Chapter 29 AURORA Dane helped me out of the cave .


    He stayed near me as we walked out .


    Like he cared for me .


    Because he did care for me .


    He wanted me .


    But at Esthers words , his entire body went as rigid as stone .


    What are you talking about ? I snapped at Esther .


    Ive only spoken to you once in thest five years , and that was when you invaded my home earlier tonight .


    Esther flinched away like she thought Id hit her .


    Dont hurt me ! I know youve always wanted Dane for your own , but what youve done tonight is too far ! You made us spill Blue Ridge blood ! Now the Council will kill us ! I felt like Id swallowed a dozen heavy stones .


    What was she doing ? There was no way Id let her frame me for this .


    Carefully , calmly , I turned to Dane .


    Shes lying .


    I dont know why .


    Im not , Esther said .


    Her voice took on a sly tone .


    Check my pocket .


    I recorded thest conversation we had on the phone setting this all up .


    Dane looked at me , and I shrugged .


    It didnt happen .


    I dont care if you check .


    # Chapter 29 2/5 He bent and pulled Esthers phone from her pocket while I looked into the nighttime forest , trying to decide if the rest of the Reeds were about to ambush us .


    Why was she the only one here ? The Reeds had always been stealthy and underhanded .


    I wouldnt be surprised if they were out there watching , waiting .


    Probably hoping whatever Esther had concocted on her phone .


    worked .


    But it wouldnt .


    The recording would be some weird , staticky fake , and it would clear my name .


    Dane retrieved her phone .


    She told him her passcode , then how to find the recording she imed shed made .


    I wasnt worried … until I heard my own voice .


    It came from the phone , cold and cruel and just as clear as if there were two of me standing here .


    Remember , you old bitch , you follow my orders , now .


    But Ann … Esthers voice , sounding afraid .


    Thats Aurora to you .


    My voice snapped back .


    But that was impossible .


    Id never had this conversation .


    Id never said these words ! Im sorry , Aurora .


    Esther whimpered .


    You know that we cant shed his blood .


    How can we get him onto Reednds ? He wont break the pact .


    Chapter 29 3/5 Ill handle it , I said .


    You just get the Nights Truth .


    I know he wants me .


    Then make sure the Blue Ridge wolves know exactly where to find us .


    What if he attacks you ? Hes always said he hates you ! The voice that sounded so much like mineughed softly .


    Thats what the silver bullets are for .


    But dont kill him .


    Remember , he ruined my life .


    I need him to live after Ive ruined his .


    I want to watch him suffer the way he made me suffer .


    And that bitch , Evelyn , too .


    The recording ended .


    Dead silence hung in the air .


    Somewhere in the middle of it , Id closed my eyes .


    Tears burned behind them .


    The warmth that had filled me when I realized Dane wanted me was gone , reced with a cold sense of reality .


    I opened them to find all of the Blue Ridge wolves staring at me .


    Danes eyes were filled with hate .


    Behind him , Evelyn looked shocked .


    Even though I knew it was useless , I said , That wasnt me .


    I didnt do this .


    Even to my own ears , my voice sounded numb and t .


    Dane slid Esthers phone into his pocket .


    Evelyn took his arm and looked up at him with tragedy on her face .


    She fooled you .


    Its all right , my love .


    We can talk about this .


    Well get through it .


    Chapter 29 We can talk about it .


    Dane had just said that to me moments ago , and Id felt such strange , new hope .


    That was gone now .


    Crushed , like my hope always was .


    4/5 Id like the phone , I said .


    I would like to figure out how she stole my voice .


    No , Danes voice grated .


    I was still clutching my torn shirt together with my hands .


    It could still feel the heat of his body and his mouth on mine .


    I waited to see what he would do .


    I was alone , deep in the wilderness , with him , his warriors , and Evelyn Reed .


    He believed the worst of me , like he always did , and I was totally at his mercy .


    Finally , he spoke .


    The alliance between High Alpine and Blue Ridge stands .


    But I will not work with you .


    I never want to see you again .


    Send Trajan .


    Send that cousin of yours .


    I never want to see you again .


    Then he turned … and he left .


    He and his wolves , every single one of them , walked away .


    They left me , me standing in the middle of the forest , alone with Esther Reed .


    Oh , dear , she said , and smiled slyly at me .


    I think the Alpha is upset .