Chapter 143
Alyssa
I’m still thinking about what happened with Logan and War, even after we’re home and I’m putting a pot of water on the stove for spaghetti. War didn’t exactly say what he wanted, so I went with something simple.
Chelsea had done a great job watching Zuri today, and when King handed her a fat stack of cash, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. I didn’t even want to guess how much it was, but he said she deserved it for watching our daughter.
I can’t even explain how much I melted after that.
Now, Zuri’s playing with King in the living room while Mason is going through the hard drives. His first priority finding and deleting Christine’s tape.
Meanwhile, Niko’s still out with Gray, but I hope Christine actually talks to him when he gets home. If not, I’ll have to do it for her. Like she said, he deserves to know everything.
After stirring the spaghetti sauce and dropping the noodles into the boiling water, I finally take a seat at the table to catch my breath. I know I’m still early in my pregnancy, but today’s stress and adrenaline have left me fucking drained.
We nearly got caughn. Christine showed she’s terrible in high–risk situations. And whatever happened with Logan and War is still gnawing at me. I need answers from one of them–or both before I lose my mind trying to figure it out
“Kitten, War just texted me,” King calls out suddenly, drawing my attention to the living room where Zuri is sitting in his lap on the couch, banging on her toy piano.
“He did!” 1 ask, already feeling some bullshit coming.
“He said he can’t come tonight. Something came up, but he wants a raincheck
A flash of irritation surges through me, and I plant my hands on my hips. “What? Are you serious! Dinner’s literally ready in five minutes!”
I know it wasn’t a lot of effort, but still. He asked me to cook for him, and I did
King’s jaw tightens as he glances up from his phone, his expression tense. “I’ll let him know how much that upsets you. Maybe he shouldn’t show up here at all, Ever.”
“King,” Mason murmurs from the armchair, not even looking up from the screen. He’s wearing his glasses tonight instead of contacts, resembling a sexy, tech–savvy geck
I immediately notice the subtle warning in his voice, like he doesn’t want King to upset me right now.
“Is this about what happened earlier? When Logan hugged me! I demand, my voice rising with frustration, “King, you can’t seriously be-”
“War lost control of Logan, kinen, King interrupts, his tone brooking no argument. “Whatever he was planning to do, War stopped him. He thinks it’s best they keep their distance for now.”
I frown, my confusion deepening. “What? Logan’s the host. War isn’t even supposed to be ‘in control of anything Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”
Mason finally stops typing and looks up at me, his expression stoic. “War’s job is to protect Logan–stop
top him from doing anything reckless. But Today? He protected you. That means whatever Logan was thinking about doing was lud, Alyssa. Real bad”
My stomach sinks. Logan and I are supposed to be friends. He really wouldn’t try to hun me would he? But then again, what was that earlier! Why
didn’t he look like himself?
“Whether you want to see it or not, Alyssa, he wants you,” King says, his voice low and steady, but his jaw ticks with restrained fury. “And now that he knows about the three of us, I don’t trust him not to do something dangerous to get to you”
“That’s ridiculous,” Largue, turning to Mason. “Rigla, Macej“,
Mason’s gaze flickers with hesitation. “I have to agree with him. I saw the way he looked at you before War took back over. There’s an obsession there a dangerous one. You know I hate making decisions for you, but this? It’s for your safety.
I sigh heavily, too exhausted to argue with them. “Fine. Did you find Christine’s video!“
“Not yet. These files aren’t labeled, and there’s a ton of them. I luven’t even finished looking through one drive yet.
“Is it just visicos or-” My question is cut off by the timer on the stove going off. I nah into the kitchen to drain the noodles. From the sink, I hear Mason murmur, his voice low and tense, “King Look at this
1/2
4:12 PM
0
Chapter 143
Apprehension curls in my gut. Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
When I return, Zuri’s sitting on the floor, happily playing with her toys, while King leans over Mason’s shoulder. His expression is thunderous, a storm of malice so intense it seems to suck the air out of the room.
“King” Lask cautiously, but he doesn’t respond. His eyes are glued to the screen, the muscle in his jaw jumping rhythmically.
My stomach sinks lower. I already know what they’ve found.
The photos
Phillips didn’t delete them. Of course, he didn’t. He probably kept them as leverage against Silas and Issac.
Mason finally looks up at me again, his face a mask k of rage and pain. “They’re so much worse than you described, he says, his voice taut,
“Is it possible to undissolve someone’s body, bring them back to life, and kill them again” King growls, his voice low enough to avoid scaring
“Unfortunately, not Mason replies, his voice calm but filled with venom. “But there are still plenty of people left to kill for this.”
The door unlocks and swings open suddenly, and Niko steps inside. His eyes immediately land on the laptop. “…is that”
I rush over and throw my arms around him, cutting him off. “I
I missed you, Nikolai
My distraction seems to work as his lips find mine, warm and grounding. “I missed you too, sweet girl. I’m glad you all made it out safely.” He glances back at the laptop, his brows furrowing, “Mace, let me see those
“Nee–kool Zuri suddenly squeals, drawing all our attention. We run to see her standing
Nikop
grins. “Hey, princess!”
As he steps towards her, she takes her very first step, reaching out for him.
Niko crouches down as she wobbles toward him, her tiny feet unsteady but determined. He stretches his arms out, his grin practically splitting his face. “That’s it, baby girl. Come to Daddy Nee–koo
She giggles, stumbling the last step into his arms. Niko sweeps her up, spinning her around like she’s just conquered the world. Her laughter fills the room, making my heart swell with overwhelming emotions Pride, joy, love–it all floods in at once.
“She just took her first steps!” I gasp, my voice trembling with disbelief and joy.
Without thinking. I rush over and take Zuri from Niko, cradling her against me as I cover her little face with kisses. “You did it, baby girl! I’m so proud of you. You’re getting so big!”
From the corner of my eye, I see King and Mason sitting there, both of them watching with expressions that are as full of pride as mine.
Mason clears his throat, wiping beneath his glasses. I feel my eyes burning for some reason, he mutters, his tone soft but genuine.
I can’t help but giggle, tears stinging my own eyes as well. “Those are tears of joy, silly.” I tease, glancing at him. “It means you love our daughter”
King steps behind me, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he pulls me close. His lips brush my shoulder, lingering there as he murmurs in my ear. “Looks like she’s already a little badass just like her mom”
Zuri babbles something in response, her little hand tugging at King’s beard. He chuckles lowly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
Mason finally moves closer, kissing her head too. “You’re amazing, Zuri. I can already tell you’re going to take on the world when you’re older.”
Zuri claps her hands together, and we all laugh, the moment so pure and perfect it momentarily washes away all the chaos of the day.
For the first time all day, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. It’s fleeting, but I’ll hold on to it for as long as I can. It’s better than thinking about
