Lauren.
My car hummed with the rhythm of the road beneath its tires as I drove towards Tyler's place. The plan was in motion, and I could practically taste the power that would soon be mine. But the bitter aftertaste of pretending to seek Arya's forgiveness lingered, making my skin crawl with disgust.
As I maneuvered through the streets, I couldn't shake the memories of the day Tyler marked her. The image haunted me, and an indignant anger bubbled beneath my skin. That marking should have been mine, a symbol of our union and power. The thought of Arya bearing that mark, a mark that should have been etched on me, gnawed at my insides like a persistent ache.
I had wept in solitude, hidden from prying eyes, my heart shattering into a million pieces at the sight of their bonding ceremony. The love between them was like a dagger twisting in my chest, a reminder of what I had lost. But now, as I drove with purpose, I clung to the belief that Tyler would soon be mine.
The plan was proceeding seamlessly, each step calculated to perfection. Yet, the frustration within me was reaching its peak.
The charade of gaining Arya's trust grated on my nerves, a necessary evil to ensure the success of the grand design. My father, the beta of our pack, had erupted in fury when I disclosed the involvement of another alpha – Ethan. His rage had almost manifested into violence, a reminder of the risks I had taken.
In his eyes, my decision to collaborate with Ethan was an act of treason against our pack, a breach of loyalty. But I remained steadfast, reminding him that the end justified the means. The goal remained unchanged – Arya's demise, and Tyler, the powerful alpha, becoming mine.
I chuckled mirth as I recalled his facial expression. He had looked at me like he could not recognize me anymore. I had gone beyond his expectations.
As I hugged Arya yesterday, trying to convey a sense of familiarity, an act so crucial to deceive her into trusting me. The embrace, however, felt foreign, almost repulsive. I had silently counted down from a hundred, desperately trying to quell the urge to push her away.
Even her attempts at sympathy during our conversation about my father had been amusing. I chuckled as the memory played in my mind, reveling in the irony of her futile efforts. I couldn't care less about her pity; my objective was far more significant, and Arya was just a pawn in this game.
As I stepped out of my car, the air felt charged with tension. I sensed eyes on me, an unsettling feeling that had been haunting me since the beginning of this mission.
I scanned my surroundings. Nothing. Just an eerie silence enveloping Tyler's opulent estate. Ethan's minions, I presumed, lurking in the shadows to ensure my compliance with our agreement.
Ethan was a different breed of psychotic, and the memory of our last encounter sent shivers down my spine. His threats were the driving force behind my pretense with Arya.
Today marked the sixth day of my agreement with Ethan, the day I had planned for Arya's kidnapping. A discreet messenger had carried my instructions to Ethan, outlining the details of the plan. All that remained was to play my part convincingly.
In an ironic twist, I had even extended an olive branch to Natalie, of all people. The thought made me scoff inwardly. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and our alliance was a temporary means to an end.
Approaching Tyler's mansion, I couldn't help but muse at the irony that soon, it would be mine. The façade was necessary, the price to pay for what I wanted. I rang the doorbell, plastering a natural-looking smile on my face.
The door opened and Arya stepped out, smiling warmly at me. I grimaced and reminded myself that, soon, this would be over.
"Hello, Arya," I smiled sweetly, hoping I wasn't overdoing it. "Ready to have fun."
"Fun?" She replied with amusement evident in her as she stepped out of the house. "I wasn't expecting fun though."
"You haven't met me yet," I smiled as I walked her to my car. "I am the embodiment of fun."
"Now, I'm looking forward to this outing," she chuckled as she got into the passenger side of the car."What are we doing though?"
"We are going for a picnic," I replied as I pulled out of the driveway. "Guess where?"
"I'm really bad at guessing," she replied, glancing at me. "You'll have to tell me."
"Well, since you can't guess, it's going to have to be a surprise!" I smiled giggling as she shook her head in amusement.
"I can't believe you can smile with genuine happiness," She replied, smiling warmly at me. "It looks good on you."
Oh, I'm good. My acting skills? Oscar-worthy.
"I'm actually just excited about our outing," I said as I pulled the car to a stop. The picnic area was quiet, as I had paid for the space. I had also bribed the guard to give us some privacy and he agreed, probably thinking it was for my lover.
"It's beautiful out here," Arya said as she looked around.
"Yeah, it is," I replied as I appreciated the convenience of the area. The field was surrounded by flowering plants and a forest that led to the outskirts of the Rogue City.
Just the right spot for someone to disappear.
"So, before we start the picnic, I'd love to show you my favorite quiet spot," I said, coming round the car and tugging her towards the forest line. "If you think this place is beautiful, wait till you see it.”
I led her into the forest, hoping that Ethan got my message and was waiting somewhere close.
"How much further do we need to go?" She asked, slight anxiety in her voice. "It's getting dark, Lauren."
"Just a bit further, Arya," I reassured her, keeping a light tone to my voice. "It's worth it. I promise."
"Hello, Arya," Ethan said from behind us then. "Missed me?"
I couldn't suppress the smirk that played on my lips as Arya gasped in fear, her eyes locking onto mine with a mixture of betrayal and disbelief.
"You planned this?" she hissed, her voice a venomous whisper.
I stepped forward, a self-satisfied smile playing on my lips. "It took time and energy, Arya, but it was worth it. The longest scheme I've ever planned."
"How could you!" She screamed as she moved to attack me but one of Ethan's minions was faster as he subdued her with a sedative.
Arya's eyes flickered with rage as she lunged towards me, but one of Ethan's guards moved with lightning speed, subduing her with a sedative. The struggle was short-lived as Arya slumped to the ground, unconscious.
"You did a good job, Lauren," Ethan reached Arya, his eyes filled with lust as he ran his knuckle down her face. "Your job's done here though, you can return to your pack."
For a moment, relief washed over me. The plan had succeeded, and I could finally go back to my pack. However, the realization hit me like a sudden storm – returning to Rogue pack now would only invite suspicion.
"I'll come with you for now," I said, stepping forward.
Ethan's gaze narrowed, the coldness in his voice cutting through the night air. "And why is that? Is Tyler not enough for you, or do you want both Locke brothers to yourself?"
His words disgusted me, but I maintained my composure. "I need to stay away from the pack. They'll catch on soon, and I don't want to be there when that happens."
He studied me for a moment, his amusement evident in his eyes. Without a word, he gestured to his guard to take Arya and follow him. I fell into step behind Ethan, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and anticipation.
Returning to Rogue pack as the Luna, was a prospect that filled me with excitement. Tyler would finally accept me as his now that Arya was out of the picture.