"Then I disappeared," Grant admitted, his eyes downcast. "My memories were flooding back, and I didn't know what to do with them. I know I shouldn't have left, but I wasn't thinking straight." As much as I wanted to dismiss his words, there was a ring of truth to them. Memories could be powerful, even destructive, I knew that all too well from my own experiences.
But there was still something gnawing at me, a nagging doubt that refused to settle.
"Grant," I began, my voice tight with emotion. "It's a lot to take in, and I need to know that my family and pack are safe. You have to understand that we can't just accept your explanation without question." He held my gaze, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of understanding in his eyes.
"I know it's hard to believe, I am still trying to wrap my own head around it. But I'm telling you the truth. All I've ever wanted was to protect Erica and make up for what happened in the past." As I stared into Grant's eyes, searching for any hint of deception, I knew that the answers we sought would not come easily. I eyed Grant warily, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggled to make sense of his revelations. Around me, the room seemed to hum with tension and unspoken questions. I needed to know more, to understand how someone I had considered a loyal pack member could have such a hidden past.
"Where were you all this time?" I asked, my voice steady despite the tumultuous storm of emotions coursing through me. "What do you remember now, Grant?" Grant's gaze flickered to Erica and Becca before settling on me with a haunted expression.
"After being thrown against that wall," he said quietly, "I woke up cuffed in silver chains in a dark, damp place that reeked of blood and... other things." He trailed off, shuddering at the memory. Erica and Becca gasped in unison, their eyes wide with horror. My own heart clenched in sympathy, but I couldn't shake my suspicions. I needed to hear everything.
"It was complete hell," Grant continued, his voice strained. "For over a year, I was beaten, tortured, and subjected to things I can't even bring myself to say out loud."
"Grant..." Erica whispered, reaching for him through the bars, her touch gentle and comforting. He looked back at us, his eyes filled with pain.
"At some point, I woke up in a bed, no longer chained. A woman was caring for me, she told me her Alpha had brought me there to be nursed back to health. There were some tattered remains of clothes with the name Grant on them, so that became my new identity."
"Was this another pack?" my father asked.
"About fifteen years ago," Grant confirmed, nodding. "But then we were attacked about six years ago, and I managed to escape with a few others. It wasn't long before I crossed paths with Alpha Declan." I clenched my fists, trying to make sense of it all. My father cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to the present.
"Five years ago, Grant saved me from a rogue attack when I was returning from visiting my brother," he recounted, his voice steady but serious. "He fought bravely and without hesitation. It was then that I offered him a place in Silver Stone."
I glanced at Damon, whose expression mirrored the unease gnawing within me. Despite the confirmation of Grant's loyalty, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
"Perhaps we should call it a night," I suggested, my eyes flicking between Erica and my father. "Erica's had a long day, and it might be best for everyone to get some rest." I held my father's gaze, willing him to understand that I wanted to give Erica some space from Grant, a chance to clear her head and regain her bearings.
"Agreed," my father nodded, catching my unspoken message. "I've arranged guest rooms for Becca and Marshall. We can continue this discussion tomorrow."
"Wait," Grant interjected, glaring at me with undisguised animosity. "I need to be out there, protecting Erica. I won't let anything happen to her."
"Erica's safe with me," I assured him firmly, trying to keep my tone level despite the anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Safe?" Grant scoffed, his blue eyes flashing with disdain. "You think you can protect her? With everything that you know. The last thing I want is for her to end up like..." His voice trailed off, and he shot me a pointed look that sent a cold shiver down my spine. Jessica. He was talking about Jessica, the girl I had failed to save before Grant had even joined our pack. My jaw tightened, and my hands clenched into fists at my sides.
"Erica's safety is my number one concern," I bit out through gritted teeth. "I promise you that."
In the hallway of the cells, a sombre atmosphere fell over the group as Erica, Marshall, and Becca exchanged tearful goodbyes with Grant. I watched from a distance, my chest tightening at the sight of Erica's raw vulnerability.
"Take care of yourself, Grant," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I can't lose you again."
"Neither can I, Erica," he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. "But I'll find a way to make this right, I promise." As the farewells lingered on, I couldn't help but wonder what hidden truths still lurked beneath the surface. Finally, Erica returned to my side, her green eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Come on," I murmured softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as I guided her back toward our room at the pack house. Her body was heavy with exhaustion, and every step seemed to sap more energy from her already weary frame.
"Everything's just so... messed up," she mumbled into my chest as I helped her into bed, her words slurring together in a sleep-induced haze. I brushed a strand of her light red hair away from her face and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. As she succumbed to the embrace of sleep, her breathing became slow and even, a testament to the trust she placed in me.
With Erica safely asleep, I stepped out of the room, my footsteps echoing softly down the hall as I made my way to the Alpha living room. My father, Gregg, and Damon were already there, each nursing a drink as they contemplated the evening's revelations.
"Are Becca and Marshall settled in?" I asked, my gaze fixed on my father. He nodded, extending a glass toward me.
"They're resting now. It has been a long day for everyone." Taking the offered drink, I took a sip before Damon suddenly blurted out,
"I don't like this, Liam. I don't trust Grant."
"Neither do I," I admitted, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "Dad, I want to investigate Grant's story further. Something just doesn't add up." Declan met my gaze with understanding.
"You're right, Liam. We need to get to the bottom of this."
