Veil of Lies

by Nicky Charles

  She slowly set the phone down on her stomach, wondering what his silence meant. Did he not like the name? Or had he been making polite conversation but really didn’t care?

  The second possibility was a knife to her heart.

  Armand couldn’t be that cold. Or could he?

  He hadn’t made any attempt to contact her over the past few months. His silence had sat like a knot in her stomach. How many times had she wished she could talk to him, share the wonder of pregnancy, the joy of seeing the baby on the ultrasound monitor.

  In the past, his presence had always seemed to ground her, giving her a sense of security in knowing no matter what happened, he’d be there to help.

  Instead, during one of the biggest events of her life, she’d been without him. Of her own choosing in a way—she had let him leave and encouraged him to find someone else—but for some reason she’d been sure he’d call once he knew she was pregnant. Maybe she should have picked up the phone first.

  Maybe he was tired of playing second fiddle.

  Her wants, her needs… Had she taken him for granted? Not tried to see his side? Just assumed he’d always be there?

  Biting her lip, she tried to think of other reasons for him not to reply, something that didn’t paint her in such a bad light. A customer had entered the bar, the connection was down… How long ago had Roxi sent that message? She picked the phone up and checked. Over half an hour ago. Surely by now, he would have replied if he intended to.

  A tear dripped down her cheek and she sniffed. Contacting him had been a bad idea. If she hadn’t, she could have held on to the hope that Armand would change his mind and want to be involved. Now, she had to face facts. Their relationship was well and truly over and it was mostly her fault.

  Rolling onto her side, she stifled her cries in her pillow, not wanting her baby to start life hearing his momma crying over a man.

  Chapter 30

  Armand stared down at Jenna who was now in his arms, pressed close to his chest, her hands on his shoulders. She looked up at him in shock, her eyes wide, her breathing fast. His own was quicker than normal as well.

  “I’m sorry.” He cleared his throat.

  “No, it was my fault.”

  He inhaled deeply, her scent filling his lungs. They’d never been this close before.

  Her lips quirked in a crooked smile. She slid her hands down his chest then she slowly stepped back.

  He released his grip on her in increments, wanting to make sure she was steady on her feet.

  “I should have watched where I was going.”

  “I was the one who spilled the water. I should have cleaned it up.”

  “Well, thank you for saving me when I slipped.”

  He nodded. This incident was not going to help the conversation he had planned. When Jenna had skidded in the puddle on the floor, he’d instinctively caught her. Hopefully, she didn’t view it as a romantic gesture.

  She cocked her head. “You didn’t try to turn that into a kiss.”

  “No. I didn’t. I…”

  “You’re just not into me.” She leaned one elbow on the bar and studied him.

  “I think you are a very nice—”

  “Yes, I know the spiel. I’m nice, you think of me as a friend. I’ve heard it before.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No need. I’ve suspected for some time. I guess I was still hurting from my previous relationship and wanted a new one enough that I ignored the signs.”

  “Signs?”

  “No man goes that slow in a relationship unless his heart is elsewhere.”

  He almost laughed at her statement, thinking of how long he’d waited before making a move on Lucy. Instead, he continued his apology. “I didn’t mean to use you.”

  “I don’t look on it as ‘using’. It was more like you were testing the waters, seeing if you were ready to swim again or not.” She propped her chin on her hand. “I am curious as to why you’re telling me now.”

  “The woman I was seeing contacted me and I…” He didn’t mention the baby. It wasn’t news he was willing to share with just anyone. “I’ve realized I’m still committed to her.”

  “Oh.” She was silent for a moment then shrugged one shoulder. “Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

  “Thank you for being so understanding.” It was a relief to know he’d not hurt her.

  She straightened and put on her jacket. “It’s probably for the best that we didn’t ‘click’. I’ve been thinking of moving.”

  “Not because of me, I hope.” He immediately felt guilty.

  “No. I came here to lick my wounds but running away is never a solution. Besides, the winters up here are miserable and the internet can be spotty; that’s not a good thing for my business.”

  “You’ll be missed if you leave.”

  “Will I?” She raised a brow, then shook her head. “Now, as to the business at hand, I’ll keep working here until I leave, provided that’s all right with you?”

  He nodded.

  “And I have a few promotional ideas that I’ll need to wrap up with some of the businesses in town as well as completing the planning for the craft fair and fishing derby. I’ll stay to help with the inaugural kick off.”

  He noticed the posters for Daniel’s band that she’d left on the bar. “Don’t forget these.” He nodded as he studied them. “They’re very good.”

  “Thanks.” She picked them up and tucked them under her arm. “I’ll drop them off at his place on my way home.”

  He watched her leave, pleased the conversation had gone so smoothly yet, at the same time, he thought he’d picked up an odd vibe from the woman. Had she been upset and just hiding it well? Or was it his own distraction that had caused the feeling? He was eager to return to his phone.

  And speaking of phones, he went to check on the charge. The indicator showed enough for a conversation at least. He opened the message thread and studied the baby’s image again, still marvelling at the idea this child was a part of him. His inner animal rumbled with pride.

  It is a fine cub. Sturdy and alert.

  He nodded in agreement as he wandered into the main part of the bar in search of better lighting. “Yes, his eyes seem to be looking right at me.”

  We will need to teach him many things.

  How to fish.

  How to track.

  How to throw an axe or a knife.

  And use his claws to mark his territory.

  Maybe he’ll enjoy painting. He smiled at the thought of childish artwork hanging on the fridge, colourful blobs and stick people—

  “What are you looking at, Armand?”

  He gave a start, so caught up in his musings that he’d completely missed Melody entering the room.

  “Riens. Nothing.”

  “Nothing?” She raised her brows. “I managed to catch you unawares. That’s never happened before.”

  He hesitated, wanting to boast about his son yet also wanting to keep the news to himself. In the end, pride won out and he passed the phone to her. “This is Caleb.”

  “Caleb?” She took the phone, her eyes widening as she looked at the picture and then back at him. “This is your baby? I mean yours and Lucy’s?”

  “Yes.” He felt his mouth widen into a grin. “She sent me a picture a while ago.”

  “He was born today?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “At least, I think so.”

  “You think so? You mean you don’t know?”

  “I assumed it was today though she didn’t specifically say.” He took the phone back and reread the message.

  “Well what about his weight and how long he is?”

  He blinked. “These are important? Things I should know?”

  “Yes, of course!” She stopped, considered her statement and then qualified it. “Well, I guess men don’t care about those things, as much. Ryne didn’t, but women like details. I’m surprised she didn’t include them in the message.”

  �
��Perhaps she intended to. Our conversation was cut short; my phone died.”

  “Well when you talk to her next, ask her and then let me know.”

  “I will.” He set the phone down, trying not to appear impatient for her to leave. “Did you need something?”

  “No. I’m just dropping off your copy of the Gazette.” She handed him the paper.

  “Thank you.”

  “The advertisement Jenna made for The Broken Antler looks really good. It’s on page two.”

  “I’ll look at it later.” He didn’t open the paper, merely setting it aside.

  “Um…does Jenna know about, you know.” She nodded towards his phone.

  “No.”

  “Oh.” She made no move to leave.

  He sighed. Sometimes Melody was annoyingly tenacious. It must be the reporter in her.

  “I did tell her I was otherwise committed.”

  “Oh.” Her expression changed to a beam of approval. “I knew you’d do the right thing. Not that I have anything against Jenna, but you and Lucy are meant to be together.”

  He wasn’t quite as optimistic, yet didn’t say so in case Melody stayed to debate the topic. Thankfully, she soon left to finish delivering her papers and he locked the door behind her, not wanting further interruptions.

  Finally alone, he sat down to send a message to Lucy.

  “Caleb is a fine name. When was he born? How much did he weigh and how long?”

  Reading the message over, he considered a point Melody had said. If women loved details, why hadn’t Lucy sent them? After some consideration, he deleted the questions and left just the first sentence. It showed he was interested but could not be construed as too pushy. He didn’t want to scare her off. If she replied back, he’d ask then.

  He pushed send. When there was no immediate reply, he set the phone down telling himself she was likely resting or busy with the baby. A lack of response was not to be interpreted as coolness on her part. At least not yet.

  The spring cleaning he’d started with such zeal was still half done. He might as well continue with the chore, staring at the phone would not make her reply any faster.

  A pinging sound had Daniel looking up from his keyboard where he was working on a piece of music. The sound indicated someone was at the front gate wanting onto the pack’s land. He slid over to his desk and flipped to the security screen he had interfaced with his computer.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi? Is this Daniel? It’s Jenna here. I have your posters.”

  He did a visual confirmation with the security camera and then pressed the button that controlled the entrance. The security system Ryne had installed was annoying at times, but the privacy was worth the inconvenience. There was the gate and an electric fence along the road, laser beam triggers scattered throughout the woods and alarms on all access points to the house.

  He was sure the locals wondered about their obsession over privacy and speculated wildly, but the humans that came on the property never had any juicy tales to carry home. Jenna, like others before her, would report there was a large house at the end of a long driveway and a few smaller houses scattered throughout the acres of surrounding forest. The inhabitants went about their daily lives, going to work, attending school…nothing exciting. Yep, Lycans appeared pretty ‘normal’ to the uninformed observer.

  He loped down the stairs so he could greet Jenna at the door. She had some promotional posters for him and he hoped they’d help the band get some gigs at other local bars. More money and more exposure were important. The band was itching to spread out, maybe even try a professional recording session. Music wasn’t his passion, at least not like his computers were, but it was an outlet, a way to break free from pack life for a while and just be one of the gang.

  The thing was, Stump River was quiet. There was no excitement, no challenge. Patrols were pathetically boring and the equipment in the exercise room only worked off so much energy. He might be considered a nerdy Lycan, but his inner wolf wanted a chance to prove itself. When he’d joined up with Ryne and Bryan to start the pack, he’d envisioned something more adventuresome. It had been interesting enough at first, travelling across the country to Canada, fixing up the house, getting to know the area, but now…not so much.

  The sound of tires on gravel signalled Jenna’s arrival and he sped up his descent down the stairs, opening the door just as her car came to a stop. She waved at him through her open window.

  “Hey Jenna.”

  “Hi.” She climbed out of the car, her gaze taking in the massive building before her. “I’d heard this place was big, but I didn’t imagine this.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, it’s pretty massive.”

  “But well maintained.” She climbed the steps of the porch and seemed drawn to the window casings. “Just look at the rosettes in the corners and the sunburst pediment. I love these kinds of architectural detail. Are they original?”

  “Some are. Others were beyond saving and Ryne made replicas.”

  “Has he been working on it long?”

  “Ever since he bought the place. Most of the house is done but a few areas are still a work in progress.”

  “Speaking of works in progress...” She held out the package she had tucked under her arm. “Here are those promotional posters for your band.”

  “Awesome. Come on inside while I check them out.”

  She followed him as he led the way up the stairs to his place. He’d taken over the attic, erecting walls to create a bedroom, an ensuite bath and office/sitting room. There was even a trap door that led to the widow’s walk on the roof, which served as his own private balcony. It wasn’t quite as good as having his own apartment, but it was close.

  “Welcome to my lair.” He opened the door and ushered her inside.

  “Wow.” She stopped inside the doorway and looked around. “Is there any piece of electronic equipment you don’t own?”

  “Not many. I’m a geek at heart.”

  “When you’re not being a musician.”

  “Right.” He cleared off a spot on his desk and spread the posters out so he could study them. “Hey, these are good. I like the lettering you chose.”

  “Thanks. The right font, the right colour combinations; it can make a big difference.”

  “And these pictures of the band—”

  “I convinced Ryne to take some while you were performing the other night. I’d heard he was quite the photographer in his day. Seems the rumours were correct.”

  “Ryne took these? I didn’t realize. He never mentioned it. We look good.”

  “You look damned good. The right lighting and a bit of sweat and voila, you’re heartthrobs.”

  “Heartthrobs?” He rolled his eyes.

  “Just look at your expression in this picture.” Her finger pointed to his image on the poster. “And the muscle definition on your arms as you wield those drum sticks. And the other guys as well.” She outlined the attributes of each member of the band, explaining why they’d have female fans swooning.

  “Yeah, well…” He dragged his hand through his hair, not sure he wanted to be a sex symbol, at least not to random girls. The only one he cared about was Tessa and she barely acknowledged him despite the fact everyone said she was besotted with him.

  “Trust me, Daniel. Start spreading these posters around along with some vocal samples and the band will be snapped up. You’ll have more bookings than you can handle.”

  “Great.” He nodded, thinking the other guys would be happy with the results. “How much do I owe you for these?”

  “Nothing. I had fun doing it.”

  “No way. You spent your own time on this and that’s worth something.”

  “It gave me a chance to keep my skills fresh. And, to tell you the truth, I’ve never promoted a band before, so this was a learning experience.”

  “Yeah, well I’m still going to pay you, at least for the printing costs. How much was that?”

  She sighed and named
an amount.

  “Great. I’ll be right back. I have some cash in my bedroom.” He went next door and soon returned with some bills. “Here you go.”

  She looked up from where she was studying a piece of sheet music on his desk. “Is this a new song?”

  “Yeah, we’re hoping to debut it soon.”

  “Well I hope I’m around to hear it.”

  “I’ll make sure to tell you so you can be there even if it isn’t your night to work.”

  They began to head downstairs, Jenna murmuring about how nice the house was in between discussing promotional ideas.

  “When are you going to show the posters to your band mates?”

  “Actually, we’re meeting at the Broken Antler later today to practise. I’ll take one along with me and we can decide which towns in the area we want to target.”

  “Well, don’t sit on them too long. Get out there and spread the news. There’s a big world beyond the borders of this town. It’s time you started taking it by storm.” She gave him the advice as they made their way back to her car.

  “Thanks. I‘ll keep that in mind.”

  He stepped back as she climbed into her vehicle and started the car. “Don’t worry about the front gate. It opens automatically when you approach it from this side so you’ll have no trouble getting out.”

  “Thanks, I was wondering about that.” She drove off with a wave.

  He watched until she was out of sight and then headed back upstairs to check the posters again. The other guys in the band would be really impressed.

  Chapter 31

  Lou slowly woke up from a deep sleep, the kind that came from complete exhaustion and left you feeling muzzy-headed and too pleasantly relaxed to move. Her thoughts were drifting in a sea of nothingness, a soft murmuring in the background oddly comforting, the weight and warmth of the blankets seeming to urge her to succumb to sleep yet again. But something was niggling at her brain, something important and she blinked slowly, allowing the world around her to come into focus.

  Roxi was sitting a few feet away, her features highlighted by the late afternoon sun streaming through the blinds.