Chapter 12
Vigo
I felt lost and out of control. I hated that.
There was nothing worse for me than feeling like I couldn’t do something about an issue in my life, and this was the biggest issue of my life.
My mate, the one I was supposed to care for and protect, was with another pack.
I felt territorial jealousy taking over every nerve in my system.
I knew she was close to heat, and that she was irresistible.
I knew Pack Valence was a wealthy, desirable pack that any omega would want.
It burned me up that she was with them. I wanted to go there, tear the place down, fight each and every one of them, and take Celeste back here where she belonged.
But I stamped that part of myself down. I didn’t own her - I was only her scent match. And I should have bonded with her back when I first found out, so that she’d never even think of another pack again. But I fucked up. We drove her away, and I couldn’t blame her for it.
I didn’t believe that she was behind all the things Harringday was doing - I couldn't. Not anymore. When she lived with us, doubts started springing up, making me question everything. Even after the evidence of her hand behind the worst of Harringday’s actions was revealed, I still couldn’t fathom how she could be behind it.
Then, when we found the paper with the date circled that made it impossible for her to have been the one to sign off, I knew. Someone was framing her.
If I hadn’t felt the sudden pull of hope that thrummed through my bond with Liam, I probably would have lost it. Only one thing could make him feel hope right now. I tore through the house, finding Liam in the living room as he yelled for me. His phone was lit up.
“She’s calling!” He shouted, and I ran to the kitchen, my heart racing. We’d been hoping beyond measure that she’d speak to us.
“Celeste?” Liam answered, his face full of hope and fear. I heard her speak, and it sent a rush of relief through me, even to just hear her voice.
“Listen. I’m not happy to talk to you right now. But there’s something you need to know.” Celeste said through the speaker, and my body longed for her even more now.
“What is it? Celeste, you're in danger!” He said, his voice rushed.
“Who’s with you right now?” she asked. Liam locked eyes with me.
“Vigo. Dante’s not here.” He answered.
“Okay. Anyone else? If I find out you’re lying, I’ll never speak to you again.” Her voice was dead serious.
Liam clutched the phone. “I swear on my life, Celeste, it’s just me and him.”
“Good. There’s something your pack needs to know.
It's private and needs to be in person. You don't get to know where I am, so go to Goldsun Park and wait there at one o'clock. A driver will come to pick you all up. And this is important - no one else can know you are speaking with me. It’s urgent. You need to come to me, now.” She said, but she didn’t sound happy.
Liam looked at me, his green eyes full of questions. But we didn’t have a choice. “Alright. We’ll be there.” He answered.
“Don’t mess this up.” She said, and before she ended the call, Liam quickly rushed to speak.
“Celeste, we know it wasn’t you who signed off on those papers. Someone is trying to sabotage you!” Liam said quickly, stumbling over his words.
“Yeah, apparently it wasn’t just your pack trying to ruin me.” Her words hit me in the gut, and Liam looked sick. Her words were laced with disgust.
“Celeste, please, let us help you.” I said, beginning to beg.
“Stop. Come to Goldsun Park. Someone will pick you up there. And this is important - you cannot tell anyone where you are. My life depends on it.” She said.
What the hell was going on? I looked at Liam, perplexed, as I nodded to him. “We agree, Celeste. We’ll be there.” I said, before I heard the click of the phone as she hung up.
A moment passed before either of us spoke. I knew he was thinking the same thing I was - if this was a trap, we’d be screwed. But I just didn’t believe she would do anything to us.
“Call Dante and tell him to come now. We need to be there in half an hour.” Liam said, and I just reached for the keys.