Chapter 4

Zairith’s POV “You’re going to hate what I say next,” Jordan said, voice low and rough, close enough that I could feel his breath on my lips. There was no easy way out of this, but I was going to find one. I had to. “I’ve hated everything you’ve said so far. Why stop now?” I said, breathless but steady. To my surprise, he laughed. It was a deep, amused sound, and I hated that a small part of me felt proud. One point for me. “Can you pretend to be my... my—” “Spit it out,” I snapped. “Say it. I’m not going to hit you. Not yet.” He chuckled again, slower this time. “Pretend to be my escort. It’ll give you space to move around the pack. Keep you safer, too.” A part of me I didn’t want to deal with wondered what that would really mean—being Jordan’s lover in front of everyone. His kiss still burned in my memory, sharp and hot. Most men didn’t kiss like that. Then again, most men didn’t kill like Jordan either. “Why would you offer this? I was hired to kill you.” He nodded, more serious now. “I know. But I also know something is wrong in the camp. Things no one talks about. My brother used to say stuff that didn’t sit right. And you... you might be the only person I can trust.” That stopped me. “You trust me?” “You don’t lie,” he said simply. “You’ve told me exactly what you think of me, and I respect that. Not many people here are that honest.” I rolled my shoulders, trying to shake the feeling that something didn’t add up. This wasn’t just about me. Something bigger was going on, and I was walking straight into it. “Are you serious about this?” I asked, watching his face. “Dead serious,” he said. “You might think I’m the bad guy, but inside these walls, there are darker things hiding. If someone here is taking women—your friend included—they’ll answer for it. But I can’t do it alone.” “You’ll help me find Nevaeh?” I asked, my voice sharper now. “You have my word.” “Your word means nothing to me,” I said, ice in my tone. Jordan gave a tired smile. “Then kill me if I fail. If we don’t find the truth, do what you want with me.” I scoffed. “That’s already the plan.” His eyes turned cold. “Good. Death might be the only real freedom I’ve got left anyway.” And somehow, that hit harder than I expected. Was I really about to let this dangerous man talk me out of revenge? My fingers twitched at my sides. Logic screamed no—but something deeper pulled me in. “Say yes,” he whispered, softer now. I swallowed hard. And against all reason, I nodded. Jordan’s eyes searched mine for something. Then he finally said, “Yes. We have a deal.” We shook on it. His fingers brushed mine, a spark of heat running up my arm. I shoved the feeling down. This was a plan. That’s all. Jordan didn’t seem to care. He smirked. “Hope you’re ready, sweetheart. I get a little possessive.” “Do your worst,” I snapped. He kissed my cheek, laughing, then stepped back and offered his hand. I hesitated half a second before taking it. Anger twisted in my chest, but I followed. If playing this role got me closer to Nevaeh, I’d do it. Eyes followed us as we walked through the house. I could feel the stares, feel the way they labeled me—his. I bit down the fury and forced a small, smug smile. Let them believe the lie. Outside my door, he stopped again, leaning in. His voice dropped, low and mocking. “Smile, love. This is a rare offer. I don’t take lovers often.” I smirked. “Neither do I, babe.” My voice cut sharp as a knife. He walked me back to the room he’d given me. The door clicked shut behind me, locking again. This time, I’d walked in on my own. And still, it felt like a cage. “Fuck,” I muttered, staring at the ceiling. Two weeks ago, I would’ve slapped myself for this. Doubt slipped in like fog. Was this really worth it? Yes. Because I didn’t have a choice. Nevaeh. The other missing girls. The heavy silence in this house. The truth was buried here somewhere. And I was going to find it—even if I had to burn this place to the ground. Even if it meant facing the one thing still pulling at me. My feelings for Jordan.