Chapter 22
ROWAN
Dinner was torture. Naomi's parents were warm, kind people who clearly adored the daughter they'd lost. They wanted to know everything about her. Her childhood, her dreams, her plans.
And the entire time, I watched Simon. Naomi had frozen in place when he walked into the room, letting me know exactly which one he was. He stood behind Edgar's chair, the perfect bodyguard. Alert. Professional. Trusted. And I wanted to rip his throat out with my bare hands.
Naomi was doing her best to smile, to engage, to pretend everything was fine. But I saw the way her gaze kept drifting to Simon. The way she tensed every time he moved. She was terrified. And that made me furious.
Halfway through the meal, I caught her staring at Simon again. This time, he stared back. A tiny smile playing at his lips. A challenge.
I leaned toward Edgar. "Might I speak with you privately after dinner? You and Leilani both. It's important."
"Of course. Is everything alright?"
"We'll discuss it then."
The rest of the meal passed in strained pleasantries. When it was finally over, we excused ourselves to Edgar’s study.
"What's this about?" Leilani asked, her Alpha instincts clearly picking up on the tension.
"The guard standing behind you at dinner. Simon. How long has he been with you?"
"A little over thirty years. Why?"
"Because he's the one who took your daughter."
The room went silent.
"That's impossible," Edgar said. "Simon has been vetted. His background check was thorough. He's saved my life twice."
"He's also the one who killed the Omega who raised Naomi," I interrupted. "She recognized him. He came into her room this afternoon and threatened her and our child." I paused.
Leilani gasped. "Child?"
"Naomi is pregnant. Early. Maybe three weeks." Kellan's voice was hard. "He's using it as leverage. If she talks, he kills you both. And the baby."
"We need to arrest him. Interrogate him." Edgar started.
"No," I said firmly. "If we arrest him, we don't know who else is working with him. How deep this goes. We need to draw him out. Make him show his hand."
"How?" Edgar asked.
"We set a trap. Make him think he's won. That he has control." I met Edgar’s eyes. "And then we end this."
"You mean kill him."
"Yes."
Edgar looked at his mate, some silent communication passing between them. Then he nodded.
"Tell us what you need."
The plan was simple.
We'd split up tomorrow morning. Naomi and I would go to the old chapel on the eastern edge of the property, isolated, private, the perfect place for Simon to make a move if he thought she was alone.
Except she wouldn't be alone. I'd be there. Kellan would be watching from the woods. And when Simon came we'd be ready.