Page 71 of Lying Lainey

“Oh, you can thank Kerian for that,” he answered, pushing off the desk. “He finished the code… you know, the one you were supposed to destroy? I don’t need to tell you what it does now, do I? No, I’m fairly certain the Underground Omega Syndicate told you all about its abilities and why they’re so afraid of it. Unfortunately for you being so close in proximity, the alert for UOS activity went off, and I was able to trace who they were communicating with and work backward to find out all the dirt they had on you. Imagine my surprise when I found out the dear sweet Emmalina my friend Zarin fell for was none other than the bitch who destroyed his company. The doctored information you put in that report almost landed him in jail,” Reuben roared as he advanced on me. “He lost everything and ended up in the hospital after he tried to take his own life. Are you proud of yourself, hmm? Is this what you hoped for… string the poor man along, make him fall for you, then burn his whole house to the fucking ground?”

I backed away, keeping the space we had between us as he hurled his rage at me. Once I was done with a job, I never looked back. Who would want to see the destruction they caused to a person’s life? Not me. What I found more interesting is that Reuben was so personally appalled by this when he’d done equally awful things to those around him. What made Zarin different?

“If you’re looking for an apology or any sign of remorse, you won’t find it here,” I stated, knowing he wouldn’t believe any other answer. “I did my job, and unfortunately, in my line of work, there are people who get hurt. Truthfully, I liked Zarin. He’s a good man but a lousy judge of character if he has you in his life as such a champion. If you want to see a person who fucks with people’s lives, then take a look in the damn mirror. Really, I should be taking lessons from you because that behind-the-back takeover you did on Halstead was impressive. He didn’t even see it coming until it was too late.”

“I didn’t have a choice,” Reuben snapped. “You should know when the UOS wants something, they don’t give a shit who they fuck over in the process. That’s why I’ve spent every chance I get to hunt them down and wipe them off the face of the earth.”

“What?” I said, trying to follow what this man was even saying.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past… besides they got what they wanted out of me and my pack. What you need to be worried about is the fact I know everything about you, Lainey Caddel. With one phone call, I can end your life just as easily as they can. The UOS might say they will leave you alone after this mission, but they won’t. Anytime they think you can help them, they’ll drag out the same skeletons from your closet and threaten you with them,” Reuben taunted, advancing on me once again until my back hit the wall of windows.

He stepped up until he was looming over me and grabbed my wrists holding the tests. I tried to fight against him using a move I’d been taught to twice get out of his hold. Reuben put an end to that as he used his forearm to press against my throat, keeping me from moving. I gasped for air as he put more weight on his arm, cutting off my air. With only one hand, I clawed at him digging my nails into his hand, trying to get him to release me.

“Fucking bitch,” Reuben snarled, grabbing my throat and tossing me toward the other wall.

Disoriented from the lack of air and my eyes filled with stars, I tripped over my own feet so I couldn’t catch myself. My shoulder slammed into the drywall hard enough, I felt it give under the impact before I slid down into a heap on the floor.

“Would you look at that, the con artist decided to make sure her newest targets couldn’t get away from her. Was that the plan once you saw how good you could have it, get yourself knocked up then they’ll have to keep you, right?” Reuben goaded as he shoved one of the tests into my face. “Two pink lines, that means pregnant, yeah?”

What?

No, it had only been one line when I looked in the bathroom.

Grabbing the test out of his hand, I looked, and sure enough, there were two clearly-defined pink lines. I must not have waited long enough the first time I looked. Joy flooded my body even as this man loomed over me, and my shoulder hurt like a bitch.

“I’m going to be a mom,” I whispered.

Reuben scoffed. “Can’t be a mom if you’re in prison.”

My gaze snapped to his. “What do you want?”

“I want you to help me destroy the UOS once and for all,” he answered. “Just think, if they’re gone, then there’s nothing to fear from them, and you can live your happy life with your Alphas and baby.”

“And if I don’t?” I questioned even though I knew the answer, but I needed him to say it.

What I hadn’t counted on was him grabbing me by the throat once more and slamming me against the wall. “Then the UOS is the least of your worries, Lainey. I’ll make sure your dear daddy, Trent, knows all about you selling him out and even tell him where you are, who you’re with, and that you’re expecting a child. What do you think he’s going to do then?”

“End up in a hole six feet under like you are, Reuben,” Halstead answered.

I couldn’t see him with Reuben’s body blocking my view of the office, but even hearing his voice, I knew I would be okay.

“Now I suggest you unhand what is mine before I forget to give a shit about going to jail,” Halstead instructed.

“Oh, I think we can get you off with a good lawyer and a self-defense claim,” Quintin added.

Reuben looked over his shoulder at them with a sneer. “Do you even know who you’re defending? This bit—”

“Finish that word, and I will make sure your mouth never opens again,” Halstead barked. “I won’t ask again. Let. Her. Fucking. Go.”

“So you really don’t care that she used you three to get pregnant so she can bleed you dry and drop you for another man?” Reuben challenged.

Kerian let out a harsh laugh. “That’s your story, man, not ours. I’m not gonna let your personal trauma fuck up our future together. Oh yeah, for the record, we know all about who she is, what she’s done, and none of us give a flying fuck because she’s ours. So, do as Halstead instructed and get your fucking hands off our woman.”

Reuben did just that, letting me crash to the floor once again. Only this time, Halstead grabbed the man and hurled Reuben across the room into one of the armchairs in front of his desk. Kerian and Quintin rushed over to me, dropping to their knees before me. Quintin reached out first, and I threw myself at him, wrapped my arms around his neck, and began to sob. Kerian’s body draped over my back as he hugged Quintin and me tightly while my body shook with adrenaline and tears.

“Shh… I got you, beautiful,” Quintin whispered against the side of my head. “You’re safe now. We won’t let him touch you again.”

There was silence for a moment before a knock sounded on Halstead’s office door. I buried my face even deeper against Quintin’s neck.