Fate

Chapter 18

Ace

It took everything in me to not outright laugh at the scared shitless face the incompetant officer had as Sgt. Heart laid into him. Sgt. Heart's eyes kept glancing over to me. I stole glances looking for similarities between him and Skye. Same face shape. He was tanner than her. His jaw kept ticking, as if he was holding back from the screams he kept barreling at him. I wanted to go to Skye. Wanted to take her in my arms and console her. I shot KB a text.

Me: How is she doing?

KB: She's a mess, but she has the K9 on her lap so she's calming down... just don't freak out when you do see her. He did a number.

Me: Does she need to go to the hospital?

KB: She says no. The paramedic checked her out. She has to go to court tomorrow. I'm going to go with her to grab clothes and the dog, bring her to my place for the night.

Me: I'm coming with you.

KB: Angelus, you think that is a good idea?

Me: I don't give a f**k. I want him to see me.

No response came in after. Sgt Heart put a hand on my shoulder. "Can you email the video to me? I will need it for tomorrow." he asked gruffly. I nodded, pulled the video up, queuing it to be emailed and handed my phone for him to send to himself. He handed the phone back with a jerk of his chin towards the door. I exited with him. After closing the door he turned to me. "Thank you for taking that. I'm Chris, Skye's uncle." He held his hand out, I took it shaking firmly. "Angelus, but call me Angel or Ace." He nodded. He walked out to the lobby.

Skye was sitting on the floor, a giant K9 Belgian Malinois had his head in her lap, clearly enjoying her behind the ear scratches.As we approached, Chris gave a small chuckle. "Of course you have Rex in relax mode. You know he is supposed to be working right?" Skye smiled, leaning down to kiss Rex's head. "He IS working." Her eyes met mine, widened slightly. "Hi Ace. KB told me about the video... thank you." I nodded, too nervous to speak. Rex stood and positioned himself at Chris' side. I extended a hand to Skye. She hesitated but took it. I threw her a thought; Don't worry Beauty. I won't hurt you. I gently pulled her to her feet. Her smile was small, probably processing the thought I gave her. She didn't look surprised this time. We walked out all together. Chris decided to come with us as well to the apartment. He promised Skye he wouldn't say anything except that she had a right to grab belongings.

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We arrived at the apartment door. Chris stood at the front, Skye was standing behind him with Rex by her side. I stood behind her next to KB. The anger I could feel in KB's mind was overwhelming. It edged close to my own. She had less control than I do clearly.

Chris knocked on the door three times, strong and deliberate. A moment later it opened. Jason's eyes widened at the sight in front of him. He was a small guy especially compared to the massive size of myself and Chris. His eyes darted between all of us. When they found Skye, his expression twisted. "What is SHE doing here?" He spit the words at Chris. Chris put one hand on the door to stop him from closing it. Out of the corner of the door a little black face peaked out, ears tucked. She started to creep out slowly until Jason used his foot to push her back. I wanted to break that leg. Skye visibly tensed up, her eyes in the space that the dogs face was. She clearly loved that dog more than anything. I threw her another thought; Don't worry, Beauty. We will get her out of there. She looked at me. Her eyes squinting slightly then giving a small nod. She was starting to realize that the thoughts were in fact, not hers.

Chris spoke, clear and to the point. "We are here to gather some stuff of hers for the night. I will be here the entire time as will the rest of them. You are not to speak to her. You are not to touch her. You can come stand out here and allow them in or we all come in and I will stand with you in a corner to make sure you follow the guidelines." He meant business. Jason wanted to push. "She isn't allowed here, there is an emergency protection order. I fear for my life." His voice tried to feign fear. It didn't fool anyone. He clearly only pissed off Chris. "Actually, Jason," he spat his name, "She is allowed to be here with a police escort. I am officially on duty as is K9 Rex. Make your choice." Jason stared at him for a moment before muttering under his breath and stepping out. He shot me a look and I held his stare. My face trying to not give way to my temptation to rip him limb to limb. I made a point to step between him and Skye. He would never touch her again. She noticed and let her fingers graze my back as I guarded her.

We stepped inside the apartment, Chris and Rex stayed outside blocking Jasons' view. I followed her and KB inside. Her dog, Bella, was pushing herself as close as possible to Skye. The bond with the two of them was undeniable. I smiled down at Bella. KB came out of a back room with a duffle bag filled with a variety of clothes, her laptop and chargers on top. She glanced down the hall at us before heading to the bathroom. Skye cleared her throat, grabbing my attention. "I need to go in the library and grab a book or two." her voice was small. I nodded my head and gestured for her to lead the way. She passed by me, Bella following close. She came to the first door and opened it.

Honestly I was amazed. She had bookshelves lining every wall, full and piles of books on the two tables and an oversized chair. I was gazing the titles, keeping an eye on her while she gathered 5 books. "Okay, that is all." She smiled at me. I followed her out. We walked back to the front of the apartment, KB waiting by the door. I grabbed the leash hanging up and hooked it to Bella's collar. She licked my hand in return. Skye ducked into the kitchen and came out with a few plastic baggies of dog food.

We walked out of the door, I only let her handle Bella. KB and I carried everything else. Jason saw Bella on the leash and bit out "You are not taking my dog." Skye spoke up, clear and concise, "She is MY dog. MY ESA. You have no say." and stalked down to the elevator. He walked into the apartment, slamming the door shut.