Page 190 of Cursed Bonds: An Alpha's Destiny

Waylan gave me a pained look. “Nah. Kirsten didn’t really want to hang out here. I think she didn’t really want to see you.”

“Great,” I muttered. “Where did she go?”

“I had Kyro and Langston come up. They took her and Harley out to a late dinner. I made sure they knew to make damn sure no one messed with the car this time.”

“I suppose that’s good,” I said. “If they’re both well enough to go out.”

Waylan nodded. “Yeah. They were banged up, but it wasn’t as bad as you feared. You’ve just gotta figure out how to not be weird when she gets home.”

“Easier said than done.”

Ten minutes later, Tank returned with Stephanie. She was worrying her lower lip between her teeth as she walked up the steps.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“I’m hoping you can help us out,” I said, and told her what happened.

She slapped her hand to her mouth and studied the screen as I played the video.

“Do you know who that kid is?” I asked when Tank pulled up the screenshot.

“I do,” she said. “He’s the son of one of Eren’s betas. The poor kid’s only seven years old. He shouldn’t even be able to shift yet, much less know how to mess with a car’s brake lines.” She shook her head in disgust. “I didn’t try to get him out because I thought he’d be safe for another year or two.”

“So this beta allowed Eren to use his son?” I asked, feeling that old anger swell again. God, Eren was an evil bastard.

“He must have,” she said. “Nothing else makes any sense.”

“This asshole offered up his own child?” I gritted my teeth. “Maybe he was captured or hurt. They don’t give a shit about any of their members, do they?”

“Eren has everyone cowed,” Stephanie said. “Though, not everyone obeys because they’re scared. But there is a core group who are fanatics and would do anything he said. It’s pretty disgusting.”

Waylan cursed under his breath. “Just when you think this shit can’t get any worse.”

“So, uh, is Kirsten around?” Stephanie asked.

“No,” I said. “They went out.” My words were clipped.

She held her hands up in surrender. “Sorry. I just wanted to make sure she was okay. I am still a doctor, you know. I thought I could check on her.”

“Sorry,” I said. “It’s been a rough night. I shouldn’t take my anger out on you.”

“It’s fine. Do you need anything more from me?”

I shook my head. “No, you’re good to head home. Thank you for the help.”

She stepped off the porch and joined Tank at the truck. Before she got in, she glanced back at me. “You’re doing the best you can, Jace. No one else could have handled this the way you are. I’m sure it’s tough, but I know we’ll come out on top.”

Clearing my throat, I said, “I need to rest.”

I didn’t wait for Waylan to say anything. Instead, I hurried inside up to my room. I flopped onto my bed, sinking into the mattress. Before I lost my nerve, I pulled my phone out and sent Kirsten a text.

Hey. I hope you’re feeling okay. I’m sorry about earlier. We’ll talk tomorrow. I love you.

I waited several minutes for a reply. It showed that the message had been opened and read, but she didn’t text me back. Knowing Langston was with her helped me stay calm. Nothing would happen with him watching over them.

That meant Kirsten didn’t want to respond. That stung worse than I thought it could. I rolled over and drifted off into a fitful sleep, thinking of Kirsten the whole time.

Chapter 23

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