The rest of the meal passed in strained pleasantries. When it was finally over, we excused ourselves to Edgar’s study.
"What's this about?" Leilani asked, her Alpha instincts clearly picking up on the tension.
"The guard standing behind you at dinner. Simon. How long has he been with you?"
"A little over thirty years. Why?"
"Because he's the one who took your daughter."
The room went silent.
"That's impossible," Edgar said. "Simon has been vetted. His background check was thorough. He's saved my life twice."
"He's also the one who killed the Omega who raised Naomi," I interrupted. "She recognized him. He came into her room this afternoon and threatened her and our child." I paused.
Leilani gasped. "Child?"
"Naomi is pregnant. Early. Maybe three weeks." Kellan's voice was hard. "He's using it as leverage. If she talks, he kills you both. And the baby."
"We need to arrest him. Interrogate him." Edgar started.
"No," I said firmly. "If we arrest him, we don't know who else is working with him. How deep this goes. We need to draw him out. Make him show his hand."
"How?" Edgar asked.
"We set a trap. Make him think he's won. That he has control." I met Edgar’s eyes. "And then we end this."
"You mean kill him."
"Yes."
Edgar looked at his mate, some silent communication passing between them. Then he nodded.
"Tell us what you need."
The plan was simple.
We'd split up tomorrow morning. Naomi and I would go to the old chapel on the eastern edge of the property, isolated, private, the perfect place for Simon to make a move if he thought she was alone.
Except she wouldn't be alone. I'd be there. Kellan would be watching from the woods. And when Simon came we'd be ready.
NAOMI
Ididn't sleep that night. Partially because of fear and my hand kept drifting to my stomach, trying to process the fact that there was a life growing there.
Our baby.
I should have been panicking about how this changed everything. Instead, I felt protective. Fierce. Like something had shifted inside me the moment I learned about this tiny life. No one was going to hurt my child, especially Simon the coward.
When dawn came, I was ready. Rowan and I walked to the chapel in silence. The morning air was crisp, cold enough to see our breath.
"You don't have to do this," he said quietly. "We can find another way."
"No. This is the fastest way to end it. To keep everyone safe."
"You're very brave."
"I'm very angry," I corrected. "There's a difference."
