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  EPILOGUE

  BONUS EPILOGUE

  Copyright ©️ 2024 Helena Sage

  Cover Design ©️ 2024 Helena Sage

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form, including photocopying, recording, or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotes in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or a re used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Join the Helena Sage reader group (there will be major spoilers in this group, so join us after reading) to get exclusive teasers, learn about new releases, and take part in giveaways. Join here.

  Please check trigger warnings before reading

  Trigger Warning List

  https://www.helenasage.com/content-warnings

  For those who smile and say tighter when darkness grips you by the throat.

  Eyes on me. You’re doing so good. Now turn the page and let’s begin.

  P.S. This ends with brutal cliffhangers. You’ve been warned.

  PLAYLIST

  Stream the complete The Pact playlist here.

  “Guys My Age” by Hey Violet

  “Hypnotic” by Zella Day

  “MakeDamnSure” by Taking Back Sunday

  “Hell Above” by Pierce The Veil

  “Left Behind” by The Plot In You

  “Live And Let Die” by Roseview, Kellin Quinn

  “Sleepless” by Dutch Melrose

  “Taste” by Ari Abdul

  “Loud” by The Home Team

  “Martyr” by KiNG MALA

  “Curiosity” by Bryce Savage

  “Church” by Chase Atlantic

  “Bury Me” by If Not For Me

  “Already Numb” by Dayseeker

  “Unholy” by Ana Eclipse

  “Chokehold” by Sleep Token

  “Love Bites” by Ice Nine Kills

  “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails

  “Cyanide” by Allistair

  “All This Time” by Toby Mai

  “Drown” by Bring Me The Horizon

  “Nerve Endings” by Too Close To Touch

  “Go To Hell” by Nikki Idol

  “How Villains Are Made” by Madalen Duke

  1

  THEA

  I’ve always been able to find beauty in the darkest places and one day it might ruin me.

  “Arch your back.” I stare at the woman on the bed in front of me, dressed in a white lacy bra and panty set. “A little more,” I coach gently. The shadows hug the dips in her stomach and the light hits the peaks of her breasts. “Good. Now spread your legs.”

  I love my job.

  “Wow. You’re absolutely beautiful!” The woman smiles, unable to help herself at the compliment. “You’re doing so good.” My mind wanders. Thinking about the other lingerie she brought along with her. I’d love to get her in the red one piece with the matching heels.

  The clicking from my camera comes quickly, afraid I’ll miss the perfect shot. And then I find it. I get on my knees and aim the lens at her, appreciating the way all the elements have aligned to give me the dramatic effect I’ve been searching for.

  “That’s it for this look,” I tell her. “Go get some water and a snack. We’ll change into your last outfit and take some bathtub shots.”

  Grace unfolds herself from the pose I have her in. “Thank you, Thea.” I see a spark in her eyes that wasn’t there when she first walked into my studio. She was nervous and pointed out all the things she didn’t like about herself.

  “You're exquisite. There's nothing about you that isn’t beautiful. And I want you to own that,” I told her before we started.

  It’s true.

  Where she sees flaws, I see a story. The story of falling in love with her husband and having three babies. I see a life of laughter and joy on her face. A powerful body that pushes through this world of harshness and hate, still standing here and brave enough to be vulnerable with me.

  “Are you giving this as a gift?” I ask Grace at the end of our session as I walk her out to the waiting area. It’s a question I ask every client.

  Half the time I’ll get a yes and I know undoubtedly that if their partner isn’t expecting it, it could be the end of their relationship. It seems far-fetched, yet more times than I’d care to count, I’d get a call later on with a story about how the photoshoot led to a divorce. At first, I was heartbroken to hear that. Then, they’d reassure me they were happier than ever.

  While I was thrilled to hear that, I never wanted to be a part of that catalyst.

  She grins like she's about to share a secret with me. “No. This was for me. I needed this.”

  This is my favorite answer.

  I check my phone—it’s nearly eleven. I’m supposed to meet Cassie for coffee soon. The DMV closes at four. I might make it after, but the thought makes me groan.

  I’ve been putting off getting the address on my license changed for weeks. And I’ll be putting it off again today. No sense in ruining a good day with a trip to hell.

  My feet hit the worn brick pavement in front of my studio—a white standalone building with black scrolling letters on a sign above the doors. Willow Hill Photography Studio.

  My heart still skips a beat when I read it. Mine and Cassie’s dream come true.

  We’ve only been open for a month, but it took a year to get here. I give most of the credit to my best friend, though. Without her, I’m not sure I would have made it through the breakup or the move.

  I still remember the night I called Cassie and told her what Gavin had done. In her silence, I could feel her anger for me. Instead of letting me wallow, she came up with a plan.

  She helped me arrange for all of my things to be packed up temporarily and sent to my parent’s house. For five months, I saved every penny. I took the time to heal as much as I could. And I went back and forth, deciding if starting a business with Cassie was the next step.

  Four months ago, right before my thirty-third birthday, I got a call from her about a property ready to be leased. Months and months of indecisiveness went out the window—I told her yes before she finished telling me all the details.

  It felt right. And the next thirty days were a whirlwind.

  I quit my job. My parents begged me to stay and reconsider, although I’m not sure why. They complained daily about how I was living at home in my thirties and didn’t have my life together. Their protests didn’t stop me from loading up my truck.

  Surprisingly, small town life suited me. Growing up just outside of Atlanta conditioned me to heavy traffic, crowds, constant noise, and concrete. It felt natural. Until I moved here and finally stopped moving so fast.

  I feel at peace in Willow Hill.

  There are disadvantages to living here, of course. No late night food runs or twenty-four-hour stores. And everyone knows your business. But three months in and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

  My phone dings.

  Cassie: Here. Oyw??

  Me: Yes, 2 min

  Cassie Isidro and I are polar opposites. She’s punctual. I’m late. She’s organized. I’m not. She’s always planning her next move. I go where the wind takes me.

  I chalk a lot of that up to our very different upbringings. Cass comes from a close-knit Mexican-American family who supports her dreams and genuinely cares about her well-being. She’s one of four, while I’m an only child. My parents typically have an interest in what I’m doing if it means they can brag about it to their friends.

  That doesn’t happen often these days—photographer isn’t on their list of approved career choices.

  Growing up relatively isolated, with no extended family to speak of, I learned to keep myself entertained. That often meant making up games I could play alone, watching TV for hours, and daydreaming. I’m still that way now—keeping to myself, absorbed in my own world.

  Cassie’s house was always bustling with activity, whether it was her siblings teasing one another, her mom cooking for a big family get together, or her dad cheering on his favorite sports team. Cassie always had someone around to keep busy wit h. It’s why she’s always full of energy, speaks her mind confidently, and takes what she wants.

  I met Cassie while interning for an event company when I was twenty-three and she was twenty-five. So many times, I wished that we’d met sooner. My life might have looked a lot different if I grew up around her family.

  Smiling at an older woman passing by, I see my destination up ahead.

  The building is off white with sage awnings. A few chairs and tables sit below the canopy—perfect for days like this, warm but breezy. Above the large double doors are the words, Wolfe Creek Bakery.

  I can almost taste the coffee now.

  When I left home, I assured my parents that I wouldn’t be far. Willow Hill is only two hours from Atlanta. I promised they could visit as soon as I settled into my apartment. As far as they know, I’m still settling.

  I’m not eager to have them invade my perfect little bubble, although I know I can’t keep them away forever. I can hear the criticisms coming from my mother already—that eases some of the guilt for keeping them at a distance.

  It’s not completely untrue. I’m still settling into my new life, despite how simple Cass made my transition. There’s a box or two that needs unpacking and I keep putting off changing the address on my license.

  As soon as I arrived, she had me signing the paperwork to lease the building, an appointment to open up the business bank account, and the business card proofs ready to be ordered.

  Everything fell into place because of her.

  At least, that’s how I felt before we opened our doors. When renovations finished last month, we started taking clients. Cassie and I both worked hard to get the word out. Her books filled faster than mine, although we knew that was a risk—one I hoped to avoid.

  Cassie’s passion is in maternity and newborn photography. My passion lay somewhere a little more risqué. Boudoir photography piqued my interest a few years prior. It’s become an obsessive art I’ve been studying ever since.

  The issue with offering a style of photography where you ask women to wear nearly nothing or nothing at all is that you chance it not being well received in a traditional small town. That’s the problem I face now, overcoming the stereotype that I’m trying to corrupt the women of Willow Hill with lingerie and lust.

  I see Cassie through the glass window as I open the door to the bakery. Her face is pulled tight in concentration as she chews on the end of her pen. She looks up, sees me, and gives me her signature self-assured smile.

  It’s all I need to know that no matter what, we’ll make this work.

  “Here is everything we still have to do around the studio. Minor things, but eventually we need to get to them.” Cassie takes a sip of her coffee and points to the list she’s written out on her personalized stationery. Her name scrolling in delicate letters across the top.

  I scan the long list she’s written out. God, she’s so organized. I wouldn’t have thought of half of these things. She reminds me often that our brains work differently, although I worry about how that will affect our friendship now that we’re in business together.

  Paint lobby baseboards. Hang art in bathroom. Buy mail organizer.

  “I can start working on this tomorrow. We’ll get it all done,” I say optimistically. With my schedule not as full as hers, I don’t mind taking on this list. It’s the least I can do considering how much work she’s put in already.

  Cassie’s eyes dart away. I know her too well. Something’s on her mind, yet she isn’t sure if she should say anything. I immediately think she’s going to bring up Gavin. It’s been a topic of conversation often this past year. I wonder if she’s worried I’ll go back to him eventually, leaving her high and dry here with the business.

  “Thea… I know we’ve just opened the studio, but…” Well, at least it isn’t about my ex. I give her space to continue. “Do you think we can start working towards that other idea? I know it might be overwhelming with so many changes. I just…I need to make sure that all of this goes well.” There’s worry straining her brows.

  Is she concerned that I won’t be able to handle what we have in mind next? I thought we’d have more time, but she’s a planner and needs to do research. I can respect that.

  Giving her a confident smile, I nod. “Of course. I trust your judgment.” A wave of relief softens her deep brown eyes as she beams at me. “Is everything okay, though? Is something on your mind?”

  Typically, she doesn’t hesitate to speak openly, although I can tell she’s holding back right now.

  Her back straightens a bit. “No, no. I’m fine. Getting all of our ducks in a row, that’s all.” She pauses, taking another sip. “I’ve looked at the numbers. If we can each put away three thousand dollars every month, plus with what we have in our savings now, we can get a sizable piece of property around here. Maybe before the end of the year.”

  Her confidence is usually contagious, however, it doesn’t reach me today. The thought of putting away that much money each month feels…unrealistic. At least for me. Her books are full, but with that kind of commitment, I’ll barely scrape by.

  My gaze shifts away from hers and catches the eyes of the man behind the counter. I quickly glance back at Cassie. “Of course. We can do that.” I’ll have to get creative with marketing. The thought makes me anxious.

  “You have an admirer,” she taunts, eyeing the man I just locked eyes with. “Cole’s been checking you out the whole time we’ve been here.” She giggles like a teenage girl.

  Forcing my eyes to not look over, I shake my head. “You’re delusional.”

  Cassie tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. The gold of her earring almost matches the golden highlights in her dark waves. “It’s been a year Thea. You’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you. It’s time to get back on the horse.” Her eyes dart to him, taking him in appreciatively. “God, with that body, he’s probably hung like one.”

  My jaw drops at her crass remark. I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks as lustful thoughts fill my head. It’s been too long since I’ve fucked anyone and my body wants more than the solo action it’s been getting.

  I might need to hit the bar for a fix tonight.

  Cass has been nudging me slowly—dropping hints about dating again. It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea of it. A new relationship would mean that I’ve truly moved on. And I have, mentally and emotionally—moved on. Although I haven’t fully healed. I’m not sure that will ever happen.

  Dating means I could get hurt again. Not all guys are like Gavin. Not all guys will cheat. Not all guys will use you.

  My tenseness eases, knowing it’s true. There’s someone out there for me, someone who will treat me the way I deserve. Is it the owner of Wolfe Creek Bakery? Probably not. He seems nice enough. He looks like a safe choice to dip my toes back into the dating pool.

  “Listen, if by some chance he has any interest and asks me out, I’ll go.” I raise my brows in challenge. “But I don’t want to hear anything else after that.”

  “I can arrange that!” Cassie raises a hand, signaling Cole to come over. I lunge over the table, yanking it back down, spilling my coffee all over her notepad.

  She gasps and searches for something to clean up the mess. “Serves you right for taunting me about the hot baker,” I grumble quietly.

  The words no sooner leave my mouth when a dish towel comes down between us, patting Cassie’s stationary before wiping down the table.

  My eyes slowly rise to meet his. Said “hot baker” is standing there. Of course he is. I can tell by his flushed cheeks and smirk that my comment didn’t go unheard. “I-I’m so sorry about the mess. Let me.” I try to reach for the towel to help. He pulls it away.

  “Accidents happen. Can I get you another cup?” He points to my nearly empty one. His hazel eyes and warm smile framed by dimples make my brain slow.

  “I think she’s had enough coffee,” Cassie answers for me. “And on that note, I have to meet a client.” She slides her damp notepad into her bag. Winking as she walks away, she leaves Cole and me with the awkward situation.

  “Let me bring you another cup. On the house.” I open my mouth to protest. He puts a hand up to stop me. “You’re in here all the time. It’s my treat.” I hold my tongue.

  Something I’m working on is being able to accept things without feeling guilty—help, gifts, small kindnesses. There is nothing wrong with people treating you nicely. You deserve it.

  I sit up a little straighter and meet his gaze. “Thank you. That would be nice.”

 

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