My Ex Husband The Alpha His Brother The Rogue novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

-Laila

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A Blackwood family trip… I’ve been unsettled since I first heard from Kael a week ago. And I only understand why when we arrive at our destination.

The last thing I could have ever prepared for is this. The destination for our supposed family trip ends up being nowhere else but Canyon Islands… the same location I and Cameron had our honeymoon vacation.

The tires crunch against the gravel as our car makes a turn into the private street leading up to the Blackwood’s vacation home. The sound grates against my nerves, like it’s trying to remind me of everything I want to forget.

I should never have agreed to this trip. I should have known this would be yet another disturbing situation. But it’s too late now because we’re already here.

In the same city…in the same vacation home, Cameron and I had spent our first night, and first month together. And we’ll be here for the next week, under the same roof with Cameron and Sarah.

Grandfather Blackwood’s arrival is delayed due to health concerns. Cameron and Kael will be representing him for the meetings until he arrives for the summit in two days.

What’s worse, he’s taken custody of Liam and Kelly back at Thorneville. He’ll arrive with them himself.

Which leaves me, Kael, Cameron and Sarah stuck here…by ourselves for the first few days. With the only other occupant of the lake house being Alpha Max, Grandfather Blackwood’s dear friend who’s hosting the summit, as well as Alpha Max’s wife, Luna Shirley.

The familiar lake house comes into view up ahead. With the cluster of pine trees and the gleam of the water all around it.

Nearly six years ago, I came here as Cameron’s new bride. Innocent, naive, and hopeful for a blissful union.

And here I am again, getting down from the car, this time as his brother’s wife.

I’m not silly enough to believe this is a coincidence. With Blackwoods, nothing ever is.

But it’s difficult to tell who exactly is behind this disturbing arrangement. Kael? Cameron? Sarah…or Grandfather Blackwood himself?

The first two wouldn’t be so surprising. The last two, I’m not sure…

Kael’s hands brush the small of my back. It’s his favorite thing to do, laying an unspoken claim in the presence of watchful eyes.

His touch isn’t gentle. Nothing about him is. His grip around my waist is firm, not so much it hurts, but just enough to be a warning.

He doesn’t look at me as he does it. After our encounter that night a few days ago, we fell back into silent cordiality.

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Chapter 41

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Alpha Max and Lama Shirley have occupied the lake house for a week already, handling the preparations for the summit and so they’ll be receiving us.

Cameron and Sarah have already arrived. They flew out ahead of us and at the moment, Cameron stands on the porch, leaning against the wooden banister.

And of course, Kael’s unspoken gesture doesn’t escape his notice. I pretend not to notice his burning stare,

Sarah’s right by his side, clinging to his arm in that subtle way she did whenever I was close.

I’ve gotten used to it for years and stopped being bothered by it. But it seems she still hasn’t let it go.

Her yellow sundress clings perfectly to her like a second skin, the flowy hem billowing in the wind. At the sight of us, her cherry red lips curve into a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Oh, finally,” She says, her voice honeyed. “We were beginning to think you’d gotten lost”

“Traffic,” Kael replies curtly

Sarah’s gaze rakes over me, eyeing the dress I have on. She’s silently picking, me apart as always and I keep walking with measured steps, a smile intact on my lips.

Kael had gotten the dress for me and I didn’t think much of it until now.

But at first glance, I can tell that both our dresses are from the same brand, the same line, Only that mine is a limited edition lilac shade, while hers isn’t.

Again, I know this isn’t a coincidence. At least this time, I’m sure of who the mastermind is.

Even down to the littlest things, Kael makes sure the contrast of what Cameron has now and what he lost is glaringly obvious.

Cameron pushes off the banister. His steps are unhurried as he walks over to us. His presence is as quietly imposing as always. Subtle, but difficult to ignore.

I sense it coming even before he speaks. His voice is low and steady, almost intimate, “Do you remember this place, Laila?”

The atmosphere tenses up instantly, Sarah’s hand tightens on Cameron’s arm, and Kael stiffens beside me.

Cameron doesn’t need to say more. Of course I remember… even if I wish I didn’t. Even if I shouldn’t

Kael’s grip on my waist tightens, subtly pulling, me closer. His claim is heavy and possessive.

I force a quiet laugh, leaning into Kael’s side. “I remember the lake. That’s all.”

That’s a lie. And Cameron knows it. His smirk tells me 50.

“Just the lake?” He quizzes.

I stiffen. His words stir the curiosity of both Sarah and Kael, which is probably just what Cameron intends.

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Chapter 41

Sarah and Kael both turn to me, expecting my response.

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Am I supposed to just drop the bomb that we spent our honeymoon here? And Cameron took my virginity in one of those rooms?

Kael is sure to lose it and someone might drown in this lake. And it’s either going to be me or Cameron.

The words die on my tongue.

“Oh, you’re all here!” A cheery voice draws our attention, interrupting the tension before it can fully blossom.

It’s Luna Shirley, I met her once a few years ago when she visited Blackwood Pack while I was still Luna.

“I’m so sorry. Max is out and about and I was just trying to get a few things ready with your rooms,” she explained quickly, the excitement in her voice burying the tension without her realising it.

I’m grateful for it. I’m not about to stand through another Cameron versus Kael and Laila versus everyone showdown.

Even if I’ve definitely played a part in fueling it.

“I know it’s your house, and we’re the intruders,” She laughs quietly, “But come on in.” She invites, waving ust

over.

“It’s fine.” Cameron, ever the gentleman returns her smile.

Dropping the disturbing conversation, thankfully,

“We’re honored to have you. The place is barely in use these days.”

I tense up at the reference. My mind churns in suspicion. What’s Cameron playing at? Why does he keep dropping hints he knows will alarm both our spouses?

We cross the wooden bridge, heading around to the entrance while she leads the way.

Her eyes shift between Sarah and 1, “And do you both shop from the same place? That’s so cute!” She exclaims, noticing the similarity in our dresses.

My eyes move to fix a glare on Kael but he’s staring ahead, like he can’t feel my glare burning into the side of

his head.

“It’s so nice of you to mention. Laila and I have always had similar tastes, you know?” Sarah chips in out of the blue, her voice sugary sweet. “Isn’t it fascinating?”

It sounds completely innocent, but behind the smile, she’s implying one of us is copying the other.

Sarah’s claws are out. I recognise them instantly because I’ve seen them before. Three years ago.

This is going to be the longest week of my life. I can already feel it.

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