Page 40 of The Silver Pact
“If you ever want to talk about it, we can get you help. I can listen.”
I nod numbly as she stands up, puts a hand on my shoulder, and walks away.
One year ago
I toss back the brandy.
“Jenny.”
She looks at me and smiles. “Yes, Silver.”
“He said that I was beautiful. He said that I was perfect. Then he hit me.”
Jenny listens while I speak and keeps my glass topped up as the darkness absorbs a story I’ve never told before.
Present Day
I answered the door. I didn’t think anything of it. Who thinks before they open the door?
Every single cell in my body wishes I hadn’t.
I don’t know how to do this. All I know is that I’ve stolen what was hers. And she’s here and obviously wants them back. The bonds light up inside me as the guys respond to my distress. I try to shut down my feelings, but it’s impossible.
The woman standing in the doorway is gorgeous. She’s got a mane of blond hair that’s got a copper tone to it. She has a figure like an hourglass, and she’s dressed in expensive designer clothes. Brandy Masters is flawless. I feel like a little girl playing dress up.
The words I said to West last night come back to haunt me.
She walks into the house, pushing past me like she owns it, and I get a sinking suspicion that this is going to go badly. If she manages to succeed here, she will own it all.
I glance over my shoulder, looking for one of the pack to appear, and, like magic, there is Ian. His face goes hard. There’s no shock there, just a blank, untouchable mask.
My stomach clenches painfully. He doesn’t come to me; he doesn’t touch me. Ian pretends I’m not even here.
“Well, I knew this day would come.” His voice is ice chips of disdain.
Did he? He knew? A well of hurt opens up inside me. So, this was expected?
“Brandy, what the fuck are you doing here?”
His tone is cold. Horribly cold. I hope he never speaks to me like that.
“Oh, Ian, I made a huge mistake. I’ve come to make up with you.” Her tone is cheerful, happy, and light. She puts her bag down and walks towards him with her arms outstretched.
Ian nods his head. “I see, I see.”
“They were so mean to me, and they threatened me. I couldn’t get away, but I escaped, you see.” Her voice is a simpering tone that makes me want to growl.
“When they lost all their money and bankrupted themselves?” Ian asks with a smile.
“Yes! No! It’s not like that,” Brandy shouts, folds her arms over her chest, and glares at him. “I knew you’d be pouty.”
Her shout draws the others. Ross hangs back, glaring from the other side of the room. West and Quint advance like a pair of circling sharks. The anger bubbling inside them is enough to give me satisfaction that she’s not welcome here.
She’s not welcome here. That thought floors me. They want me, not their scent match. Me!
She hasn’t even clued in yet. I almost feel sorry for her.
Brandy throws herself at Ian, clinging to his arm. My rage is instant and wild. I step forward, snarling, and she snaps her head towards me. Her eyes sweep up and down my body, widening when she realises who I am.