Griffin’s POV
The low hum of the airport and the flurry of movement around me felt like distant noise as I sat, staring blankly at the arrivals gate.
My stomach churned, a mix of irritation and something more primal fear. Fear that Alpha Rolan might catch wind of the way I’d spoken to his wife, Pandora.
Rolan wasn’t known for his patience or understanding, especially when it came to his Pandora. And yet, even though I knew she’d protect me, I couldn’t shake the image of him losing his temper, tearing into me with the strength that only an Alpha could wield. The thought alone made me grit my teeth.
And then, there she was. Waving at me like everything was perfectly fine. The woman I was waiting for, Camilla. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and instead plastered on a fake smile, my lips curving in a way that felt unnatural, forced. I inhaled sharply and stood, running a hand through my hair to maintain the facade I had to keep up.
As she approached, her heels clicking rhythmically against the airport floor, I couldn’t help but hiss under my breath.
Camilla.
Always showing up and wanting to be the very center of attraction. But she had her uses, and I wasn’t above pretending to love her for as long as I needed to.
“Griffin!” she called out with that high-pitched, overly enthusiastic voice of hers, throwing her arms wide as if we were long-lost lovers.
I braced myself mentally, reminding myself that this was all part of the game. I had to play it cool. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into an embrace that could only be described as “passionate” if you didn’t know any better.
I even added a soft laugh, leaning into her as if the very sight of her had made my heart soar.
She pulled back slightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Drop the act,” she scoffed, a teasing smile dancing on her lips. “You’re terrible at pretending you missed me. I could spot your fake smile from miles away.”
I let out a sigh of relief, the tension in my shoulders easing. At least with Camilla, I didn’t have to keep up the charade for long.
“Thank the moon goddess,” I muttered, stepping back and running a hand down my face. “I was dreading how long I’d have to keep that up.”
She chuckled, that knowing laugh of hers, and patted my arm as if we were old friends just joking around. “You always were a terrible liar when it came to your feelings. Don’t worry, Griffin, I’m not here to make things difficult. Let’s just get to my accommodation so we can talk in peace.”
I nodded, grateful that she wasn’t going to force me into some drawn-out romantic act. That was the last thing I needed right now. “Fine,” I agreed, gesturing toward the exit. “Let’s get you settled in.”
As we walked through the bustling airport, the noise of the crowd fading into the background, my mind wandered. I could feel my irritation bubbling just below the surface, threatening to spill over.
Pandora had stirred up enough tension between Rolan and me, and now I had to pretend to care about this woman when, in reality, I was only using her.
The drive to her accommodation was quiet, and I relished the silence. Camilla didn’t push for conversation, which was rare but welcomed.
My thoughts were already spinning, wondering how much longer I could keep up with all these lies. My life had become a sad, twisted web of half-truths and manipulations, and the more I got tangled in it, the harder it became to escape.
As we neared her hotel, something caught my eye, a familiar figure entering a local pub on the corner. I slowed the car instinctively, my fingers tightening on the steering wheel.
Ashley. Of all people, it had to be her.
I forced myself to keep my face neutral, but I could feel the annoyance seeping through my carefully constructed mask. And the last thing I needed was to slip up in front of Camilla.
Seeing a way to diffuse the tension from the way I had flipped out on Pandora earlier, I had to play this right. I grabbed my phone quickly and, without taking my eyes off the road, texted Caleb.
“Ashley’s at the pub on King’s Street. Handle it. She’s alone.”
I knew Caleb would understand. He was now like the rest of them. Softened by emotions that had been forced on him by being with a mate. Even though Ashley clearly didn’t want him from the beginning, he had been forced to share his life with her.
Camilla glanced over at me but said nothing, and I was grateful for her silence. My mind was too preoccupied with the chaos brewing in my life.
Pandora, Rolan, Ashley, it was all too much. I’d spent so long trying to manipulate everyone around me, trying to stay one step ahead, but lately, it felt like the walls were closing in.
We pulled up to her hotel, and I parked the car, turning off the engine. I shot her a glance, managing a half-smile. “Here we are.”
Camilla raised an eyebrow. “You’re distracted.”
I leaned back in my seat, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Aren’t I always?”
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Well, whatever it is you’re dealing with, just remember why I’m here. We’ve got business to discuss, and I’m not here for a vacation. So, get your head in the game, Griffin.”
I nodded. She was right, as much as I hated to admit it. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions or my distractions get in the way. There was too much at stake, and I had too many enemies closing in.
As Camilla got out of the car, I followed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. The lies, the secrets, the manipulation, it was all part of the game I’d chosen to play. But for how much longer could I keep this up?
For now, I had to focus. On Camilla, on Rolan, on everything I had set in motion.
But deep down, I knew the clock was ticking. And when the time came, I’d have to face the consequences of the choices I’d made.