Page 138 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

“You were at the Academy, and it was easier for Ahren to get the girls,” I reason.

Ares scoffs. I know he hates secrets, but we couldn’t risk it.

The energy around Mom’s death was that of a primordial. I look between the three of them, and Theo’s words that one of our brothers might be a traitor hit again.

I just can’t bring myself to believe that…

“Right, well, I’ll see you all tomorrow,” I say, pushing the thought away and standing up. I grab one of the unopened cans and begin walking towards the mansion.

“Night,” Carter says.

I walk through the brightly lit paths of the Night Walkers Pack. It is the one pack that has lights at night, mainly for Aunty Kiara.

When I reach the mansion garden, I pause, looking up at the window of the room I know the girls are staying in and shove one hand into my pocket.

Tomorrow evening, then.

Heading inside, I silently cross the hallway and climb the stairs three at a time. I can hear chatter coming from the elders in the lounge. Grandad and Grandma are here; Dad’s arriving in the morning. Raihana’s arrived already, but Rayhan, Leo and their families are also arriving tomorrow. It’s going to be a fucking full house then.

I walk to the room I’m sharing with Carter and shut the door behind me.

Not bothering to switch the light on, I walk over to the floor-to-ceiling window and look out at the moon.

Theo, man, get the fuck back here.

Opening the window, I place the beer can on the windowsill.

“You’re missing out on our catch-ups,” I say to the empty room. “Cheers.”

Turning around, I decide to go take a shower before I turn in for the night. I stop at the door and look at the open window, the moonlight hitting the silver of the can.

He isn’t here; I fucking know that.

Twenty minutes later, I return to the room, and I look at the can that remains untouched as I sit on the bed and sigh. I’m not sure what I was expecting. Scoffing, I shake my head and lie down in bed.

“Fucking wanker,” I mutter.

I close my eyes, putting my arms under my head, only for a certain redhead to enter my mind. Even as I avoid her, she always makes her way into my thoughts, awakening a desire that gets me fucking hard.

I’m fucking screwed, and I’m tired, tired of fighting a losing battle.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m ready to surrender to it.

The next day has been fucking insane. If yesterday was hectic, today is even worse. Leo and his entire army, plus his dad and his family, all arrived in the afternoon. Uncle Damon’s family arrived just in time for the evening party. Artemis and Asher arrived earlier, along with Charlotte, Royce’s sister. Skyla and Royce arrived this morning, and his mom is here as well.

Music’s been pumping out for the last hour as well. I’ve been delaying. Sure, I said to my brothers that tonight was the night that I’ll stop avoiding her, but it’s easier said than done.

I’ve donned a pair of denim jeans and a white shirt, leaving a few buttons open and rolling my sleeves up. I brush my hair back, styling it with a bit of gel, finishing off with a bit of cologne.

All done.

Carter looks at me from where he’s putting his shoes on and smirks.

“I can tell when someone puts in a bit of effort. Trying to impress someone?”

“No.” I frown.

He smirks. “Really? I thought you were going to-”