Page 101 of Nest Of Lies

Anderson comes in and sits with me. “I won’t let them near you, I promise.”

I ignore him. He’s stolen everything from me. I hate him. He thinks he's some big hero, but he’s as bad as Mama. He never said goodbye when he left. He was watching me, and he never helped. Not once. Andy is just like everyone else. I want nothing to do with him.

He stays, and then at some point, he leaves. I don’t even know when he does. Just that when I look back, he’s gone.

Bailey stands in the doorway, a shape I recognise instantly because I think for a minute he’s Raider, and for a second, a split second, I think I’m saved. Then I remember Bailey, and my hopes crash.

Bailey takes my hand. I don’t try to stop him. I don’t do anything.

“You were happy. I can see that now. I didn’t think you were. Shit, Lia. I don’t know you, but I’d like to. I don’t want to see something bad happen to you. Dad spent all my life talking about how wonderful you were.”

I don’t answer.

“The pack, your scent match pack, has an omega. They chose her years ago. Dad didn’t know that information. But I rang up and found out. I was hoping…I don’t know what I was hoping, I just didn’t want to see you in pain.”

It’s another blow, mind you, one I almost don’t feel.

“Lia? I’m sorry.”

I don’t answer him, and eventually, he leaves.

And it’s just me alone. In the dark.

Where sick people belong.

Chapter thirty-six

Valen

I almost don’t checkmy message, but at the last minute, I pull my bike to the side of the road and pull out the phone. There are three words in the emergency chat. Every person in this club knows to only post if it’s dire. My skin crawls as I stare down at those three words. Not enough information. Not nearly enough.

My heart beats so hard I think it’s going to break through my chest, and I tremble. It feels like an eternity before I can move, but in reality, it’s only been a second.

Help.

Shot.

Lia.

The words repeat themselves around and round in my brain. What does it mean? Why did Kyle send just three words? I twirl my finger in the air, turn my bike around, and fly back to the mansion. I don’t even care if the others are with me or not.

All that matters is getting back to her.

I burst inside and spot Nick and Kyle immediately. Lia is gone. Where is she? Why is there a massacre in our kitchen? Everything in me goes into sharp relief. I notice every detail. The back door is wide open, and the spoon Lia was licking is laying on the ground. There is a spot of blood on the far wall, several feet from the bodies. Nick is lying face down on the ground, while Kyle is lying on his side.

I check Nick, but he’s gone. I grip his still warm hand and feel regret that he was taken so young. It looks like he went instantly, but when I move to Kyle and carefully roll him over, his eyes stare up at me andblink.

I’m so surprised I almost forget to say something. I clear my throat and try again. How is he alive?

“Kyle?”

I yank up his top and find the holes. I press my hands against the bleeding, and he moans weakly.

“Malone.”

I stare down at the young kid. The word takes too long for me to understand. “Malone did this?”

“Took Lia,” Kyle whispers. “Killed Nicky, in the back…coward.” His words get weaker and weaker. I frantically look at the door and call out.

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