by J. O Mantel
Third Act
Dark Falkon – Book Three
J.O Mantel
Copyright 2019 J.O Mantel
All Rights Reserved
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, real people, and real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, organizations or places is entirely coincidental.
All rights are reserved. This book is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author. All songs, song titles, and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.
Disclaimer: The material in this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is intended for mature audiences, ages 18 and older.
Book design by Swish Design & Editing
Cover design by Dana from Designs by Dana
Cover Image Copyright 2019
First Edition 2017
Second Edition 2019
All Rights Reserved
A love triangle.
Two rock stars.
One MASSIVE secret.
Falling in love with one of the world's biggest rock stars, was not something Sienna planned.
Their relationship has been amazing. Sure, they've had their fair share of problems, but what couple doesn't?
Dark Falkon and Lightning Ridge are performing together for the very first time, this means Jake and Lukas must put aside their personal differences for the sake of the one woman they both love.
However, one mistake, will change EVERYTHING.
Sienna will discover a shocking truth and will be left to make one of the biggest decisions of her life.
Who will she choose, Jake...or Lukas?
The third and final book in the Dark Falkon Series.
For Ria.
Thank you with all my heart, for everything.
Blurb
Dedication
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
One Year Later
Playlist
Acknowledgments
Connect With Me Online
About the Author
Previously, in Second Best:
Sienna looked at her with bloodshot eyes.
“Ivy, I’m pregnant.”
“You’re what?” Ivy gasped.
“I’m pregnant.”
“Oh my God. Congratulations, babe. You and Lukas must be so happy” Ivy said as she wrapped her arms around Sienna.
Sienna showed no signs of excitement, instead she pulled away and Ivy looked at her.
“You don’t seem too thrilled about it. I take it this wasn’t planned then?”
“I guess you could say that,” Sienna replied.
The two of them sat there for a moment staring at one another. Ivy was still pretty excited about the whole idea, Sienna on the other hand, wasn’t rejoicing.
“How does Lukas feel about it?” Ivy asked.
“I haven’t told him yet.”
“What? Why?”
Sienna remained silent.
“Sienna, what’s going on, why haven’t you told Lukas you’re pregnant?”
“Because.”
“Because why? Sienna, I mean, sooner or later he’s-”
“Because I don’t know if it’s his baby,” Sienna blurted out.
Ivy froze and looked at Sienna.
“What are you talking about?” Ivy asked, looking at Sienna confused.
“When Dr. Hughes told me the results, he did a dating scan. It confirmed I was six weeks pregnant.”
“I don’t understand,” Ivy was still confused.
“Ivy, by my calculations, that was around the time I slept with Jake, and then Lukas the next day.”
“Oh, fuck!” Ivy gasped.
The reality of the situation had finally hit Ivy.
“So you’re telling me that either Jake or Lukas could be the father?”
Sienna nodded.
“What are you going to do?”
“That’s just it Ivy, I don’t know what to do. I haven’t really had much time to process everything. When I found out the news, you were the first person I called.”
Sienna’s eyes once again began to well up, so Ivy put her arms around her to comfort her.
“I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through. But you do realize, that you won’t be able to keep this a secret for long. Sooner or later people are going to notice, including Jake and Lukas.”
“I know that. I’m just all fucked up at the moment.”
Sienna broke into tears, she leaned forward and Ivy consoled her, as she rested her head on Ivy’s chest.
“Look, I can’t speak for Jake and Lukas, but I know if it was me, I’d want to know.”
“Yeah, a great conversation piece, ‘hey, Lukas guess what? I’m pregnant, but I don’t know if you’re the father. Jake, I’m pregnant, there’s a chance it might be yours.’”
“Point taken. But they both have a right to know. All you need to do is get a DNA test, that’ll confirm who the baby’s father is.”
“I know that. But I’m just not ready to go through with all that, not to mention the risks involved. I mean, Lukas and I just got over the whole betrayal thing with Jake. And something like this, it would kill him. We would be over for sure.”
“You don’t know that. What if it turns out to be his baby?”
“And what if it’s not Ivy?”
“Then we can deal with that when and if it ever happens.”
“We?” Sienna asked, confused.
“Yep. I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be here for you for as long as it takes.”
“What about Dick?”
“Dick will always be there, but at the moment you need my support. Dick will understand that.”
Sienna hugged Ivy, holding her tight. She didn’t want to let go. Ivy was like a sister to her. She could always talk to her about anything, no matter how difficult the situation.
“What are you doing tonight?” Ivy asked.
“I don’t have any plans. But Jake’s sister, Emily is staying for a while with her boyfriend. To be honest, I don’t think I can handle seeing him right now. Or Lukas for that matter.”
“Right, that’s it. How long until Jake gets home?” Ivy asked.
“I don’t know, he didn’t tell me what time their flight arrived.”
“Okay, go home, now, pack yourself some clothes and then come back here, you’re staying with me for a few days.”
“Ivy I-”
“Don’t even try and talk yourself out of it. It’s done.”
“Ivy!”
“What did I just say?” Ivy said.
“Stubborn.”
“Ya think?” Ivy replied.
Without arguing, Sien
na quickly drove back home. Jake was still nowhere to be found and Sienna sighed with relief. She packed herself a small bag of clothes before heading out into the living room. She left Jake a note, turned out the lights and headed back to Ivy’s.
“Where’s Sienna?” Emily asked as she, Jake and Chris entered the living room.
“I’m not sure, she said she’d be here when I got back.”
Emily walked over to the kitchen bench and noticed the note Sienna had written.
“Jake?” She called.
Jake walked over to the kitchen and took the note from Emily, reading what Sienna had written.
“Weird” Jake said, putting the note back down.
“What’s wrong?” Emily asked.
“She’s gone to stay at Ivy’s for a few days.”
“Did she know we were coming?” Chris asked.
“I told her right before I left for the airport. She told me that she would see us when we got back.”
“Didn’t you mention something on the way over here about her not feeling well?” Emily said.
“She hasn’t really been feeling the best since she and Lukas got back from London. She was on her way to the doctors when I left.”
“Maybe she just needs some time to herself, you did say that she’s been working hard, and with all the traveling she’s been doing with Lukas, it’s probably just crept up on her.”
“I don’t know, she would have said something if that was it. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to meet her, Chris.”
“It’s okay, there’ll be other occasions.”
Jake grabbed their bags and placed them in the guest room.
“Who wants a coffee?” Jake asked, as he headed toward the kitchen.
“I’d love one,” Emily replied.
“Chris?”
“Actually can I grab a soda?”
“Sure.”
After organizing the drinks, Jake returned to the living room and sat on the sofa beside Emily.
“Oh, before I forget, this is from mom and dad,” she leaned forward, kissed Jake on the cheek and hugged him.
“Congratulations. We’re all so proud of you.”
“The record deal! Emily told me all about it. Jake, that’s awesome news, congrats bud.” Chris said to Jake, as they shook hands; Jake couldn’t help but go slightly red.
“Thank you.”
“So when do we get to see your album in stores and on iTunes?” Emily asked.
“Not for a few months yet. We’re still recording it.”
“Mom and dad said they want the first copy and it has to be signed.”
“I bet they did,” Jake laughed.
After a couple of hours talking and congratulating Jake on his success, Jake prepared them all a nice dinner. Garlic bread, mashed potato, peas, boiled carrots and grilled chicken breasts. Jake didn’t say much, he sat there quietly eating his meal.
“Ok Jake, what’s wrong?” Emily suddenly asked.
“Hmm?” Jake muttered.
“You’ve barely said a word all night and you’ve hardly touched your food. What’s going on?”
He pushed his plate away in frustration, he lifted his head and looked at Emily and Chris.
“Sorry, guys. It’s Sienna.”
“What about her?” Emily asked.
“Something’s not right about any of this. Before I left, she was all right and really looking forward to seeing you guys. You know she loves you, Em. Then all of a sudden, we get back here and she’s gone to stay with Ivy. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
“Jake, if it really bothers you that much, why don’t you text her.”
“I will, later. Who wants dessert?”
“Whatcha got?” Emily asked.
“Nothing special, just peppermint ice cream.”
The two of them nodded in agreement, while Jake headed to the kitchen and dished up the ice cream. Chris excused himself from the table, Emily took the opportunity and joined Jake in the kitchen.
“What’s really going on, Jake?”
“Huh? With what?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, I’m your sister, I know you better than anyone. What’s the deal with you and Sienna, did the two of you have another fight?”
“No. Nothing like that. Honestly Em, I don’t know what the deal is with her. Like I said, she was fine earlier before I left, then all of a sudden we get home and she’s gone.”
“Chris is on his way back. We’ll talk about this later.” She carried their plates over to the sofa and the three of them sat down.
After discussing college and work, Emily and Chris were starting to feel tired. Jake wasn’t very talkative, he couldn’t stop thinking about Sienna.
“Well, I think we might call it a night. I’m feeling a bit tired,” Emily said.
Emily and Chris stood up, put their dishes in the sink and headed for the guest room.
“Night Jake” Chris yelled.
“Night.”
“Goodnight, Jake” Emily said, kissing him on the cheek and hugging him.
“Night, sis,” he replied.
Emily closed the door behind her, leaving Jake alone with his thoughts about Sienna. After turning out the lights, he went to his room and sat on the floor. He pulled out his new guitar, which Sienna had bought him for his birthday, and began strumming it softly, as he hummed a tune to himself.
“Oh for fuck sakes” he mumbled, grabbing his phone.
Jake: Hey, I got your note. Is everything ok? He text.
He went back to strumming his guitar, gently turning it. The darkness of the room suddenly lit up as his phone alerted him of a message.
Sienna: Hey, Jake. Sorry, Ivy called me after you left and asked me to come over. She wants me to go over some bridal magazines with her. You know how it is with weddings, so much planning and organizing. So, as her maid of honor, she needs my help. Sorry I wasn’t there to greet Chris and Emily. Say hi to them both from me and I’ll see you all in a couple of days.
“A couple of days?” Jake whispered. “How long does it take to go through some bridal magazines? Something’s not right.”
Although he wasn’t completely satisfied with her text, he slid his guitar back under the bed, changed into his boxers and climbed into bed.
“You can’t ignore them forever,” Ivy said, walking into the spare bedroom and sitting down on the bed next to Sienna.
“No, ignoring them forever would mean I live in a perfect world.”
“You know what I mean. It’s been a week, you told Jake you were only staying a couple of days. Your phone’s been ringing off the hook and all you do is ignore it. You haven’t replied to any of Lukas’s texts. I’m surprised he hasn’t come over here and beaten my door down.”
“That was one of the reasons why I never told him where you lived in case I needed somewhere to stay.” She sat up and sighed; “What am I going to do, Ivy?”
“I’ve already told you what you should do, Sienna.”
“Ivy, I can’t tell Lukas. I just can’t. Something like this, it… it would break us.”
Ivy looked deep into Sienna’s eyes; they were still bloodshot from all the crying she had done during the week.
“No offense, but you really need to stop being so selfish.”
“What? How the hell am I being selfish?” Sienna asked.
“Sienna, you’re pregnant. There’s a chance that it could be Jake’s or Lukas’s and all you’re worried about is losing Lukas. Don’t you think there are more important things to worry about, like finding out who that baby’s actual father is?”
Sienna sat there in silence and rubbed her belly with her hand. She stood up after a while and began pacing the room.
“I suppose I should tell them now, I mean that way it will give both of them some time to adjust to the news.”
Ivy stood up and hugged Sienna. She knew that her friend was about to face the biggest challenge of her life, and she wasn’t going to let her do it alone.
&nbs
p; “Do you want me to come with you?” Ivy asked.
“No. I really need to do this on my own. You’ve done enough by letting me stay here. Speaking of which… ” she walked over to her bag and pulled out her purse, she handed Ivy a one hundred dollar bill.
“Here, please give this to your parents.”
“What’s this for?” Ivy asked.
“For any expenses that I may have added to this past week.” She held her hand out, but Ivy just crossed her arms.
“I’m not taking that money Sienna.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because. I’m actually quite insulted that you’d think I would even accept it.”
“Ivy, that’s not what I meant.”
“Sienna put your money away and get your things together. I’ll make us some lunch before you leave, okay?”
Sienna nodded and hugged Ivy once more. Ivy turned and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Sienna stood there for a few more minutes, thinking. She wondered if what she was about to do was really the right thing. Or was she perhaps, about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
Slowly, she packed her bag, grabbed her purse, and headed out into the living room. She did one final check before closing the door.
After lunch, Sienna loaded her things into the trunk of her car, and after saying goodbye and thank you to Ivy, she headed home.
Jake’s car was parked in the drive when Sienna returned home, and a slight panic swept over her face.
“You can do this,” she said to herself and sat in the car for a few minutes.
Sienna unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped outside the car, grabbing her bags from the trunk.
She approached the front door, and her hands were shaking as she reached into her bag and pulled out the keys.
Placing the key in the keyhole she suddenly froze. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and slowly pushed the door open. There was no sign of Jake. A sigh of relief brushed over Sienna’s face, he must be at the gym she thought, but just as quickly as the relief appeared, it disappeared when she heard the shower turn on.
