Page 126 of Just One Bite
“Five seconds. That’s all you get.”
“Fine. I heard you’re ready to play the game. You know I didn’t think it would turn out like this. I was certain Olivia would be the titan here, but I guess the queen needs her knight. And that, you are, her knight in shining armor.”
I stop dressing. “You know who’s doing this. Is it you?”
“Ah, see I’m sworn to the Secrecy Stone as well. But I do know someone who isn’t that would be willing to help you for a price. Well, probably. I’m sure it’s high.”
“I don’t fucking trust you.”
“I figured that much. But you really should. After all, who do you think prevented Olivia from being marked against her will at every turn? That night she arrived … or with Barrett that day in the woods. While I can’t tell you much about the night she was drugged, I can tell you that a few more seconds at that party would have been bad for her. Thankfully, I whisked her outside before any damage could be done to your precious mate then followed her all the way across campus to ensure her safety. She found you all on her own, though.”
“And I’m supposed to believe that was you?”
“I was watching her all night. There are a handful of people who know what happened that night, and I’m one of them. Only someone who was watching in wait with the ability to sneak around could get her out and pull the fire alarm before that potion started working.”
“Why did you do it?”
“As fun as it would be to see that drama unfold, I think this will be the more interesting outcome. The Weres getting what they want all the time is boring.”
“You mean it’s advantageous for you.”
“Now you get it.”
It’s hard to thank him, knowing he did it for himself.
“Fine. You’ve been awarded a pass for me not to beat the shit out of you today. Give me the name of the someone who can help me.”
Darien’s smile widens. “I’ll give you one guess.”
I ask Zant to have Cane meet in the Rage locker room. He made up some bullshit lie about the future council members needing signatures of all the academic and athletic club captains.
That’s got to be why he came into the locker room with a scowl set on his face. He strides in with that stupid slicked-back hair, those expensive shoes that squeak, and the blazer he never fully buttons up.
“I fucking knew it,” he hisses.
“Sit,” I say, motioning toward the bench.
Zant is close by, saying nothing for once in his life, but he’s mostly here to keep me from doing stupid shit. Teammates shuffle around, with a lot of them still in the showers, so steam is floating overhead.
Cane sits with a low growl and a sigh.
“I know you have details on what Aster and Barrett did to drug Olivia that night at the party.”
“Who told you that?”
“Not important. But I know you know things … You might even have proof, and I need it.”
Cane laughs a deep belly laugh. “Really? You’re asking me for help? That’s a first.”
“No shit. But I’m willing to bury the hatchet or at the very least allow you to bury the hatchet in my back. We both know that’s the only way you’ll ever be able to.”
“I’m listening.”
“Get me proof from that night. Whatever you have, and I’ll drop my council nomination.”
“Doubt you’d want to be connected to Aster if that gets out,” he says.
“You either. Looks like I’ve done you a favor.”
