Page 12 of Knot in My Wildest Dreams: Part 2
His gaze locked on mine, steady and searching. “And when you went to live with them, what happened between you?”
“We’d been getting along so well,” I murmured, my chest tightening at the memory. “For the first time, I thought they saw the real me. But then, when they found the papers - the ones Elijah and my uncle wanted them to find - well, it confirmed their suspicions. They thought I was a monster.”
Sterling’s mouth curved into a grim, humorless smile. “Actually, they found more than they were ever supposed to. They weren’t supposed to find all those files - just enough to take you down. Your uncle and Elijah were about to let them accidentally hack into an easy-to-find file, but it sounds like they somehow found everything on their own.” Sterling said wryly. “I knew something was going to happen soon. I tried to get in contact with you beforehand. The plan was getting out of control, and I needed you to know the truth before the documents were ever found.” He said.
Something clicked in my mind suddenly. My breath caught. “That’s why you stopped me in the hall when I visited,” I whispered, the memory flashing clear now. The urgency in his eyes - and how I’d brushed it off at the time.
He gave a single, measured nod.
“All those missed calls from you - you were trying to tell me back then?” I said, and he nodded.
“Once Pack Lockwood had those documents, your uncle and Elijah knew they’d make them public, so your downfall would be attributed to the pack. And it would all make sense - they were your corporate enemies, and thought you were behind the worstblows to their business.” Sterling’s voice was low, contemplative. “I’d wondered why they hadn’t gone to the press already. But now… knowing what they are to you, it makes sense.” His eyes lifted to mine, searching. “No one else knows?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Good. You cannot let your uncle find out under any circumstances.” His tone sharpened, urgency cutting through. Then, his face paled. “Please tell me Elijah doesn’t know.”
“As far as I can tell, no.”
Sterling exhaled in visible relief, his broad shoulders easing. He reached for my arms, holding me with a steadiness that made my chest ache. “Celeste… if they really are your scent matches, and you want to keep them, I’ll do everything I can to make it work. Even with them.” His jaw flexed at the words, and I knew it would be a struggle for him.
I smiled, despite everything. “Sterling, I don’t know if I could ever have them back. They betrayed me once. They’re not trustworthy.” I said, my body feeling the juxtaposition of wanting my mates near me, yet knowing they’d been trying to betray me. I closed my hands over his. “Right now, I only want you. You’re the only one I can trust.” It was the truth. I felt like I had one person on my side right now, and it was the person I least expected.
His face cracked open, awe flashing in his storm-gray eyes as though he couldn’t quite believe I’d chosen him.
“Then let’s begin,” he said firmly, resolve settling over him. “We’ll prepare for Pack Lockwood to come here. And this time, it’ll be on your terms.”
Chapter 12
Vigo
I felt lost and out of control. I hated that. There was nothing worse for me than feeling like I couldn’t do something about an issue in my life, and this was the biggest issue of my life. My mate, the one I was supposed to care for and protect, was with another pack. I felt territorial jealousy taking over every nerve in my system. I knew she was close to heat, and that she was irresistible. I knew Pack Valence was a wealthy, desirable pack that any omega would want. It burned me up that she was with them. I wanted to go there, tear the place down, fight each and every one of them, and take Celeste back here where she belonged.
But I stamped that part of myself down. I didn’t own her - I was only her scent match. And I should have bonded with her back when I first found out, so that she’d never even think of anotherpack again. But I fucked up. We drove her away, and I couldn’t blame her for it.
I didn’t believe that she was behind all the things Harringday was doing - I couldn't. Not anymore. When she lived with us, doubts started springing up, making me question everything. Even after the evidence of her hand behind the worst of Harringday’s actions was revealed, I still couldn’t fathom how she could be behind it. Then, when we found the paper with the date circled that made it impossible for her to have been the one to sign off, I knew. Someone was framing her.
If I hadn’t felt the sudden pull of hope that thrummed through my bond with Liam, I probably would have lost it. Only one thing could make him feel hope right now. I tore through the house, finding Liam in the living room as he yelled for me. His phone was lit up.
“She’s calling!” He shouted, and I ran to the kitchen, my heart racing. We’d been hoping beyond measure that she’d speak to us.
“Celeste?” Liam answered, his face full of hope and fear. I heard her speak, and it sent a rush of relief through me, even to just hear her voice.
“Listen. I’m not happy to talk to you right now. But there’s something you need to know.” Celeste said through the speaker, and my body longed for her even more now.
“What is it? Celeste, you're in danger!” He said, his voice rushed.
“Who’s with you right now?” she asked. Liam locked eyes with me.
“Vigo. Dante’s not here.” He answered.
“Okay. Anyone else? If I find out you’re lying, I’ll never speak to you again.” Her voice was dead serious.
Liam clutched the phone. “I swear on my life, Celeste, it’s just me and him.”
“Good. There’s something your pack needs to know. It's private and needs to be in person. You don't get to know where I am, so go to Goldsun Park and wait there at one o'clock. A driver will come to pick you all up. And this is important - no one else can know you are speaking with me. It’s urgent. You need to come to me, now.” She said, but she didn’t sound happy.
Liam looked at me, his green eyes full of questions. But we didn’t have a choice. “Alright. We’ll be there.” He answered.
