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~ QUADE ~After trying to get out of Nikita where she’s hidden the sapphire that she stole from me, I leave her there. She won’t last. She’s never been on the receiving end of my true fury and this time she will have that honour. I’ll break her slowly and she will break.I clean my hands with a cloth before I walk up the steps and unlock the door leading into my castle.Time to go see Layla. I know she’s angry and I’ve given her enough time to cool down, or maybe made it worse. We’ll see. It’s been a hectic few days, and I had a lot to do, what with the Blood Moon, Nikita, Logan, and of course, above all, I haven't been around Reagon. And Reagon… There’s no sign of him, although I know he isn’t far. He can’t be.One glance down tells me I need to shower first.Once I have showered and pulled on some sweatpants, I walk down the hall to her bedroom. I know she’s awake. The light seeps out from the bottom of the door, and I heard her pacing when I passed by earlier.I knock lightly, about
~ LAYLA ~I wake up suddenly, scanning the room. I’m sure I heard something. I push off my bedsheets and switch on the lamp, listening out for anything.Silence.My brows furrow. Maybe I imagined it…Running my fingers through my hair I sigh remembering the conversation with Quade before he left; a glance at the clock tells me that was about an hour ago. I switch off the lamp about to settle down again when I hear a door shut somewhere down the hall.Is Quade still awake? It was quiet, as if not wanting to disturb anyone. I can’t just turn around and go to sleep, my curiosity wondering what he’s up to getting the better of me.If I’m going to find answers, I will need to do some snooping. I lay there staring at the streaks of lights that pattern the white ceiling that seep through the cracks in the curtains.I hear a shout from outside and tense, it’s quickly stifled but… it is a woman’s voice. Unease grows within me and I get out of bed quickly, grabbing my glasses as I walk to the do
~ QUADE ~My heart skips a beat as I pick up on the racing heart of someone who is hurrying away.Fuck.There’s only one person who would react like that in this castle to seeing this and she is the last person I want to have witnessed this. I knock Nikita unconscious before I rush to the stairs. I don’t know what I’m going to say when I catch her or how I’m going to fix things.But for the first time, I don’t want someone to know the real me. I don’t want her to feel repulsed by the monster before her, because even if I am one, she’s the one person I can’t lose. Not this time.I hear the faint sound of a door opening and closing ever so quietly just as I reach the top of the second flight of stairs and make my way down the hallway to her room.I knock on the door, no answer.I raise an eyebrow, wiping my hands on my pants, but it does little to remove the blood that stains them. I knock again before I open it, hearing the tap running in the bathroom. The door stands slightly ajar. I q
~ LAYLA ~The following day, I decide to hit the training grounds where some of the guards are carrying out their morning training session.“Mind if I join?” I ask, watching two men fight rather violently. I just want to take the chance to find out where exactly Quade is right now because I have a plan, and the only way I can carry it out is if he isn’t around.All eyes turn on me, and the men hesitate, clearly not wanting to agree to anything without Quade’s permission.I smile sweetly. “Quade realised I was getting a bit bored and told me to join you all before he left this morning.”I know for a fact he’s out of mind-linking range. I heard that little fact earlier on when he had tried to speak to me and his phone had rung, interrupting his poor attempt.My words seem to make a few of them relax, whilst there are still a few others who still look uncertain.“He’s busy with work out of town, otherwise I would call him so you can all get your confirmation.” I bluff as I pick up one of
~ LAYLA ~An hour later, I’ve had some lunch that Nadia gives me, along with the pills that I don’t take. Is she really just determined to keep me fit and healthy or is there more behind it? We will see.After lunch, I decide to go check my phone.Once I enter that hall, I quickly pick up my phone and disappear back to the lounge, where I skim through the video.For the most part, it’s empty, but there are two times that guards enter that hallway, and one of the times the guard carries a small vial, heading to the locked door.My heart skips a beat, seeing him take out a key and unlock the door. I can’t see his face, as his back is to me, but when he comes back up, I recognise him as one of the men who had been at the training ground this morning.“Bingo…” I breathe.He didn’t participate in a match against me, but he had been watching. Now I just need to find him and somehow get that key… and I have a way, maybe not the most ideal of ways, but a way, nevertheless.Ten minutes later, I
~ LAYLA ~“What?” My head is spinning, eternal life?“And that is why Reagon too wants the same…” her voice is laboured.“He forgot to mention that part.” I can’t keep the bitterness from my voice, but I knew from the start I couldn’t trust him entirely.“Of course, it’s what they all want, and the only way to get it is by having you by their side…”“Why me?”“Because of whom you are, dear clueless Layla; so strong… so blinded… so in the dark…” She lets out a maniacal yet weak laugh and I frown slightly. “Everyone of the legendary Sapphire Pack contains a sapphire within them. How strong, that depends on your rank, lineage and blood. It is just as important to your body as a heart… There was a time people would kill members of the Sapphire Pack for their sapphires… the very reason behind the massacre of that pack…”I listen, trying to make sense of what she is going on about. Eternal life and sapphires sounded so… out of this world. But the pack was said to be special.“That sapphire h
~ Quade ~She’s not the same Layla I met at the ball, and I hate how it affects me. It shouldn’t. She was just meant to be part of the plan to attain something I’ve always wanted. But then why did every single gaze from her affect me? Why did every single time I’m not with her make me want to be with her?The longer I go without seeing her the more this incessant desire to see her grows. The more I realize that I am falling for someone I shouldn’t becomes ever clearer. Even if I care for her, it’s not a good idea.Even now as she tries to hide her annoyance from me, she’s perfection. The way her hair refuses to stay back from her face, the way she pushes up her glasses when she’s annoyed even when they don’t need to be pushed back. The way her lips purse and her eyebrow arches when she doesn’t like or believe what I just said.But what I long for is to see the smile on her face, hear the laugh, the playful flirting, the glint of desire when she looks me over. Everything that I feel I’m
~ QUADE ~(FLASHBACK)I drag Layla’s body from the ice water, the weight of hers and mine now combined, causing it to crack dangerously.“Tray!” I shout, as I reach down into the water for the one I considered a brother more than my blood.“The ice won’t hold all our weight,” he says, gripping onto my wrist as I try to pull him from the water with numb fingers.“It has to! I’m not leaving you down there. You’ll die!” I growl as I look around.“If you pull me out, we will all die.” He shudders. His lips are blue. “She needs medical attention. Take her to a doctor now.” His words are strained and weak. I’ve never heard it like that.“I’m not leaving you!” I snarl, looking at the girl who is lifeless and blue lying on the ice beside where I kneel.My stomach knots with apprehension. The pond is insanely large, deeper than most, and we are far too away from the edge.“You have to.”“Alright, wait, I’m going to go take her to the edge and then I’m coming back for you,” I say. “CAN ANYONE HE
~ LAYLA ~I swallow as I watch him make his way over to me, his cold eyes trained on mine, his face devoid of all emotions. The dim light casts sharp shadows across his face, only making him appear more ominous.His eyes trail over me and my stomach twists with nerves, realising in this position my night dress is not covering my panties and if it wasn’t for the gown I’m wearing, it wouldn’t be covering my ass either.I keep my eyes fixed on him as if looking away might make him snap and decide to tear me apart. He walks over to me until there is only a mere few inches between us, my breasts lightly crazing against him every time one of us breathes.There’s something wrong with me… I’m terrified, yet at the same time, my body seems to be extra sensitive to every brush or almost caress of his body against mine.“I really didn’t think you, of all people, would turn out to be such a conniving little snake.” His voice is cold and chilling as he glares into my eyes.“I learned from the best
~ LAYLA ~Silence.But even in that silence, I see the deadly shift in Quade’s eyes, the way his aura sends a chill through the room and… through me.If he orders me now, I won’t be able to win against him or his men. I have to act now!“She was dying, and her crime wasn’t that bad that she deserves death.” I don’t trust Nikita entirely, but I am not letting them kill her.I rip free from Eddie’s hold as I stride across the room to the shocked Nikita.“You know nothing of her crime,” Eddie says quietly.“Are you stupid?” Nikita hisses. “You’re as good as dead now, too.”I ignore her as I turn my attention back to Quade. My stomach twists at the unbridled rage on his face. I swallow.“Can I speak to my husband privately?” I ask the room, not wanting to anger him further. I’m already in boiling water.All eyes shift to Quade waiting for his command, the cold reminder that I am indeed alone in this place. Goddess, has Julian moved in yet? I wish he was here. I could use his help right ab
~ QUADE ~That was the wrong answer, even if it was the truth.Something in those gorgeous blues changes. It’s almost as if I can see right into her soul through them, see something shatter, and this is the very reason lying to her is better.“So, all along, what you really wanted wasn’t to help me because of who my father was but to bridge the pathway to the Sapphire Pack… Well, congratulations, you got what you wanted.” Her smile is forced. Once again, she’s putting up her walls before my very eyes. I can see it from the way she squares her shoulders, the smile becoming effortless, and she becomes the image of perfect control. But I had seen the real her, she had begun to lower her guard, and I saw behind the mask she has in place for the world.“Layla, I-”“It’s been an extremely long day; I think I’m going to get to bed. Excuse me.” She doesn’t wait for a reply as she turns away. I take hold of her wrist, and she stiffens.“Lay-”“A deal is a deal. I owe you nothing more. I. Am. T
~ LAYLA ~My ears ring as I try to focus, but my head is spinning too fast, only making the whistling intensify. He’s speaking, but I can only see his mouth moving, unable to make out the words leaving him.I had assumptions, but this was not it. It cannot be true!“No. It’s not true.” But why did the look in his eyes make me believe he was telling the truth? “Goddess…” I place a hand on my head, trying to steady myself, trying to pull away, but he refuses to let me go and I have no choice but to rest my head on his chest to collect my thoughts. And then I laugh.“Layla?” There’s concern in his voice, and I wonder if I sound borderline hysterical.“Really, Quade? Did you think I’d believe that?” I ask scornfully now looking up at him, my laughter coming to an abrupt end as I try to focus on my mind and body.“I’m not lying, I assure you of that. I made a promise to you, and I answered your question because I agree, enough is fucking enough.”I clench my jaw. “You named some random per
~ QUADE ~The wedding is over; the guests retreat once they have finished their dinner. Escorted by my men to the edge of the property, making sure no one lingers. The union is done, and the elders are stepping back from her pack’s business as I had demanded.This was what she wanted, and she has gotten it. The Jade Pack is hers and now I just hope she stays busy with pack business, so she doesn’t have too much extra time to interfere where she shouldn’t. But who am I kidding? I know her enough to know she isn’t the type to simply sit back though, especially with the questions I know she’s about to ask me. And I would bet on it that some won’t be easy to answer.But this is for the best, I do know that. Even Julian at one point thought it was too. I just hope it doesn’t break whatever this is between us before it even has a chance. But that all depends on the questions she asks.We enter my- our room and notice the changes. I had asked the staff to move her stuff in here and the room
~ QUADE ~She’s hot and cold, her emotions unpredictable, wearing them as a mask to keep what she’s hiding from me a secret. Why was she out here when she’s not even coming from the direction of the castle?Her heart is racing, and it is not from the kiss we shared outside. She’s acting normal, but I can’t really trust that. Tonight might just be the day we start digging up the past…She’s now talking to a few women, and I step back slowly drinking my champagne as I spot Julian brooding in the corner. If looks could kill. I smirk as his cold green eyes snap to mine, and he cocks a brow.I walk over to him and he looks away, motioning a waiter over and takes a glass from the tray.“What do you want?” he asks.I smirk. “I already have everything I want,” I can’t help but remark.“Fuck you, Steele.”“I’m sure Layla might just do that,” I mock.His death glare makes me chuckle. I know this moment is hard for him, and I can’t blame him for that. If I was in his place, I’d be as pissed if no
~ LAYLA~He’s right… that time he hadn’t stayed in the room… but when I had that nightmare, he had stayed…“Ok, that’s a good idea, I’ll do my best. And then when it’s done, you will tell me the full truth?”He nods. “Of course, now you should really head back to your wedding before they realise the bride is missing.”“Yes.”“When we meet again, Quade will be dead.” It’s a statement, but I don’t argue, nodding instead.“Yes, he will be.”He motions me to go, but I turn slightly away from him first, glancing at the small blade before I reach down and, lifting my skirt, tuck it firmly into my thigh garter, the cold metal pressing painfully against my inner thigh.It should stay in place until I can hide it somewhere else.“Smart,” he remarks, amused, and I try to not to show my irritation as I turn and give him a nod before I make my way back around the marquee. I’m barely halfway around when I see Eddie hurrying around it, coming to an abrupt stop when he sees me.“Luna.”“Are you alrig
~ LAYLA ~I glance around before I turn and look around to the left. No one is around. Relax, Layla.“Of course I know that. I haven’t forgotten. It’s not like you told me what you wanted.”I’m not sure, but it feels like he’s smiling under that mask. “Of course, I had to make sure you don’t go spilling the beans. We wouldn’t want Quade to have learned too much if you had.”I scoff, my lips curling in defiance. “I wouldn’t have, but if you keep wasting time, he’ll notice I’m missing.” My eyes dart over my shoulder towards the glow of the marquee.The laughter feels louder now, closer, as though it’s stalking me. I try to remain calm, but the quickening of my breath betrays me. My chest tightens, and I know he sees it. “You’ll get your favour in return for the truth.” The words are steady, but inside, doubt churns like a storm. Have I gotten in too deep? I don’t trust him, not enough to believe him blindly.“The favour first.”“And what exactly do you want?” My voice sharpens, the edge
~ LAYLA ~I sense someone watching me, and my eyes skim across the throng of people, trying to keep my calm. When someone in grey brushes past me and I feel the feathery touch of paper brushing my palm, my hand instantly closes around it. I steal a glance at Quade, but he continues to talk to one of the elders.I look down at it, my heart plummeting when I see the words on it.‘Come alone. Garden. By the trees. Don’t make me come to you.’My heart races as I scan the crowd once again, trying to find the man in the grey suit who had brushed past me.I know who sent this. I doubt he was the one who gave me the note, but he must be close.Reagon.The laughter and clinking glasses in the marquee suddenly feel overwhelming. I glance at Quade before excusing myself, and trying to act as casually as possible slip away into the crowd. Being the bride, you can’t really do that, not when the trail of my dress forces everyone to part to allow me out.“I’ll be right back,” I tell someone who tries