Page 56 of Last Hope
“Azizi, you’re under arrest,” Victoria started. The words were spat in anger and she knew it was shown over her face but she couldn’t hold it back. “You’re under arrest for the crimes of kidnapping, breaking and entering,murder,and brutally assaulting a police officer…among other things.”
“But you can’t arrest him!” Isis cried out, pushing Azizi protectively behind her.
Victoria glared at the woman. She had never liked her. In fact, in that exact moment she felt hatred burn towards her like a heat wave from a thousand flames. Yes, Azizi was her brother. But Savvy washerbrother and while Azizi was alive and well and causing chaos, Savvy was lying in a hospital bed immobile. She couldn’t let this scum get away.
“I can and I will,” Victoria said icily.
“But he was under Caesareon’s manipulations the whole time! He only did the things he did because Caesareon told him to!”
Victoria narrowed her eyes at them both. “Even if he had been under his control in the beginning, that doesn’t excuse his actionsnow. Caesareon is dead and that means he can’t control anyone anymore.”
“But he’s promised me that he’s going to change, Agent Phillipe. And hewill.”
“Very cute. But that still doesn’t change the fact that he’s committed crimes.” Then she directed herself at Azizi. “You’re under arrest.”
He nodded stiffly. “If I go with you now, what will happen to me?” he asked a little fearfully.
“You will stand trial. But the nature of your crimes will most likely get you the death penalty.” Victoria was blunt.
Isis gasped.
Azizi stood still.
“But youcan’tlet that happen!” Isis shouted. “We only just found each other! I can’t lose him to death again. I can’t!”
“Well you will,” Victoria replied unkindly. “Now get your hands behind your back, Azizi. I’m taking you in.” Victoria stepped forward once Azizi’s hands went to his backside. Strange, she thought. He was giving up without a fight. There was a resigned look in his eyes, he was giving up; he was tired.
But Isis wasn’t going to stand by and watch her brother give up.
She jumped in front of Azizi and bared her fangs at Victoria. “I won’t let you take him! I will fight you do the death if I must but youwill not take him!”
Behind her, Azizi grabbed her shoulder. “Isis, don’t.”
But she shook him off. “I can’t lose you again,Sn.”
“You’re standing in the way between an officer and an arrest. Think about your next moves very carefully, Isis. They will determine your fate.”
“I will die for him,” Isis said slowly, carefully, through gritted teeth.
“Very well then.”
But before either of them could blink, Azizi’s small childlike arms shoved his older sister in front of him. She came hurtling unexpectedly at Victoria in a stumble. The weight of the cold vampire crashed into her and had them both falling towards the hard ground. The air escaped from Victoria’s lungs; Isis was weighing down on her chest. With a growl, Victoria threw Isis off of her and stood up in a rage.
Only to find Azizi disappear behind one of the rooftop doors.
Victoria and Isis both swore.
“See what you’ve done?” Victoria demanded.
Isis was silent.
“Don’t interfere. I will get to him, whether you like it or not.”
And then Victoria ran after him through the rooftop door, transforming into a large yellow wolf as soon as the door closed behind her.
* * *
Isis stared after Victoria.Maybe the FBSI agent had thought Azizi couldn’t change and the fact he had pushed his sister and ran would have been proof enough for her. But Isis knew better. She could feel his protectiveness. She knew he had done what he did only to protect her from fighting for him and from getting killed. That had to be the only explanation. Azizi wouldn’t go back on his promise, would he?
