Page 71 of The Stone Secret
Over the next few minutes, she fills Curi in on the truth about Romi’s ‘death.’ When she’s done, Curi is silent for several beats.
He now knows something that the Stone Council is desperate to keep under wraps. So desperate that they may have tampered with a ghost’s memories and messed with Flora Yarrow’s mind too.
Curi’s smile is bitter. “Typical Stone Council bullshit. Liars, every one of them. I can’t imagine the pain of not knowing. Of wondering what he’s going through right now.”
“It sucks,” Cameron says. “I just want to make elite so I can help get him back.”
“And you will,” Curi says. “I know things got off to a bad start between us. I acted…terribly. I treated you as if you were lesser, but you’re not. Cameron, you’re one of the strongest females I know. You can’t shift, you don’t have the same strength as us, but you’re here, and you’re surviving. That’s no easy feat.”
“I have help.” Cameron’s gaze sweeps over us. “I’d be lost without it.”
“Why?” Palia asks Curi. “Why were you so awful to us all?”
If he’s thrown by the blunt question, he doesn’t show it. “It’s easier to be a monster and rule with fear than to care and risk getting hurt.”
I can empathize with that sentiment. All my life, I’ve stifled my feminine side and nurtured my masculine traits to please my father. I’ve denied myself the tiny things that give me pleasure. I’m still hiding who I truly am from the world.
I can understand why Curi came here wearing a façade, but Cameron has found her way beneath it, just like she found her way beneath mine.
This female has somehow brought us all together, and for the first time in my life, I have a family who accepts me.
I’ll do whatever it takes to preserve and protect that.
“You can trust me,” Curi continues. “Your secret is safe with me, always.”
Cameron looks deep into his eyes. This is the moment to tell him about Serath, to reveal all and bring him completely into the circle of trust.
She smiles warmly. “Thank you.”
The moment is gone.
I don’t need to ask her why she’s decided to keep him on the edge of the circle of trust. Telling him that Romi is alive puts no one in danger but herself. Telling him that Serath is her mate puts Serath’s life at risk. She had no choice when it came to telling us…Heck, we’re the ones who figured it out for her, but with Curi, she has a choice.
Curi leans in and sniffs her, his nose wrinkling slightly. “I thought you were going to wear my shirt last night?”
Cameron’s cheeks go pink. Curi doesn’t know about her interlude with Serath this morning.
“I did,” Cameron says. “But then I was hanging with all the elites so…”
Curi frowns. “That shouldn’t mask my scent when it’s been against your skin all night.” He sniffs her again. “You smell like…” His eyes flare. “Arousal.”
“I had a sexy dream, okay?” Cameron blurts out.
Curi smirks. “Oh…”
Cameron’s cheeks go red. “It wasn’t about you. Just…no one. Faceless males.”
“Males? More than one?”
“Shut up.” Cameron slaps his arm. “I had a dream, and then I was with the elites at breakfast so…”
“Those elite have potent aromas,” Touron says with a chuckle that sounds forced, even to me.
Curi doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t press the issue. Instead, he reaches over his shoulder, tugs his shirt over his head, and hands it to Cameron. “Wear this for a little while before class.” He pushes back his chair. “I’ve got a few errands to run, but I’ll meet you there. Save me a seat.” He heads out, and for a moment, there’s nothing but silence.
Palia is the first to break it. “I think we can trust him about…you know.”
Cameron slips on Curi’s shirt. “I know I can, but is it fair to put that weight on him? You guys kinda stumbled onto it all. But honestly, if you had a choice, would you rather be clueless about it? Knowing has made you an accessory to whatever crime hiding this mated bond falls under.”
