Because I've Lost Everything

Chapter Eighteen

Caleb Grimm

"Morning," I said.

Clawd narrowed his eyes as he glared at me. "You've captured me," he said slowly. "Congratulations. You got to me before I got to you."

"Actually, my friend smacked you upside the head with a metal rod. I helped carry you inside, gave you new clothes, and brought you down here so you wouldn't kill me. You're free to go at any time."

"You have me in a jail cell," he hissed.

"The point still stands. I just can't have you killing me. Or Lu."

"Who the hell is Lu?" he asked.

"Laura," I corrected.

He bared his teeth. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you."

"I didn't kill Stella."

"Oh, yeah? Then who did?" he challenged.

I raised an eyebrow. "Lucifer."

"Like, what, the devil?" he asked. I nodded. "That's impossible."

"He's just as much of a fallen angel as I am. He can come to earth at any time. Nothing stops him from destroying life while he's here," I said. "It was his idea to send her back to you, as well. That wasn't me. I just finally got my 'mate' back. I wouldn't want someone else to suffer without theirs," I said.

"I want to see her."

"Who?"

"Laura."

"No."

"Why the hell not?" Clawd asked.

"Your girlfriend kidnapped her, tried to kill her. Laura's scared of you. She thinks you agreed to it."

"Well tell her she's wrong!" he exclaimed.

"Clawd, have you met her? She's a woman. She's very stubborn," I said. "However, I can try. She's upstairs making breakfast. Would you like to come up?" I asked.

"Yes."

"You have to behave. No hurting anyone. Understand?" I asked. He nodded quickly. "The door's unlocked. Come on."

His brow furrowed as he reached out and pushed open the cell door. "You're kidding me," he whispered.

"I told you that you were free to go whenever. I was never trapping you here," I said calmly. I turned and headed back up the stairs. I could hear Clawd walking behind me. "She's mad at you, so be cautious."

"I wasn't in on her kidnapping," Clawd said.

"I know. I'm honestly sure that she knows that, as well. However, some of Stella's fellow werewolves attacked me. She's upset about that. As you are also a werewolf, she might take it out on you," I said.

"Attacked you?"

"Tried to rip my throat out. Got my shoulder instead," I said.

"I'm sorry." Clawd cleared his throat. "On Stella's behalf, I'd like to apologize for... everything," he said.

"It's not your fault. But thank you," I said. I stepped into the kitchen. Laura stood by the stove, her back to us. I crossed the room silently and wrapped my arms around her waist. I bowed my head and kissed her on the cheek. "Clawd wanted to see you. Hope you don't mind?" I asked.

"Not at all," she said softly. I stepped away from her as she turned around to face Clawd, a faint smile on her face. "Good morning, Clawd."

He swallowed roughly. "Morning, Laura."

"You hungry? I made bacon and eggs. Working on hashbrowns now," she said.

A small smile turned up one corner of Clawd's mouth. "Sure, Laura. That'd be... that'd be nice."

"Boo."

I flinched, rolling my neck as I let out a long sigh. "I wish you wouldn't do that," I said through my teeth, turning to look at Xaphan.

He sat behind me on the counter, a wide grin on his face. "What? I had to come visit!"

"You could come through the front door like a normal person," I suggested.

"There's your problem, Caleb. I'm not human," he said.

I rolled my eyes and looked back at Clawd. "This is the friend that metal rodded you in the head," I said.

Clawd offered a small wave. "Hey."

"Hey, man. Sorry about the headache, but I had to stop you from killing my best friend here," Xaphan said. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around my neck. Beside me, Laura laughed.

"It's cool. Just... Thanks for stopping me from doing something I'd regret," Clawd said.

"No problemo. It's what I do," Xaphan said. "Come on. Step away from the counter," he said.

I scoffed. "No."

"No piggyback rides?" Xaphan asked.

"Not today, no."

"Damn." He let go of my neck and jumped down from the counter. "You're no fun," he muttered as he walked out of the room.

"Never claimed to be!" I called after him. I chuckled when the front door closed. "Breakfast?" I asked.

"Almost," Laura replied.

"Caleb?" Clawd asked. I nodded once as a gesture for him to speak. "When?" he asked, tapping a finger against the ring finger of his left hand.

I smiled faintly. "Yesterday."

He smiled and nodded. "Congratulations."

"Thanks, man."

"Got anything planned?"

Laura laughed. "Of course he doesn't. Dad and I will end up doing most of the work, I assume."

"Well, that's unfair," I said. I leaned back against the counter, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'll be choosing what flavor the cake is."

"No you won't. I get to choose."

"We get to choose together," I said.

Laura scoffed. "It's cute that you think that." She held a plate out in Clawd's direction.

He walked toward her and grabbed the plate. "Thanks, Laura."

She smiled. "You're welcome."