Chapter Eight
Jessica's POV
I end the call with Cassie, Rue's step-sister, and slip my phone into my pocket.
Cassie's sugary sweet tone still lingered in my ears, making me roll my eyes. I can't wait to be done with this, but for now I can't wait to have lunch seeing that I had skipped breakfast.
As I walk into the dining room, the aroma of freshly cooked chicken and steamed vegetables fills my nostrils. My stomach growls in anticipation. I take a seat at the table, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins, greets me warmly.
"Lunch is ready, miss. I made your favorite, chicken parmesan."
"Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins. You're a lifesaver." I smile, unfolding my napkin.
After lunch, I decide to take a short walk in the garden to clear my head. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the grass. The air is crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers. I stroll along the winding path, my feet carrying me toward the small pond.
It was beautiful here, most certainly more beautiful than my pack's territory, still I couldn't wait to be done with my plans and leave.
As I sit on a wooden bench, watching the water ripple, my thoughts drift back to Rue. She had really thought that we were friends. Ethan was right, I should take up acting, I'm great at it.
People here are so easy to fool, it's almost as if they don't have a brain, so trusting that I could almost puke.
The sound of birds chirping and water lapping against the shore creates a soothing melody. I sit in silence, letting the peaceful atmosphere wash over me.
My mind begins to wander, replaying conversations and events. Cassie's sugary sweet tone echoes in my thoughts.
Rue's trusting nature comes to mind. Ethan's words of encouragement resurface. The calmness of the garden slowly dispels my tension.
As I sit, lost in thought, the warmth of the sun seeps into my skin. The serenity of the garden envelops me. I breathe in deeply, letting go of my doubts. The stillness of the pond reflects the calmness within me.
My thoughts continue to drift. Memories of my pack's territory resurface. Comparisons between my old life and new one arise. The differences are stark. My pack's territory was harsh. This new life is luxurious. But at what cost? The question lingers. For now, I push it aside. The garden's tranquility lingers.
My thoughts slowly come back to the present. The bench creaks as I shift. The pond's water continues to ripple. Nature's peacefulness surrounds me.
Just as I get up to leave I receive a call from Ethan,answering the call I speak.
"Finally, it's about time you called," I say, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.
Ethan chuckles on the other end.
"Sorry, Jess. I got held up with some business. Our pack's security has been a top priority lately."
I understand. "We're making progress, Jess. Once our plans fall into place, our pack will no longer be threatened by those smaller packs. We'll be the dominant force," Ethan says confidently.
"I'm most certainly looking forward to that," I say, intrigued.
"It is. And you're playing a crucial role in this, Jess. Your presence in Cassie's life is invaluable to us."
"I'll keep that in mind," I say, glancing around the garden.
"Just maintain your cover for now. Keep Cassie close and gather any information that might be useful to us," Ethan instructs.
"Do you now doubt your sister's acting skills, Ethan?" I ask.
"I never said that Jessica."
"You need not worry Ethan, I've got them all wrapped around my finger, you know I'm thinking of going to acting school after we're done with this."
Ethan laughs.
"You, in school, again, I should write a letter of warning to your professors, for their own safety."
"You should, you should," I say laughing back.
Ethan clears his throat and speaks.
"You know, Jess, our pack's history is complex. We've been at war with the smaller packs for years. But with our new alliance, we'll finally have the upper hand."
"I'm not ignorant of this Ethan, you need not bore me with these facts, I'm fully aware of this," I say.
"Yes. The Smith pack, the Johnson pack, and the Davis pack have all agreed to join forces with us, oh sorry not agreed, they didn't really have a choice," Ethan says, his voice filled with sarcasm.
"Together, we'll control the entire region."
"That's impressive," I say.
"It is. But we need to be careful. The larger packs won't go down without a fight."
"I understand. Now, Jess, I need to tell you something. There's a rumor going around that the Wilson pack is planning to betray us."
"What? That's ridiculous," I say.
"I know, but we need to be cautious. Keep an ear out for any information that might confirm or deny this rumor. I know you used to have a friend there, maybe find out from him if the rumors are true. I trust my sources but information is always better when gotten from the inside, we'll be able to plan better."
"I will, it's going to be an awkward call, seeing that I ghosted him the last time we were meant to go on a date, but I'm sure he'd be able to look past that, he wants me too much to do otherwise, I'll get back to you as soon as I have any information."
"And Jess, one more thing. The pack leaders will be meeting soon to finalize our plans. I'll let you know when, in case you have a chance to skip away and be in attendance."
"When is the meeting?" I ask.
"Next week. I'll give you the details soon, but don't come if it'll blow your cover, we can't have our plans go up in flames at such a crucial stage."
"I'm smarter than that Ethan."
"Jess, you're doing great. Keep up the good work."
"Thanks, Ethan." I say
"Just remember, our pack's future relies on your performance."
"I won't let you or the pack down."
"I know you won't,but remember, Jess, that we can't let emotions cloud our judgment. We need to prioritize our pack's interests."
"I agree, but why are you telling me this?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.
"Nothing, it just came to mind," Ethan replies, his tone nonchalant.
"I'll keep you updated on the plan, but I have to go now."
"Okay," I respond, feeling a hint of unease.
"Take care, Jess," Ethan says, his voice softer.
"You too," I reply, trying to shake off the feeling. Ethan hangs up.
I slip my phone back into my pocket, my mind processing the conversation.
The sun begins to set, casting shadows on the garden. I walk back to the house, lost in thought. Ethan's words echo in my mind. Our pack's dominance is within reach; I could almost smell our sweet victory.
As I enter the house, I'm greeted by the warm glow of the chandeliers. I make my way to my room, my mind still reeling from the conversation. I sit on my bed, staring out the window. The garden, once a symbol of peace, now seems like a reminder of the deception I've been living.
My thoughts drift to Rue and Cassie. Two gullible idiots, I can't get over the satisfaction that I felt seeing the look of betrayal on Rue's face, I wish I had a video of it.
I shake my head, clearing my thoughts. Ethan's right; emotions can't cloud my judgment. I need to focus on the task at hand.
I get up and begin pacing around my room. What does Ethan's warning really mean? Is there something specific he's worried about? Or is it just general caution? My phone buzzes, breaking my train of thought.
It's a text from Cassie.
"Hey, Jess! Can't wait to see you today." I roll my eyes in disgust. I quickly type out a response.
"Me too, Cassie! See you soon." As I send the text, my mind returns to Ethan's words. Prioritize the pack's interests. I mustn't let my feelings of disgust or hate keep me from putting up a stellar show, I have done that in times past.
I push the thoughts aside. Now isn't the time for self-doubt. I need to focus on the mission. I take a deep breath and head out the door. Every meeting with Cassie is crucial. I need to gather as much information as possible. For the pack's sake. And mine.
As I drive to Cassie's house, my mind is filled with strategy. How can I extract the most information without arousing suspicion? What questions should I ask? The doubts still linger, but I push them aside. I'm a skilled actress. I can do this.
I arrive at Cassie's house, putting on a bright smile.
"Hey, Jess!" Cassie exclaims, opening the door. "
Hey, Cassie!" I reply, embracing her. We spend the afternoon chatting and laughing. But beneath the surface, I'm working.
Gathering intel. Building trust. For the pack. For Ethan. For myself.
The sun begins to set, casting shadows on Cassie's face. I realize that, despite my doubts, I'm all in. This is what I was born for. The thrill of the mission.
The rush of adrenaline. The satisfaction of victory.
Our pack's dominance is within reach. And I'm ready to do whatever it takes.
To ensure our success. To protect our interests. To prioritize the pack. No matter the cost.
As I leave Cassie's house, I feel a sense of determination. The doubts are still there, lingering in the shadows. But I know what I have to do. And I'm ready to see it through. To the end. For the pack. For Ethan. For myself.
And besides I do love manipulating gullible idiots.