Page 119 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 13

Cailyn’s hands shook as she stepped into her mother’s office. The smell of a eucalyptus candle wafted into her nostrils.

The lights were dim, just how Cecilia liked it. It helped her wind down when she was stressed. Cailyn noted the bottle of wine in the waste basket and an empty glass on the bay window seat.

She’d raced there after the call, ready for answers.

“What’s going on?”

Cecilia turned around, her arms folded across the front of her black dress. Her face was pale, her eyes glistening with tears.

Cailyn’s face twisted in worry. Every nerve was on edge. She shook as she stood there, not ready to hear the worst. Yet, she had to know.

“What happened? How do you know Olivia is missing?” She stepped forward and Cecilia lifted a hand, stopping her.

“She hasn’t been home, and I have an idea of where she is. We can make this right. Together.”

Cailyn tilted her head, lifting a brow. The tension in the air was thick, making her palms sweat with anticipation.

“What do you mean?”

“Have a seat.”

“No,” Cailyn said, shaking. “Just tell me what’s going on for Christ’s sake.”

Cecilia’s shoulders slumped, her bottom lip trembling as she looked at Cailyn with glossy eyes.

“It’s Huntley.”

Cailyn’s stomach fell to the floor.

“No,” she gasped. “Please tell me he isn’t dead.”

“He’s alive,” Cecilia said. “But barely.”

Cailyn nodded, a small shred of hope filling her heart.

“He was cursed, Cailyn.”

“Cursed?”

“Yes,” Cecilia wrung her hands. “We tried to protect you. We did everything we could to keep you out of this, but it is now clear that you are the only one that can save this family.”

“What do you mean? Tell me everything.”

“Olivia went after Connor to save Huntley’s life.”

Alarm filled Cailyn’s eyes. Olivia was the closest thing she had to a sister, and now she and her brother were in danger.

“Listen,” Cecilia said, moving a step closer. She lowered her voice as if someone else was listening in. “We sent Olivia out to kill Harrington Prince.”

Cailyn’s face turned ashen. That was the last thing she expected to hear.

“She was successful…”

“But, Harrington died from a spider bite.”

“Yes. He did.”

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