomfortable.But as long as you stick to our agreementand don't fight it, there shouldn't be any pain.

T

1I get it," Denny replied.

I linked Theo to have him remove thechains holding Denny in place. I didn'tthink keeping him restrained wouldencourage him that we were making agenuine offer. I was trying to gain sometrust.

"Tell me if you recognize this man,"Icommanded. Kingston handed me hisphone, 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,"Isaid.

Again, he thought.

"Oh, he's a lot of scars," Denny said.

"There's a nasty one on his throat. Makeshim sound strange. I didn't really see it,but some of the others had mentioned itseveral times. And I did see his hands.They're covered.

I looked at Kingston. He nodded. It wasGrogan.

"Okay, tell us everything that has

happened since you first heard about theBoss,"I asked.

***

We spoke with Denny for a couple of

hours, going over details multiple times. Iwas feeling the commands start to take atoll on me. I had to concentrate harderthan I thought to maintain control of myenergy without going too far. Severaltimes, Theo had to link me to pull backbefore I started to hurt Denny.

"I think we have enough for today," Theofinally 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 thatwas captured with you," Theo said."Whenwe question him, can we expect the samekind of cooperation from him?"

Denny's face contorted in disgust."I don'tknow," he replied."But he's not nice. Hewas cast out of his pack once he turnedeighteen. 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 justlikes trouble."

Theo nodded. He hesitated a moment.There was a third rogue down inBonnerville. Did you know him as well?"

Denny shrugged."I'm not sure. They

separated us pretty quick. But Lloyd had alackey always following him around. IfLloyd got caught, I would bet so did

Ratty. He's not violent like Lloyd, but he'sstill a right bastard. Likes to steal food and bully anyone he comes across.

Theo nodded.

We left the cell and headed back to theinvestigation room. I rubbed my templesas a headache started to form. Mina had

taken one of the lab assistants with her tocheck out another lab for the day, so itwas still empty. Theo had recorded thesession and would have one of the

assistants write down the pertinent

information. Kingston had been incrediblyquiet throughout most of the interview. Hehad asked a few questions, but for themost part, he stood off to the side,brooding.

It was a little annoying.

He was busy looking through the file wehad given him earlier when Theo took myhand to take me upstairs for the night. Ipaused.

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 quietlv.'I know." He

squeezed my hand.'Don't take too long.You need some rest. And link me if youneed me.'

I'll be fine.'

He leaned in and gave me a quick but firmkiss. Ilove you.

I love you, too.

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

"Why are you here, Kingston?" I finallyasked, breaking the silence.

He glanced up at me. His eyes caughtmine 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 tohelp? That all this concerns me, too, and

it'll be better if we work together?"

"It's not hard to believe,"I stated."But it'salso 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 easethe ache.

"You pushed too hard tonight," Kingstonsaid, reaching over and lifting my chinwith a finger. He looked into my eyes,

examining them for a few moments beforepulling away."Commanding comes easyto Theo and me. We've been using theability practically our entire lives. Yourshas been dormant. You need to be morecareful.

"I can take care of myself just fine,Kingston,"I said."Iappreciate theconcern, but I'll never get used to it if I

don't push my boundaries. And it's mydecision to make."

"You shouldn't have to be taking care of

yourself," Kingston mumbled.

"Excuse me?" I was trying not to get"I will always be in charge of myangry.

own life and well-being. I'm not aninvalid. But if you think Theo doesn'tbend over backward to take care of me, Tthen 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 wasstill pained and full of sadness.“No,please, you're right. I'm sorry. That wasuncalled for."

I slowly sat back down, crossing my armsover my chest.

"Kingston, I won't listen to your opinionsabout Theo's and my relationship,"I said

sternly."We love each other. I'm happy.And quite frankly, that information is acourtesy because none of it is any of yourdamn business.

He grimaced again.

"You're not coming between us,

Kingston," I said."So, why are you here?

Kingston rubbed the back of his neck witha deep breath."I miss you, Ayla. I wantedto make sure you were okay," he said

genuinely."And yes, I wanted to be closeto you again, but not to cause you trouble.Truly. Isn't there a way we can be friends again'?'