Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter and Phoebe) novel Chapter 499

"Go check on Foebe," Robin urged, pulling Stella away, fearing her emotional instability.

Stella whispered, her voice barely audible. "You're lying... Phoebe being reborn means she's alive again..."

Robin sighed deeply. "You're a forensic scientist; you have to believe in science."

Tears welled up in Stella's eyes, spilling over. "Science didn't tell me... how to cope with my best friend's death! I believe in science, but I'd rather believe she's still alive..."

The word 'science' felt too cold and impersonal.

She believed in science, but science couldn't soothe the pain of losing someone close.

Finn glanced at Colin, then turned to leave as well.

Little One awaited Colin's response.

I was waiting too.

"If she turned into a dog, I'd still recognize her," Colin declared, keeping Little One at bay with a voice calm yet distant.

My tears seemed to dry up, and looking up at him, I felt a mix of wanting to cry and laugh.

How could he be so foolishly stubborn? "You're the one turning into a dog..."

My voice was raspy as I reached out to grab his shirt, but couldn't.

Little One suddenly laughed. "I'd love to see how far you can delude yourself..."

"The lab's been exposed; the organization will eliminate everything related to it... including me. I want to survive, so I need someone's protection, Caleb." Little One approached Caleb, speaking again. "I carry the same genes as Phoebe. You'd protect me out of affection for her, wouldn't you?"

I felt a hint of jealousy, standing protectively in front of Colin, urging them not to get too close.

But there was little I could do...

Looking down at my hands, I marveled at the sensation.

The last time my soul left my body, I experienced pain, unprecedented despair.

This time... I felt jealousy, intense jealousy and possessiveness.

I actually... harbored the illusion that no matter if I was Phoebe or not, as long as Colin cared, I would never let him go to anyone else.

If everyone was just a substitute, why should I give him up?

He was mine and mine alone.

Anyone who tried to take him from me... would have to be dealt with.