Wife Number Seven (The Compound, #1)(36)

“Why can’t you just leave it alone? What’s done is done.” Rebecca’s voice was demanding, but her words confused me.

What is she talking about?

She stepped toward me, her jaw tight, her eyes flashing with anger.

“I don’t know what you’re talking ab—”

“Enough,” she shrieked, throwing her arms into the air. “Do you think I’m stupid? I saw you two together with my own two eyes, Brinley!”

Of course she did. She was with me when I first visited Porter’s apartment. She wasn’t making any sense at all.

“Yes . . .” I said slowly, hoping she’d explain herself further.

“Oh, I see.” She let out a little huff and crossed her arms. “Leandra was right about you.”

My heart squeezed at those words. “What do you mean?”

“You’re a bad seed. I didn’t want to believe her, but it’s true.”

I shook my head violently. “No, you’re wrong. Dead wrong.”

“I don’t think so.” Rebecca walked to the door and wrapped her fingers around the knob. “Stop seeing him.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” The lie left my lips so easily.

“I’m smarter than you think I am.” And with that parting shot she left my room, closing the door behind her.

Devastated, I collapsed onto the bed and wept into my pillow, muffling my howls by cramming the fabric into my mouth. But despite the sadness I felt at the loss of Rebecca’s friendship, anger and resentment brewed within me.

I was changing.

My thoughts, my desires, my ideals—all were altered by each contact I had with Porter. I was tired of resisting the effect he was having on me. I was tired of resisting feeling like an actual person, rather than just a cog in a wheel.

Rebecca was satisfied with being a cog.

But I wasn’t. Not anymore.



Chapter 14

“Brinley.” Aspen popped her head into my room. “Family meeting in ten minutes. Get yourself together.”

“All right.”

Forcing myself out of my warm bed, I wiped the sleep from my eyes, dreading our weekly Saturday morning check-in with Lehi and all the sister wives. Leandra didn’t hesitate to monopolize each meeting with complaints, demands disguised as requests, and demonstrations of her control over the household. The rest of us spent the hour keeping sweet, nodding along and accepting any requests made of us.

All seven of the other wives were seated at the table with Lehi when I joined them. Leandra scowled at me, her arms crossed in front of her. Rebecca’s words from a few nights ago echoed through my mind.

Leandra was right about you. You’re a bad seed.

Deliberately I averted my gaze, unable to look Leandra in the eye knowing she thought so little of me. I’d never done anything to intentionally cause problems for her or any of my sister wives, and I resented her animosity toward me.

“Now that we’re all here,” she began, shooting a nasty look in my direction, “Brenda has some unfortunate news.”

Brenda was Lehi’s third wife, and the most private of the wives. She didn’t socialize with many of us, preferring to keep her interaction to a minimum. She was, however, an extraordinary mother who treated her four daughters with love and kindness.

“My mother passed away last night,” Brenda said softly. “My daughters and I will be with my family for the remainder of the weekend. If someone would please—” She choked on her words as her emotions overcame her, then sat up a little straighter. “I’d appreciate it if someone would complete my daily tasks today.”

I spoke up. “I’ll help you, Brenda. What can I do?”

Relief eased the wrinkles on her pained face. “Thank you. I, um, I have a list.” She reached across the table and slid a small tablet of paper my way. When I read the list, my stomach dropped in disappointment. With her chores on top of mine, there was no way I’d be able to sneak away to see Porter.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I said. The other wives nodded, but none of them expressed their condolences to Brenda. A chill ran down my spine. She was our sister wife; weren’t we supposed to support her in times like this? And what about her husband? Shouldn’t Lehi join her this weekend, to support her through this difficult time?

My thoughts focused on Brenda as the meeting continued. Leandra recited a list of complaints she’d compiled throughout the week. Gloria’s children had been too loud. Aspen’s sons had broken a vase that belonged to her mother. The carpet in the common area was in need of deep cleaning, etc.

Finally Leandra was ready to wrap things up. “Lehi would like to conclude our meeting this week. Dear?”

“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you. There are a few things I need to cover and then I’ll let you go about your day. First, a great honor has been bestowed upon our family. Brinley?”

I lifted my gaze quickly to meet his. An honor? What was he talking about?

“The prophet’s mother is ill, and she’s in need of a caregiver. The prophet has asked for you, specifically, to care for his mother.”

Caregiver? For the prophet’s mother? What did I know about caregiving?

My mind raced as I stammered, “Well, I—um—”