65

POV – Kai-Lea
They weren’t wrong—I couldn’t walk without help for almost two days after their "punishment" for not telling them the truth. Not that I couldn’t understand where they were coming from, but now, needing help just to move around afterward was a constant reminder of their relentlessness. I was absolutely wrecked by Kallen and Stuart, both of them taking out their frustration on me for hiding important information. And part of me knew they were also getting me back for that little "blue balls" threat I’d made.
My ass was still sore, and finding somewhere soft to sit had become a priority. Of course, Wade, Tobias, and Reggie thought the whole thing was hilarious, laughing hard enough to nearly double over.
“Keep it up, and you’ll be doing the training routine four times a day,” I warned, my voice sharper than I’d intended.
“Sorry,” they replied, trying to stifle their laughter, though the amusement in their eyes said they didn’t really mean it.
I knew they’d figure something had happened after they’d left the room. I just hoped I wouldn’t be so sore around them—another factor that probably added to my "punishment."
Felicity, always perceptive, narrowed her eyes at the group. “What happened? We’ve clearly missed something.”
“Nope. Nothing,” I said quickly, though my tone probably gave away more than I wanted it to.
“A hint,” Wade chimed in, “Chellea and Gussie would definitely say ‘eww.’”
“Ah.” Felicity seemed to understand, but she didn’t push further.
“Wade,” I warned, my eyes narrowing at him.
“I just hinted, and I didn’t laugh.”
“Keep it up, and four times a day will seem like mercy.” My words came through clenched teeth, embarrassment flooding me, not just from the fact that they knew I was in trouble, but because the soreness was blatantly obvious.
Felicity, sensing the change in conversation, moved us along. “Where are we headed next?”
“Well,” I began, “It’s the Venra, the vampire museum.”
“Cool. But why?” Chellea asked, ever the curious one.
I glanced at Kallen and Stuart, their faces already setting into that familiar look of discontent, like kids being told they couldn’t go play outside.
“Well, for starters, you, Gussie, and my handsome mates are the current children of the Luna Queen and Alpha King of Royal Green Mountain. Even though you don’t go by your titles, you are still princesses and princes. One day, these two,” I gestured to Kallen and Stuart, “will be the Alpha Kings. And as their mate, I’ll obviously be Luna Queen, which means there are certain responsibilities we need to uphold. One of those is maintaining relationships and treaties, which is why we’re visiting the Venra. While the rest of you are out having fun, the three of us are meeting with the next in line for the vampire crown.”
“Wait, so this part of the trip is business?” Chellea asked, her brow furrowing in surprise.
“For us three, yes,” I answered with a sigh. “Unfortunately, for about four hours.”
Kallen and Stuart exchanged glances, their expressions resembling those of Gussie and Chellea when they found out they couldn’t bring extra outfits. It was like watching children being told they couldn’t go to the park after getting all dressed up.
I smirked, linking both of them with a teasing thought, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you later in the evening, afterward.’
Both of their expressions shifted slightly at the message, a knowing glint appearing in their eyes, though they kept their discontent on display for the others. It would be a long meeting, but the evening held the promise of something far more entertaining.
As we settled into the drive, watching different movies and talking about nothing and everything in between, I felt the familiar tension coil inside me. While the group seemed to relax, laughing and enjoying the scenery as we neared the museum, I couldn’t shake the certainty that had gripped me for days. I knew Kaitlyn was betraying the pack.
There had been too many small, suspicious moments—her secretive glances, the way her conversations would abruptly hush whenever I approached. She thought she could hide in plain sight, but I saw through her charade. The others might have been unwinding, but I was biding my time, waiting for the right moment to confront her.
Soon enough, I’d expose her connection to Millus and any information she was passing along. She wouldn’t see it coming. With Kaitlyn working against us, it was vital to act before she could do any real damage.
“Hey, Kai-Lea! Check this out!” Chellea's voice jolted me from my thoughts, and I turned to see her pointing out the window at a picturesque field dotted with wildflowers.
“Looks beautiful,” I replied, forcing a smile as I tried to push Kaitlyn from my mind, if only for a moment.
The rest of the group began to comment on the scenery, pointing out landmarks and laughing at inside jokes. But I couldn’t fully engage. My mind was a tangled web of concern and determination. With Kaitlyn working against us, it was vital to act before she could do any real damage.
Reggie’s laughter broke through my dark thoughts, and I found myself momentarily drawn to him. I had been so preoccupied with Kaitlyn that I hadn’t thought much about his newfound happiness. He had found his mate—a half-wolf, half-vampire from a nearby pack. The idea was thrilling. What would he be like? Did he have Reggie’s quick wit? I couldn’t wait to meet him and see how they fit together, like pieces of a puzzle we didn’t know we were missing.
But that excitement was quickly overshadowed by my grim resolve regarding Kaitlyn. The time for second chances had passed. Whatever she was plotting, I needed to uncover it. I would confront her after our meeting at the Venra, and I would find a way to protect our pack.
As we continued our ride, the sun began to dip low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that tonight would bring clarity. After the meeting with the vampire royalty and meeting Reggie’s mate, I’d deal with Kaitlyn. The pack depended on me, and I wouldn’t let them down.
We had over three hundred miles to go before we reached the Venra, and while the others enjoyed the journey, I prepared myself for the challenges ahead.