Her Heart

Chapter 31

Carter's POV

Once we step inside the house Sofia immediately starts going upstairs ignoring everyone. Olivia hesitates but follows her upstairs.

Everyone stares at them and then Aunt Hazel looks at me, "Where are they going?"

I scratch the back of my head, "Just talking about stuff."

She nods knowingly. Aunt Kai motions for everyone to sit down and we all do. Riley seems a bit uncomfortable and that gets worst when Garrett walks in.

They make eye contact but he doesn't say anything.

I groan, "Well let's just get it over with. Yes Riley shot at Garrett, yes she shot at Sofia. Anything else we need to get out in the air?"

"What are you doing here? Did you know who we were when you met Carter?" Aunt Kai asks.

Riley shakes her head, "I had no idea. It just happened by chance."

"Why did you tell us where to find Donna?" Mama asks this time.

"I never wanted to hurt you guys. I was just trying protect my sister. I couldn't do that so now I'm just trying to protect her daughter. My daughter."

"For what it's worth Hazel and I think it's all in the past and we should move on." Mom tells Mama and Aunt Kai.

Mama turns her head towards Garrett, "Gary, anything you want to add?"

Garrett thinks for a good minute before he moves towards Riley. He stands in front of her , his expression unreadable, making the tension in the room skyrocket. Finally, he speaks, his voice measured.

"I've had a lot of time to think about everything that happened," he says, looking directly at Riley. "And I understand why you did what you did. Protecting your daughter that's something I can't hold against you."

Riley looks up at him, her eyes filled with surprise and relief.

"But," Garrett continues, "trust has to be earned. You put all of us at risk, and that's not something we can just forget overnight. You want me to forgive you? Then show me I can trust you."

Riley nods, "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to earn all of your trusts."

"Riley, you've been honest with us, and that's a start. But actions speak louder than words. We need to see that you're committed to this family, to Carter." Aunt Kai tells her.

Riley nods again, determination in her eyes. "I won't let you down."

Just then, we hear footsteps. Sofia and Olivia come back into the room, both looking slightly more composed. Although Sofia still looks a little upset.

"Perfect timing. Join us." Mama tells them.

"I think we have a rat." Sofia sits down on the couch with Olivia next to her.

"Why do you think that honey?" Aunt Hazel asks her.

"He knew way too much about us. Names, stories, Carters condition. Things that only we know."

The room falls silent as we all digest Sofia's words. The idea of a traitor among us sends a shiver down my spine.

Aunt Kai narrows her eyes. "We need to figure out who it is and fast. If Roman has an inside source, we're all in danger."

"I just want to kill him." Sofia mutters out.

"You know he's adopted." Riley suddenly says.

"No wonder. Who would want him." I mumble.

"We had an all girls family so they adopted him thinking he would take over but everyone soon realized he's not made to be in control."

"And why is that?" Aunt Megan asks.

"Because he's too reckless," Riley continues. "He thinks brute force and intimidation are the only ways to get what he wants. He doesn't understand strategy or loyalty. He's always been more of a loose cannon than a leader."

Garrett steps back, looking thoughtful. "We can use that to our advantage. For now though need to tighten our circle and keep a close eye on everyone. No more secrets."

"Agreed," Mama says firmly. "We can't afford to be careless."

Olivia looks around the room, her eyes stopping on each of us then she sighs, "I'm pregnant."

I expected everyone to look shock. Well Mama and Aunt Kai do but Aunt Hazel and Mom have a knowing smile on their face.

"Congratulations, you both definitely deserve it." Aunt Hazel says.

"You're what?" Aunt Kai asks with her mouth open.

"I thinks she said pregnant." Mama says shocked.

I laugh, "How are you feeling grandmas?"

Everyone starts laughing and they both frown, "We are not old."

Aunt Kai clears her throat, bringing the focus back to the matter at hand. "Olivia's pregnancy changes things, but we can't let it distract us from the immediate threat. We need to figure out who the rat is and eliminate that risk."

"We should start by going over everyone who had access to the information Roman used against us," Garrett suggests. "We need to narrow down the possibilities. Maybe the rat can even lead us to his safe houses. "

Aunt Hazel nods in agreement. "And we need to do it discreetly. If the rat knows we're onto them, they might go into hiding or do something drastic."

"No more casual conversations about important matters. We can't risk anyone overhearing something they shouldn't." Mom speaks.

Aunt Kai turns to me and Riley. "You two need to be careful. Stay close and don't take any unnecessary risks. We can't afford to lose anyone."

Aunt Hazel gets up, "Matter of fact everyone is staying here until we solve this."

Sofia groans, "Mom there is no need for that. I will go crazy in this house."

"Well then find things to do to not go crazy." She says and starts leaving.

"Goodnight everyone, get a good night sleep  we're all training tomorrow." Aunt Kai says and follows after Aunt Hazel.

Mama and mom get up and also go to their room leaving Riley and I and Sofia and Olivia.

As soon as they leave Jayden walks through the doors. He looks me up and down again. Riley this time catches on to it.

"Carter, do you wanna go for a chat?" He asks.

Sofia gives me a look. She warned me about this but I was a fool and didn't listen to her.

I smile, "Not right now Jay."

He looks at Riley and then nods making his way upstairs.

"What's up with him?" Riley asks.

I give her a nervous look how am I supposed to tell her Jayden and I have slept together. Not once. Not twice. But many times.