Chapter 16: The End

~Jessie~

A week has gone by and it's been too quiet for Axel. The town has only had the normal crazy neither he nor the neighboring cities have any sign or sight of the new dangerous drug however neither do they have the creator in custody. Thankfully whoever is behind it has not given away the secret ingredient guess they really want the fame and glamour for themselves. Smart move on their part if you really think about it you hold the power no one can finish making the product without you and no one can squeal it out to others for higher price or to screw you over at the same time. Whoever was pulling the strings was pulling them well to be able to have this many people in higher power seats be bending to your will willing to take a decade in prison rather than have their real dirty laundry airing out on the public line Axel was lost in his thoughts when Natalie brought the mail and other things into the boys.

"Alright, here you guys go. Oh Axel they DNA got back the results and will email them to you on the last few things you sent over. Do you need anything else before I get back to the front?" Natalie asked looking at the boys. "Take these back to get mailed please." Keith hollered over to her. "Yeah this too." Hunter told her. "Call these people here in we got a few questions for them." Elias told her handing her the list. "How about you Jared, Ryder, Axel?" She purred the last one. "Nope." Jared hollered. "I'm fine." Ryder told her. "Nope." Axel said eyes not living his screen as he was looking up the results on the email the lab sent.

"The little birds told me you're getting married is that true because you know how well silly nonsense rumors float around town." Natalie laughed off. "Nope. We are getting married. You heard right." Axel said still not paying attention to her. "I'm not trying to over step or start nothing but are you honestly ready for that? I mean nobody ever stops and asks the man what he really wants anymore these days. They always think they need to pop up a ring for a girl. Is this really what you want because you know this day and age you don't always have to do what you think she wants. I'm just asking as a friend looking out for your best interest at heart." Natalie said with her hands up in the air.

"Well thanks so much for your concern as you call it, but you have no idea what's in best interests seeing as you obviously don't know what any of my interests are. I thank you for caring about the male population and future concerns for us. This is the only thing I have ever wanted and I've been working hard my whole life, building things just for Jes and I. We set out and did our separate dreams. Now we can finally start building on our own together. Natalie for the last time you need to stop and let your fantasies go. It was never going to happen; it will never happen. You are a nice enough person and you do a good job around here and I'm sure some man will be lucky to have you, but that aint me. I don't want you. I will never appreciate you the way you should be. I will never love, nor will I even like you as a friend. We are coworkers that's it. You need to find you a man who will love and want you like we do our women." He gestured to his friends as he was speaking to her in a low tone as not to embarrass her. "I'm happy so please leave me alone and let me be happy. Please get back to work. Tell Amber I sent her transfer stuff over and Dennis should be catching it on his end." Axel told her as he went back to her screen.

"Wait, she actually left the station?" Natalie asked in shock. "I made her. Couldn't have her working here anymore. Dennis took her to his fire house on dispatch made much more sense being pregnant with his kid and all to have her closer to him and he came to talk to me about working out a deal instead of locking her up on conspiracy, accessory charges makes it kind of hard to go through a healthy pregnancy when you have no freedom to not even be able to pee by yourself. Not to mention the rest of the process. I hope she realizes what a great guy she got because man he don't deserve all that." Axel added on.

"I thought she told you since she moved in with him this week. They a real couple and everything now." Ryder said lifting his eyebrow up in confusion. "I thought she was kidding. Wow." Natalie said a little teary eyed. "I asked and they have another opening over there if you want to take it." Axel told her typing away. "Wow seriously. What you want to get rid of me now too because your girlfriend don't like me either?" Natalie snapped loudly at him.

Turning his head and glaring at her. "First off Jessie don't have a problem with you. I do. You don't even come across her or my minds once. Until you come and harass me at work. Second I know how much you two enjoyed working with each other and with your best friend going to a new place and going through new scary life experiences I just thought it might be easier for both of you if you two were together and not have to stress out about how she's doing, but if that turns me into some damn asshole then I apologize. Now get back to work Ms. Jones. Keep in mind next time you want to get loud and snap out to the officers in my station. You need to remember who you talking to and how rank actually works now to your desk Ms. Jones." Natalie put her down a little teary eyed as she rushed out from him getting loud back with her. "Don't you all have work to do?" Everybody went back to their tasks.

"I thought this day would never end." Bella whined as she was walking to their cars. "I need a bath so bad and soak my aching feet." Sienna cried out. "I am so not making dinner he better just call in a pizza." Aria told them as they waved off Bella walking across the street they were making their way to the guys cars. "I texted them were outside, and they want to know why we late and if were ok. I told him no were not ok, were dead and stupid." Sienna told them typing back on her phone.

"You just had to go and be a famous ass doctor you couldn't just be mediocre." Aria joked playing with her hands teasing her. "Hey, be proud we saw over two hundred people today. Thank God for family visits or that wait time could have been a lot worse. Starting tomorrow new policy three patients in a family room at once anyone else needs to schedule a another time or wait." Jessie told them as they agreed. "We'll get Liam to go through and make reschedules first thing in the morning." Sienna told her in a yawn.

*Ring* Looking down at her phone to the phone call. 'How's your day going?' Her heart caught in her chest but she did not show it to scare anyone or if anyone was watching she put on a smile and typed back. 'Well it's going just not so sure I'm going with it. Long day. Too many sick people. They weren't even sick just mainly injured and some minor infections only antibiotics can clear up lots of stitches though. Crazy. How are you?' 'I'm good my mom went back to the city with my dad as they await trail he is given an ankle bracelet and only allowed to stay at home. My mother is currently looking for new work. Dad got the pink slip after someone called the city an anonymous message to them about how they embezzled money.

' 'Dimitri I'm sorry for how everything is going down with your parents.' He cut her off. 'I don't really want to hear it Jess. I heard my mother came up to you while you were still on your hospital bed and threatened you. I was the one who called the city and told them the truth. None of that was right and they shouldn't have that type of position and peoples trust if they are screwing them over in the first place. It's ok really. I'm ok with it or I will be in time. I don't blame you at all please don't be sorry. I'm sorry she ever came to you.'

'I just wish you didn't have to go through all this. It's such a crazy mess. You know I always figured when you got older you were supposed to be wiser but I think some of our elderly must have missed a few branches on that wisdom tree on the way down there.' 'I don't know I think your parents got it right through hell I mean they took over as everyone's parents in town. Not only that they make you feel like you are their own. Your dad will flat put someone on the ground for disrespecting anyone he claims is his and that is a long list.' 'I know that's right. He is known as big daddy Cal for reason lol.' 'Oh yeah he is except he got so mad when I called him pops one time.' ' That's because only one person is allowed to do that. I can't even do that. That's his and Axel's thing.' 'Figured. So you put any though on how long you want to be engaged?' ' I haven't put any thought into anything we've been so busy lately with both our work it's looking like that might be the only choice provided.'

'You can still come along with me and start over if you're not ready for all that.' 'Are you really going to leave?' 'I think I might maybe after the trail of my parents. I don't know though. I love my current job and I love the crew they are my best friends well most of them minus two now. I guess it all comes down to if my other offers falls through or not. I did put a feeler or two out and I'm waiting they are pretty far from here. Would you want to come with. I know how you must be drowning here. You've been hurt so much this summer it's crazy.' 'I appreciate how worried you are. It is a tempting offer. I guess well all just have to wait and see how it goes.' 'Have lunch with me tomorrow. Just some good friends, good food.' 'Alright meet you at the diner?' 'Naw I'll come grab you I'm off.' 'Alight see you at 12 then.' 'See ya then.'

"Hey baby you ready to go?" Axel asked opening her door for her she was smiling big to him giving him a sweet kiss before getting in the car. "How was your day?" She asked him smiling at him as he started the truck. "It was so long and it felt like their couldn't be a break to be caught I got some news baby and it aint pretty. The facility Travis and Mateo were at. You see… there was a riot down in the canteen baby they got stabbed each twelve times and shot at by one of the guards both did oddly enough thanks to all the craziness of the riot. They uh, well baby they didn't make it." Axel told her as they pulled into the house drive way.

Looking at him shocked. As they made their way into the house. Grabbing her arm and helping her into the couch. "Angel I only told you because I don't want you to hear it on the news later. But also because I promised you I would be honest with you. Also there is something else. Preston is no longer in a coma." "Oh well that's good I guess." "No angel it's not really he died. He was on life support and his heart stopped, his organs all gave out. There was an autopsy done as soon as it was declared but no foul play was found which makes me think." Axel stopped to look up sadly at her.

"You think the same chemical in the drug was put into him as he's laid up in that bed don't you?" She asked sadly. "Yeah I honestly do. We both know how easy it is for anyone to slip in there. I think the guard and the men who started that riot were paid to also by whoever let's say is pulling the strings." "You still think it's Dimitri?" "I do. Think about it Jessie. Travis and Mateo hurt you. They hurt you bad angel. Preston hurt you and put his disgusting mark in your home just before you moved in. So the pattern is still there. We all know how crazy that guy is for you. I mean hell babe it's unnerving that he keeps wanting you to skip town I want you to wear this." Axel pulled out the matching wolf necklaces.

"There's a tracker in it just in case and when this is all over I swear I'll take it out but if anything else crazy happens I need to know you're ok. All you have to do it click it like this and it'll put an alarm on my phone, laptop and computer at work. I will be able to track you down and get to you. So will the boys. If Dimitri asks about it you just tell him your dad bought them for us as engagement gifts that way he'll think it's special and no one will take it from you knowing how much you love your dad." Axel said putting it on her neck.

"Please promise you won't take it off just until everything gets settled." Axel was pleading with her and she knew it. She knew he didn't want it to come to this and it won't be forever and the necklace itself was her favorite animal and it was beautiful. Looking into his eyes he was prepared for her to get mad or put an argument which he was prepared for he wasn't prepared for what actually came out of her mouth. "Ok babe. I promise I will keep it on until you tell me something different. I also think it's nice were matching." She told him admiring his as well.

"I knew you would say, wait what? You're not. You're not going to tell me off or anything?" "No stud muffin I'm not. I know you're about as happy about it as I am. I know how hard you this has been on you, and I really don't want to make this harder for you than it already is. I appreciate you and everything you're doing to make try to keep me safe. Thank you babe." Kissing his cheek and getting up. "I'm going to turn off the crock pot dinner probably done. I tell you I feel so dead." She laughed to him getting up to finish the brown sugar ham.

She must be drained if she can accept it this easy. Wow have no idea what to do from here. Getting up and walking to her. "So uh are you going to lunch with dip nut tomorrow?" "Yeah that's the plan." She said with a sad sigh. "Do you think maybe you feeling a little torn about all this?" He asked scratching the back of his neck. "What do you mean?" "Well I mean I know you guys are friends and you know you were close. Hell even helped you out from extremely dangerous situations. I'm just thinking it may be hard to fully execute nailing his ass to the wall without you know feeling guilty about it since you know you guys got that closeness and all?"

"Look I know where you are coming from with this but no I don't think I really cannot after seeing and being dragged into all this craziness I just can't see him the same way he is not who I knew him to be that is not the Dimitri I knew and I doubt I can ever see or trust him the same again. I don't even know what I feel for him know really but it's nothing really good. I am thankful for him saving me from Sage and Jasper and all but when you break down he truth he is the reason I was in that position in the first place right how will that ever be forgivable I mean I wasn't fully trusting of him since Bella's birthday but now I really don't know where to go with him from here. I just need to save face but no I don't have faith in him like I did and I will never be able to get that back." She stated flatly with a heavy sigh.

"Are you ok with that. I know how it feels when you have to cut someone out. You need me to do anything for you to make you feel better?" "No it's fine I've been going through these thoughts for a while now and I think every day I am healing and gaining clarity." "Can I ask you something else hopefully not crossing a line with you?" "Sure we can try that." She winked to him after setting their plates down as he brought the drink s behind her. "After everything you have been through this past summer and all. Do you actually want to move away from here are you comfortable still living here once this is all settled?" "Are you actually asking me if I want to move from the only home we've ever known? The place we made a life from?"

"I know it's a big question and it's what Dimitri keeps trying to lure you away from but I feel like you know he is making a lot of sense when he lays it out the way he has been, and I think it would be selfish of me not to ask how you feel about you know still living in town after all you went through. I mean were going to be officially family here and you know God willing our little family here will get bigger in time. Is this where you want to be when the time comes are comfortable raising a family here where everything that has happened, happened? It doesn't bother me where we live as long as I'm with you Jess. So if you tell me you want to leave we will get everything settled and be gone. If you tell me you want to stay we will stay everything comes down to you babe." Axel told her taking a bite and moaning from the food.

"You are about to be the lead Sheriff the main law in this town you have been working on this for a while. You put so much effort into this place even from growing up. Your family, your friends, this dream you built with your own damn hands you would just get up and walk away from it if I told you I was scared to say living here?" Suck in a state of shock looking at him. "Yup sure would. I'd pack it all up and keep this place as a summer home or rent it out. I can transfer anywhere else. You can sell the practice and with your successful resume you can get on anywhere top places in the whole damn country and they'd be lucky to have you." He said with a wink. "I can't believe you would risk losing and giving everything up like that." A small tear rolling down her cheek. "You are my everything Jes. Always have been always will be. You are my home." Holding her hand and rubbing the back of it sweetly.

"Well this town is our home Axel. I don't want to leave it. Our job, family, friends and our Maddie is here. I love our home right here. Besides we couldn't take Shadow with us and I can't be without that big love muffin. I want to raise our kids right there but you know that doesn't mean we can't take some time and travel away for our honey moon." She teased with a wink and they spent the rest of the evening planning their future slowly and happily out where they feel asleep peacefully cuddled up. It wasn't until 1 A.M hit when his phone went off. "Axel why is that so loud?" She whined.

"Sorry babe I'm on call tonight." Answering his phone. "Graves." He said tiredly. "Alright Ry I'll be right there." "What's going on." "Eddie got drunk and is terrorizing the village, naked. Apparently he is also stoned and won't stop jacking off and screaming that aliens are already here." Axel sighed running his hands down his face. "I'll be back in a couple hours, keep the bathroom open I'll be needing a shower. Last month he ran into the lake and he came on Elias and Hunter's shoes so it's our turn to grab his nasty ass." "Why does he always get load and violently jack off every month I can't keep getting him the chaffing creams there expensive." She whined pulling the covers over her head." "I don't know babe. Just keep this on and push it if you need me. Be home soon. Love you angel." Grabbing his keys and putting his wallet in his pants.

Falling back to sleep. Awhile later she heard the back door open up and boots stepping across the living room. Feeling the bed dip behind her. "Either I slept way to good, or that was quick." She told him in a tired voice as the arm reach for her and spooned her to his chest tightly. It caught her by surprise when she felt the rag and hand quickly go on her mouth making her panic and start to fight. "Shhh baby just breathe for me, that's it good girl." The voice told her holding her tightly in a way she couldn't get out of when the darkness finally fell over her. Picking her up he got into the car to drive down the way and switch cars later twenty minutes down the road knowing they couldn't follow the tire tracks if the tires were changed up.

Looking in the back seat he was finally happy knowing he was that much closer to getting everything he ever wanted. Looking forward he drove a good hour south just to the outskirts of the border lines to south Alden. It wasn't until about four in the morning when Axel dragged his tired body through the door and came to cuddle up next to his woman for another two hours until they both would get up and get ready. "Babe?" calling out to see if maybe she was around the house with her side gone cold. Smelling her pillow trying to find the odd odor on the bed he picked it up quickly the chloroform scent and picked up his phone calling for back instantly going over to check the cameras only for the time frames to be dark and blank. "FUCK!" Gripping his hands in his hair as some of his men came rushing in the door. "She's gone." He barely choked out as the room was immediately coming to life looking for any and everything to lead them anywhere she could be.

Taking a deep breath her head pounding like the horde from hell coming in to greet her. Looking around the room everything from before came to her she looked around to see if anyone would be around her, after seeing no one around she was worried their maybe cameras so very discreetly she rubbed and clicked the necklace just as Axel taught her to. Letting out a slow breath calming her nerves she got up and decided to try to open the door which opened to her shock and amazement, and just like she expected there was Dimitri making her a sandwich with some strawberries and a cherry coke and a can of 7-UP.

"I know you have a shit ton of questions and I also know you must be feeling sick to your stomach so I figured something light for your stomach which shows the meal in front of you we can talk about everything as long as you put something in your belly. Don't give me that look Jes you're a doctor you know damn well I'm right." Ignoring the seat he pulled out in front of her and taking he opposite side from him knowing he didn't drug anything since the drinks were still sealed and the food was opened in front of her. "I know you're mad so I want to first off say I'm sorry for bringing you here the way you well got brought here." Dimitri started.

"No, Dimitri no. Just no you will not start this off by lying to me. You are not sorry or you would not have done it the way you did. There were plenty of other ways than this. All of what you have just done was not necessary." She told him while taking another bite as he finished chewing his and nodded. "Despite what you think, I am sorry for how this went down last night." "What time is it?" "It's about eleven thirty." "How long have I been out?"

"A few hours. It's not even been a day." "Where are we?" "Outskirts of Alden." "Why?" She was throwing the questions in an annoyed tone faster then he could catch them and he understood why she spoke in the tone she did. "Why what you're going to need to be more specific gorgeous." He said with a wink. "You don't get to do that right now. Why did you take me last night? Why are we here? Just why?" She snipped taking a drink of her soda. Taking a deep breath he looked up to here and pushed his finished plate away from him.

"Jessenia I did this because we both need to get the hell out of that suffocating town. We are both drowning in it. We need to both take a breath of fresh air and you would never do it on your own. You needed to get this break to clear your head. You have had so much happen to you in such a short amount of time and I didn't want it to continue to mess with your life choices we've been talking about this. I knew if we didn't just jump on this chance then we would never have the strength to. I care to much about you Jessie to let you sit there day in and day out feeling lost in your heart and your mind the way you keep getting hurt there this past couple of months has been insane and crazy and you deserve more than that. You need time of your own to heal in every way possible." He told her with tears trying not to fill his eyes.

"Well I appreciate how much you care and the effort you put into this but running away from my problems is not going to make them just disappear you know that right D? How can I confront or get closure from any or anything I need to clear my head if I'm not actually there to do that? How can I confront my problems if they are not in front of me?" She asked him in a calm voice. "That is also true but at least this way you can decide and figure out how you want to go about things and then go and confront them. I just wanted to be able to give you that."

"I understand and honestly thank you for doing all his but his is never the way I wanted to handle my issues. I really wish you hadn't dragged me out and gave me his headache I don't' care for. You know me D, he real me and never in a million years would I have ever just ran away like a coward like his and you know it so you can understand why I am peeved as hell at you right? What will my parents think when Axel comes home to an empty bed, the girls, my patients? They're going to freak out." She was running her hands through her hair.

He took noticed she didn't mention Axel or the guys and that brought a smile to his face. "Calm down everything will be fine. We can just leave a note telling them the truth you needed some mental health time off and will be back soon." "You never said why we were here?" She said her hands showing him the dining room in the cabin. "I have a business deal and a client you can say to meet out here, and if everything goes the way I think it will, then we will be on the first private plan out to Italy." "What kind of business deal has to be out in the damn woods? What is he a beaver looking for wood?" She scoffed as he smiled she would crack a joke like that he smiled to himself. "It's you isn't D? I had my suspicions that I kept to myself but it's you who has been making the drug that has been driving Axel nuts isn't." Looking him dead in the eye in a nonjudging way. Staring at her intently. "If we don't' have trust here Dimitri then we have nothing and I can just go back the way I came." She warned him.

Looking at her still not blinking. "Yes. It's been me." "So the reason I got attacked in the hospital the man they were looking for… it wasn't Preston was it? It was you? Preston was thinking they were looking for him that's why he locked everything down and overrode the system. You were the one who went and overrode Preston and saved me. Am right aren't I." She asked him playing with her fingers looking up at him slowly at the last part of her question. Looking away feeling guilty and ashamed.

"Yeah. They were looking for me because I was the one who cut them off and I only I know how to actually make the drug no one else walking this earth could figure it out except you of course. However there is another untraceable chemical no one has found in it not even you babe, that will forever be my little secret call it security or insurance which ever but no one will ever know what it is. They were dipping o much in the supply they were supposed to be pushing and we were losing a lot of money, so I cut them off I should have just killed them then. You would never have gotten hurt that way. I am so sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. Once I found out that Preston was responsible for letting them I knew he was becoming a problem. I still have no idea why he let them get as far as he did." Shaking his head lost in thought.

"Preston was getting a little tired of being told what to do by me or my father I guess. Hover turns out he was trying to get ahold of my secret recipe so to speak because he had a buyer who paid a lot of money to get it from him and poor little Preston was not being able to deliver. So I cut him out the same day you told him you were suing and well he lost both his financial backers. Then he went a little nuts. Once I found his room filled with all kinds of women's pictures doing very disturbing things just to get ahead on that corrupted ladder I found pictures he shouldn't have had. Then I found out he came all over your things that was it his crazy ass had to go."

"What about Conner?" "Conner and Trent worked for my dad. Conner was supposed to pick a fight with me so I could easily slip him some of the drugs as I flew back. Trent was supposed to also however them being drunk and fucking tripping on weed did not help. They actually were fighting with me at that point. When he hit you, that was crossing the line plus he nearly got some of us caught by Axel and his damn friends then they went and lost their jobs they were rendered useless." Looking back up to her.

"You know it was so easy to get by Axels dumb ass once Conner put that damn USB in Ambers computer to get me control of the dispatchers. My men had every sheriff and any other officer vehicle down on point we just had to send the distraction the other way of where we needed to go and it was done. My dad was very against this at first when he found out what I was doing when he came not the slaughter house you and the damn officer douche squad was found ironically at and got hurt. Once he found out what we were doing he wanted a cut as soon as he saw how much cash it was pulling in."

"My parents were embezzling money from not only our town but mainly jus the city and once I gave him the amount they needed to cover the town payoff back the way it was. He was still way too short for the city and that was not my problem however the deal I now lost would have had him paid up and in the clear. However he was also paying off some other illegal activities thinking he could play us both I decided he needed to pay for his sins. Both my parents are unfaithful to not only each other but the city they sworn to look after if anyone else knew the dirty truth prison would be the best outcome for their fears compared to the alternatives." Dimitri told her with a devious smile.

"You only brought in people on your little project who you had dirt on. That is smart. I have to say that is one way to make sure you never get caught that was very smart. That's how they can never find your fingerprints or DNA because you never actually get your hands on it." She smiled faking she was impressed when in reality she was deeply disgusted and disturbed by how easy this really was for him.

"You know I got to say I was actually really worried on how you would take all of this in, but then after you told me how you admire he creator of this drug I was on edge. I thought you were playing me but then I noticed how you never spoke up of your suspicions. I mean I was really thinking at any time Axel and his fucking friends would be coming barreling through my doors at any time to come collect me. Then they never did. Everything kept going on like nothing happened and then I realized you were protecting me. I knew you knew it was me the whole time nothing gets by you baby." He said reaching out grabbing her hands and rubbing them the way Axel does.

"I never meant for you to get hurt at all in any way. I'm sorry for everything that has happened. I wish I could have gotten to you sooner or prepared you in some way for what could have happened. I know you are still on the fence about the us issue and I understand all of your doubts especially the way I handled things tonight and about this. I knew though this whole time you were actually helping in keeping me safe or else I really believe that I would have been caught a long time ago because so many times I was close to being caught.

You always popped up and I ended up being able to get off. I hope you know how much you really mean to me. I really do love you with all I have Jessenia and I think rather you are aware of it or not but based on your actions I believe you care for me back. I know you have feelings for me I just don't think you understand them just yet but I have the time to wait while you figure I out. I know deep down you love Axel but I don't believe that love is actually romantical I think you just think you do because it's what is expected of you. It's ok though we can take this time and work out all of the details and you can finally figure everything out without any negative influences." He told her kissing the back of her hand.

"There's so still so many questions. Who are you meeting tonight?" "The Don of the Italian mafia." "Why would such a powerful man want in this dinky town?" "He needs a successor since he has no heir and he is my Uncle since I have made a product that is in high demand and I have kept everything locked up and air tight I guess he thinks I have proven myself. He has branched out seeing as he is the most wanted criminal even here in the United States, let alone other countries. He wants to meet up tonight about me taking everything over for him starting with taking over his home which he has vacated. Once he comes here and irons out everything we will be on the next flight out to take a much-needed vacation." "What if I'm just not ready to leave just yet I have nothing packed and my parents will chew my ass. I can't just leave on a whim you know I can't with my practice and everything. If you are getting everything handed o you what is the big rush. Why can't we just clear a few days off and then leave. Why would you go through so much trouble to look so guilty rather than just coming to me and saying hey this is what's going on if in fact you trust me this much?" Jessie was feeling confused.

"Well I needed to show him the woman I have spoken so highly of he wanted to meet you. He also thinks you would be a great Donna. I don't want you to be nervous he's followed your career as well as mine and he could not be happier with how smart and beautiful you are. He'll be here about eight. Don't worry about trying to impress anyone they already are. I just need you to stand by me when we meet with him and then I will take you back if that's what you wish to get everything settled but you will have to do one thing before I even think of bringing you back to town."

"What's that?" She eyed him curiously. "You have to inform Axel that you need some time apart and some time to think everything through so you will go to your parents' house and inform them that you will be spending some time away to get your mind back on track, and you will tell the girls that you need your schedule cleared while you are packing your things for Italy and the most important part. I will be with you when you go get your things from Axels and your parents. You don' have to tell anyone you are with me if it makes you feel wrong you could tell them I am just your ride as I am going to go visit family. I swear no one will speak bad about you. So what do you say?" "OK, I'll do that. Do you have my phone?" "No, no you will use mine." Dimitri told her as he handed it to her.

"Fine." She took it and started the text. "A text message really?" Dimitri asked her looking at her weird. "Do you want him to track your phone?" "Touché'." 'Axel this is hard to say but I need some time and some space apart to think a lot of things through maybe you were right in saying I needed to think everything over. I will be coming by tomorrow for some of my things and will be leaving town for a bit please understand this has nothing to do with you it's all me. I need to make sure this is what I really want. I'm sorry if you were worried about me being gone. I just felt like I couldn't breathe. I need to leave town before things just turned south for us. I hope you understand I will be there around eight. Please tell the guys I won't be able to make them their Angel shot pizza with the works tonight. I know you will have questions but I also know you will respect my choices.'

"There you go how does that sound?" "Seems fine. You really want to head out that early though?" Dimitri asked her. "Well you said we would go to my parents' house so that will also take some time and by the time we are waiting for the plane to get ready I could be having the girls clear the schedule so yeah we would have to don't you think?" "Yeah, you right. Normally are." He chuckled. "Well I still have a huge headache would you mind if I laid down and let all this sit in?" "Sure that's fine, I'll come get you for dinner you will have plenty of time to get ready for my Uncle. I got some work to get done anyway." Dimitri got up and showed her back to the bedroom which was he only one she noticed in the cabin.

This was going just as I hoped it would. I knew she would understand Dimitri couldn't help but think to himself. Laying in the strange room she was hoping Axel would read between the lines of her texts and come find her soon in order to really nail Dimitri with all his crimes though would be to catch him with his uncle otherwise it would just be his word against hers. She knew she needed to get them all caught red handed meeting together. Feeling heartbroken she couldn't help but think back to every single thing that has happened up until now. Has she really been helping him get away all this time and not even realize it. Conner hitting her got him caught with the drugs surrounding his feet if she had not pushed Axel out of the way Dimitri would have gotten caught when he was sliding it to Trent, her heart in her throat when she realized this.

When Dexter was caught making it in the lab she had handed it off to Dimitri to give to him. That's how he knew they were all onto the drug and looking for the formula. Everything, every single thing without her knowledge has in some way helped Dimitri stay ahead of them and keep his hands clean if they don't get caught tonight there is nothing that will stick in court. No one will speak out against him he made that possible to put so much fear in everyone that no one would dare step against him they have to catch him red handed with someone from a high power or else everything goes down the shitter and he will walk to Italy and then there will be no stopping his power trip and reign then. He will be able to do so much worse I can't let that happen.

The only thing that lead him to trust me this much is he thinks I am smarter then I really am. He honestly believes I am helping him. I just have to be myself and everything will be fine I just have to find a way to keep my real feelings form showing. It's one thing to fool someone whose obviously crazily obsessed with you. It's another to try to get by someone of years of experience of seeing straight through bullshitters. I just need to be me and then Axel and everyone else will come and this will all be over. The only problem is if Dimitri gets caught what will really happen to him besides being caught in the conspiracy? Even if he goes to jail for a little while he will eventually be able to get out since he will still be considered a new mafia boss. He will always be able to outsource the system.

He will always be able to be free and being the only person knowing how to make the dangerous new drug. It will only get worse so many more people will die, so many new and dangerous things will come from him there will never be able to an end to his madness. Will I ever truly be free from him? He will always have eyes on me whether I am aware of it or not he has done it so well until now. There is only one thing that will truly stop him. Dimitri needs to die she thought to herself with a tear falling down her cheek. Shaking her head slightly she tried to figure out another way in her head but it all came back to that thought. She couldn't keep living her life looking over her shoulder, she couldn't let him keep getting away with everything he was doing people he was hurting in ways that were unthinkable. What would happen to Axel in time once Dimitri's man power grew and his obsession doesn't quit he would eventually kill him and God knows who else pist him off Ryder? Elias? Hunter, hell even his own friend Leo? How many more lives is she willing to risk from Dimitri getting away with everything. What the hell am I supposed to do?

~Axel~

After getting her text message we already had here traced and pinpointed in a little nowhere cabin in the woods going south of Alden next to the state lines and towns borderlines. We had a plan set into motion the text specifically told us we needed to be in there tonight by eight and that there will be some major heat behind him. Axel was brought out of his thoughts after getting his shirt on over his bullet proof vest to the sound of the doors opening the group of men caught his attention. "We need to speak to either Sheriff Dalton or Sheriff Graves." The old man said holding up the FBI badge he was a few years older than his father was for sure.

"I'm Graves, how can I help you gentlemen and please be quick we are actually going to be heading out on a raid of sorts." Axel told him as he still was getting his things ready. "We know. We even know where you are going and who's going to be there, listen kid bottom line is we want in. There is going to be someone there we want and we need to get both of them. So in a nicer way help me, help you." "How do you expect to be helping me?" Axel asked crossing his arms leaning against his desk. Smiling down to him the man smiled. "Come with me." Following him in the conference room the folders spread out with reports photos and so many other things.

"So you're saying this mob boss is Dimitri's dad great uncle and he is so impressed with everything that Dimitri has done. He will inherit so to speak everything from the big mob guy?" Ryder asked eyes popping out of his head. "Yup and hen there really will be no stop to the guy you trying to take down it will be years and years before you will be able to get something to sick and by then the statute of limitations will be done and over and you won't be able to retry him in court for anything. This has to happen tonight or you will never get another chance. Got to give it the kid he is smart. You know in college he was the one responsible behind his whole frat house using certain drugs used and when three of the brothers tried to get an appeal year later to tell the truth they were mysteriously murdered in the prison they were at." Rubbing his temples he continued.

"One was from getting stabbed in a fight. One was what they say a panic attack from being in the hole that was the worse one and the other one's heart stopped after getting his insulin shot from the doctor. I think you can see just how much influence this guy actually has. He was able to get most of this done himself being a med student they let work with inmates it wasn't hard for him to get to them. I know you want to get this guy but his is you're only chance so let us tell your our idea and you can tell us yours and we can see where we go from there we need to be quick about his he is almost here.

There is no room for mistakes the only question I have for you is how much do you trust in your woman? Is there any doubt in your mind that she may try to help, aid, or is in this scheme with Dr. Moretti? These are our men and I won't lead them in somewhere just for a trap." He asked the man looking him square in the eye. "I have no doubt in her, she needs me and she knows I'm coming you either in or out but I am going to her." Axel told him flatly as the rest of his men stood up and behind Axel arms crossed daring them to try. "Alright, here's what we got." The men worked for hours until it was time to go then they hoping they can nail him in this last shot otherwise he knew he was screwed.

~No One's P.O.V.~

"Are you sure I should be here I feel like I'm I don't imposing on something important." She told him as they were approaching the men in the woods standing there looking at them. "I should have I don't dressed better or something." Jessie told him feeling uneasy starring at the six men before her one who was smiling brightly and five who were intimidating. Laughing to her words Dimitri wrapped his arm around her waist. "You're fine now don't' worry. He already loves you." Coming closer to the men Dimitri came up hugging his uncle.

"Zio Vincent è bello vederti guardare bene. Questa è la mia donna speciale Jessenia Alderman. quello di cui ti ho parlato. Lei sa tutto." (Uncle Vincent it's good to see you looking well. This is my special woman Jessenia Alderman. the one I've told you about. She knows everything.) "Questo è il buon figlio che è la vera lealtà del tuo amore. Sono entusiasta di incontrarla vedendoti con qualcuno così intelligente e realizzato, non hai detto la sua giustizia di bellezza. Buon lavoro ragazzo mio che condurrà bene senza dubbio." (That's good son that's true loyalty from your love. I am excited to meet her seeing you with someone so smart and accomplished, you did not speak her beauty justice. Good job my boy she will lead well no doubt about it.) "You did me proud kid." His uncle said touching his cheek as he stepped away walking up to her. "It is so good to finally meet you I have been old so many wonderful things of you my dear sweet bella. I am Vincent Vitale' and it is so good to meet you in person." Vincent said hugging her tightly and taking her hand to give it a kiss on the back.

"Indossa ancora l'anello degli altri?" (She still wears the others ring?) Vincent asked him in concern. "È curato. Lo riavrà domani.Lo riavrà domani." (It is taken care of. He will be getting it back tomorrow.) Dimitri smiled to him. "Rest assured Zio everything will be settled and done by tomorrow." Dimitri said wrapping his arm around Jessie shoulder as he smiled down to her and his uncle. "I know you have some trouble opening up to my nephew here but in time you will see you made the right choices. Your heart will never lead you down the wrong path as long as it's beating truly." Vincent told her knowing they weren't completely together just like he and his wife.

He kidnapped here and it took a good three years before she gave up and into him and then they lived a good fifty plus years together unfortunately in the first three years when in his terms he made love to her in her thoughts was rape, he gotten to rough and damaged her to where his dear wife could not bear children it did not bother him though he knew his nephew or another successor could be trained. He lost his beloved wife three years ago to cancer and has not been with another since. He's hoping to finally be able to let himself relax and hopefully with any luck he will be able to join his wife soon in the afterlife his health was nowhere near well, yet no one else knew.

"That is very wise words. Spoken from firsthand experience no doubt?" She teased. Laughing to her words. "Oh yes my dear many years first hand experiences flow through these tired veins now bella." He teased back. "Can I ask you a question?" She asked Vince. "Anything my dear." He smiled. "What was your thoughts when you found out Dimitri had made the drug no one can figure out let alone trace in certain way?" "Well my dear I was astounded and proud. I knew right then that he was the perfect one to replace me in my place. I always knew he would be heading for greatness and that only proved it. He is destined to be an even better Don than I." Both smiling to each other.

"How do you feel about how he put his parents in their current positions of blackmailing them to take most of the cover out of fear of what else could happen I mean you all are family yes?" "Oh my lovely girl. Everything is fine. There is no bad blood lost there. I could never stand his parents I thought them to be people who always tried to live and be more then beyond their means. They always thinking the world owed them anything they wanted never wanting to work for what they wanted they use and took not good for business, not good for running people. No way in hell would they ever get a piece of this family business. I am proud he is better than his parents. He is smart to have more dirt on all of these evil people so busy with their own ill intent on others to know when they are being used in front of their face." He said waving a hand around then to put it back on his cane.

"What will you do once you hand over your title?" She asked him with a smile. "I already have passed it all to him he just needs to sign some papers and I will be off to venture around the world and see the sights one last time around the world before I decide where to settle. I hope to see more of you. Something in me tells me you will change everything." He said smiling to her. "I didn't know it was already done. I hope you travel well maybe Dimitri could come visit you once his parents trail is up. Will you still be making the drug yourself Dimitri?"

"Do you even have a lab ready for everything you will need I mean is your license to practice medicine valid over there in Italy? How exactly can you get the last few things if you were struggling to get them here?" "It is all set babe. I have a whole lab and crew waiting for me as well as an empty office set up with equipment for you to have a legit business. It didn't take me much to get them here I am using the hospital President over there just as I did to President Johnson here. I made him falter the inventory spread sheets and the pharmacy's didn't' question to much as long as I got everything from the hospital it didn't wave no red flags. It's all waiting for me to order. No one can make it except for myself I do plan to make other things and improve them along the way. In time you will see. Everyone worldwide will be hooked on something of mine or later ours. The whole world will be bowing down to our feet one way or the other. Whether they realize it or not." Dimitri and his Uncle laughed knowing that was a side effect maybe the worst one in some cases.

"FREEZE! FBI!" Agent Holden yelled. As men everywhere appeared with guns in black swat suits. Jessie's hands went up scared and it shown plainly on her face. "What is this?" His uncle snapped at him. "You covered your tracks uncle. Yes? How did they know you were here? You have a rat?" "No, I do not have a rat." He turned back to see one of his own men holding a gun at them as well. "You mother fucker." Vincent said as he shot the traitor man in the head. Gun shots started getting fired everywhere all the way around. Jessie dropped to the ground and started crawling her way around to a huge tree to try to get some cover. "Never a boring moment with you, eh, sis?" Ryder told here as Hunter chuckled next to her behind the same tree. "I'm so glad to see you guys. You got another one of those?" "Yes, I do not for you. Stay here." They left her there after talking into their ear piece. Gun shots were still going as it was quieting down she followed Vincent and Dimitri in another part of the woods.

"Thank God you are alright I turned and you were gone." Dimitri told her hugging her close. "I can't do this with you Dimitri. All this is wrong." She told him standing back. "I can. I can never be with you the way you want me to. I will never love you the way you need me too. This is wrong. You've killed so many people." "Now wait I know you think this now but this will work it worked for my Uncle and my aunt it can work for us as well." Grabbing her tightly in the arms. "You of all people should know by now I will never let you go. I will not be walking away from this without you." He growled to her. "Who said you were going to be walking away from this at all." She choked whispered to him. As a fist came flying into Dimitri. Vince was now fighting with Dalton and Agent Holden. Axel was beating into Dimitri. "I told you Moretti last time you raise another hand to my woman is the last day you will be using your hands." Axel told him hitting him hard Dimitri got a few good punches in but the blows coming from Axel were too strong to quick. Dimitri was now on the ground not moving just breathing. Axel turned as soon as the sound of two guns shot and two men yelling in pain fell over.

Dalton was shot in the leg, and Holden in the shoulder Vince not on the ground to be seen as he summer rain decided to pour down minutes before this. Dimitri was now getting onto his knees as Jessie came up approaching him with a gun straight to him a few seps away from him. "I can' live my life looking over my shoulder from you. I can't let you get away with all the evil you've done. I can't let you hurt anyone else." She was yelling at him tears flowing down her face. "Put the gun done Jes. Babe you can't do this to us. You can't shoot me you will never forgive yourself." Dimitri was telling her back.

Even if she did get her shot she would forever hate herself he knew it. "Put the gun down angel." Axel told her as he was approaching her with open hands Dimitri glaring at him he hated the effects Axel would always have on her. Looking at him then to Dimitri she knew she didn't have what it took to shoot him. She dropped the gun down to look at Axel when she saw Vicent holding his chest he was having a heart attack clear as day. Holding his gun up to Axel she quickly ran up to him shoving him to the ground the gun shot was heard. Dimitri fired a shot to his uncle in retaliation, then lifted it up to shoot at Axel but hit Jessie instead as Dalton gun fired and shot Dimitri straight in the chest. Still on his knees he wavered before his body hit the floor and the life fled through his eyes.

Jessie was now laying in Axels arms with blood flowing all around her stuttering as she was trying to breathe shock waving through her body. "I's alright angel. You're alright Axel told her as her chest was soaking with blood as it held two new holes. He med flight chopper got her in and out as it was on standby. Spending hours in surgery the doctors came out to her friends and family after working hours on her they were exhausted. Axel mind tuned him out a little once the words came out. "We did everything we could." His mind started to flow through everything all at once. He hit the chair harder then he thought their parents hugging each other in tears. Everything around him seemed to fade around him.

It's been two full years since the night everything went down. They got the bad guys. Everything came out in court the truth. All the questions Jessie asked Vitale in the woods the open confession from the late Dimitri Moretti everything was finally laid to rest. They never saw any more of the mind controlling dangerous drugs or anything that even came close. Axel was now always aware. Dalton did retire. The towns in Axel hands. Everything has pretty much gone back to normal, as normal as it could be for him he guessed with such drastic change to his life. Buying the bouquet of flowers he made his way back home. Maddie running to Axel with open arms.

"Axy Shadow needs a bath." She whined. "Oh he does now does he. Well how bout we give him one tomorrow?" He told he with a smile. "OK. Are those for me?" "This one is." He gave it to her giving her a kiss on the head. Walking inside his home he bent down and gave his now almost two-year son a kiss on the head how you doing buddy?" Walking into the kitchen he was lost in a smile of happiness with a very pregnant Jessie singing and dancing around the kitchen to some oldies. "Oh Shit Axel you scared the crap out of me I almost pissed all over myself. She told him holding a hand to heart.

"Sorry angel. How she doing today?" He gave her the flowers making her smile. "She's using my bladder as a soccer ball other than that you can ask her yourself in a couple days." Jessie smiled to him as she put the flowers in a case. They got married about a month after everything went down. He doctors did everything they could do but had to hold back some as they figured out she was recently and newly pregnant with their first son and during the two weeks there in the hospital it was touch and go for them both but thank God they were such good fighters Axel told himself. Every day he gave thanks for his growing family. His mom was still well a shit parent but a great grandma. His dad still kept Tuesdays dinner with him sometimes Killian or all the kids would come it was wonderful to Axel everything he hoped to share with his dad. His adoptive parents the Alderman's were still very much in the picture whenever they could be without being over baring.

They still mad time to go dancing with the group. Everyone single one of them had a baby except Elias. He was now engaged to a beautiful funny woman who owned a hair salon. Ryder and Aria didn't have one baby they had twins. Killian and Jessie were still best friends and kept their shenanigans up. Chloe had given birth to another beautiful girl Melody who was on the floor with his son Xander. Holding his beautiful wife in his arms he couldn't help but think of his life up until now. Life had done it's best to strike him down at every turn it could. It tried to defeat him in so many ways, yet here he stood with her, holding his whole world under one roof even in his arms no matter how many time all those storms came to blow him over here he would always be for her, for them, hell even for himself still there, always still standing.