Page 133 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 19

Cailyn tried on her costume for the party.

White feathers covered her dresses glittering lace and satin. It was fitting.

“You look amazing,” Tessa said.

“Thank you,” Cailyn said.

Tessa sat at her desk in her Hello Kitty pajamas and watching her while finishing the pizza they had shared.

“I wish I knew what you were thinking,” Tessa said.

“What do you mean?”

Tessa stood, fixing her hair. Her brows were scrunched up as she looked at Cailyn in the full-length mirror hung on the back of her closet door. She reached for her glasses on Tessa’s table and put them back on.

“I get that Connor is hot and all, but what about Asher? I thought you loved him.”

Cailyn tensed. “I did. Connor is the better pick for my future.”

Tessa twisted her mouth. “You’re lying. Why are you lying to me?”

Cailyn sighed. “Stop asking me questions, Tessa. Aren’t you glad that I’m going to be stuck in Haven Cove? Aren’t you happy? I’m staying.”

Tessa’s face softened. She took Cailyn’s hand, surprising her by her gentleness.

“Talk to me. Be real.”

Cailyn sighed, her eyes leaving her reflection to stare at her sparkling silver heels.

Tessa had helped her paint her toenails. One night with her best friend worked wonders, even if she knew that soon she would be in more danger than she’d ever experienced.

It was as if Cailyn was getting ready for prom, and Tessa was all too excited to make her shine like a princess. She loved her like a sister.

Cailyn couldn’t lie to her. She was tired of lying.

She turned to Tessa, holding her hands within hers.

Face to face, and eye to eye, Cailyn told the truth.

“I miss Asher more than anything in the world,” she said, her voice cracking.

Tessa pulled her into a tight embrace. “Then why the hell did you leave him, Cailyn? What’s going on?”

“I had to do it, Tessa. There is an ancient truce between our families. If I don’t honor it, there could be war.”

Cailyn sniffled against Tessa’s shoulder. She sucked in a breath, composing herself. She couldn’t ruin her makeup.

“My goodness,” Tessa sighed, smoothing her back. “I can’t recall ever seeing you cry. You didn’t even cry at your father’s funeral. Why would you let that stranger do this?”

She pulled back and took a deep breath. “It won’t matter soon enough,” she said.

“Why?”

Cailyn shook her head. “Because I’m not going to let him ruin my life for good. I have to do something before it’s too late.”

“Can I help?” Tessa’s lips curled at the corners.

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