Page 133 of Scent of Home

“My omega is not going with you unless he says he wants to, and even then, you’ll need to prepare for house guests because we-,” I indicate our small pack, “aren’t leaving him.”

Kelly nods, smiling, and exchanges a long look with Ryn.

“Congratulations, loser,” Kelly says.

“Where you been, fucker?” Locke manages to get out. He sounds awful, but he’s got colour in his cheeks.

I hover protectively and wait for the smallest sign that I can whisk these unwanted guests away.

Kelly laughs. “Found myself an island with some gnarly waves. You guys should come visit.”

I make a note to chase that idea up. An island might be fun.

Locke forces a smile and then focuses on Raider.

“Couldn’t get out of it, and I didn’t want anyone else to suffer,” Locke whispers to Raider. A guilt-filled confession.

My omega looks at me, his eyes uncertain, afraid. I will spend the rest of my days erasing that fear.

“She’s dead. Her body was found on the river bank two days ago,” I say carefully while I ignore Bray’s probing look.

Locke lets out an explosive breath that ends with him coughing.

Bray gets antsy the longer the coughs go on, so I lead our guests out and ask Mama Eustice to get them a room for four.

As soon as she knows they’re Locke’s cousins, her entire demeanor changes. She ushers us to a room and promises to come back with food and drink but makes us coffee before she heads off to the diner. I sit down at a table with them and stare at the coffee cup in my hands.

“I’m not telling you the details because that is Locke’s story to tell, but I’ll tell you what I know and how it happened.”

I take my time telling them about how I met Locke and the first week of being in town. I told them my reservations and about us being scent matches.

I tell them about the accidents and the strange things that kept happening. When I get to Jason Wood, I can’t control my anger.

Ryn stares at me with wide eyes, but her fingers are wrapped around Raider’s. Lia openly weeps and puts her face in her hands.

I inhale, and then I tell them the worst part. I tell them everything I know about Derision and the sick control Delilah had over them.

“She thought she was in love with him,” I say at last. “But she’s dead now. And Locke is free.” I clear my throat. “Delilah was found in the river. Apparently, she jumped when Locke turned down her advances. And sadly, tragically, the rest of the band were seen drinking heavily. Their car was found a few days ago. No one survived.”

“Wow,” Lia whispers. “My god, that’s so awful.”

Ryn, Raider, and Kelly study me, and I can see they aren’t fooled.

Kelly leans back and stares at the ceiling. “Okay. Yeah, that’s tragic. Poor souls. Well, all's good then.”

“Okay?” Raider asks in a dark growl. “We’re just going to let this go?”

Kelly looks at me and then turns to Raider. “Yes, we are because if you make waves, then everything Locke did to protect Ryn will be for nothing.”

Raider jerks as if he’s been shot. He turns a pale face to Ryn.

“I am my father’s property,” Ryn says sadly. “Also, I don’t think many people who knew Pack May will mourn them. They weren’t good people.”

I frown, wanting to argue about her being property. But I don’t know what she’s really talking about. I make a mental note to speak to Locke when he’s up and better. He was protecting his cousin?

“We can’t just let it all slide,” Lia whispers.

“What do you propose to do? The woman is dead. The band is dead. Jason is dead. Locke is free. He can retire in peace. All his money is his. Erin got him out of Derision and the contract. You stay quiet,” Kelly growls.

---