Page 60 of Trapped Truth

My jaw drops as we drive past multi-million-pound mansions behind spike-topped fences and immaculate brick pathways. When we pull up to a three-story townhouse ensconced in towering oak trees, Warner lowers the window to press his thumb to the gate’s security system.

“Warner Mead,” he recites into the speaker.

After a pause, the mechanism swings open to grant us access. The directors take their safety seriously, even out here in the suburbs. I wouldn’t like to see what manner of hell rains down on anyone who trips their alarm.

“Em, I should give you a head’s up.”

“Oh?” I reach to unfasten my belt.

“Um, Brooklyn has five husbands.” Warner neatly parks up next to a familiar, Sabre-approved beast. “You’ve met the directors and Phoenix. That leaves Eli and Jude—probably the more… ah, interesting of them.”

Spluttering, Hyland grabs the gift bags in his footwell. “Way to set her up.”

“I’m just keeping her in the loop.” He switches off the ignition. “Jude works as a psychologist in a London rehab clinic now, and Eli is a university lecturer. I’m sure you’ll love them.”

“So why the head’s up?” My interest is definitely piqued.

“Just don’t take it personally if either of them are quiet or sneak away for a breather. They’ve all been through a lot, but Jude and Eli carry their scars a little closer to the surface.”

With his caution delivered, Warner hops out to grab Axel’s door and give him a hand. I stifle a snarky retort when Blaine helps me shuffle from the backseat without aggravating my bad leg. It’s been almost a week since the hospital attack. To my relief, the wound is healing well.

We approach the house as a group, carrying wine and gifts. Nervous pinpricks fizzle over my skin when Hyland jabs the doorbell. At least he, Axel and Warner seem to feel at home. I’m still not sure what we’re walking into.

“Ever think you’d be invited here?” I whisper to Blaine.

“Hah. What do you think?”

“If anything, it demonstrates the directors’ trust in you.”

“Or their desire to keep me close for an easy kill when all is said and done.” His mouth twitches, not quite forming a deprecating smile.

“You know we’d never let that happen,” Warner chimes in, listening to our conversation. “We’re putting the past aside, Blaine. You’re one of us now.”

“Like any of you would stand between them throwing me back in⁠—”

The front door swings open, cutting off Blaine’s rant. Kade swings open the door in his usual clean-cut get up, complete with a festive tie to complement his blue dress shirt. And… a red pair of reindeer antlers.

“Come in, guys. Welcome to the madhouse.”

Warner breaks into guffaws. “Nice ears.”

“Don’t ask.” Kade cringes, holding the door wide open. “It’s all Logan’s doing. For the sake of my pride, I’m hoping his eighth birthday brings an end to the dressing up phase.”

On his way inside, Axel snags the head piece to nestle in his own hair. “Where’s the little monster?”

“Kitchen.” Kade points to his left. “Covered in icing sugar.”

“Oh, hell yeah. Dessert first!” Axel shuffles off as quickly as his injuries will allow, no doubt following the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked goods.

I wait with Blaine while Kade greets the others, feeling a little out of place.

“Hey, Ember.” Kade offers me a one-armed hug. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Happy Christmas.”

“You too. Leg holding up alright?”

I shrug his concern off. “I’ve handled worse.”