Chapter 11:
*11:59pm. Blackwood Gardens. Oak Tree.*
Fog rolled low across grass. Cold. Smelled like wet earth + old blood. The oak tree stood ancient in the center, and branches twisted like arms.
Damien held my hand tight. Elena walked left, gun at hip, eyes scanning darkness. Kemi and 12 guards circled the trees, night vision on, silent.
My phone buzzed. Same unknown number.
_New: You came. Good. Walk to oak tree. Alone, Mrs. Blackwood. Alpha stays back, or I blow charges buried in roots. -K_
Damien’s grip tightened until my bones hurt. “No.”
“They want me,” I whispered. “If I don’t go, they kill everyone here.”
Damien looked at me. Eyes black, no silver. Terrified. Not Alpha. Just man. “3 years ago I sent you away to ‘protect’ you. Look what happened. Not again, Favour.”
I touc
