Chapter 33: Traitor
Ava knew Jake wasn't trustworthy. He was a disloyal prick, a greedy bastard, and an all-around terrible person. But for what she needed done, her beloved stepbrother was, unfortunately, the best man for the job. So if she had to kiss his ass, she would. She wasn't going to disappoint Lucas or herself.
As she stepped onto the front porch of what used to be her home, memories hit her. The laughter of her father, the smell of fresh-baked bread from the kitchen, the warmth of knowing she belonged. All of it stolen when her stepmother had kicked her out.
Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and pushed the door open. The air inside was thick with the scent of damp wood and cheap cologne, likely Jake's poor attempt at masking his perpetual stench of irresponsibility. She took in the living room, her fingers trailing over the dusty furniture that once held some meaning. Her hands paused on the armrest of her father's favorite chair. Once a throne of wisdom, now just a sad piece of furniture that probably housed more cockroaches than dignity.
"Look who it is, my dearest sister," a familiar grating voice drawled from the hallway.
Ava turned slowly, already bracing herself for the headache that was Jake. There he stood, looking as foolish as ever. His hair, a mess that somehow managed to be both greasy and dry at the same time, flopped over his forehead. His grin was equal parts smug and clueless, an expression that was almost impressive in its sheer idiocy.
"Good to see you too, Jake," Ava replied, forcing a tight-lipped smile.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were Alpha Raventhorn's slut now," he sneered, flopping onto the couch like a king returning to his throne. His eyes lazily traveled to Zari, raking over her figure in a way that made Ava wish she had a brick handy. Maybe two.
"Yes, yes I am, Jake." Ava's smile tightened. "I actually came for a visit. And Alpha Raventhorn needs a favor. So, naturally, I thought of you."
Jake's ears perked up. "Alpha Raventhorn? The Alpha Raventhorn?"
"Yes. But this has to be kept quiet. No one can know about this."
"Of course," Jake said quickly, then narrowed his eyes. "Wait... Ava, is this a trap?"