📎A/N. ** wipes eyes ** Hello my lovelies,  sniff. sniff. I can't believe that we are at the end of this part of our journey. 

Firstly, the final roll call for new countries since we last looked at our world map. I would like to welcome readers from : Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Argentina, Cameroon, Liberia, Albania, Russia & Myanmar.

Once you have read chapter 49, I hope you will read the personal message in the next chapter. There will be some important information you won't want to miss out on.

Don't forget to vote and I hope you enjoy this final chapter in Buried.

Take care and bless you all.

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Kaitlyn reached for the French Press before her mother could get to it. "Mom, let me do that."

"Don't fuss, sweetheart," Madeline said as she swatted Kaitlyn's hand. "I love you dearly, but you're starting to get on my nerves."

"You should be resting," she complained.

Madeline placed a hand on her hip and frowned at her daughter. "I'm not an invalid, and I don't know how many times I need to tell you I'm all right. You need to stop worrying."

Kaitlyn spooned ground coffee into the press and swirled the container to settle the granulated beans. "I'm sorry. I just can't help it," she said as she looked over at her mother with a worried look marring her features.

Madeline sighed and closed the short distance between them to place an arm around Kaitlyn. "It's over and done with. You need to stop blaming yourself."

That was easier said than done. Had she been more careful, the mafia wouldn't have worked out she was on to them and their foot soldiers wouldn't have been watching her apartment. Moreover, they most definitely would not have taken her mother only to be subsequently delivered into the clutches of Elijah.

Kaitlyn returned her mother's embrace. "I can't help it," she admitted.

In the three days since their arrival in Florida, they hadn't once talked about what Madeline might, or might not have seen. Kaitlyn wasn't sure how to broach the subject. Her mother's revelation that she was happy Elijah was dead had unsettled her. How much did her mom really know? Once the harrowing and tearful visit to her father's grave was over, Kaitlyn was afraid to rehash memories from the abduction and she had decided to let sleeping dogs lie.

After filling the container with hot water, Kaitlyn placed the lid on the French Press to leave the coffee to steep and leaned on the kitchen countertop as Madeline made her way to the couch in the living room.

"So what did you want to do today?" Kaitlyn asked. "How about I take you out shopping?"

Madeline raised an eyebrow and picked up the novel she had recently abandoned. "I'm not a vain woman, but there is no way I am going out to the mall looking like the bride of Frankenstein."

"It's not that bad," Kaitlyn protested.

Her mother made a sound that let her know she thought otherwise. "Even if I wanted to I can't. Lee's picking up some more UPS Express packs for me and is going to help get my orders out."

"You know I could have done that for you?"

Madeline shrugged and opened her book. "I know."

"And I can package those orders for you," she said, pointing to a pile of printouts and the carefully wrapped handmade jewellery beside them.

"I know that too."

Kaitlyn had only just handed her mother a coffee when her phone rang. "It's work. I need to get that," she said as she noticed 'Joshua' flash across the screen. She grabbed the phone before her mother could see the name and rushed outside, closing the ranch slider behind her.

Joshua was calling to update her on what had happened in the aftermath of her mother's rescue and subsequent raid.

After making sure she and her mother where okay he briefed her on the current situation. "We're still in the dark on who raided the property. From the gunfire levelled at Murphy and the others in the helicopter, they seem to be serious about keeping it under wraps," Joshua explained.

"So what next?"

"Alpha Locke's arrived and taken charge of the situation. He's ordered Liam and Molly back to Tennessee. The councils taking no chances, and want everyone back on home turf with their pack."

"And what about Ambrose and the others?"

Joshua chuckled at the question. "You have to give the man credit," he said, "he refused to leave until he'd gotten the 'family' regrouped and ensured his 'business' was still standing. Murphy and Tim are escorting him, the woman, your detective friend and one other to meet with the Alliance Council. I'm just closing up the house now and will be heading out tomorrow."

Kaitlyn's breath caught in her chest. Closing down the house could only mean one thing. Joshua didn't expect Murphy to return. "So I guess I won't be seeing you when I get back?"

"Afraid not hon." She could hear the regret in his voice. "I've been ordered back. If the government is on to us, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves. I'll try to get back up to Boston as soon as I can for a visit. I promise."

It took a great deal for Kaitlyn to not to break down. In one fell swoop, she had lost two people who had become a pivotal part of her life. One permanently and the other for who knows how long.

She stood staring at her mother's vegetable garden for some time after she had hung up, not able to return inside just yet. By the time she had worked up the courage to step back into the house, Lee had already arrived. They spent the next few hours packing envelopes, sipping wine, and gossiping about the latest celebrity scandals.

❧

"Are you expecting a call?" Madeline asked. They had just finished dinner and her mother was sitting in what she termed her 'cosy chair' determined to finish the book she had started.

Kaitlyn stopped wiping down the table and stood up. "No. Why?"

Madeline looked up at Kaitlyn as if to say something then returned to her book. "No reason."

Kaitlyn had just finished loading the dishwasher when her mother looked up again. "When are you due back at work?" Referring to the recent call with Doug.

"Next Monday," Kaitlyn said. "Cases are starting to pile up and he needs me back."

"This partner you were working with...What was his name again?"

Kaitlyn was confused on where her mother was heading with this line of questioning. "Murphy."

"Will you be teamed up with him again when you get back?"

"No." Kaitlyn turned away from her mother's line of vision so that she couldn't see the pained look that swept across her face. The topic was too raw.

"No? Why not? From our phone calls, I thought you were enjoying working with him."

"He's already gone. The case is over and I doubt I'll ever see him again." Her voice came out strained.

"Hmm... That's a shame," said Madeline. She paused before speaking again. "And how's your grandfather?"

Kaitlyn's neck spun round to face her mother so quickly she could hear the bones crack. "Pardon?"

Madeline continued to read, and without looking up said, "You heard me. How's Joshua? I assume the call this morning was from him."

Kaitlyn open mouthed, sunk down in the chair opposite her mother without saying a word. Madeline tone was as if she were asking for directions or for the weather conditions ‑ not asking after a man she had thought dead all these years. How did she reply?

"I‑" No other sound was forthcoming. Kaitlyn cleared her throat. "I don't know what you're talking about. Are you sure you didn't bump your head when you were taken?"

Madeline put the book she had been reading on the armrest and looked up Kaitlyn. "Sweetheart, let's for once, not play games." She took off her reading glasses and placed them on her head. "I spotted him as we left the hospital and then again at the cemetery. I have to assume you're little 'discovery' was by accident, as I hardly think he would have turned up otherwise."

Kaitlyn was dumbfounded. "H-How?"

"Pffft!" Madeline waved her hand dismissively. "There were never any secrets between your father and me. I've always known your father's history, as well as who and what Elijah was."

Kaitlyn hauled in a shocked breath.

Madeline blinked rapidly as her eyes glazed over with tears that threatened to well over and trickle down her torn face. "I spent the last few weeks in absolute hell thinking he was going to take my baby as well. When I heard he was dead and gone, and you confirmed it, I could finally breathe again. Coming face to face with him was the last thing I expected."

"Why did you never say anything?"

Madeline shrugged. "We decided it was better for all concerned if they thought I was in the dark. It also allowed us to live our lives without the pack constantly looking over our shoulders."

"And why did you say nothing when you knew Elijah was back?"

Her mother exhaled loudly. "Because I assumed you had no idea what he truly was. As far as I was aware you had no inkling that we shared this planet with another race of creature."

It was at this point the floodgates opened and Kaitlyn learnt her mother knew so much more than she could ever imagine. It was the most open and frank conversation she had had with her mother since childhood.

Somehow, Madeline returned full circle to the beginning of their most unusual conversation. "So if you think Murphy's gone for good, why do you constantly check your messages?"

"I do no such thing!"

Madeline shrugged and picked up her recently abandoned book. "If he's anything like his mother, I'm sure he'll be back."

"Like his mother?"

Her mother rolled her eyes. "What's with you and repeating everything I say? Yes. His mother, Molly. While we were waiting for you to arrive, we had to talk about something. I told her about you, and she told me a little about her son and daughter. It wasn't until you reminded me your partners name was Murphy that I put it together."

❧

It was after midnight when Kaitlyn stumbled into her apartment. She was hungry, tired and in need of a shower, and not necessarily in that order. The four-hour delay of her flight's departure, then the subsequent mechanical problem in Atlanta had resulted in her returning home half a day later than expected.

Madeline, hearing that Joshua had been ordered back to Tennessee, urged Kaitlyn to head back to Boston to say goodbye. "After all," she said, "you don't know how long it'll be before you see him again."

At first, Kaitlyn had resisted. Her mother hadn't yet healed and was still traumatised. No matter what she argued to the contrary. Eventually, Madeline had worn Kaitlyn down and pushed her out the door. "Thanksgiving is just around the corner. You can take me shopping then."

As Kaitlyn closed the front door and leaned against it, she glanced around the room. The apartment felt empty, and she felt so very alone. She was floating aimlessly on an ocean that went on forever and she didn't know which way to paddle.

Kaitlyn had been aware it was going to be hard coming back knowing Murphy was gone for good. However, she hadn't realised just how much she would ache. While she had been in Florida, she had driven her mother insane, insisting on doing everything. If she was honest, with herself, it was to keep her mind occupied and away from the overwhelming despair of never seeing him again.

You knew this was going to happen, she chastised herself. He made no promises and the outcome had always been a foregone conclusion. You just need to accept it!

So why did it still hurt so much? Why did her heart feel as though it would never recover?

Because she was alone and because her heart was breaking, Kaitlyn's defences crumbled and she let out a mournful cry as tears began to fall. Her body racked with sobs as she leant against the door, allowing herself to grieve for something she never really had.

It felt a lifetime before she could finally bring herself under control. Kaitlyn reached into her bag for a tissue just as her phone buzzed. Quickly blowing her nose, she then checked the message. A faint smile plastered across her face as she read it through her tears. Joshua was letting her know that he was back in Tennessee and he wanted to make sure she was okay.

While Joshua had no immediate blood in Tudor Falls, family surrounded him. Something she realised that she lacked. There was no one in the city whom she could fall back on. She had lots of friends and acquaintances, but none of which she was close with.

She hiccupped. This is ridiculous. I'm a grown woman who's used to being on my own.

"I'm just tired," Kaitlyn murmured as she picked up her bag and made her way towards the bedroom. "Everything will feel different in the morning after something to eat and a good night's sleep."

She was halfway across the room when her doorbell rang. Not expecting anyone at this late hour, she jumped. Kaitlyn dropped her bags, raced to the kitchen, and grabbed a large knife from the block. She quickly made her way to the entrance and sidled up to the wall beside the door. "Who is it?" she called out, holding the weapon ready to strike should someone break through the entrance.

"You don't really think that knife would hurt us immigrants do you?"

Kaitlyn's heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She lowered the blade and scrambled to open the door. Standing in the darkened hallway was the last person she had expected to see.

"Are you going to let me in?" Murphy asked after she failed to open the door fully.

Kaitlyn moved away from the entrance. "Umm... Yes. Sure,"

He strode in and she took a little longer than necessary to close the door in an attempt to compose herself.

"I thought you might like your gun and taser back," he said as he placed them on the breakfast bar and turned back to her.

Murphy looked directly at Kaitlyn and narrowed his eyes before quickly closing the gap between them. "You've been crying. Is everyone okay? Has something happened?" he asked as he held her by her arms and searched her face.

Kaitlyn averted her gaze and pushed him away. "No, everyone's fine," she said as she wiped her eyes. "I was just a little upset I missed Joshua. Stupid flight was late."

Murphy continued to stare at her and thankfully chose not to say anything further.

They stood in awkward silence for a few moments before Kaitlyn found her voice. She was still unsure how he could physically be standing in her apartment when he was supposed to have vanished by now.

"I've just gotten back and was about to make myself something to eat," she said as she headed into the kitchen. "You hungry?"

The earthy way he said, "Always," baffled her. His expression, however, gave nothing away.

"How's your mom?" Murphy asked as he watched her prepare ingredients for an omelette.

Memories of the strange conversation with her mother flooded her mind. "She's strong. She'll come out of this just fine."

He opened the beer he had grabbed from the fridge and said, "Mom pretty much said the same thing."

"I thought you'd left Boston already." Kaitlyn wasn't sure if she really wanted to know the answer, but needed to prepare herself.

At first, she thought Murphy wasn't going to answer. He'd become silent, staring at the bottle he was cradling in his hands. "I did," he finally said.

A flash of uncertainty mixed with pain flittered across his face, immediately replaced with his usual unreadable expression. The walls had come back up so fast she was sure she was mistaken. The man was confidence personified. She had never seen him unsure about anything.

Kaitlyn became unnerved. Perhaps something had happened with Ambrose or one of the others, or maybe there was another raid? "Oh God, please don't tell me they've attacked another pack?" Her eyes opened wide, "It's not yours is it? Nothing's happened to Molly or Liam?"

"No. Nothing like that," he assured her. "We still none the wiser on who they are."

She breathed out. "Oh! You scared me for a moment."

Kaitlyn returned to pouring the egg batter into the heated skillet. The hiss as the liquid made contact with the iron was closely followed by a puff of steam rising towards the extractor fan above the gas cooktops. "So why are you back so quickly? I thought once you were gone you were gone for good." Kaitlyn winced, even to her ears she sounded waspish.

Murphy sighed as if he carried a heavy weight and placed the bottle on the countertop. "There's something I need to do first before I tell you."

Within a heartbeat, he was off the stool and had removed the pan from the gas. Kaitlyn opened her mouth to protest, but before any sound could emerge, he had cupped her face between his hands.

His dark eyes scanned every part of her face as if trying to memorise every crevice and blemish. "I've missed you," he said with barely repressed emotion.

Familiar intense longing squeezed Kaitlyn's very soul as she recognised the tortured expression that washed over him.

Murphy's fingers tangled in her hair and she was hauled against his hard body as his lips descended upon hers in a punishing kiss. Blood began humming in her veins as the brutal strength of his passion ignited molten waves of pleasure. She clutched fistfuls of his shirt as his tongue dipped and swirled, deepening the kiss and further stroking the fire that was now raging. The tangy taste of the beer and his male scent was overloading her senses, as goosebumps erupted on her exposed skin and desire raced from the pit of her core.

Too quickly, it was over and he dragged his mouth from hers. Murphy rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. "Never disappear without letting me know where you're going and for how long. I don't think I can go through that again." His voice came out husky, letting her know he was only just holding his desire in check.

Kaitlyn pulled away. "Well, you could have answered my text messages."

"I didn't get them. We all needed to change our phones in case we were being tracked that way."

Kaitlyn groaned. She knew Joshua had changed numbers. She didn't think to ask if Murphy had as well. "So why are you back in Boston?"

"Before I answer that, I need to know something," he said, his tone uncertain as if debating what to say next. "Is there anyone else?"

The question confused her and it must have shown on her face.

Murphy growled in frustration and ran his fingers through his hair. "That came out wrong."

Murphy cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable. "I've spent the better part of the past century as dead and buried as June. My only reason for living was my need for revenge. I had no intention of living once he was gone. Why would I? There would be nothing for me."

Kaitlyn felt exposed as he searched her face again. Not sure of how she should react, she chose to remain quiet.

"But then I met this smart aleck woman who drives a skate and insists on calling it a car, cooks when she is working through a problem and is one of the best damn agents I've ever worked with." He tilted his head and narrowed his gaze. "Without even knowing it, I started to look forward to getting up each day. Breathing became easier and I started to remember what happy was."

Kaitlyn forgot to breathe.

"I had been so focused on what I had buried that I had missed the fact that this frustrating know-it-all had brought me back to the land of the living. I was so entrenched with my loss for June and the need for revenge that I ignored what my wolf knew from the start."

"And that is?" she whispered.

He smiled. A smile that warmed her very soul. "You. My world isn't complete unless you're in it."

Kaitlyn was having difficulty breathing. His unexpected confession was playing havoc with her mind and she was alternating between euphoria and misery. It was possible he was expressing his undying friendship. Nothing in his words tipped the scale either way.

"What are you saying?" she asked.

"You are my world. I never expected to feel this way again, my body, heart and soul belongs to you – if you want it" The confident Murphy was gone. In his place was a man on the precipice of uncertainty.

Kaitlyn recalled a conversation she had had with Joshua. "But I thought Werewolves only had one..." She trailed off, not quite knowing the right words to use.

"Mate?" he said. Murphy tucked a curl behind her ear before speaking again. "Daniel once told me things creep up on you when you aren't looking, and the most unexpected things can happen."

He chuckled. "Turns out, he was right."

It took everything she had to not throw herself into his arms.

Murphy again looked pensive as he scanned her face. "Human's feel things differently to us. I couldn't leave without finding out if there was any chance you would ever learn to feel something for me."

"What does your instinct tell you?" Kaitlyn said as she placed a gentle hand against his cheek, keeping her expression as neutral as possible.

Murphy grinned as he covered her hand with his. "I know you desire me. There's no doubt our bodies are made for each other." He then sobered and returned to his uncertain state. "There are many things my Werewolf ability can tell me. The only thing it can't is what's going on in that beautiful mind of yours."

Kaitlyn raised herself up on her toes so they were only inches apart. "I can't give you what you already have," she whispered.

She didn't know who moved first, and she really didn't care. The onslaught of raw physical desire that ripped through her body was her undoing. She loved this broody virile man with every fibre of her being and needed to show him just how much.

Kaitlyn wrapped her arms around Murphy as he pulled her up so that her knees were clamped around his hips. She moulded herself to him as he deftly carried her from the kitchen, their frenzied kisses more potent with each passing moment. Their urgent need for each other, coupled with their emotional confessions, ensured they failed to make it to the bedroom. Reason tumbled into oblivion and she was floating on a sea of pleasure as she rode him hard until they reached their first of many shattering climaxes.

❧

Kaitlyn woke to an unusual tickling sensation down her inner thigh. "You're up early."

Murphy, who had been trailing soft kisses, the length of her silky thighs, stopped and glanced up at her with a wink. "Nope. Didn't go to sleep. I've been waiting for you to wake up so we can go again."

Kaitlyn yawned and stretched. "Aren't you the energizer bunny this morning?"

Murphy crawled up the bed until he loomed above her. "I wouldn't mind showing you just how long I can last," he said just before he dipped his head and coaxed her lips apart in a searing kiss.

Before her resistance crumbled, Kaitlyn pushed him away from her with reluctance. "I'm sure you would. But I need the bathroom and then a coffee."

Murphy rolled over and Kaitlyn reached for her pyjama top.

"Way to spoil the view," he said as she pulled it on and made her way to the bathroom.

By the time she was finished, Murphy had a steaming hot cup of coffee ready for her. He had already downed half a cup and was checking his messages as she took a chair at the breakfast bar.

"Joshua said you managed to get some footage of Ambrose's property. Has Parker managed to identify any of the faces yet?" she asked as she reached for the mug.

"No, it may take days before we get any results," he said without looking up.

"What about Ambrose and his lot. What decision did the Alliance Council have with the mafia Werewolves?"

Murphy put his phone down and took the seat next to her. "That one is going to take a little longer. We've never had a situation of a pack evolving like this and it'll take a lot of debating to work out what they're going to do."

"What do you think they'll do?"

Murphy considered the question. "There's no doubt Ambrose is an Alpha and the link has already been established. In all likelihood, they'll be read the riot act, and given strict instructions on what they can and can't do as far as Werewolves are concerned. They'll be allowed to go home and will be under the microscope for the next few decades or so."

"But they're a bunch of criminals."

Murphy shrugged. "None of their activities encroach on Werewolves."

Kaitlyn nearly choked on her drink. "How could you say that after all these years in law enforcement? They're into drug trafficking, weapons and racketeering. You name it, they do it."

"And you think by removing Ambrose that'll stop? There are others out there with far fewer scruples ready to step in and take over at a moment's notice. Whom should we really be worried about? The ones who are after money? The ones that want to wipe US citizens off the face of the earth? The government department that may or may not know about Werewolves? If you ask me, I'd prefer the devil I know."

Kaitlyn mulled over his words. Her very nature and training rebelled against allowing the New England mafia to continue as nothing had happened. However, she had to admit there was some logic to his argument.

"Don't overthink it," Murphy said as he reached out and entwined his hand in hers. "We need to concentrate on more important things."

"How much do you think they know?" Kaitlyn asked, referring to the Werewolves newest threat.

Murphy drew in a deep breath. "We don't know, it's even gotten Daniel a little rattled," he said. "It also doesn't help that there's been some odd wolf sightings reported in Nebraska."

"Odd? How?"

"Well, wolves haven't been seen in the area for the past century, and it's too close to the Airforce base for Werewolves to risk, so there is no local pack."

"So it must just be a stray lone wolf who's somehow gotten lost," she said.

Murphy shook his head. "The reports are of wolf-like creatures walking on their hind legs."

Kaitlyn's brows furrowed. "That can't be right."

"That's why Daniel wanted me to head over to Nebraska while we're waiting for the council's decision."

"So why aren't you there?"

"You," he said as he slipped off the chair and reached for Kaitlyn. "I couldn't go until I knew where I stood with you. I needed to know if there was a chance for us to have a future together."

A twinge of anguish shot through her at the realisation he would soon be gone. She couldn't ‑ wouldn't stop him. He had a responsibility; there was no question he had to go. A small smile escaped her lips. Somehow, the knowledge that he would always return to her provided a small measure of comfort. She could live with that. For now.

Kaitlyn had very little sleep and every bone in her body was aching from their marathon, but God help, her she was ready to fly apart and give into the sudden flare of desire. "How much time do we have before you need to go?" she asked huskily as she moved closer.

Murphy's dark eyes bore into hers, reaching for the deepest part of her soul. The love and devotion so visible, she wondered how she could have missed it before. "How long do you need?"

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📎A/N ... AWWWWW!!! What did you think??

 ...Bet many of you thought I was going to be cruel and not have them meet up before the next adventure ??

 ...Who'd a thought Madeline knew everything, and had for years!!!  

Don't forget to vote. This will be your very last chance.... go on ... you can do it. 

Now, carry on to the next chapter where I have a special surprise. :-)

  ❤ ℳ