Chapter 21
REBECCA’S POV
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As I sat at my vanity, running the brush through my hair, Drew’s words echoed through my mind. ‘Stay away from Cody
Even though I agreed to stay away from him, Drew still couldn’t give me a good reason why I should keep my distance. All he said was he didn’t like the guy.
I finished styling my hair and made my way downstairs to breakfast. To my surprise, my mother was sitting in her usual chair, but there was no Devon or Drew.
“Mom, how are you feeling?” I asked, bracing myself for her sour attitude, but instead she stood up, smiling at me like she used to months ago.
“Yes, yes. I’m fine. Come sit. We have so much to discuss.”
“Okay.” I drawled. My mother was acting really strange, but at least she seemed to be in a better mood. “You seem cheery today.”
“I am,” she said, settling into her seat. “That’s because Devon and I agreed that you deserve a little token. Call it a welcome to your new home gift.”
“That’s nice, but Mom. I don’t need anything.”
“Trust me, you’ll love what we’ve got you. Eat your breakfast, and when we’re done, I will take you to the gift,” she winked as she cut into her egg.
“Sure. But where are Drew and Devon?” I asked.
“They left this morning on business. They’ll be back in an hour or two.”
I nodded and picked at my eggs.
Mom and I ate in silence for a while. She giggled between bites of toast as she scrolled through a fashion magazine. I watched her. Her face was brighter, even though I could still see the bruises peeking out behind the layers of makeup she had on.
As soon as I cleared my plate, she pulled me toward the front door.
We stopped in the driveway, and I gasped. A shiny red Corvette sat under the morning sun, with a giant gold
bow across the hood.
“You bought me a car? I said in shock.
She laughed. “Yes. But the Corvette is mine. This one is yours”
She pointed to an elegant silver Honda sitting right next to it.
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Chapter 21
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I beamed. “Mom! I don’t know what to say!”
“Just say thank you,” she prompted, sliding the keys into my hand. “And I want you to know that this is Devon’s idea. He’s a good man, honey. Just… please try and behave from now on. No more running around and screaming about werewolves and corpses in the woods. And no more calling the police, she wagged her finger
at me.
My heart sank. Happy as I was to get a car, I saw that this was nothing but a bribe.
I pouted. “Tell Devon thanks, but no thanks. I don’t want it.”
“Oh, baby, this isn’t a gift you can refuse.” She squeezed my wrist, eyes firm. “You have to take it and you will thank Devon with a hug the next time you see him.”
“Mom, I’m not arguing with you,” I snapped. “I rather eat razors than hug that man.”
That’s when Devon’s black million–dollar Jeep pulled up.
He stepped out, his presence always seemed to suck the warmth and happiness out of everything. He tossed the keys to the valet, and strode over. He then kissed my mother’s temple. “So… what’s the verdict?” he asked, then glanced at the Honda. “Does she like it or love it?”
Just then. Drew’s motorcycle purred to a stop next to us. He slid off and rested the helmet on the seat. His eyes were locked on the Corvette.
“What’s Mom’s car doing out here?” he asked.
“Instead of having it sitting in the garage forever,” Devon explained smoothly. “I had it freshly painted so I could gift it to Hilary.”
Drew glared. “Hilary can’t have it.”
“Really?” Devon cackled while he shook his head.
“She can have Mom’s side of the bed, her closet, Grandma’s ring, the Luna title, but Hilary cannot have that
car
Devon’s voice dropped when he spoke again. “Too bad. I’ve already given it to my wife and your Luna
“Devon, if the car means this much to Drew, then I think it should be given to him,” my mother added.
Devon glared at my mother. Hilary, you promised me you would not piss me off again so that I won’t snap and hurt you. Please just keep your fucking mouth shut and do what I say
1 gripped the Honda keys tightly. “Mom, if you take that car, I will never talk to you again. I mean it.” I held out the keys to her. “You can have mine, and Drew can keep his mother’s Corvette. See? Everyone’s happy”
Devon cocked a brow. “So you are not accepting my gift
“No. I prefer Jeeps anyway? I gave him a crooked smile.
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Chapter 21
He growled and stormed off. “I’m too hungry for this.”
“Drew, I didn’t know the car belonged to your mother,” mom said.
“I know.”
“Hilary. Are you coming?” Devon yelled.
“Coming honey.”
Drew and I shook our heads as we watched my mother hustle to catch up to his father.
“You smell good,” Drew said, his tone rough.
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I fiddled with my fingers as I stared at him. He looked rugged this morning and he was still wearing the same outfit from last night’s party.
“Thanks…” I tried to play it cool. “Rough morning?” I asked.
“Yeah. One of the roughest.” He motioned for me to walk beside him.
I followed. “What happened?”
He glanced at the driveway, jaw clenched. “We got a call before dawn. One of my friends got killed last night.”
“Who?”
“You remember Eli? The guy who took Troy out for some air at the party?” He asked and I nodded. “They were attacked. Troy managed to escape but Eli wasn’t so lucky.”
“Oh no.” My gut clenched. “That’s awful. I’m so sorry.” I remembered seeing how much Eli didn’t want to go out with Troy last night.
“Edith’s devastated. She can’t stop crying.”
“I can only imagine. To lose her brother like that must be so devastating.” I bit my lip.
“And they were twins too,” Drew mentioned.
“What did the police say?”
“They don’t know much. They just told us to stay out of the woods for now.”
“Wait, how did he die?” I wondered.
“Becca, you don’t want to know
“I do.”
He sighed. “He was slashed to death with a sharp object.”
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“Like a knife… or claws?” I whispered.
“Becca, not this werewolf shit again.” His eyes flicked away.
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I was going to argue but the look on his face told me he needed a break.
“Right. I’m being stupid,” I sighed. “So did Troy see anything?”
“No. He said it was too dark and the guy or guys attacked them from behind.”
My brain whirled. “Maybe I should bake a cake for Scott, show him support. Or bring flowers.”
He cracked a half–smile. “That’s sweet. But Scott’s strong. My father’s calling a house meeting tonight. It’d be better if you came.”
“Okay. I will.”
He touched my arm gently. “I’m gonna go grab a shower then take a nap. I’m beat.”
“I’ll come with you.”
He gave me that sexy smirk of his. “Where? To the shower?”
“No, you pervert,” I rolled my eyes. “To your room door.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
