Page 14 of Fighting the Lies

“There was never a funeral. I kept a close eye on the situation because of who the departed was. I would have given Emma the choice to pay her respects if she wished. It never happened, though.” Kas looked down at the papers in front of him. He was tapping his fingers on the table; an impatient gesture that was dismissing Brayden.

“That would mean no burial, not that he would still be in that room.” He stopped the moving fingers. Kas’ nails turned into claws, at the intrusion into his personal space.

“It did the second I found out that my brother was involved with Emma’s. He’s been involved in this since the start, and by the start, I mean Emma’s father’s death.”

“You think he killed him?” This was all starting to make sense now. Brayden removed his hand and the claws disappeared.

“No.” Ok, that theory just went out of the window. Brayden could feel a tension headache starting.

“Then excuse me, but what the fuck is going on, and who killed him?” Brayden’s fists were balled up again. He was so bloody confused.

“There’s only one person who can give us the answer to that?” Kas flicked over a piece of paper in front of him. He was not looking at anyone in the room.

“Who?”

“Emma’s mother.” Another piece of paper was turned over and revealed a picture of an older looking version of the imprisoned lioness.

“But she’s dead.” He held his hands out in confusion.

“I don’t think so.” Kas finally looked up at him again. His brows still crossed in thoughtfulness.

“Ok, I’m not getting any of this.”

“I have to agree with Brayden on that.” Tyler spoke for the first time since they’d returned to the mansion.

“Is it because she’s the person who gave Emma to your pack?” Brayden span his head around. He hadn’t noticed Scott skulking in the corner.

“Full points to Scott.” Kas clapped. “We find Emma’s mother we find the answers we need.”

“How do we find her?” Scott was on his feet and beside him now.

“I don’t know. I was hoping something in these papers would tell me, but I’ve found nothing. She’s been missing for the best part of almost twenty years. Vanished into thin air.” Kas stood up and ran his hand through his hair.

“Why don’t we all take a break. It’s been a long day. I think we all need something to eat and then some sleep. We can go over this again, when our brains are fresher.” His mother pushed her way in between them all. She was right. They’d been up early for the ceremony, and baring Scott none of them had eaten since breakfast. He was flagging. Despite the situation, he just wanted some alone time with his mate. He looked over to Selene. She looked tired and was worrying her lip.

“I think that’s a good idea.” He agreed with his mother.

“I’m going to grab some food and watch over Emma. Jessica said she has a way to do it remotely, so we don’t get her into trouble with Ciaran.” Scott patted him on the back and left the room. Brayden knew that the lion was suffering being away from the women he finally admitted he loved. It’d been obvious to him since the day Scott had arrived that he and Emma were fated to be together. Scott knew it, but Emma was reluctant. He wasn’t sure why, but hopefully, this would bring them together. The others followed Scott out; he went over to Selene and helped her to her feet.

“What do you want to do?” He inquired, while bending down to give her a kiss on the tip of her perfect nose.

“Do you think we could get some food and take it to the bedroom to eat. I’m so tired. I just want a shower and then sleep.” Her big brown eyes were pleading with him.

“You go up, and I’ll bring some food.” He purred into her cheek; kissing her delicate skin.

“Brayden.” She pushed against his chest lightly, moving him away from her. He rested his hands on her curvy hips instead.

“What’s wrong?” He frowned. She was worried; he could sense it.

“Do I smell different?”

He sniffed.

“Sexy as always.” He smirked and raised a playful eyebrow.

“I’m serious.” She pursed her lips at him.

“What’s going on?”

She swallowed deeply.

“You know how you said we don’t need to use protection because you can smell when I’m fertile.” She worried her lip again.

“Yes.” Where was she going with this?

“But you could make a mistake and not smell the change in me, right? I’m asking because I’m late.” His mouth dropped open, and he gasped for air.

“Late.”

“Yeah. I think that I might be pregnant.”

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