Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy (ARIA) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157

ARIA

Finished

We were packed and moving within twenty minutes. Nina had coordinated with military efficiency- belongings gathered, vehicles loaded, security detail positioned strategically around our convoy. Everyone moved with urgent purpose, the news of Damon’s escape adding sharp edges to every action.

I sat in the back of the lead vehicle again, Kael beside me, his body tense with alertness. His hand rested on my knee-meant to be comforting, I think, but his grip was tight enough that I could feel the stress radiating through him. Through our bond, I sensed his churning emotions: anger at being manipulated, concern for pack safety, frustration at leaving Blackwood without confronting Sera about her obvious involvement.

And underneath it all, questions. So many questions he wasn’t asking yet but would eventually demand

answers to.

The folded paper sat in his jacket pocket. I could see the slight bulge it made in the fabric. Such a small thing. Such devastating potential.

“Stay alert,” Nina said from the front seat, her eyes constantly scanning our surroundings as we pulled away from the guest quarters. “If Sera helped orchestrate Damon’s escape, she might have other plans. Ambush during our departure wouldn’t be unprecedented.”

“The treaty-” one of the guards started.

“Means nothing if she can claim plausible deniability,” Nina interrupted. “If we’re attacked by ‘rogues’ or ‘unknown assailants’ while traveling through neutral territory, Blackwood can wash their hands of it.”

The convoy moved through Blackwood’s compound, past pack members who watched our departure with expressions ranging from curiosity to hostility. I saw Sera standing on a balcony overlooking the main courtyard, that satisfied smile still playing at her lips. She raised one hand in a mocking wave as we passed.

She knew. Knew we’d just learned about Damon’s escape. Knew we were rushing home to deal with the crisis. she’d helped create. And she was pleased with herself. Delighted by the chaos she’d orchestrated.

I looked away, unable to bear seeing her triumph. Unable to process how thoroughly she’d outmaneuvered

We passed through Blackwood’s main gates and onto the road that would take us through neutral territory toward Shadowmere. The forest closed in around us immediately-dense trees on both sides, the road winding through terrain that was beautiful and treacherous in equal measure.

“How long until we reach the border?” Kael asked.

“Three hours to neutral territory border, another hour and a half to Shadowmere,” the driver reported. “If we don’t encounter delays.”

If. Such a small word carrying so much weight.

The first hour passed in tense silence. Everyone was on edge, watching the forest, anticipating ambush at

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Chapter 157

every turn. But nothing happened. Just endless trees and winding road and the sound of our tires on pavement.

I tried to use the time to think. To plan what I’d say when Kael eventually read Sera’s note. How I’d explain. How I’d minimize the damage. But my mind kept circling back to Damon’s escape. To the implications of him being free. To what he might do with that freedom.

He’d be coming for me. I knew that with absolute certainty. Damon’s entire imprisonment had been about me-his obsession, his refusal to accept that I’d chosen someone else, his determination to reclaim what he considered his. Now that he was free, he wouldn’t just disappear into hiding. He’d come after me.

The question was when. And how. And whether I’d see it coming.

“Vehicle approaching from behind,” Nina announced suddenly, her voice sharp. “Fast. Very fast.”

I turned to look through the rear window. A dark SUV was gaining on us rapidly, moving at speeds that were dangerous on these winding forest roads.

“Identify them,” Kael ordered.

“Can’t see the plates yet,” one of the guards in the following vehicle reported through the radio. “But they’re definitely not maintaining safe following distance.”

The SUV continued gaining. Not just fast-aggressive. Closing the gap between us with clear intent.

“Hostile approach,” Nina declared. “Driver, increase speed. Security detail, prepare for contact.”

Our vehicle accelerated, the sudden change in velocity pressing me back against the seat. But the SUV behind us accelerated too, maintaining the chase.

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