Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91809 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91809 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“That was the plan,” Alistair said, “but circumstances changed. Luna has unfinished business in Regalia.”
Mom’s eyes narrowed. “I see. I thought we agreed that our children weren’t you.”
“She’s not me, El. She’s the best of both of us. She can end this horrible nightmare and bring closure to our family. Or,” he said softly, “the person who killed our Winter can live free, rich, and unpunished. The choice is yours. We agreed.”
She flew to me, and I nodded. “No more fighting, secrets, or silent treatment. I can end this if you’ll trust me.”
Mom was quiet, flicking from me to Alistair. She settled on her former love. “Will she be safe?”
“She’s got the help of a couple of guys who were trained by the best. She’s also my daughter. She’s more than a match for what’s coming.”
Lips pursed, Mom’s face was unreadable. “I’ll think about it.”
I knew better than to push. It wasn’t like I was going to kick Everleigh’s face in right that minute. There were other people I needed to see first.
“Where are my guys?”
“Their home was burned down, and a cache of weapons was found in the remains.”
My eyes bugged, remembering that horrifying detail.
“Starling was good enough to drop them off in front of the police station after she released them.”
“And you didn’t tell me this!”
He shrugged, completely unfazed by my rage. “I told you Ronin was handling the situation. He arranged for their release from custody. They’re suspended from school but not under arrest while they sort everything out.”
“I need to see them. Now.”
“I’m told Victor Wilson put them up in his beach house. I’ll take you.”
I took off, then halted. “Wait, should you? Everleigh did all this to get you here, so here is the last place you should be.”
Alistair sidestepped me and strode off. “Did you think I was going to drop you in danger, then float off in my prepper bunker?”
“What else have you been doing for the last eighteen years?”
“Luna!” Mom cried.
Alistair howled. “Don’t worry, El. We have the lovingly antagonistic relationship only a father and daughter can have. She’s got to give me shit to make sure I don’t get too comfortable.”
“She has to do no such thing.” Mom towed me in, resuming her tight hug. “We’ll talk about everything tonight. Alistair, the Burkhardts, everything I wanted to tell you but couldn’t. Alistair isn’t at fault for any of this. He was only respecting my wishes.”
I rested my head on her shoulder. “I want to talk, Mom, but Alistair does have to go. You both know how dangerous it is to have a Starling after you.”
Mom stiffened. “Starling? Alistair, what is she talking about?”
“We also need to have a conversation tonight, El,” he replied. “But first, we should get out of the open. If we don’t want her to know I’m here, let’s not broadcast it.”
We got into separate cars—my mom and Jack agreed to go home and wait for us after much coaxing. She didn’t want to let me out of her sight.
I shot glances at the back of the driver’s head during the ride, wondering if the shaved gentleman with a black dragon inked on the side of his head was Ronin.
Alistair reclined on his seat, focused on his phone in place of his laptop.
“Will you let your family know that you’re here?” I asked.
“I won’t have to. The Burkhardts own this town. They know everything that happens on its soil.”
“Not everything. Saylor didn’t know Everleigh was her long-lost evil twin.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because I read her texts.” I pressed my forehead against the cool glass. “The Royal Wenches held nothing back. Every twisted, cruel thing they’ve done. Every sex secret. Every deep, dark thought. They slung it all back and forth, except for Everleigh. She joined in, but she never gave away anything that could be used to bring her down.
“I should’ve noticed that.” My fists balled. “I should’ve noticed that Jezebel12 offered up the Book Lady site a little too easily and a little too quick. I should’ve noticed that Everleigh was working too hard to separate me from Victor.
“That day I went to Martha about my tuition, she told me the Starlings came to her with a serious, eye-popping business merger if she agreed to dissolve our engagement and have her son marry Everleigh instead.”
Alistair nodded slowly. “You’re harder to get to, holed up in Wilson Manor, and the Wilsons are a powerful enemy. Of course she wanted to separate you from them... before she killed you.”
“It’s all so obvious now. Just like it’s obvious Saylor doesn’t know what’s going on under her nose. She’s done a lot of cruel, manipulative things. That’s why Everleigh knew to keep her real secret to herself.”
“Hmm.”
“What?” I asked, facing him. “What is it?”
“Nothing. I just find it humorous that you and Saylor don’t get along.”