End of Lies

by Sara Dailey

  “Yeah, I guess. Why? What are you thinking?”

  “Okay, so who else in your pack would you say is like Jake? You know, probably seventeen to twenty-five years old, defiant, guys who wouldn’t just sit back and let all this happen. Maybe they are targeting guys like Jake. Keeping a close eye on certain people? It would make sense. I mean not everyone is going to follow the rules, right?”

  “Oh my God. You really are brilliant. Okay so, let me think. Definitely Gage, Ryder, and Sammy. Some of the older guys who are friends with Jake, like Dane, Vince, Logan, and Nick. Let’s go back and look at some of their houses and see if the CH guards did double checks on them.”

  Sure enough, Gavin was right. His pack was profiling certain members of our pack and trying to catch them breaking the rules. Obviously, it worked out in their favor with Jake, and now everyone was probably scared shitless. The Crescent Hills Pack had us right where they wanted us.

  A thought suddenly occurred to me, and it was one I was quite sure Gavin wasn’t going to want to hear, but in my mind, it was a good thing. I just needed to find a way to convince Mr. Pessimistic. I turned my body toward Gavin, placing my knees between his, and grabbed one of his hands, holding it between both of mine. I leaned in and said, “Listen, I know you don’t want to hear this, but maybe this is a good thing. They are targeting guys. And I still need to get Teagan out of here. They aren’t watching me.”

  Gavin started to interrupt me, but I cut him off. “Before you try to convince me that this is a horrible idea, just hear me out. We’ll look at more footage. See if they’ve been watching me or the Wrights’ house or any of the other girls. I’ll be careful. I have to do this, Gavin.”

  With his free hand, Gavin pulled me into his lap and then wrapped his arms around me. “I don’t want you to do this. I could go. They don’t even know I’m here.”

  Snuggling into the crook of his neck I sighed. “You wouldn’t have the first clue where to go.”

  “You can tell Shari at rec tomorrow what’s going on. She could go. I could meet her and help her,” he suggested, but his voice betrayed him. He knew as well as I did that it was a stupid idea.

  I looked up at him and let out a small laugh. He poked me in the side and said, “This is not funny, Cami.” But he was laughing too before he even finished his sentence.

  “I know you don’t want me to go, and as much as I love Shari, the girl would get lost in a walk-in closet. There is no way she could pull this off. I have to do this, Gavin. I know you’re worried, but I’ll be careful. I promise.”

  His laughter died and his eyes darkened. “I know. I just don’t want to let you go.” Before I could respond, his lips collided with mine. His kiss was hard and demanding and full of need. His tongue swept across my bottom lip, and my mouth opened to invite him in. I wanted him. All of him. I didn’t want to let him go either. Not when I’d only just found him.

  CHAPTER 23

  Gavin

  I wanted to drag Cami back into the bedroom and continue what we had started earlier, but I didn’t want our first time together to be tainted by the memory of my father’s brutality. Instead, I handed Cami my phone so that she could call Cade and get her plan moving. As much as I didn’t want Cami to put herself in danger, I understood her need to do something to help.

  “Thanks, Gavin,” Cami said as she took the phone, and I knew that she was thanking me for more than just the phone. She took the phone over to the loveseat and sat down to make her call. I followed her over and lifted her legs onto my lap.

  I listened as Cami replayed the day’s horrific events to Cade, and although I wasn’t trying to listen in, I could hear Cade’s outrage. Mindlessly, I traced my fingers along Cami’s outstretched legs. Cami was so sure of herself and her ability to get Teagan off the estate unnoticed, but I wasn’t convinced. I wanted to believe her. I wanted to trust that she could do what she claimed she could, but after seeing Jake nearly beaten to death and left strung up on a tree to suffer, I wanted so badly to beg her not to risk it.

  I knew that Teagan needed to get to Aiden. And I knew that as a human, she would never be able to do it alone. What I didn’t understand was why Cami had to be the one to get her there. Cami didn’t owe Teagan or Aiden anything. As far as I could tell, they weren’t even that close. If they were related or best friends even, maybe I could understand, but they’re not, and Cami’s putting her life at risk to help them. I just didn’t get it. Maybe I’m just an asshole or very un-martyr-like or whatever, but dammit, why Cami?

  I wasn’t sure if I could stay here and just watch. I knew I would go crazy waiting for her to return. Cami was supposed to get word to Teagan that she should be ready to leave tomorrow night. So soon? My stomach clenched at the thought of Cami leaving.

  “Oww!” Cami whispered as she kicked her legs free. It was only then that I realized I had been squeezing the life out of her poor calf.

  “Shit! Sorry!” I muttered. Moving to get off the couch, I leaned over and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. I needed to get a damn grip. If Cami was determined to go through with this plan, the last thing I wanted to do was fight with her.

  As Cami finished going over the details with Cade, I grabbed a soda from the small refrigerator and stood in the kitchenette. I didn’t want to hear anymore. I tried not to think about what would happen if she did get caught, but I couldn’t help it. I certainly wouldn’t be able to stay in this damn room and hide anymore. It was taking every ounce of willpower within me to do it now. If something happened to Cami, I would fight. I would fight my own pack, my own friends, and my own father if it meant keeping Cami safe.

  “You okay?” Cami asked. I was so lost in my own head that I didn’t even see her walking my way. Cami grabbed my soda and took a sip before placing it on the counter behind me.

  “I will be all right,” she reassured me. “Gavin, I can do this.”

  Taking her hands in mine, I took a deep cleansing breath and said, “I know you can.”

  That was all Cami needed to hear, I guess, because she wrapped her arms around me. We stood holding on to each other for a moment before she pulled away. “It’s getting late. I’d better go and get some sleep.”

  “I wish you could stay with me,” I blurted out before I thought about what I was saying. I meant it, but I knew that Cami staying here wasn’t safe, and I didn’t want to pressure her into sleeping with me.

  “I wish I could stay too,” she admitted, looking into my eyes and giving me a naughty little wink. “How about I go get ready for bed, and then I’ll come back down for a while.”

  “I have a better idea. Sleep in your parents’ room tonight.”

  “Gross! We are not messing around in my parents’ bed,” Cami replied with playful grin.

  I pulled her to me and whispered in her ear, “I just want to hold you. Let me hold you until you fall asleep and then I will come back in here. Just for tonight.”

  “You promise me that you will come back in here once I fall asleep?” she asked.

  “Promise.”

  *****

  I listened as Cami’s breathing became deep and even. When her arm that was wrapped around my chest relaxed, I knew she was sound asleep. It was time for me to leave, but I stayed awhile longer. The thought crossed my mind that this might be the only night I ever got to spend with Cami, but I tried to push it aside. Those thoughts wouldn’t do me any good, and they certainly wouldn’t make the next twenty-four hours any easier. I felt myself drifting into the warmth of her body, so before I did something stupid, like fall asleep, I kissed Cami’s temple and eased out of the bed.

  I looked down at Cami sleeping so soundly and made a silent vow. I would do anything in my power to make this girl mine and keep her safe. Anything.

  CHAPTER 24

  Kendall

  The next day, at Red Ridge’s scheduled rec time, I decided to sneak away from the house Drew practically had me locked away in and head over to see if I could catch Becca and Shari. I neede
d to try to gauge how they were handling what went down with Jake yesterday.

  Thankfully, Nathaniel finally allowed his men to untie Jake from the tree this morning, but they had left him hanging there all night as a “reminder” to anyone tempted to disobey the new alpha’s orders. And I thought Marcus was a douche bag. Nathaniel Barnes was an evil bastard, through and through.

  Unfortunately, I was starting to realize that his son wasn’t much better. Gavin had tried to warn me, but when I first came to Crescent Hills, I was so focused on clawing my way to the top that nothing else mattered. Drew was hot, and he wanted me. That was all that mattered. Sure, he was an asshole, but if I wanted to be the alpha female that was the price I had to pay.

  It is the price I have to pay.

  The only good news I’d been given since I’d gotten here was that my friend Natalie was coming to the estate today. She wasn’t even really my friend. We were more like frenemies, but whatever. At least she would be someone to talk to even if she was a total bitch. Her father was the Crescent Hills accountant, so I could only guess that our pack was making progress on the financial end of things. Maybe the “merger” wouldn’t take as long as I thought.

  On my way toward the rec area, I pulled out my phone. Of course, no missed calls, no messages, no texts, nothing. I may have a new pack, but I’d never been more alone. Needing to know that someone out there gave a shit, I started typing out a text to Gavin when I ran smack dab into someone.

  I stumbled back a few steps and looked up to find none other than the little, bleach-blonde domestic, Teagan Rhodes. Her eyes shot open in shock and probably fear, and I couldn’t help but laugh. She tried to walk around me, but I stepped into her path. “Well, if it isn’t Red Ridge’s very own domesticated pet. Bet you’re wishing you didn’t get wrapped up with this whole werewolf bullshit now, huh Meagan?”

  “It’s Teagan.”

  Again, she attempted to move around me, but she wasn’t getting away quite so easily. “Oh right. Teagan.” Just to be a bitch, I sniffed her and scrunched up my nose. “Sorry to hear about Aiden. That’s so sad and all. I guess there’s no reason for you to be sticking around once the Red Ridge members are given the option to leave, so you might as well pack your bags. Obviously, you won’t be allowed to stay here. Crescent Hills doesn’t do the whole domestic thing.”

  She looked up at me with glassy eyes, and I could tell that I’d gotten to her. But then she straightened her posture a bit, tossed those damn blonde locks over her shoulder, and said, “Hey thanks, Kendall. Good talk.” Then, instead of trying to walk around me, she turned around completely and headed in the opposite direction. Unbelievable!

  I tried to ignore her perfectly perky ass as I followed behind her to the rec area. Realizing my phone was still in my hand, I looked down at the half-written text and decided to erase it. In truth, it would just make me feel worse. I’d tell Gavin that I missed him, and he wouldn’t say it back. He never did.

  Seeing Becca and Shari up ahead caused my heart to race. Jeez, my emotions were all over the damn place today! When had I ever been nervous about seeing these girls? Never! That’s when! I needed to get a damn grip.

  Before they had a chance to notice me, I shoved my poor-pitiful-me attitude deep down inside and replaced it with a confident smile and made sure my shoulders were back and my head was held high. I was Kendall Stuart, dammit, and these bitches needed to remember it!

  When I was a few feet away, they both turned my way as if they somehow sensed I was coming. Of course they smiled, but Shari’s stupid grin seemed forced. Shocker! Refusing to let my own smile falter, I didn’t let my old friend’s pathetic attempt to pretend to be happy to see me faze me.

  As I approached, I said, “Hey, girls! I’ve missed you two! Kisses!” Then I hugged and kissed them both on the cheek just like I used to.

  While Shari seemed more than aware of all the stares I was receiving from people from my former pack, Becca was oblivious to it all as she gushed, “Oh my gosh, Kendall. You look great. I’m so glad you’re here!”

  I really did want to say something about Jake, tell them how sorry I was or whatever, but I didn’t have a clue how to go about it, so I figured it was easier to just act like the whole thing never happened and hope that one of them didn’t bring it up either. I opted to tell them about Natalie instead.

  “Oh thanks, honey. You know I’d be hanging around more if I could. I’ve just been so busy.” Yeah right! “I just wanted to stop by and tell you guys that my friend Natalie is coming to the estate today. You’re going to love her! She will fit right in with us once this all blows over. Her dad’s the CH accountant, so I guess he’s coming up to work on the financial end of things. I can’t wait for you to meet her!”

  I looked over at Shari, and her fake smile was still plastered across her sweet, little face. Whoever told her she was a good actress was full of shit. When I didn’t look away, I guess she finally decided she should say something. “Oh, that’s great, Kendall. We can’t wait to meet her. I guess you’ll have to bring her down to rec time tomorrow or something since…well, you know, we’re kind of being held hostage at the moment.”

  Sugary-sweet venom dripped from her voice as she patted me on the hand and smiled.

  Okay, maybe the bitch can act.

  Well, that’s it. And here I was being nice…Maybe I shouldn’t mention that Ryder’s mother, Red Ridge’s accountant, was going to end up in the jail cell as soon as Natalie’s dad arrived, for the safety of the merger and all. Or maybe I should. I bet that little tidbit of information would wipe that fucking smirk off Shari’s pretty face. Screw her!

  Ignoring Shari completely, I turned to the only Red Ridge friend I knew I could count on. “Hey, Becca, maybe you can come over later and meet Natalie. I bet you two would really hit it off.”

  CHAPTER 25

  Cami

  As soon as I saw Teagan sitting under a tree, I knew something was up. She looked shaken, like something bad had happened. As I made my way over to her, I followed her gaze over to a picnic table several feet away, and I immediately knew the cause of the downtrodden look of her face. Kendall Avery Stuart.

  What the hell was she doing here during Red Ridge’s rec time? The ho-bag from hell had the nerve to hang around and chat it up with Becca and Shari, just like the good ol’ days. Seriously?

  “So what did she do?” I asked as I squatted down in front of Teagan.

  She looked up at me and let out a small chuckle. “How’d you guess?”

  I sat down next to her and glanced around to make sure so no one was within earshot. “We’ll call it a hunch. Spill.”

  “Just Kendall being Kendall. I was on my way to find you and ran into her…literally. She offered her condolences about Aiden. Let’s just say, it was extremely heartfelt.”

  Jeez, that girl was a piece of work. Hate didn’t begin to describe how I felt about Kendall. “You know she’s not worth getting upset about, right? Besides, we don’t have much time, and we need to talk.”

  Teagan’s eyes lit up as she said, “I know. That’s why I was coming to find you. I have to know how Aiden’s doing. It’s driving me crazy. I miss him so much.”

  “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, but we need to talk to Lilly and Paul too.” I looked around and spotted them nearby. Before I said another word, Teagan was up and headed that way, so I followed her lead.

  Lilly and Paul said polite hellos as we approached, and we waited a moment for the CH guards to pass. As soon as the coast was clear, I said, “I talked to Cade, and Aiden is getting pretty sick because he is away from Teagan. I told them that I’d sneak her out of here tonight, so she needs to be ready. They are going to meet me right outside of the estate. I’m sure I can get in and out without being seen, but they are going to realize she is gone, and I’m sure there will be consequences.”

  Paul and Lilly began to speak at the same time, but Lilly let Paul go first. “Are you sure you can do this, Cami?”
<
br />   “Yeah. I wouldn’t put Teagan in danger if I didn’t. There’s always a chance something could go wrong, but I’m pretty confident we can do this.”

  “Then we’ll do whatever it takes for Aiden and Teagan to be together. Lilly and I will just have to face whatever consequences these bastards have for us. We can’t let Aiden suffer.”

  Paul turned to his wife, and she nodded her head. “Yes, we’ll handle Crescent Hills in the morning. Just get Teagan to Aiden. Thank you, Cami. We can’t thank you enough for doing this for our family.”

  *****

  For the rest of the evening, Gavin and I watched the cameras like hawks, neither one of us wanting to say what was really on our minds. Gavin had been distant all day, and I knew it was because he was worried, but it was killing me. I wanted nothing more than for him to grab me and kiss me until my knees buckled, to run his hands over every inch of my body while his lips followed, to make me forget about all of the worries rolling around in my head. But instead, he just sat there in front of the surveillance screens, shifting from camera view to camera view and not saying much of anything.

  When it was almost time to leave, I got up and left the room to get ready without saying a word to Gavin. After I threw on a sports bra, a long-sleeved shirt, a thick hoodie, and fleece-lined pants, I pulled my hair into a high ponytail. I forced down a banana and chugged some water. Then I looked at the clock.

  I walked back into the safe room, and Gavin was standing right inside the door waiting for me. “Is it time?”

  His dark eyes were so full of anguish that it made me want to curl up his arms and forget the whole thing, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to do this. “Yeah, it’s time. I promise I’ll be fine, and I won’t be gone long. They should be waiting right outside of the estate.”

  He took a step toward me, reached out, and pulled me into his embrace. My body molded into his, and as I laid my head against his chest, I could feel his heart pounding a mile a minute. He ran his hand down my back and whispered, “Please be careful.”