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Landon’s brows pull together, apparently not happy about that. “He needs to know.”
He’s right. Hunter does need to know, but not right now. Anything can happen, and leaving my mother with the likes of Hunter’s father isn’t something I can chance. As soon as I tell him, he will ensure I’m on lockdown, which does me no favors.
“No, he doesn’t. Not until I get my mother back safely with us. He’ll bench me if he finds out I’m pregnant. I’m key to getting my mother back. You know this. I need to be in this. Please don’t tell him. Not yet.”
Landon runs a hand through his hair. “I can’t say I’m happy about this, but you’re right on all accounts. I’ll look out for you, Aelina.” There’s promise in his words. And from everything he’s shown me, he’s loyal and someone I can fully trust.
Now, how am I going to hide this from Hunter and May?
27
“What were you thinking?” Hunter yells, trampling a path in front of me while I sit on the couch.
My chin tremors and the tears will fall any second. I keep my mouth closed, not willing myself to speak in case I let the secret slip.
“I don’t understand, Aelina. You could have been killed. Those bullets were meant for you.” He stabs a finger in my direction, his face red.
May comes and sits down beside me. “Hunter, you need to calm down. Landon was there the whole time. He wouldn’t have allowed harm to come to her.” Her voice is calming in a motherly way. I should say grandmotherly way.
She takes my hand, giving it a gentle rub, but it’s hard to relax.
Hunter’s fist curls and uncurls three times before he takes a deep breath. “May, she did something that could have gotten her killed and destroyed everything we’ve been working toward.”
I look between them. “Excuse me? The reason I did what I did was because you weren’t doing anything about my mother, and you still aren’t telling me everything like you promised. So how can I trust you?” I stand and turn my back to him, grabbing my backpack and heading for my bedroom.
Shutting the door behind me, I go straight for the bathroom. Grabbing the pregnancy test from my bag, I put the toilet lid down and sit, staring at the stick. My world is about to change in so many ways—becoming a part of the underworld, helping Hunter take things over, and pushing out those who stand with his father. It’s going to be a new empire. This baby is going to have a different upbringing.
I’m having a baby.
I know nothing about babies or how even to change a diaper. My only hope is Hunter has had some experience, given that he has younger brothers. I’m sure May will step in and help.
A sharp knock at the bathroom door startles me, causing the stick to fall from my hands.
“What?” I yell.
“Can I come in?” Hunter has come crawling with his tail between his legs.
I reach down, snatching up the stick. Crap, where am I going to put it? I yank open the bottom drawer of the vanity cupboard and throw it in, quietly closing it. Then I wipe my clammy hands over my top and unlock the door.
Hunter stands there, his head hanging low, but I don’t move. Holding my breath, I wait for more anger to be thrown my way.
Nothing happens. Seconds pass, and then, at lightning speed, he has me wrapped in his arms, and the dam breaks. My tears fall onto his shirt as I clutch the fabric, the sobs tearing through my chest. Hunter’s arms tighten around me, his hands rubbing up and down my back.
“I’ve got you,” he whispers into my hair, his face buried in my neck.
My tears finally subside, yet he holds onto me for dear life, and I need it like I need air to breathe.
“Hunter, I’m sorry,” I manage without hiccupping.
“Little Red...” He pauses. “I should have told you before, but we are going to get your mother back. I was waiting until you were ready. I guess, given that you’re willing to put yourself in danger for her, I better get the ball moving. The sooner we take over, the sooner all this darkness and death will slowly disappear.”
“We’re going to get her back?” I ask, unable to hide my excitement.
“Yes, and another thing...kiss me, woman. I’ve missed your lips.”
He doesn’t have to ask twice. My lips connect with his, and my insides melt. I want more of him—a ravaging of clothes being taken off, deep kissing, and lots of touching.
With each caress, all the uncertainty surrounding my mother and our baby washes away. I know that he’ll do everything he can to protect me and what remains of my family.
