32

“Is there anything else she said you should do?” Devon asked as they pulled up to the jail house.

Kiara thought for a while, then nodded. “She said I should make sure I don’t shift that day no matter what.”

Devon's brows furrowed and he thought about that for a while, then pushed his door open and stepped out. He knew that all this has a bigger picture to it, but he couldn't quite place a finger on it yet.

Pulling open her door, he helped her down. “Ketura is not a good woman, she is not even nice, and she will say and do anything to protect herself, so whatever she says to you, take it with a grain of salt.”

“Why not just discard it?”

“She has a twisted way of lacing the truth with lies.”

Kiara's eyes narrowed and she let the words replay over and over again in her head. She only snapped out of her head when they stopped at the cell holding Ketura, and she was already standing by the door as if she was waiting for them.

“I knew you’d come.”

Kiara and Devon exchanged glances, then rested their gazes on her. 

“And why exactly have you been expecting us?”

“I know your mate more than you do, Devon, and I also know Marcos like I know the back of my hand. I knew how everything would play out the moment you ratted me out to Marcos.”

“What do you mean by you know me?” Kiara chirped in, looking visibly confused, “I have never met you before, and I am sure you’ve never met me before either.”

Ketura’s face made way for a sinister smile, and she appeared to be staring deep into Kiara’s soul. 

“You might not know me, but your wolf does, and I know her too. Right, Kali?”

Kiara’s blood instantly ran cold, and her eyes widened so much it felt like her eyeballs were going to pop out of their sockets.

“How do you know her name?”

Ketura’s smile widened and she turned to Devon, who has been watching everything with furrowed brows. “Can you give us a moment?”

His eyes immediately went to Ketura, and she gave him a slight nod causing him to exhale softly. 

“Remember, a grain of salt.”

“I will.”

He turned to Ketura, “a dent in het would have you wishing for death for the rest of your miserable life.” Without giving Ketura a chance to respond, he gave Kiara a kiss on the forehead and walked away.

“Now, tell me everything you know.”

The smile on Ketura’s face fell, and her face hardened. “You don’t order me around, and I’d , uch rather talk to Kali than you, so bring her out.”

“No. You will talk to me, what do you knows?”

Ketura narrowed her eyes, and slowly took her in before she let a laugh pass through her lips.

“You are an interesting young lady. You think you’ve got a whole life ahead of you, but quite frankly…. You don't.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Ketura takes multiple times and shook her head. “Your parents really told you nothing about the destruction that lies in your wake. The thousands of souls that’ll lie dead if you should choose to have what everyone else considers a normal life. You are an abnormaly, you were never meant to exist, but your parents defied all odds and brought you to life, now all you will ever bring is destruction.”

“You are a bloody liar.”

“Then why is Kali so silent? shouldn't she be reassuring you that I am nothing but a liar?”

A shaky breath escaped Kiara, and her bottom lip quivered at the realization that Kali was indeed oddly quiet.

“Kali…” she whispered, hoping for a response. 

“Ignore all that she has said and do what you came for.” 

Kali’s answer didn’t call Ketura’s words a bluff, but it helped Kiara learn how to breath again.

“I am here for you to mask my scent.”

Ketura raised a brow and then smiled. She expected her words to send her brain into overdrive, trying to figure out what she meant, but Kiara was exactly what a woman who had a future like hers would be; calm and collected.

Scoffing, Ketura turned her back on her and walked away. “You will have to bring Devon if I'm to do anything for you. Someone has to pay the fees.”

Anger boiled at the pit of Kiara’s belly at her dismissive and condescending tone, but instead of talking back at her, she called for Devon instead and he came running in.

“She demands payment before doing anything.”

“Ketura…”

“You don't expect me to work for free just because you are holding me prisoner. I expect to be fully compensated for my work.”

“I know,” he said, rubbing his forehead and Ketura frowned, “I know you will demand for compensation, so tell me what you want.”

“I want my freedom.”

“I will give you your freedom-” Ketura’s breath instantly hitched, she expected him to laugh in her face for that request, “-but, I am not just going to let you go anywhere you want to. You will be taken to your mate’s pack, and that is where you are to remain.”

Ketura opened her mouth to disagree, but she thought twice, then smiled and nodded. “Very well then, I’ll take the deal. Let her come in.