Chapter 100
My phone dings with a text. It’s Adam.
You need to start treatments.
Actually, I don’t. And I’m not entirely sure I can. Aaron has a right to know. He is the father of our child
and even though it is my body, I still feel obligated to tell him.
When I’m ready.
I think about Aaron’s last threat about ‘lying to him’ – because
I definitely am. About my prognosis, about my pregnancy.
About my feelings for him.
Leah. You need to listen to me.
It’s Adam. Again. And I’m not real keen on the timing of Adam’s text. This is still my Coronation
ceremony. Pretty poor timing on his behalf, if you ask me. And I’m definitely not okay with his tone. I
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtdon’t ‘have’ to do anything or listen to anyone.
I change into a different black outfit. Sleek fitted pants with a black silk top. There had been a jewelry
box in Aaron’s initial ‘gift’ delivery. And while he’d never bothered with birthday or
holiday presents, he may have been saving up, because that jewelry box is stacked with diamond
earrings, tennis bracelets, emeralds, rubies and platinum necklaces.
I keep it simple with diamond earrings and avoid anything
around my neck.
In the event of another attack, why give someone something
to grab?
Heels aren’t the most practical choice either, if I’m trying to be able to defend myself. But I can kick out
of those quickly
enough.
I descend the stairs and continue to work the party.
Wolves are dancing. In the main pack hall, older couples twirl around the floor and it’s a sight to see.
Their faces are weathered and even Mrs. McHenry, who is in her upper 80s, is gliding around the room
with a young man, one of her grandkids maybe. Fathers hold their daughters’ hands and a group of
moms are playing with toddlers on a new rug in the corner of the room.
It should always be like this.
Carving the time and space to welcome friends and family.
It’s what a pack is all about.
On its most basic level, it’s food, shelter, protection. But really it’s loyalty and support and absolute
acceptance.
Family. Love.
I don’t see Aaron and I assume he’s outside with his own men, drinking and maybe hanging out with
the younger people and partying. Although I can’t say that was ever really his scene.
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Everyone seems occupied.
So after making one more round, both inside and out, smiling until my face hurts and memorizing
names and faces, I take the opportunity to go back upstairs. Only this time toward the other wing of the
house.
If Selene or the other women are in my father’s room, this time. I’m going to politely ask them to leave.
This is their house too, but there are a dozen other suites.
The door to my father’s bedroom is locked.
I wait for an upswell in the music and kick the handle. It takes several well-placed kicks to snap the
lock-and legit, heels are not the best choice for a break-in-and once the latch breaks from the frame, I
let the door swing open.
I go inside and think where would my dad hide something, if it
was information he wanted only me to see.
I look to the corner of his bedroom to the sitting area across
from the fireplace. There on the mantel are books. Stacks and
stacks of books. They’re covered with dust.
And just waiting for me…