Chapter 52

"Today?" I called back to Michelle through the door.

"Yes, by 3 o'clock. In two hours." She answered, her voice sounding regretful. While she didn't know the whole story, she was smart enough to pick up on my dislike for the Luna, especially with Jacob and Ryan's animosity.

"Thank you, Michelle, I will be ready. Could you prepare yourself to come with me?"

"Of course," She responded. "Whatever you need. Let me know when you are ready to go." We heard her footsteps venture away from my door.

Ryan and I looked at each other. His eyes were as wide as I'd expect that mine were.

"Fuck," I asked. "What could she want from me?"

"Do you think you should go?" His voice was edged with urgency.

"Could I avoid it?" My body was shaking. Ryan pulled back into his arms and squeezed me tightly. I was so grateful that I'd forgiven him- having someone to understand this moment for me was invaluable.

"We could think of some excuse. Maybe you're ill today?" He offered.

"I could make some excuse but it would only put it off till tomorrow, or the next day." I responded, accepting that I would meet my sister. "Besides, I should figure out what she wants. Whatever it is, I'm sure it isn't good. I met her once and she tried to make me look treacherous in front of all the Alexanders. She tried to point out that I supported you like she had been spying on me. And I had been careful."

I had told him all about that encounter, so he was nodding. He closed his eyes. I smelt the cool smell like a winter breeze when he went into his visions. I stroked his hair fondly, running my hand over his sharp jawline and down his thick masculine neck.

He peeked out of one eye, "It's hard for me to focus on the visions if you distract me."

"Oh sorry," I pulled my hand away. "You just look so sexy like that."

With a smirk, he clamped both eyes shut again.

"What do you see of Jennifer?" I asked, grateful for his talents.

"Hmm. I see a large table and a tea set with really tasty treats. It's in the future and there's Michelle, Jennifer, you and someone else all sitting down to tea. It must be today, and she must really intend on serving you tea." He opened his bright eyes towards me, "It's so strange in these visions, often it's like you're a black shadow, so I assume it's you, and the others are clear to me."

"She must only want to talk." I said, hoping more than believing, while my curiosity was rising sharply. "I need to find out about what."

"It seems so. She looked friendly even." He added.

"Friendly?" I scoffed. "She must really want something. I wonder if it only has something to do with the Blood's Bane we are providing to them." At this point we'd already been lacing Jacob's herbs with poison. "Who knows what else is going on there. This is my chance to find out more."

"Are you scared." He said, knowing the answer even before he said it. "You're brave."

"Whether I'm terrified or brave, I need to figure out who is Jacob's blood provider." I wondered if I could contain Ariana if we discovered it. What if I learned that another she-wolf was locked away in the basement? Would I be able to stay calm?

'Ryan, do you see any one locked away in their basement?"

"I have not been able to see that." He said. "I've looked a few times because you asked me too, but I don't see that they have a prisoner like that."

"Hmph," I let out a breath. "They have to have someone. Jacob shows less signs of the curse than one might even expect for an Alexander of his age. He's still going strong with his talents."

"His wolf is a bit unruly," Ryan said. "But I agree. I think he's just like that."

He held my hands for a moment like he considered not letting me go, but released them reluctantly.

"I should get ready." I said.

"Will you be ok?" He said.

"I have to be." I responded. "I'm worried. What could she want with me? I met her once at that party, and she hated me. I hope this has nothing to do with Jacob yesterday. But again, it might be Blood's Bane or who knows what else."

"Be careful," he said. "I wish I could be there with you."

"Michelle will join me so I will not be alone there."

I was pulling on a more casual but pretty floral dress perfect for an afternoon tea.

"Will you watch out for us?" I asked. "It will be hard to wander back into Jacob's lair- it's the place where I was killed."

He nodded. "I can't really choose what I see of you, but I can see visions of Michelle and your sister. I will watch to make sure that you get out of there safely."

That gave me some reassurance. I took a deep breath, telling myself that we can do this.

Michelle and I wore presentable dresses for an afternoon tea with floral patterns and long skirts. At least it was not the first time to meet my sister, even if seeing her sent waves of fury and terror through my body, maybe it would be more normal this second time.

Whatever happened, I needed to keep my composure and not risk exposing my plans to destroy her and Jacob. I needed to come across like a supporter of Clan Alexander above all else, and like a simple trade associate for Clan Harris.

My whole body grew numb as we approached Jacob's lair. I remembered the last time when I thought he wanted to meet me after I'd won the games, only to be thrown in the basement.

Ariana nipped at my insides, urging me to run away from there. I almost agreed with her. But I spoke inside us, we have to do this. Her fear of being dosed with wolf's bane was real. I could not let that happen to us again.

"Michelle," I whispered, stopping her a moment. "If anything strange happens in there… then I need you to get away and find Ryan immediately if you can."

"Yes, milady…" She looked concerned but did not ask for any explanation. I liked that about her, she would agree without hesitation, and never pried.

With a deep sigh, I knocked on the door. This time, there were no guards escorting me, it was only Michelle and I. This time, I was a grown she-wolf with the ability to fight for my life. This time, I would trick them, instead of them tricking me.