Chapter 49
I’m feeling tense after my time with Shawn. I need to act fast and tell Kessler about my uncle’s agenda. I can’t just sit quietly and watch everything burn to the ground because I chose to fold my hands and do nothing.
My situation and Shawn’s are alike. He has my mother, and he has Shawn’s father. Despite still having doubts about my mum being held captive, contrary to what I saw at the park, her visit to me at Croftwood Pack sparked more suspicion.
I learned that things turned upheaval after my father’s death and that my uncle ruled with an iron fist. I wasn’t there to witness it because I was sold to Alpha Tristan to pay off a debt. But being Kessler’s mate has its advantages.
I’m determined to use my mate card to uncover the truth about my father’s death and my uncle’s nefarious activities.
I returned to my room, noticing Cara’s absence. I knew she was in safe hands with Zach; he had been through a lot, and finding his mate was something he craved. Now that he had found her, I didn’t think he would let her go easily.
Cara walked into the room while I was there, and I smirked knowingly as she glanced at me, her cheek tainted with red.
“Don’t give me that look, Lyra,” she said.
With an innocent pout, I asked, “What look?”NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.
“That one you’re giving me right now.”
“Okay, I’ll try,” I said, stifling a smile.
Cara chuckled, seeing through my attempt to hide my amusement. “You’re terrible at hiding your expressions, Lyra,” she teased.
“How is it, I ask? Have you both done the deed?” My mischievous grin widens as I tease.
“Oh, Lyra, you are so spoiled,” She replied with a laugh.
“Like you have not imagined it,” I retorted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
“Oh, Lyra, please,” she pleads, holding the pillow close to her chest and blushing even harder.
“So if you hadn’t brought me here, I would have stayed all my life at Croftwood Park and missed my mate. Zach is just so…” Cara paused, searching for the right words, “sweet, loving, caring. He doesn’t want me to leave his sight.”
“I’m happy for you, dear,” I responded, genuinely pleased for her. “As much as I’d love to chat with you, I have an important matter to discuss with Kessler.”
“Oh, Kessler,” Cara murmurs with a knowing smile.
“Dead that thought, nothing is happening between us,” I insist, my tone firm. “I can’t explain it; it’s complicated.
I can’t bring myself to tell anyone that Annie is pregnant with Kessler.”
“See you later, Lyra,” She said, respecting my boundaries.
Leaving Cara behind, I make my way to Kessler’s office. I hadn’t been there before, but Julie had described where I could find it.
I walked through the corridors of the packhouse until I reached my destination. Taking my time to familiarize myself with the environment, my heightened sense of hearing picked up the fact that he was alone in the room.
I gave a soft knock twice, and then I opened the door, announcing my presence without intruding.
I stepped into the room, and my breath hitched in my throat as Sasha purred, basking in our mate’s scent.
He was seated behind his mahogany desk, his office enormous and impeccably organized. Everything fit in perfectly, and from his office window, you could see the breathtaking view of the city.
He wears a white shirt, and two of his top buttons are open. I take a quick look at his chest and hurriedly take my eyes off it so he won’t see me checking him out.
He is surprised to see me as he roams his eyes all around me, and I feel self-conscious.
Our eyes both lock, and we say nothing. I’m nervous as hell.
Despite my nerves, I try to maintain composure as I meet Kessler’s gaze. His eyes, deep and penetrating, seem to search for something within me. I swallow hard, willing myself to speak.
“Hmmm, sorry, I can come back if you’re busy,” I offer, feeling a pang of uncertainty.
He hurriedly stands up, walking to me in a long stride. “No,” he says, moving closer as he guides me to a seat, his hand resting on my back.
Sparkling tingles rush through my veins, and I have to stiffen my thigh to still the ache in my core.
As he stands close to me, my heart pounds in my chest, and I struggle to maintain my focus on the matter at hand.
“Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper as I try to steady my racing thoughts.
“What can I offer you?” he asks.
“Oh, nothing, thanks. I’m fine,” I reply, trying to keep my nerves in check.
“How was your time with Shawn? Anything you would like me to know?” he inquires, his gaze steady and attentive.
“One of the reasons I’m here,” I responded.
“Okay, I’m listening,” he says, folding his arms as he looks at me intently.
“Jack needs to be investigated,” I assert, meeting his gaze.
He raises an eyebrow. “Why?”
“He is responsible for the last attack,” I reveal, bracing myself for his reaction.
“Fuck,” Kessler mutters, “that bastard. How dare he?” He clenches his fists, his anger beyond measure. “I’m sure we’ll break his bones next time I set my eyes on him.”
“Shawn needs your protection,” I interjected. “His father was held captive, and he was forced to fight, but purposely stayed back so he could be captured with the hope that you would help.”
He doesn’t look surprised by the information I have just given out. I look at him, trying to depict any emotions, and then he hits me. He was eavesdropping on our conversation.
He made an excuse for eavesdropping. ‘Don’t blame me,’ he says, ‘I couldn’t just leave you with him without taking precautions.’ He was part of the rogue attack, and I could trust him.”
“How much did you hear?” I ask cautiously.
“Everything except the last part,” Kessler replies.
“Are you going to help him?”
“I’ll have to talk with Zach about it,” he responds.
His eyes turn glossy, and then Zach walks in. I guess he was close by.
I turn my face to look at him, and when he sees me, he pauses his steps, wondering what’s happening.
“Oh, my two favorite people. Good to know you’re getting along,” Zach says, slumping on the couch.
Kessler softly growls at Zach while I manage a smile.
Kessler downplayed everything I said to Zach. He listened intently, and once he was done, I continued.
“But here’s the catch,” I continue, feeling the weight of the revelation. “Jack took over the role of an alpha after my father’s death. He’s devious and power-drunk. What if he planned it all along so he could gain power, and no one would suspect he had a hand in my father’s death?”
They both look at me with keen interest, like there’s a sense of possibility in what I’ve said, a realization dawning on both of them.
“And your father’s death has to do with Cassie’s death.”