152

Jenny’s POV

Bianca and I exchanged a knowing glance as we drove down the main road, the morning sun casting long shadows over the car’s dashboard. Dean’s little stunt in the parking lot was laughable. The way he tried to play the enforcer, pretending to be the innocent one, was almost amusing if it weren’t so infuriating.

“Can you believe him?” Bianca scoffed, leaning back in her seat with crossed arms. “Acting like we’re suspects when we already know what he’s capable of.”

I smirked, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “He’s so transparent, it’s pathetic. But let him think he’s in control. The more he underestimates us, the easier it’ll be to take him down.”

Bianca nodded, her expression hardening. “He thinks we’re clueless, but we’ve got him pegged. And Alina, too. They won’t see us coming.”

Before I could reply, my phone buzzed on the console. Luca’s name flashed on the screen, and I quickly answered.

“Where are you?” Luca’s voice was tense and low like he was barely holding himself together. “I’m waiting for you.”

“I know,” I said, keeping my tone calm. “But we’ve got a problem. Dean’s probably following us. I need to throw him off our trail first.”

There was a pause on the other end before Luca spoke again, his voice heavy with concern. “Be careful, Jenny. If he realizes you’re onto him, he won’t hesitate to retaliate.”

“I know,” I replied firmly. “Just hold tight. I’ll get to you as soon as I can.”

I hung up and turned to Bianca, who was already grinning. “So, what’s the plan?”

I glanced in the rearview mirror, spotting the black sedan trailing a few cars behind us. “We’re going to the mall. If Dean wants to play spy, let’s give him something to watch.”

Bianca chuckled. “I love this. It’s like a game of cat and mouse, and he doesn’t even know he’s losing.”

We pulled into the mall parking lot, making a point to park in a spot that was visible from the road. As we stepped out of the car, I caught a glimpse of the black sedan slowing down before it turned into the lot.

“He’s here,” I whispered to Bianca, nodding discreetly toward the car.

She didn’t even glance back, her confidence unshaken. “Good. Let’s give him a show.”

We strolled into the mall, our pace leisurely, as if we had nothing better to do than shop. The air was filled with the chatter of shoppers and the faint scent of coffee wafting from a nearby café.

“We’ll go into a few stores and pick up some things,” I said quietly as we walked. “Make it look convincing.”

Bianca nodded, already scanning the storefronts. “I could use a new pair of shoes anyway.”

We ducked into a boutique, pretending to browse while keeping an eye on the glass doors. Sure enough, Dean’s figure appeared moments later, lurking near the entrance like a wolf on the prowl.

Bianca smirked, picking up a pair of heels and holding them up. “What do you think? Too much?”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Perfect for distracting a would-be spy.”

We continued shopping, moving from one store to the next, all the while aware of Dean’s presence. He wasn’t exactly subtle, but that worked to our advantage.

As we stepped into a larger department store, Bianca leaned close and whispered, “He’s still following us. Do you think he’ll get bored?”

“Not a chance,” I replied. “Dean’s too paranoid to let us out of his sight. But that’s fine. The longer he’s stuck here, the less time he has to cause trouble elsewhere.”

Bianca grabbed a scarf off a rack and held it up to her neck, posing dramatically. “Do you think this screams ‘innocent suspect’ or ‘mastermind in disguise’?”

I rolled my eyes, stifling a laugh. “You’re impossible.”

As the hours ticked by, we made our way through the mall, loading up on bags to sell the illusion. Dean’s shadow remained constant, a reminder of the dangerous game we were playing.

But despite the stakes, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction.

For once, we were in control. And if Dean thought he could outsmart us, he was in for a rude awakening.

Bianca nudged me as we headed toward the food court. “Think we’ve distracted him enough?”

“Almost,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. Dean was leaning against a pillar, his eyes fixed on us.

“Let’s grab something to eat,” I added. “Make him wait a little longer.”

Bianca grinned. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

I shrugged, unable to hide my smirk. “Let’s just say it’s nice to be the one pulling the strings for a change.”

As we sat down with our food, I sent a quick text to Luca, letting him know the coast was clear—for now.

Dean might think he was the predator, but he was about to learn what it felt like to be the prey.

___

Alina’s POV

I gripped my phone tightly as I made my way down the dimly lit path toward the cellar. The air was damp, and the faint scent of mildew clung to the walls. Dean’s voice crackled on the other end of the line.

"Any updates?" I asked sharply, my patience wearing thin.

“She and that little friend of hers went to the mall,” Dean replied. “I’ve been tailing them for hours. I’m sure they’re up to something.”

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “Don’t let them out of your sight. Whatever they’re planning, I need to know before it blows up in our faces.”

“Relax, Alina,” Dean said, his tone oozing with confidence. “I’ve got it under control.”

“Don’t make me regret trusting you,” I snapped before hanging up.

The thought of Bianca and Jenny running loose, scheming behind my back, made my blood boil. They were loose threads, and I hated loose threads.

The heavy door to the cellar loomed ahead. I pushed it open, the creak of its hinges echoing in the empty corridor. Stepping inside, I spotted Lia slumped against the wall, her head resting on her knees. She looked so peaceful, almost fragile.

I scoffed at the sight, my heels clicking loudly on the stone floor as I approached her. Without hesitation, I raised my foot and pressed it down on her leg. Hard.

Lia jolted awake with a gasp, her face contorting in pain. “What the—”

“Rise and shine,” I said mockingly, taking a step back as she glared up at me.

“What do you want now, Alina?” she spat, her voice laced with defiance.

I crossed my arms, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Oh, I just thought you’d like to know something interesting. Something about a certain little boy named Merlin.”

Her eyes widened, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of fear cross her face. She quickly masked it, but I had already seen enough.

“What about him?” she demanded, her tone sharp.

I crouched down, meeting her gaze with cold amusement. “You see, I’ve been keeping tabs on him. He’s safe... for now. With that lovely woman, Benedicta. But the thing is, I’ve got eyes everywhere.”

“You stay away from my son,” Lia hissed, her voice trembling with barely restrained fury.

I chuckled, standing up and brushing imaginary dust off my pants. “Or what? You’ll stop me? Hate to break it to you, darling, but you’re in no position to make threats.”

Her hands balled into fists, and she gritted her teeth. “If you touch him, I swear you’ll regret it.”

“Regret it?” I echoed, tilting my head. “You’re awfully bold for someone locked in a cellar, awaiting judgment. But don’t worry, Lia. I don’t need to hurt him—unless, of course, you give me a reason to.”

Her breathing quickened, and I could see the panic setting in. Good. That’s exactly what I wanted.

“Now,” I continued, straightening my posture, “you’d better get yourself together. In three hours, you’ll be standing before the pack elders. And trust me, they’re not exactly known for their leniency.”

Lia’s defiant gaze met mine, but I could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

“You think you’ll win, Alina?” she said, her voice low and steady. “You think you’ll get away with everything you’ve done? The truth has a funny way of coming out. And when it does, you’ll wish you never crossed me.”

I laughed, the sound echoing in the confined space. “Oh, Lia. You’re adorable when you’re delusional. Enjoy your last few hours of false hope. You’re going to need it.”

With that, I turned on my heel and walked toward the door. Before stepping out, I glanced back over my shoulder, giving her one last smirk.

“Sweet dreams, Lia,” I said, my tone dripping with mockery. “You’re going to need all the rest you can get.”

I shut the door behind me, the heavy sound of the lock clicking into place echoing through the corridor. As I walked back toward the main house, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

It was a message from Dean.

“They’re leaving the mall. Headed back. Nothing suspicious so far.”

I rolled my eyes, typing back a quick response. “Keep tailing them. I’ll handle the elders. Just make sure those two don’t screw this up for us.”

As I slipped my phone back into my pocket, a small smile played on my lips. Everything was falling into place. Lia could fight and scream all she wanted, but the game was already won. All I needed to do now was play my part and let the pieces fall where they may.