Chapter 14 The Price of Deception
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Kai
I stood in front of Claire, arms crossed, my gaze hard as stone. She shifted nervously, her usual fake sweetness not working this time. I knew everything – thanks to Ivar. He told me about her little “meet–up” with Nevea, and it took everything in me to contain my rage.
“Why, Claire? Why would you go to her? Haven’t you done enough already?” I said, my voice was low but sharp.
Claire looked down and bit her lip.
“I just… I thought Nevea needed to know. She’s leaving, and I thought if…”
“If you what?” I cut her off, my voice rising.
“Make her feel worse? Push her away even more? You’ve been playing games for too long, Claire. It needs to stop.”
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She blinked, holding back tears.
“Kai, she’s leaving you, and you still choose her. I’ve been here for you when she wasn’t. Why is it always her? She doesn‘ t love you anymore. Move on. I’m trying to help you. We can now be together without her bothering us.”
My jaw clenched. I’d tolerated Claire long enough, and her lack of accountability was infuriating.
“You‘ re not helping anyone but yourself. I’m done with your games. You’ll be on cleaning duty for a month. No excuses.”
Her eyes widened in shock.
“Cleaning duty? But I can’t do that! Your family promised you wouldn‘ t…”
“That’s exactly what you‘ ll do,” I growled.
“Actions have consequences. You‘ ve been spoiled long enough. Next month, you’re a cleaner. If you don‘ t learn your lesson,
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it’ll be extended. And stay out of my way if you don’t want me to cast you out.”
She stared at me, speechless and
humiliated. And without another word, I walked out. Ivar was waiting for me in the hall, raising an eyebrow as I approached.
“Everything good?” he asked.
I let out a frustrated sigh.
“She’ll be scrubbing floors next month. Maybe that’ll teach her to stop pulling these stunts.”
Ivar smirked.
“Harsh, but fair. Claire needed a reality check.”
“Nevea’s leaving,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.
“I figured. She hinted at it in her last message. Did Claire confirm it?”
I nodded, panic creeping in.
“Yeah. Do you know where she’s going?”
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Chapter 14 The Price of Deception
“Not sure. I just saw Claire and Nevea at a café. Nevea stormed out in the middle of the conversation, furious. I could ask around, though.”
“Who? I’ve tried everyone. My messages on Instagram are unread, and no one in the pack knows anything.”
Ivar paused, then pulled out his phone.
“I know someone who works with Nevea.
Let me make a call.”
After a few minutes, he returned with a
smile.
“Idaho.”
“Idaho? Why there?” I asked curiously.
“She’s covering a fashion event hosted by Luna Andrea from the Shadow Pack.
She’s leaving tomorrow.”
My jaw dropped, and my heart raced. Tomorrow. I didn’t have much time. I
quickly used my connections to get on the same flight as her, packed my luggage, and
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headed to the airport the following day.
I didn’t have a plan, but I couldn’t let her leave without talking to me. I knew I couldn’t approach her directly, not yet. She’d see me coming from a mile away. So, I disguised myself. I slapped on a scent patch to mask my scent and threw on a big hoodie to cover my face. I made sure I looked unrecognizable.
It worked. I boarded the plane right behind Nevea and snagged the seat next to hers. She didn’t even notice me. She was busy checking some movies on the flight entertainment system.
The flight was smooth until turbulence hit. Nevea gripped the armrest, and her body tense. Without thinking, I handed her a blanket to make her feel comfortable.
“You might need this,” I said quietly.
Her head whipped around, and her eyes widened in surprise.
“Kai? What the hell are you doing here?”
Chapter 14 The Price of Deception
headed to the airport the following day.
I didn’t have a plan, but I couldn’t let her leave without talking to me. I knew I couldn’t approach her directly, not yet. She’d see me coming from a mile away. So, I disguised myself. I slapped on a scent patch to mask my scent and threw on a big hoodie to cover my face. I made sure I looked unrecognizable.
It worked. I boarded the plane right behind Nevea and snagged the seat next to hers. She didn’t even notice me. She was busy checking some movies on the flight entertainment system.
The flight was smooth until turbulence hit. Nevea gripped the armrest, and her body tense. Without thinking, I handed her a blanket to make her feel comfortable.
“You might need this,” I said quietly.
Her head whipped around, and her eyes widened in surprise.
“Kai? What the hell are you doing here?”
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“I wasn’t going to let you leave without talking to me,” I said, keeping my voice calm.
Her eyes narrowed.
“You” ve got some nerve.”
“I know. But I had to do something. Just let me help you.”
She huffed and turned to the window, clearly irritated. I didn’t push her further. I gave her space to process.
When we landed, Nevea bolted from her seat and hurried into the crowd. I followed her, staying a few steps behind. The airport was packed, with people rushing in every direction, and I could tell she was getting frustrated trying to find her way. It was her first time to be in a different state.
“I can help,” I offered with a smile, stepping beside her.
She glared at me.
“I’m fine.”
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But she wasn’t. She was lost, and we both knew it. I remained by her side until she gave up and asked for help.
“Okay, then. Help me find the exit,” Nevea muttered, almost shy.
I smirked and led her to the exit and taxi
stand.
“Thanks,” she said quietly, her tone less
angry.
I loaded her luggage into the taxi and opened the door for her. She slid into the backseat, letting out a tired sigh. I joined her in the car, and she shot me a look.
“You don’t have to come with me,” she
muttered.
“I’m not leaving you alone, Nevea. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you re
safe.”
She didn’t respond. The car was already moving. Nevea sighed and just leaned her head against the window, looking
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exhausted. I smiled with my small victory.
When we reached her apartment, Nevea tried to shoo me away. I didn’t listen to her.
“You are not going to listen to me are you,” Nevea said, frustrated.
“No, Nevea. I am not going to give up on you. Now, shut up, and let me check your apartment first before I leave.”
I left Nevea satisfied that she was safe. I went to the next building and booked a room. Tomorrow, I would start following her. I would not give up until we’re back together.
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