Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 7

Before stepping into the café, I tugged my cap lower and scanned my surroundings, but no figure or silhouette caught my eye. Shaking off the feeling of dread, I walked in.

Rosa was already waiting at the far end, her fingers twisting the edge of her scarf. When she saw me, she rose quickly.

“Alpha Cara, I’m glad you could make it.”

Her voice was steady, but her eyes weren’t.

“Good to see you too,” I said, sliding into the seat opposite her. I ordered a coffee for us before turning to her.

“What was so important for you to suggest we meet out here?”

Rosa leaned in, glancing over her shoulder before speaking. “What I’m about to tell you… could cost my family their lives.”

She said whispering.

A chill prickled up my spine. “Did Draven find out about the investigation?”

She shook her head. “It’s not him. Not exactly.”

The waiter brought the coffee, making her pause.

“ Yes, you were saying”

Her hands trembled as she laced them together. “Have you ever heard of SINS?”

“SINS?” I frowned. “No. What is it?”

“Please, Alpha, promise me this doesn’t leave this table,” she said. Her gaze kept darting to the door, her breath quick and shallow.

Taking a sip, I nodded once, assuring her, “You have my word.”

She swallowed hard “SINS is a secret society. It was formed by a circle of Alphas a long time ago, and Alpha Draven has some connections with them.”

My stomach tightened. “And how does this connect to my parents’ murder?”

Rosa drew a shaky breath. “The killer wasn’t just any wolf. It was an execution. A message. The claw marks that were carved into the wall—it’s one of SINS’ marks.”

I stared at her, the name echoing in my head. “So you’re saying Draven might be involved.”

Her silence was enough.

“ You're suggesting I get closer to Draven to get more answers?”

“Yes Alpha, it's the only way.” She whispered. “No one outside SINS survives for long once they start asking questions. You’re either one of them… or you’re dead.”

“Are they that dangerous?”. I said surprised. I've never heard of a secret society named SINS before.

“They are brutal. That's all the information, Alpha. I would always be at your service if you need me.” Her chair scraped softly as she stood.

My eyes glanced at her coffee; the steam had settled. “ Won't you be drinking your coffee?”. I asked her.

“No, it's cold now”. I nodded at her answer.

“Be careful, Alpha. Draven is far more dangerous than he lets on.”

“Thank you” I gave her a small smile.

She smiled back. My eyes followed her as she exited the cafe.

I stayed in the cafe for a while. My thoughts pondered on the information I just acquired. Taking the last sip from my cup, I called the waiter's attention.

“So the rumours are true, huh?”. Looking up, I saw a woman in front of me. She looked familiar. Thinking back, I remembered where I had seen her. Draven's childhood friend, Tessa.

Ignoring her, I paid for my coffee, ready to leave.

“With no wolf in sight, you should keep your attitude in check. Stay humble.”

Chuckling, I walked past her but she stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

Releasing a breath, I retorted, “ Since you're so eager for my attention, would you do me the honour of explaining who you are?”.

“ So you pretend not to know me”. She asked.

“Why? Are you some Goddess?” I asked, praying that she would do something stupid.

“ Well, if you must know, I am Draven's future wife and—”

The sound of laughter echoed through the café. I had to control myself so I wouldn't bring much attention.

“Future wife, you say. Well, that's not what he was telling me in his office two days ago”. My mouth curved slightly.

“Draven has always been a man with secrets. I wouldn't be surprised he intentionally kept our relationship hidden so he can get whatever it is he wants from you”. Her gaze darted up and down, sizing me. I almost laughed.

Flicking my teeth with my tongue, “That reminds me, I heard he has a childhood friend who is obsessed with him. You look just like her though.” I smiled a little as I watched a frown settle on her face.

“You–”

“I suggest you settle whatever thing you have going on with Draven. Maybe he didn't tell you, but we're getting married, and I wouldn't want your fragile heart broken by the shock.”

“Now will you move, or should I do it for you?”. My tone was firm.

“Ma’am please move out of the way”. A man told Tessa and that was my cue to leave.

“You will regret this, Cara.” I heard her say. Not sparing her a glance, I stepped out of the cafe.

********”

“So, what did Rosa have to say?” Abby asked me, stepping into my study.

“The same thing you and Henry have been saying,” I replied to her, resting my back on my chair, swirling it.

“So, no second thoughts?”

“Hmm…no second thoughts. She's suspicious of Draven and she thinks marrying him will help me get to the truth”.

“Yeah, she might be right. After that tattoo, my suspicion has increased. But…is that all she had to say?” she said, looking directly at me.

“Yes yes, that's all. Aside from that, she seemed troubled but refused to tell why.” I hate hiding anything from Abby but if SINS is as dangerous as Rosa claims, I can't tell Abby yet until I find out more.

“You know you can always count on me, Cara. Something is obviously troubling you. You have been awfully quiet since you came back.” She stood beside me holding my gaze.

“I'm fine, Abby”. I assured her

“No you're not”. She argued back

Sighing, I said, “ It's nothing like that. I am just trying to figure out how I can be a good wife to Draven”. I smiled a little.

She chuckled “ I hear you. Try not to kill him”. She said but her eyes didn't leave me. She still had doubts.

“Speaking of Draven, please make an appointment with him for tomorrow. I want this marriage thing to settle fast.” I said changing the topic.

She raised an eyebrow “Why the hurry?”

“It's some woman, Tessa. You know her?” I asked.

“Yes, I have heard about her. She was supposed to be his wife and Luna before you stepped in. Apparently, her father is the Alpha of the Circle oath pack,” she replied.

I rolled my eyes and said, “I see where the arrogance came from”. Abby's brows furrowed in confusion.

“ Arrogance? What do you mean?”

“I met her at the Hilton's cafe. She stood in front of me. A disgusting smile on her face as she blabbered about me being humble without my wolf. What a bitch.” I said scoffing at the memory of our short conversation.

“A b***h indeed.” She said, turning her heels towards the door. “I will go and set the appointment,” Abby exclaimed, stepping out of the study.

I just hope they don't cross paths because Abby will deal with her. I swirled my chair laughing at the thought.