Page 94 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 2

Cecilia Alexander hummed as she walked down the winding staircase to the landing.

Cailyn winced, realizing she was caught. Why had she thought she could get herself and Asher out the door without her mother finding out? She glanced up at her mother, still dressed in the deep black of mourning, even though her pale gold hair was almost decadently styled in long, glossy waves.

Was it normal to envy your mother? Why didn’t she get those beautiful Nordic looks?

Asher’s eyes went from Cailyn to Mother, and back.

Busted,his eyes said to her.

He cleared his throat.

“Good morning, Mrs. Alexander,” he said.

Cecilia nodded at him, a tight smile on her lips as she looked him up and down.

“Good morning, Asher. You’re here early. Quite…early.”

Cailyn cringed, but Asher gave her mother a charming smile. It was just like him to deploy his charm when they were caught breaking the rules. Unfortunately, what worked at age ten didn’t really work at age twenty.

“I hope that’s not a problem? Cailyn and I had some studying to do.”

Cailyn hid her grin.

Studying the art of anatomy.

“I am not fond of visitors without my permission.”

Cailyn couldn’t stay silent at that. "I am an adult, and I live here too. What is it you need?"

Her mother’s cold gaze moved to her. "And hello to you too, sweet daughter of mine. Have a good day, Asher. I need to borrow Cailyn for a moment.”

Sighing, Cailyn turned to Asher. “Come get me from the library before lunch.” She stretched up to kiss him on the lips, only partly to piss her mother off. “Be safe, baby.”

“You too,” he said and he nodded to her mother before leaving.

Cailyn stood in the doorway, deliberately waiting and watching him drive down the long driveway in his black Dodge Challenger before she turned back to her mother.

“I haven't seen you in what feels like forever. Where have you been hiding?"

"You know where I’ve been."

Cecilia nodded. "You’re right. I do. You’ve been shacking up with that Fox boy at his house…and ours apparently."

"What do you need?"

"I sense some attitude. Aren’t things going well with you and the Fox boy?"

She uncrossed her arms. "Stop that. You know Asher isn't a boy. And yes. He's fine."

Cecilia walked to stand before her. She opened her arms, expecting Cailyn to embrace her.

Cailyn caught the hint and hugged her briefly. She loved her mother but the woman could drive her crazy like no other. She’d always been overly protective and nosy, but stingy with any show of affection unless it suited her purpose.

It drove her crazy. During family vacations, she made Cailyn call her by her name and pretend that they were sisters.

"You two have been close since the day you met in kindergarten.” Cecilia looked off for a moment. “I should have put you in private school like Huntley.”

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