Novel Drama
Chapter 29
Chapter 29 AURORA Dane helped me out of the cave .
He stayed near me as we walked out .
Like he cared for me .
Because he did care for me .
He wanted me .
But at Esthers words , his entire body went as rigid as stone .
What are you talking about ? I snapped at Esther .
Ive only spoken to you once in the last five years , and that was when you invaded my home earlier tonight .
Esther flinched away like she thought Id hit her .
Dont hurt me ! I know youve always wanted Dane for your own , but what youve done tonight is too far ! You made us spill Blue Ridge blood ! Now the Council will kill us ! I felt like Id swallowed a dozen heavy stones .
What was she doing ? There was no way Id let her frame me for this .
Carefully , calmly , I turned to Dane .
Shes lying .
I dont know why .
Im not , Esther said .
Her voice took on a sly tone .
Check my pocket .
I recorded the last conversation we had on the phone setting this all up .
Dane looked at me , and I shrugged .
It didnt happen .
I dont care if you check .
# Chapter 29 2/5 He bent and pulled Esthers phone from her pocket while I looked into the nighttime forest , trying to decide if the rest of the Reeds were about to ambush us .
Why was she the only one here ? The Reeds had always been stealthy and underhanded .
I wouldnt be surprised if they were out there watching , waiting .
Probably hoping whatever Esther had concocted on her phone .noveldrama
worked .
But it wouldnt .
The recording would be some weird , staticky fake , and it would clear my name .
Dane retrieved her phone .
She told him her passcode , then how to find the recording she claimed shed made .
I wasnt worried … until I heard my own voice .
It came from the phone , cold and cruel and just as clear as if there were two of me standing here .
Remember , you old bitch , you follow my orders , now .
But Ann … Esthers voice , sounding afraid .
Thats Aurora to you .
My voice snapped back .
But that was impossible .
Id never had this conversation .
Id never said these words ! Im sorry , Aurora .
Esther whimpered .
You know that we cant shed his blood .
How can we get him onto Reed lands ? He wont break the pact .
Chapter 29 3/5 Ill handle it , I said .
You just get the Nights Truth .
I know he wants me .
Then make sure the Blue Ridge wolves know exactly where to find us .
What if he attacks you ? Hes always said he hates you ! The voice that sounded so much like mine laughed softly .
Thats what the silver bullets are for .
But dont kill him .
Remember , he ruined my life .
I need him to live after Ive ruined his .
I want to watch him suffer the way he made me suffer .
And that bitch , Evelyn , too .
The recording ended .
Dead silence hung in the air .
Somewhere in the middle of it , Id closed my eyes .
Tears burned behind them .
The warmth that had filled me when I realized Dane wanted me was gone , replaced with a cold sense of reality .
I opened them to find all of the Blue Ridge wolves staring at me .
Danes eyes were filled with hate .
Behind him , Evelyn looked shocked .
Even though I knew it was useless , I said , That wasnt me .
I didnt do this .
Even to my own ears , my voice sounded numb and flat .
Dane slid Esthers phone into his pocket .
Evelyn took his arm and looked up at him with tragedy on her face .
She fooled you .
Its all right , my love .
We can talk about this .
Well get through it .
Chapter 29 We can talk about it .
Dane had just said that to me moments ago , and Id felt such strange , new hope .
That was gone now .
Crushed , like my hope always was .
4/5 Id like the phone , I said .
I would like to figure out how she stole my voice .
No , Danes voice grated .
I was still clutching my torn shirt together with my hands .
It could still feel the heat of his body and his mouth on mine .
I waited to see what he would do .
I was alone , deep in the wilderness , with him , his warriors , and Evelyn Reed .
He believed the worst of me , like he always did , and I was totally at his mercy .
Finally , he spoke .
The alliance between High Alpine and Blue Ridge stands .
But I will not work with you .
I never want to see you again .
Send Trajan .
Send that cousin of yours .
I never want to see you again .
Then he turned … and he left .
He and his wolves , every single one of them , walked away .
They left me , me standing in the middle of the forest , alone with Esther Reed .
Oh , dear , she said , and smiled slyly at me .
I think the Alpha is upset .