Page 41 of Nest Of Lies

“Broken.”

“Wrong.”

On and on, the words slam against my vulnerable mind. I rock, trying to stop the words from penetrating, from causing more damage than they already have.

I stare at the Mirakill mansion, but then I can’t even do that. The shame is too potent, the pain too raw. I’m not good enough for them. I’m not good enough for anyone.

They’ll find out one day. I can’t hide the illness forever. Then they won’t want me, they won’t want to be friends with me.

The thought makes me ache; it makes me cry. It makes me hate myself more than I ever have.

They are all that’s left in my world that is good. To lose them would be the end of me.

I pick up my phone and send Ryn a message.

You are perfect and so is your song. Love, Lia.

It’s the only way of reaching out I allow myself. Still, time passes. She doesn’t answer, but then she often doesn’t.

I debate messaging Locke, but he doesn’t answer me, either, and Kelly and Raider and I have never been close.

The day turns into night, and the room falls into darkness.

And as usual, I am alone.

Chapter fourteen

Valen

Lia is avoiding us,which is impressive considering we’ve taken over her entire mansion. Still, she’s found a way to disappear, and I’m not sure why. Have Zaden’s growls finally worn her down? Were we too much for her?

So, I’ve done the next best thing.

I kidnapped Beezie.

Again.

If you can’t find the beta. Have the beta come to you.

The bear is hogtied to a long stick and is rotating over the stovetop, which is not on. But still, it looks awesome.

“Who’s hungry?” I shout into the house. “We’re having bear for lunch!”

I wait and hear a feminine squeal of outrage.

I bite my bottom lip and lean against the wall. She skids into the kitchen and rushes to free her bear. I grab her by her upper arms and drag her back up against me.

“You hurt my feelings,” I snarl and nuzzle the back of her head.

“You hurt my bear,” Lia protests and pretends to struggle, but damn, the way she presses her ass against my cock is criminal.

I grip her breast, squeezing and rolling the flesh until she moans and softens against me.

“I did. And if you ignore me again, I’ll shove that cooking rod up his fluffy ass and use him as an antenna.” I thrust my hips against her and catch that potent and growing stronger scent of marshmallows.

She elbows me hard and frees herself, whirling to glare at me.

“You leave Beezie alone.”