Page 58 of Nest Of Lies

“My dad had an illness, and it turned him into a stranger where his drugs were more important than family, than his job or even having a roof over his head. He lost everything, and then, because he owed so much, he ended up pissing someone off and ended up dead. My mum, too!”

“I am so sorry, Ranger.”

“My foster mum got a job working for Zion, cleaning and cooking, and so I grew up around the club and patched in as soon as I was old enough. They became my family.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

I cover her hand with mine. “Lia-”

Lia’s smile is so full of joy that I break off, unsure how to continue thisconversation.

“Oh, look, it’s Zaden. It’s okay, Ranger, I don’t think any different of you. You’re perfect. I promise, no matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter. Come on, Ranger, let’s go see what he’s got!”

I try to pull her back, but she bounces off, and as the scent of marshmallows lingers, I wonder if I should really say anything at all. Maybe I’m wrong.

But what if I’m right?

Valen bursts out of the bushes and chases Lia through the garden, while Zaden heads in my direction. He puts a box of cupcakes on the island and turns to me.

“Walk with me.”

I fall into step with him and follow him deeper into the house. He’s always had this power. When Zaden talks, people listen and do what he says. I’ve always listened.

“What did you find?”

I grin at him. “How do you know I found anything?”

Zaden grabs my shirt and drags me up close to him so our chests are touching. I lean into him, boneless.

“Alpha,” I murmur, why is it a plea?

He growls and bites my neck. The pain makes me weak.

“What did you find, Alpha?” Zaden growls against my throat and nuzzles the skin.

I’m weak and at his mercy. It’s hard to think. “Lots of things.”

“Do we need to practice speaking under pressure again?” Zaden teases.

I groan and stumble into him. We both crash into a wall, but he holds me up. His mouth finds mine and drowns me in him.

“Zaden,” I whine, and then I can’t talk because he’s kissing me so hard I’m seeing stars, and I’m lost as his hands travel over my chest and down to cup my ass, dragging me up against him.

He pulls back and touches his lips to mine, just the lightest touch. The frenzy of a minute ago is gone. When he stills, his arms locked around my back, his cheek pressed to mine, I stay still, my throat swelling and closing.

“You came for me?”

“I could feel you hurting,” Zaden says simply. “I will always come for you.”

I squeeze my eyes closed, willing the emotion away.

“You told Lia about your dad?”

I tighten my arms around his waist.

Zaden touches his lips to my neck. Kissing me like I’m delicate, like I’m someone important.

“Did you tell her everything?”

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