Dark Lies (Magic Side: Wolf Bound 3)

“Tony will escort you home and keep an eye on things,” he said as headlights pulled up behind me. I could make out Tony and two others inside a black SUV. When the hell had he arranged that?

I started to object, but Jaxson cut me off, his voice commanding obedience. “If I can’t have my eyes on you, then this is the alternative. It’s non-negotiable.”

He turned and left, and I slumped back in my seat, watching him depart down the dark street. Was it too late to change my mind?

Sighing, I pulled out and headed back to the Indies with three werewolf bodyguards in tow. I prayed they wouldn’t be spotted by any trigger-happy sorcerers and that they’d leave once they’d escorted me home, but I knew that was asking for too much.

My phone buzzed, and I eagerly glanced at the screen before answering. Not Jaxson. Damn. “Hi, Aunt Laurel.”

“Hi, honey. Sorry I missed your call earlier. Pete and I are driving through Nebraska now and should be home the day after tomorrow. We have a lot to talk about.” She emphasized that last line, worry evident in her voice.

“Right, I’m eager to hear more about my mom. You said we could talk more about her and Dad when you got home.”

The silent pause on the other end of the line ratcheted up my nerves.

“Of course. We can talk about all of that, too, at some point. Is everything all right?” my aunt asked.

“Yup. Nothing to worry about. See you both Saturday.” I hung up, feeling a sudden pang of deceit in my chest. Why was my aunt so evasive when it came to my mom?

But you know why, don’t you?

She’d said we had a lot to talk about, which meant only one thing: she’d dredged up something on Dragan.

Dread mixed with an overwhelming sense of betrayal as I pulled into the driveway of my aunt and uncle’s house. Casey’s car was parked in the garage. “Great.”

I climbed out of the Fury and glanced down the street to where Tony had parked. I waved my hand, dismissing him, but he didn’t leave.

On the bright side, I wouldn’t have to worry about bikers tonight.

The front door slammed closed behind me, and I slid the four locks into place. At first, I’d thought they were overkill, but now?

I headed into the kitchen and grabbed a pop from the fridge. As I was chugging the sugary goodness, Casey strolled in wearing a towel—and only a towel—wrapped around his waist.

“Your car sounded like a screeching bat when you pulled in. What the hell happened? Run over a werewolf or something?”

I choked, and pop shot out of my nose. “Why are you naked?”

Casey shot me a devilish grin. “I’ve got company, so keep it down. But first, spill the beans. What happened to the Fury?”

Ugh, now I was never going to sleep.

I took a long pull on my Coke. “Three werewolf bikers wanted to have a chat.”

Casey’s eyes bugged out. “Shit. Are you serious?”

“Deadly serious.”

My cousin tipped his head back and laughed, causing his towel to slip loose. “You’re like a shitstorm magnet!”

I snapped my head to the right to avert my eyes lest they burn out. “Thanks for your genius insight. Now if you don’t mind, please put some clothes on, and let me have a little peace and quiet.”

“I want to hear all of the juicy details, but I’ve got a lady friend waiting for me upstairs. Check you later.” My cousin winked and sauntered out of the kitchen.

I slumped onto a stool and leaned on the kitchen island, rubbing my sore eyes. I was exhausted, but between Casey’s lovemaking and the events of the day, I knew sleep was far off.

With a weary groan, I finally gathered the strength to stand and amble down the hall. Maybe a hot bath would help. But as I began climbing the stairs, my eye caught on the door to Aunt Laurel’s study. It was slightly ajar.

I paused mid-step. Snooping was rude, but so was withholding information, and Aunt Laurel had been continuously dodging my questions about my mother. There was no way I could tell her what had happened to me, and I needed information.

Moving quietly, I sneaked toward the study. My heart leapt as several thumps sounded from the second floor, followed by an explosion and a crash. And then laughter.

What the hell were they even trying to do? My cousin was a lunatic, but at least I could be sure he was distracted.

I slunk into the study and gently shut the door behind me. I’d been in there a few times, and while it wasn’t explicitly off limits, I’d always been invited in by my aunt.

Guilt and shame settled over me, and yet, I snooped the shit out of the place.

I started with my aunt’s oak writing desk, which was filled with recipe books and spells scribbled on loose sheets. I shuffled through the papers but found nothing of interest. When I reached into the back of the top drawer, however, my fingers brushed over a cold metal object.

My heart fluttered as I stared down at the tiny brass skeleton key in my hand. It didn’t fit in any of the keyholes in the desk, which were all unlocked. I scanned the room, and my gaze settled on the antique filing cabinet in the corner.

The key fit perfectly into the top drawer, and with a click, it slid open. Manila folders with printed labels filled the space. I flipped through them, not recognizing any of the names, until I spotted one that had grown far too familiar of late—Laurent.