by Sara Dailey
I was halfway down the driveway when I remembered that I’d left my phone sitting on the table by the front door of the Walker house. I didn’t bother knocking since I’d just left and neither of them had bothered to see me out. I slowly turned the knob and opened the door just enough to step inside and reach my phone, but I froze when I heard Mrs. Walker and Brian speaking in hushed tones.
“Noel, that was way too close. Marcus almost died.”
“I know, baby. I’m sorry.”
Baby? Baby!
I opened the door a little more so I could see what the hell was going on in there. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. Brian and Mrs. Walker were locked in an embrace that was far from innocent.
“I just want this whole thing to be over so we can finally be together,” Mrs. Walker told Brian.
“There is nothing I want more than that. We just have to be careful. We can’t risk anyone finding out about us,” Brian replied, and what happened next made me want to puke. I mean Mrs. Walker is a definite MILF, but when Brian’s hands grabbed her ass and pulled her against him as he kissed her, softly at first and then like he was trying to eat her face off of her body, it seriously made my stomach churn. It was gross. Just plain nasty. The moment she started unbuttoning his shirt, I grabbed my phone and got the hell out of there as fast as I could.
As I hurried back to our temporary home, I began to wonder what other secrets Brian had been keeping from me and just how much of this operation I truly knew about. One thing was for sure, his secret was coming out. I wanted all the details on that sordid affair he was having with the alpha female of the Red Ridge Pack, and he was going to tell me everything. Even if I had to beat it out of him, he was going to tell me the truth. The whole truth.
CHAPTER 50
Scarlett
Rolling over and throwing my covers back took every ounce of energy I had, but I needed to get out of this bed. I needed to go to the bathroom, needed to take a shower, needed to eat something or at least drink some water before I became completely dehydrated. I hadn’t been out of my bedroom for two days and had spent just about every minute of it huddled under my covers.
After spilling my guts the other day, the last thing I’d wanted to do was go back to the house from hell, but I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I contemplated leaving it all behind and heading back to Crescent Hills, but I couldn’t get up the nerve. A tiny part of me still held out hope that Luke would want to see me again, if only to get some closure. But as the hours turned to days, I knew it wasn’t going to happen.
On the bright side, Brian and Drew decided to go home for a couple of days. I didn’t know why, and they didn’t bother to tell me. All I knew was that after the fight, I sneaked into my house, hoping to avoid them both because there was no way that they wouldn’t see right through me. As soon as I entered, I heard them in the throes of a heated argument behind closed doors in the office. Then the next morning, there was a knock on my bedroom door. I pretended to be asleep, and after they left, I received a text from my father letting me know that they’d headed home and a reminder to keep my mouth shut. Too late for that, but at least I would be alone.
When I sat up and threw my legs over the side of the bed, I instantly became light-headed. My mind grew hazy, and my world began to spin, so I closed my eyes and fought back the nausea in my stomach. I’d never thrown up in my life, but the churning in my gut and bile rising in my throat was unmistakable. I reached out for my nightstand, needing some kind of support to help me to my feet. When I broke out in a cold sweat, I knew I needed to get to the toilet as quickly as possible. With all the strength I could gather, I managed to hoist myself to my feet and stumble into the bathroom. Without hesitation, I dropped to my knees and vomited. My entire body convulsed as I dry-heaved repeatedly, but there was nothing in my stomach to throw up besides some nasty, liquidy gunk.
Remaining on my knees, I reached up for the cup sitting beside the sink and filled it with water. After gulping it down, I pulled off my clothes and somehow dragged my limp body into the bathtub. I turned on the water, plugged the drain, and laid back. Breathing deeply in and out, I tried to relax as the lukewarm water filled around my body. My heart raced and sweat dripped down the side of my face even though I was submerged in water that was just this side of warm.
I remained in the tub until the water turned cold. Chill bumps covered my body and my fingers and toes looked like prunes, but at least I no longer felt like I was going to pass out. I figured it’d be in my best interest to get out now in case my insides went to war again.
Slowly, I sat up and grabbed onto the sides of the tub, and tried to lift myself out but didn’t get very far. Failing miserably, my pitiful body splashed back down into the water. After a few minutes and a firm you-can-do-this talking-to, I’d constructed a new plan and was determined to get the hell out of the bathtub even if it killed me.
Again I sat up, but this time, I turned on my side and latched both of my hands onto the same side of the tub to use for support as I made it to my knees. When I’d successfully made it halfway up, a weak smile spread across my face. It was the first time I’d felt a semblance of anything positive in days, but it was just enough to push me toward my goal. Finally both of my feet were planted on the fluffy bathmat. I couldn’t remember a time I’d worked so hard at anything.
Painstakingly slow, I dried off, pulled my hair back in a messy bun, and brushed my teeth. I needed food and more water. It was the only way I’d get some energy back. That had to be the explanation for my weakened state. Werewolves may not get sick, but apparently, they can dehydrate and starve to death. As I tried to remember the last time I’d actually eaten, I looked in the mirror and decided that two days in bed, broken hearted and guilt stricken, did not look good on me. I’d been beating myself up for forty-eight hours straight, and it showed. Dark circles were under my puffy, red-rimmed eyes, and for the first time in my life, I was pale. Like vampire pale. I turned away from the mirror, more disgusted with myself than with my appearance, and headed to my room.
I grabbed the nearest sweats I could find, dressed, and headed for the stairs. Just the sight of them made me want to cry. I could hardly get out of the bathtub. How the hell was I supposed to make it down the stairs? My shaky legs decided that I could do this before my brain agreed, and I wasn’t even halfway down before my head was spinning again. I almost gave in and sat down, but I reminded myself that everything would be fine if I could just get something to eat.
One step at a time, I made it to the kitchen. I grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge, a banana from the counter, and some crackers from the pantry. I headed toward the table but decided that some fresh air might do me some good. My feet felt heavy as I trudged out to the back porch, but when I opened the door and the cold air hit my face, I’d never been more thankful to be outside.
My body flopped down into the nearest chair, and I let out a huge huff. I opened the water and gulped down half the bottle before I began nibbling on the crackers. I closed my eyes, waiting for the moment I’d spontaneously feel better, but Luke’s tormented face filled my mind instead.
It was the same vision that had plagued my thoughts and dreams since I’d admitted my part in my pack’s plan.
I didn’t know how my heart, which had been shredded into a million pieces, still managed to beat inside my chest. I was broken, completely crippled, and my never-ending supply of tears filled my eyes again. I hated myself for hurting him. Hated myself for betraying the only guy I’d ever loved. Nothing would ever be able to change that. I’d fucked up, and now I had to live with it. But that wasn’t what killed me the most. It was the fact that Luke had to live with it too. And for that, I’d never forgive myself.
The sound of the back door opening startled me, but I didn’t turn around. There was only one face I wanted to see and where my body might have been failing me, my sense of smell was not. I sat the crackers down on the table and asked, “Oh joy, you’re back. What do
you want, Drew?”
I heard his footsteps and then felt his body directly behind me. He leaned down until his lips grazed my ear and the warmth of his breath mixed with his clean, earthy scent triggered my stomach to churn once again. I felt his fingers in my hair and cringed. As he gently pulled my bun loose, he whispered, “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, you pathetic little whore?”
As if his words could somehow singe my skin, I flinched, but his hand immediately wrapped itself around the back of my neck to hold me in place. His hushed tones grew louder and harsher as he continued. “Did you hear me, you stupid bitch? What are you doing here looking like shit instead of with Luke? Why isn’t he following you around like your little lap-dog? What the hell is going on and why do you look like you haven’t slept in days?”
When I didn’t answer, he forcefully shoved my head away and began to pace back and forth. “You better start talking, Scarlett! You better not have screwed this up! Do you hear me? I know for a fact that something is up.” I sunk down in the chair, covered my face with my hands, and began to weep. It was the last thing I wanted to do, but I couldn’t control it, and I knew it would only serve to piss Drew off even more.
Drew stopped pacing, and even though I couldn’t see him, I could feel him standing in front of me. Fear crept up my spine, and I knew right then that this wasn’t going to end well. “I saw Cade and Gage sneaking around our pack’s property. Why the hell were they there, Scarlett?”
My head shot up upon hearing those words. “What?” tumbled out of my mouth as a mixture of shock and terror swallowed me whole.
Drew’s eyes narrowed and a tick started in his jaw. “You didn’t! Tell me you didn’t tell that piece of shit the truth! Tell me you didn’t ruin everything!” he raged.
I covered my face with my hands again, fearing he’d be able to discern the truth in my eyes.
His hands gripped my wrists tightly as he pulled my hands away from my face. I opened my eyes to find Drew’s face only inches away from my own. Seething with rage, his venomous eyes stared into mine as he awaited my response. His grip tightened and I tried to pull away. He wasn’t letting go.
I shook my head back and forth and finally found my voice. My fear for myself turned to fear for Luke and what Drew might do if he suspected that Luke knew the truth. My voice sounded strong even if my body did not as I shouted, “Back the fuck up off of me, Drew! I didn’t say a damn word. They know nothing! Now let go of me before you regret it!”
I’d barely finished my sentence before Drew yanked me up out of the chair by my throbbing wrists and pulled me toward him. His lips were only millimeters away from my own. “What are you going to do, Scarlett? How the hell do you plan to make me regret it? Because I can think of a few ways to make you regret whatever it is you may have done. One of which involves me bending you over that railing and-—”
Before he’d finished his sentence, before I’d considered the consequences, I’d done it. I spit in his face. Spit in my future alpha’s face! Drew forcefully shoved me away, and I stumbled back but managed to stay on two feet. In the state my weakened body was in, it was a wonder I didn’t fall to the ground.
I looked back up at Drew just in time to see the back of his hand flying toward my face as he growled, “You fucking bitch!” When he hit me my body flew back and I landed on the ground.
I lay there for a moment in a crumpled heap before I glanced up to see the storm raging in Drew’s eyes as he stalked toward me.
Outright panic tore through my limp body as I inched backward in some pathetic version of a crab walk. Drew could have caught up with me easily, but he slowly prowled my way, his rage-filled eyes tormenting me with each step as if this was all a game to him. I had to get out of there. I was no fool. My chances were slim, and I was easy prey, but I had to try.
I turned over and was back on my feet with surprising ease considering how I bad I felt. Without looking back, I took off running through the trees, shifting form in mid-stride. I’d managed to make it into the thick brush, but a hellacious howl warned me that Drew wasn’t far behind. My heart raced as I considered my options. I couldn’t out-run him, definitely couldn’t out-fight him, so my only option was to out-smart him.
Spotting a thickly wooded area ahead off to the left, I took a sharp turn but stumbled a bit on some loose branches. I’d regained my footing quickly, but not before razor-sharp teeth clinched down around my hind leg. What could only be described as a shriek escaped my mouth as Drew’s fangs sank straight down to the bone, latched on, and didn’t let go.
My entire body jerked back all at once as I collapsed to the ground, but it was no longer the bite causing my pain. I managed to lift my head enough to see a thick branch deeply lodged into my thigh. Blood poured from the entry wound, and I knew I needed to get it out so that I could heal. Otherwise, I’d bleed to death.
My heavy head fell back to the ground as a dark shadow cover me. I looked up at what would most likely be the last thing I’d ever see. My blood dripped from Drew’s muzzle as he snarled. I couldn’t watch. There was murder in his eyes, and I knew this was the end. Slowly, my eyes closed.
The last thing I remembered was Drew’s hot breath on my face as his strong jaw wrapped around my neck as I silently prayed that one day Luke would forgive me.
CHAPTER 51
Luke
I couldn’t remember the last time I laid around all day and did absolutely nothing. I mean I literally didn’t do anything, except feel sorry for myself and check my phone every five minutes for an update from Cade. Yesterday morning, Cade and Gage took off for Crescent Hills to see if they could find any sign of my father or information regarding the impending attack of our pack.
I demanded that they let me go with them, but Cade insisted that I stay here, claiming I was too “emotionally invested” to not do something stupid. Asshole. After Gage and Aiden had to physically restrain me from beating the shit out of Cade, I finally relented. Cade was right. I’d likely jeopardize the mission the second I saw anything suspicious. So I was left here for Aiden to babysit, though he thankfully chose to stay out of my hair 99 percent of the time.
After Cade’s last text, which said they were heading back and had come up empty, I had pretty much given up hope of ever seeing my father again.
The pain in my chest from Scarlett’s betrayal had only been getting worse as each minute passed. I’d never thought in a million years that it would be her who broke my heart. I was so worried about hurting her, about doing something that would cause her to hate me that I never stopped to consider that she had the power to do the same to me.
I’d only made it downstairs once all day today. My mouth felt like sandpaper, and I desperately needed a bottle of water from the kitchen, maybe two. Otherwise, I would have stayed put. I didn’t know why, but I just felt tired and weak and had no interest in getting up, especially since there was nothing I could do to help find my father. Maybe this was what depression felt like. I would have stayed downstairs if there was still a couch down there to lie on. It took all the strength I had to walk back up all those stairs. I didn’t remember making it back to the couch in the TV room, but somehow, I must have because I woke up there a while later when the doorbell rang.
I waited for a while to see if whoever it was would just go away, but no such luck. If the incessant ringing was any indication, the person outside was obviously growing more and more impatient. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself up and let my feet fall to the floor. A weird wave of dizziness flowed through me as I stood up, and I had to sit back down and lower my head to my hands.
“Luke? You up there, man?” Aiden yelled. Apparently he just decided to let himself in. I could have sworn I’d locked the door, but it didn’t matter how he got in. At least I didn’t have to make it all the way down the stairs again.
“I’m upstairs,” I called out. As soon as I lifted my head, an unfamiliar feeling rolled through my gut, and I felt as though I may throw up.
> When Cade and Aiden turned the corner, I tried my best to appear normal.
“You look like shit,” Cade announced as soon as he saw me. So much for looking normal.
In response, I just huffed and then tried to lie down and turn over to get comfortable, but my body didn’t want to cooperate. I ended up on flat on my back after letting loose a series of moans and groans.
Then I noticed Cade and Aiden exchanging a couple of looks that I didn’t understand, and it pissed me off that they were leaving me out of their silent conversation. “What? Just say it.”
“Say what?” Aiden asked, playing stupid.
“Whatever you guys are talking about with your eyes,” I said.
Aiden smiled, but he pretty much always smiled. Cade, on the other hand, looked grim, even more grim than usual. I didn’t like that. It made me feel like things were about to get worse and really, how the hell could things get worse?
“You realize what’s wrong with you, don’t you?” Aiden asked as he plopped down in a chair.
I looked back and forth between Aiden and Cade as the realization struck me. It can’t be true. No way! We can’t be.
“Breathe, Luke,” Cade demanded. I automatically obeyed and filled my lungs with air but instantly started choking on it. Cade reached down and pulled me up by my arm. Sitting up, I was able to catch my breath, but my head kept spinning.
“This can’t be happening?” I mumbled.
Aiden shrugged. “You feel sick?”
“You haven’t had any contact with Scarlett for a few days, right?” Cade asked.
I nodded in answer to both questions. Cade sighed as he sat on the other end of the sofa and said, “It seems so, but there is only one way to know for sure. You have to go see her. If you feel better just being near her, then I’d say you found your mate.”