Chapter Fifty Five
LUCY
The knowledge that Cade, a man I once trusted and called an ally, would be responsible for my father’s death haunted me, casting a long shadow over my heart. It was a heavy secret that I had to bear alone, a truth that was too painful to share with anyone else, especially my mother.
Over time, I had found an unexpected ally in Maverick, who was, my supposed enemy, and as our new friendship grew, it became evident to everyone around us. The bond between us was undeniable, and it didn’t go unnoticed in our rogue pack.
One cold evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in a deep, dusky shade, my mother sensing my distance and the growing intimacy with Maverick decided to confront me and address the matter.
“Lucy,” my mother began. “I’ve noticed you and Maverick have become quite close lately. Is there something you’re not telling me?” she asked.
My heart skipped a beat as I struggled with how to respond. I couldn’t bear the thought of revealing the truth about my father’s death to her. It would open closed wounds and shatter her the more.
“Mother, Maverick and I are just friends, that’s all. There’s nothing more to it,” I said.
“Friends? You and Maverick have never been friends for as long as I can remember. You have always been at loggerheads with each other,” my mother said, regarding me with a searching look, her eyes filled with concern.
“I know, Mother, but that’s in the past now. We’ve resolved our differences and we are friends now,” I said whilst I tried to avoid eye contact with her.
As much as I tried to avoid her gaze, hers were still fixed on me like she was expecting me to blurt the truth out. “Is this about your mate, Chris? You choose to be with Maverick instead of him because he is our enemy.”
“What?! No! That’s not it. It’s not about Chris, I and Maverick have resolved our long time grievance and we are good now,” I said. “Mother, it’s complicated. There are things I can’t share right now, but I need you to trust me.”
My mother sighed. “Just be careful, Lucy. Sometimes, secrets and lies can lead to heartache. I trust you, Lucy, but I hope you can confide in me if there’s anything bothering you.”
I managed a weak smile, hiding the turmoil within me. “I know, mother. I promise to tell you if there’s ever anything I need to share.”
My mother nodded, seemingly appeased for the moment, and decided to let the matter be for now. With a gentle tap on my shoulder, she left me alone.
As the days passed by, I knew Cade had grown to trust me, believing I was firmly on his side. I saw this as an advantage and was determined to use this trust to get closer to him and uncover the evidence I needed to make him pay for my father’s death.
My connection with Maverick deepened the more. Maverick had been helpful in making me feel better about my father’s death, he also provided me with information regarding my father’s connection with Cade and Lothar. Nathan too had noticed our sudden connection and the growing gap between me and him. I also missed my closeness with Nathan but for some unforeseen reason, I avoided him like a plague. Maybe it was because of his father, Cade, and his involvement with my father’s death.
I ventured into the woods when I needed to be alone and clear my head from my thoughts. As I was out that evening, I encountered Nathan, his expression was a mix of concern and confusion. I turned to leave hoping he wouldn’t notice my presence but it was too late.
“Lucy,” he called out to me.
“Nathan, what are you doing out here?” I asked.
“I was waiting for you and I knew you would be out here,” he replied. “We need to talk, Lucy,” he added.
“Can we have that discussion later? I need to be somewhere right now,” I said, avoiding his gaze.
“Lucy, we used to be so close. You’ve been distant lately and I can’t help but notice the bond between you and Maverick. What’s going on?” he said.
My heart sank at his words. It was true that I had been avoiding him and it hurt me to see my best friend unhappy but the truth was that I couldn’t stand the thought that his father was the man behind my father’s death. I had known Nathan for years and the thought of deceiving him tore at me.
“Nathan, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve been too occupied of late running errands for your father regarding our next invasion,” I lied.
Nathan shook his head in disapproval. “There’s something you’re not telling me, Lucy, and I know it. You can’t even look me in the eyes while you speak, did I do something wrong? Did my father upset you again?”
“Nathan, I wish I could explain. There are things I’m dealing with and it’s complicated. But I want you to know that our friendship means the world to me,” I said, my voice quivering as I forced the urge not to burst into tears in front of him.
Nathan’s gaze softened, his concern unwavering. “Whatever it is, Lucy, I hope you’ll confide in me someday. I’ll always be here for you.”
As Natha’s words hung in the air, my internal struggle deepened. I was entangled with a web of secrets, my loyalties divided between my mother, my childhood friend, and the quest for justice that compelled me.
The following days that ensued were filled with massive preparations for the invasion Cade was planning against the Hallowed Manes pack. With the allies he had gotten over time, I feared that my plan would be sabotaged. The alpha’s summit was approaching rapidly, and I knew that it was
a critical juncture in me and Chris plan.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
I received a message from Chris through his beta, Glen. The message contained valuable information about the summit and his preparation to leave for the event. Cade too had received information from his allies about the summit and I knew he would take advantage of Chris’ absence to strike. I couldn’t let Cade beat us to our game; the summit was a means for us to expose him to the evil deeds he had committed.
I discussed my plans with Maverick, the weight of deception weighing heavily on me.
“Mucy, are you sure about this? Forging a letter to Cade is risky. He has allies everywhere and would be furious when he finds out that you have been playing him,” Maverick said.
“I know, but it’s the only way to ensure that Chris’ pack is safe during the summit. We can’t afford to let Cade strike in his absence,” I said, my voice filled with determination. My moment of revenge was getting closer than I expected.
I had to deceive Cade into believing me not only him but myself too. I couldn’t afford to falter in this mission, even if it meant continuing a complex web of lies.
With the forged letter in hand, I approached Cade, who was at the heart of my vengeance and my ultimate quest for justice.
“Cade, I have some important news. I received word from Chris concerning the alpha summit which had been shifted to a later date. It seems our plan will have to wait,” I said, handing the fabricated note to him, my voice steady and my expression resolute.
Cade glanced through the note, his features contorted as he read through. His eyes glimmered with frustration but he didn’t suspect that the note could be a deception.
“This changes everything,” he said. “We’ll hold off on our move until the summit is back on schedule. Keep this between us, I don’t want the others getting worked up over this,” he added.
My heart pounded with a mixture of relief and trepidation. I had bought some time, ensuring that Chris would be back before the attack. But I knew that the clock was ticking, and the weight of my secrets was growing.