Playing both sides

Vanessa’s pov,

When we arrived at Duke’s house, he poured me some wine and told me to make myself comfortable while he started cooking. I walked around his living room, looking at all the pictures on the wall. Seeing pictures of Duke as a kid made me smile, he looked so happy with his big green eyes full of wonder. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a picture of a beautiful young woman. I immediately recognize her from the report that the Alpha showed me. Images of her mutilated body crossed my mind and my body tensed up. I did not even hear Duke approach. “You okay Vanessa?” he asked while wrapping his arms around me. I leaned into his warm muscular body and immediately felt more relaxed. “I am now,” I whispered softly, and Duke planted a kiss on the back of my head. I pointed at the picture, “Who is she? She is beautiful.”

I could hear the pain in his voice when he replied, “That was my little sister. She was the light of our family. Always kind and happy.”

“Was?” I asked.

“She comm