CHAPTER 8
KENDRA's POV -->
The next few weeks pass in a blur. Nothing much has really happened during this time. At least I haven't had those dreams again in a while, that's a relief. It's the same old routine day after day.
I've been in contact with Zach though. I still haven't told him on my suspicion on how and why Aaron would want to take out Dad, I still don't entirely trust the guy. I'll tell him if I ever need to. I could be wrong after all. It's also the same reason why I haven't told Dad idea. Knowing him, he'd probably want to strike first if he ever found out someone was conspiring against him.
But isn't that what you want?
A little voice echoes in my head. It's true though, I did want to get out of this loveless marriage by any means necessary. If dad does the dirty work for me, I'd have a less guilty conscience right? But for whatever reason I just can't seem to do it.
It's for the best. If Dad kills Aaron, the pack would retaliate. We'd all be dead before the new day.
Yes that's why. I need to be smart about this. The only person that can go against a strong alpha like Aaron, is another equally strong alpha. And so far so good, Zach is our best shot.
Speaking of Aaron, today's my peak ovulation day. I'm meant to spend the night with Aaron, try to conceive. What everyone doesn't know is, I've been on the pill since my last miscarriage. The way Aaron handled the situation then made me feel so alone, I never wanted to feel like that again. Not ever.
Dad's words echo in my head "If you had bore him a child by now, then the Crescent Pack would've had reason to listen to you…"
Dad's right, if I was with child, the Crescent pack dare not lay hands on the mother of their future alpha. But no way would I bring my child into a world where his mother plots to murder his father and his grandfather has no qualms manipulating both of us for his own benefit.
"No, I have to guard my womb" I say before popping another pill into my mouth.
The air feels so stiff in here, I need to get out before I lose my mind.
'Hey. Busy?' I text "Sarah"
'Nah. Meet me at the café in 15' He responds almost immediately after.
Roots Café has become our new favorite spot to yunno, plot murder and stuff. I've grown closer to Zach since all this started so much so I actually look forward to hanging out with him, not to plot against Aaron but because I genuinely enjoy his company.
As soon as I get to the Café, I have a seat and scan their QR code, I don't even know why I bother to look at their menu when I know I'm going to order the same Iced Latte.
What? I like to play it safe.
Zach did say he'd run a little late, so I get cozy and read this awesome new novel I'd just discovered 'The Savage Mate.'
It's a real thriller and I find myself being so drawn to the main female character for some reason. I get lost in the world of reason that I don't notice when Zach arrives and draws out a chair right across from me.
"Got your nose up in a book again huh Miss"
The statement draws me back to reality as I just now realize Zach has joined me.
I blush lightly "Sorry, just got distracted"
"It's fine" he reassures
He whips out his phone and types in our orders on their site. Wow, we've hung out so much he knows exactly what I want to order without saying so.
While we wait, I just now observe a bruise that had formed at the corner of his lip
"What's that?" I ask, genuinely concerned
He shrugs and brushes it off.
"Zach…." I warn
"It's just family squabbles. Ignore it"
Now I'm not relationship expert, but I do know it's abnormal for family members to leave bruises on each other.
I scoot a little bit closer and apply an ointment I previously had in my purse. He squints a little as I add a little bit more pressure to spread the ointment evenly.
"Now, do you want to tell me what really happened?" I pry
He hesitates but eventually gives in "My father, everyone really they're pressuring me on what my next move regarding Aaron is"
"I didn't want to trouble you with such details initially. I know you've been doing your best collecting intel"
"What???" I'm flabbergasted.
"Don't they realize these things take time????"
"What would they have you do, jump in there without so much as a plan?" I puff in annoyance
"Look Kendra, you don't know what it's like out there. You may live your perfect fairytale life out there but you don't know what the rest of us go through everyday"
"Wha-a-a-t do you mean by that" I ask
"Just last week, two my most trusted men, gone. Just like that. Lord knows if they haven't been murdered already by Aaron's men" he continues
"But how can you be so sure it's Aaron though…" I ask
"One was able to escape. He saw the Crescent moon branding Kendra. It's definitely his doing"
Just then a call came in. It's Zach's phone.
One look at the caller ID has made Zach's demeanor change so drastically.
He picks, eyes still locked on mine. He mouths 'It's my father' before continuing to listen to whatever the caller has to say.
I kick Zach with the heel of my boots "I want to see him Zach"
"Who?" he asks
"Your father"
The drive back to Zach's place is long and quiet. What was I thinking? Actually, I do know exactly what I was thinking, I needed to make something clear with the dude. I'm not some minion that he can order around as he pleases. Either he allows me to get the info I need from Aaron or the deal is off. Beating up Zach, his own son is not going to make me work any faster. My head is racing. Zach put his hands on mine as if to reassure me and honestly….it helps. I take a deep breath and brace myself for what's to come
The air in the study felt heavy, laced with cigar smoke. I hesitated at the doorframe before stepping in. As far as creepy billionaire stud's go, this had to be the creepiest. Something about it just very slimy and gave me the ick, regardless I persevered and took the first step in.
Zach's father (Elvis Young): So, the wife comes to see me herself. That's unexpected, Zach said you'd never entertain the idea
Me [stiffly]: I heard you've been pressing Zach, using him to press me. I'd rather you said what you wanted to my face
Elvis laughs, he laughs so hard I can see tiny spittle flying everywhere. I guess that explains why his office is so sleazy.
Elvis [a faint smile forms]: You're feisty, I like that about you. Regardless, Zach tells me you've been stalling. Skirting around Aaron instead of pressing him.
Me: I'm not stalling, I'm being careful. Aaron is not the kind of man who leaves trails lying around for anyone to pick up
Elvis [leans forward, voice sharp]: Careful is another word for hesitant. And hesitation gets people buried. You're in the perfect position. The wife, his confidante. If you can't dig out what he's hiding, who will?
Me [meeting his gaze]: If I rush him, he'll know. You don't win a war by charging blind
Elvis [a pause while he swirls his drink]: Wars aren't won by dragging your feet either. Stop pretending you're out of options. He trusts you more than anyone. Use that. Every day you delay, the tighter his grip.
Me: You're not the one risking everything in his house every night, I am.
Elvis [smiles faintly, almost approvingly]: Exactly. That's why you can't afford to falter whether you like it or not. The only question is whether you'll be useful….. or inconvenient.
The cigar crackled ever so lightly as it was slowly being burned
Me [quietly]: Don't mistake caution for weakness. I'll get what you want. But it'll be on my own terms not yours.
That's the last thing I say before turning round to leave. The pressure is getting worse.
Zach is right behind me as I exit the building entirely.
I yell out into the open parking space, frustrated about the mess I seem to have gotten into.
"Urghhhhh. I have so many things to worry about as is"
He puts me in a tight hug refusing to let go. I resist a bit initially but eventually I let go
"I'm sorry I put you through this Kendra, I really am. But it's the only way" he whispers
I sob lightly into his chest. After what felt like 5 minutes, I let go and wipe my face.
"I think I know what might make you feel better" he says
"What?" I ask
He signals for me to follow him, revealing a Black Kawasaki parked in the near distance.
"Whoa, that's sick. Is it yours?" I ask
He nods in affirmation
"Here, get on" he says tossing me a helmet and climbs on
"Whenever I'm mad at the world, I ride. The wind in my hair makes me feel better somehow" he continues
I quickly put the helmet on. I am in need of some adrenaline rush.
I climb on, holding on tight to Zach's back. I've never been on a motorcycle before. Was always too scared but I always admired those who owned one.
Off we went, into the almost empty streets, the lesser cars we saw the more Zach zoomed ahead.
He was right, this does help. I woke up today being mad at the world and my husband but right now, in this very moment I couldn't feel more at peace.
"Whoaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh" I yell. Without a care in the world.
Zach chuckles in front at my antics, shaking his head. "You're insane" he calls over his shoulder, twisting the throttle just a little more. The bike roars eating up the stretch of the road.
I throw my arms out wide like I'm flying. The world is spinning past in a blur of lights and open sky. For a fleeting moment, I feel untouchable, reckless, free.
Then it happens.
A car edges out of a side street with no warning. Zach jerks the handlebars, the motorcycle lurching violently. The tires screech scraping for grip.
My screams cut the air, not playful this time, raw, terrified.
The bike slams sideways tossing me out hitting the hard ground tumbling the road. I can feel my flesh rip against the rough asphalt.
The last thing I see was Zach, on the ground badly injured but more or less okay. His helmet cracked open but at least the bike broke his fall with their combined fall
"Kendra!!!" he yells, running over to me as fast as his injuries permit.
"I'm fine silly, worry about yourself" I say or at least try to when I realize I can't speak, I can't speak.
Zach finally makes contact with me but I can't quite make out what he's saying before I drift off into the darkness.