❝ WHERE'S THE DREAMS THAT I'VE BEEN AFTER? ❞
In which Mariah Rose, an undercover legend, returns to the LAPD and faces her number one fan.
[LUCIFER SEASON 4]
BOOK FOUR IN THE ❝ CHILDREN OF DARKNESS ❞ SERIES
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MARIAH KNEW A thing or two about running for dear life — it was the byproduct of working in law enforcement, after all — but the one time she wasn't in pursuit of an esteemed criminal or left in the line of fire, she might have very well passed her personal best. Kai hadn't expected anything less, either, fully prepared for the woman to dash to the hospital as fast as possible and rightfully so. The news of Mateo waking up had shoved her into motion, the precinct only a blur in her rearview mirror minutes later.
She nearly slammed into the doctor exiting Mateo's room, but too preoccupied to muster out an apology, she snuck through the small gap of the doorway and broke into a grin at the sight of her cousin awake and as well as could be expected. "It is so nice to see you!" she breathed out, a hand on her forehead as she rushed to the other side of his bed, whereas Kai sat exactly where Mariah had last seen him.
Mateo had no time to respond when Mariah had pulled him into a careful but firm hug, her eyes closing as she clung onto his warm body and breathed him in. For a moment there, she had wondered if he'd pull through, but now, she felt foolish for ever doubting him — of course, if anyone could survive being stabbed in their own kitchen by their cousin's enemy, it was him.
"I wish I could say the same, you look god-awful", he finally croaked out, his voice a little rough compared to its usual melody, but it was still enough for Mariah to smile wholeheartedly while pulling away. He wasn't lying — she was a little bruised and definitely exhausted, but even with the knots in her hair and the weight on her bones, she hadn't felt this genuinely happy in so long.
"He's got a point", Kai cleared his throat, his hand reaching Mariah's over Mateo's blanket as he frowned, "you good?"
With a breathless chuckle, Mariah sank into the free chair by Mateo's side. "I caught him. I caught the asshole who did this and he's getting put away for good", she confirmed in relief, and with his eyes widening, Mateo grasped her hand just as Kai let go in amazement. "I mean, I had help. Everyone's been really worried about you", she elaborated with a brief glance at Mateo before flashing a grin at Kai, "I wish you could have been there, but yeah. I did it."
"Holy shit! Way to go, Ria. Once Mateo gets out we'll have double the reason to celebrate", Kai gushed with his hands clapping together in excitement, plans for the party no doubt already forming in his head as he watched his friends shake their heads at him.
Still clutching Mariah's hand, Mateo slowly bowed his head at her. "I love you. Means a lot that you saw this through — not that I ever doubted you", he sighed, utterly grateful that he had woken up to a world where his attacker was no longer a threat to him. If there was anyone he would have trusted with the job, it was her.
"I love you", Mariah returned the sentiment with a gentle pat on his hand, making him smile in a way that only widened when he turned to Kai and, even in his drained state, managed to send him a wink.
