Chapter 41 -Laila : 65 vouchers A Blackwood family trip ... I've been unsettled since I first heard from Kael a week ago . And I only understand why when we arrive at our destination . The last thing I could have ever prepared for is this . The destination for our supposed family trip ends up being nowhere else but Canyon Islands ... the same location I and Cameron had our honeymoon vacation . The tires crunch against the gravel as our car makes a turn into the private street leading up to the Blackwood's vacation home . The sound grates against my nerves , like it's trying to remind me of everything I want to forget . I should never have agreed to this trip . I should have known this would be yet another disturbing situation . But it's too late now because we're already here . In the same city ... in the same vacation home , Cameron and I had spent our first night , and first month together . And we'll be here for the next week , under the same roof with Cameron and Sarah . Grandfather Blackwood's arrival is delayed due to health concerns . Cameron and Kael will be representing him for the meetings until he arrives for the summit in two days . What's worse , he's taken custody of Liam and Kelly back at Thorneville . He'll arrive with them himself . Which leaves me , Kael , Cameron and Sarah stuck here ... by ourselves for the first few days . With the only other occupant of the lake house being Alpha Max , Grandfather Blackwood's dear friend who's hosting the summit , as well as Alpha Max's wife , Luna Shirley . The familiar lake house comes into view up ahead . With the cluster of pine trees and the gleam of the water all around it . Nearly six years ago , I came here as Cameron's new bride . Innocent , naive , and hopeful for a blissful union . And here I am again , getting down from the car , this time as his brother's wife . I'm not silly enough to believe this is a coincidence . With Blackwoods , nothing ever is . But it's difficult to tell who exactly is behind this disturbing arrangement . Kael ? Cameron ? Sarah ... or Grandfather Blackwood himself ? The first two wouldn't be so surprising . The last two , I'm not sure ... Kael's hands brush the small of my back . It's his favorite thing to do , laying an unspoken claim in the presence of watchful eyes . His touch isn't gentle . Nothing about him is . His grip around my waist is firm , not so much it hurts , but just enough to be a warning . He doesn't look at me as he does it . After our encounter that night a few days ago , we fell back into silent cordiality . 18:49 Mon , Oct 13 Chapter 41 1 E 55 vouchers Alpha Max and Lama Shirley have occupied the lake house for a week already , handling the preparations for the summit and so they'll be receiving us . Cameron and Sarah have already arrived . They flew out ahead of us and at the moment , Cameron stands on the porch , leaning against the wooden banister . And of course , Kael's unspoken gesture doesn't escape his notice . I pretend not to notice his burning stare , Sarah's right by his side , clinging to his arm in that subtle way she did whenever I was close . I've gotten used to it for years and stopped being bothered by it . But it seems she still hasn't let it go . Her yellow sundress clings perfectly to her like a second skin , the flowy hem billowing in the wind . At the sight of us , her cherry red lips curve into a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes . " Oh , finally , " She says , her voice honeyed . " We were beginning to think you'd gotten lost " " Traffic , " Kael replies curtly Sarah's gaze rakes over me , eyeing the dress I have on . She's silently picking , me apart as always and I keep walking with measured steps , a smile intact on my lips . Kael had gotten the dress for me and I didn't think much of it until now . But at first glance , I can tell that both our dresses are from the same brand , the same line , Only that mine is a limited edition lilac shade , while hers isn't . Again , I know this isn't a coincidence . At least this time , I'm sure of who the mastermind is . Even down to the littlest things , Kael makes sure the contrast of what Cameron has now and what he lost is glaringly obvious . Cameron pushes off the banister . His steps are unhurried as he walks over to us . His presence is as quietly imposing as always . Subtle , but difficult to ignore . I sense it coming even before he speaks . His voice is low and steady , almost intimate , " Do you remember this place , Laila ? " The atmosphere tenses up instantly , Sarah's hand tightens on Cameron's arm , and Kael stiffens beside me . Cameron doesn't need to say more . Of course I remember ... even if I wish I didn't . Even if I shouldn't Kael's grip on my waist tightens , subtly pulling , me closer. His claim is heavy and possessive . I force a quiet laugh , leaning into Kael's side . " I remember the lake . That's all . " That's a lie . And Cameron knows it . His smirk tells me 50 . " Just the lake ? " He quizzes . I stiffen . His words stir the curiosity of both Sarah and Kael , which is probably just what Cameron intends . 18:40 Mon , Oct 13 Chapter 41 Sarah and Kael both turn to me , expecting my response . 55 vouchers Am I supposed to just drop the bomb that we spent our honeymoon here ? And Cameron took my virginity in one of those rooms ? Kael is sure to lose it and someone might drown in this lake . And it's either going to be me or Cameron . The words die on my tongue . " Oh , you're all here ! " A cheery voice draws our attention , interrupting the tension before it can fully blossom . It's Luna Shirley , I met her once a few years ago when she visited Blackwood Pack while I was still Luna . " I'm so sorry . Max is out and about and I was just trying to get a few things ready with your rooms , " she explained quickly , the excitement in her voice burying the tension without her realising it . I'm grateful for it . I'm not about to stand through another Cameron versus Kael and Laila versus everyone showdown . Even if I've definitely played a part in fueling it . " I know it's your house , and we're the intruders , " She laughs quietly , " But come on in . " She invites , waving ust over . " It's fine . " Cameron , ever the gentleman returns her smile . Dropping the disturbing conversation , thankfully , " We're honored to have you . The place is barely in use these days ." I tense up at the reference . My mind churns in suspicion . What's Cameron playing at ? Why does he keep dropping hints he knows will alarm both our spouses ? We cross the wooden bridge , heading around to the entrance while she leads the way . Her eyes shift between Sarah and 1 , " And do you both shop from the same place ? That's so cute ! " She exclaims , noticing the similarity in our dresses . My eyes move to fix a glare on Kael but he's staring ahead , like he can't feel my glare burning into the side of his head . " It's so nice of you to mention . Laila and I have always had similar tastes , you know ? " Sarah chips in out of the blue , her voice sugary sweet . " Isn't it fascinating ? " It sounds completely innocent , but behind the smile , she's implying one of us is copying the other . Sarah's claws are out . I recognise them instantly because I've seen them before . Three years ago . This is going to be the longest week of my life . I can already feel it . 18-40 Mon , Oct 13