Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

28. Chapter 28

Chapter twenty-eight

Raven

“ R aven, right?”

I glance up to see the guy who appeared in class a few weeks ago. The one who had been in a heated discussion with Locke.

“Yeah.” I stuff my camera into the bag. “Kingston?” I ask.

“Yeah.” He shoves his hands into his gray dress pants.

I cast a look to his face. Brown eyes and light brown hair. Almost a golden blonde. It’s lighter than Locke’s, but now that I’m actually looking at him, they sort of favor. Same jawline. But different noses. He looks a little younger. Maybe late twenties or early thirties.

I open my mouth to speak when he suddenly removes his hands and gives me a nervous smile. “Have a good evening.”

When I stand up right, I notice Locke and Declan heading in my direction.

The look on his face has all of my alarm bells going off.

“What’s wrong?” I reach for Locke’s forearm.

His eyes scan across the crowd then he faces Declan. “Take Raven to the house.”

Confusion hits me and I squeeze his arm. “Locke, what’s going on?”

Declan catches me by the elbow, dragging me though the crowd of dancers as I try to adjust my camera bag on my shoulder. I peer back at Locke to see him step over to Sasha and grab her by the hand.

My stomach sinks as I watch them disappear through the crowd in the opposite direction.

“Declan,” I press.

He doesn’t speak, just yanks me forward, ushering me through the foyer of the university, down a flight of stairs, then out into the parking lot. Without explanation I’m being shoved into his Land Rover parked near the front of the building.

Once he slams the door, I gaze out the window. Everything seems to be normal.

No one else is leaving the gala. No fire alarms are going off. No sirens. Wait. Did someone see us at the elevator?

Declan gets in, slamming the door and fish tailing it out of the parking lot.

His hands are tight on the wheel as he glances in the rearview. Something tells me whatever happened spooked them, but unfortunately that’s not what’s on my mind. No, my possessive streak chooses to come to light in this exact moment. I hate the doubt that fills me after I just told Locke I trust him.

“Did they date?” I ask.

Declan frowns. “Who?”

“Sasha and Locke.”

“I wouldn’t call it dating.” He shrugs. “I don’t think she’s warmed his bed, but she may have blow….”

He trials off before cursing under his breath. “I told you. You have nothing to worry about.”

“It's fine thanks for telling me.” I shake my head.

All of his bullshit about wanting me and being his. The first sign of danger and he puts me on the back burner to save her.

“Raven…” Declan starts.

“Declan the best thing you can do right now is shut up,” I hiss.

He presses the gas, snapping his mouth shut.

When we arrive at the house, I jump out and slam the door. Pulling out my phone, I bring up Presley’s contact. I feel bad for leaving her. Even though I only ran into her a time or two, she wanted to have a girl’s night after to celebrate my birthday.

“What are you doing?” He asks. “Locke wants you here.”

“Sully boy can kiss my ass,” I mutter.

“I’d give you ten grand to call him that to his face.” He snorts.

When I don’t laugh, he swipes a hand across his mouth. “Raven please don’t make me use force.”

“I’d love to see you try.” I glare at him.

“Raven, please.” He holds out his hands. “I wouldn’t ask if this wasn’t serious.”

Shoving my phone in my pocket I roll my eyes. “Fine. But I’m not staying in his room.”

Storming to the house, I burst through the front door. “This way I presume?” I ask, pointing towards the hallway to the left.

“Yes," he answers as he shuts the door behind him.

“I’m taking a shower and going to bed. Don’t bother me,” I shout out over my shoulder.

I slam the bedroom and go straight to the en-suite bathroom. Twisting the shower on, I pull up Presley’s name and shoot a text.

Me: I need you to pick me up. I’m dropping a pin.

Her answer is immediate.

Presley: be there in ten.