Chapter twenty-nine
Locke
I step up to my truck just as my phone rings. I had just dropped Sasha off at her house. When she caught me in the corner after the conversation with my mother and started asking questions about Raven. I knew something was off. Sasha didn’t ask invasive questions. She was the shallow type and quite frankly could look up Raven’s file at school if she wanted basic info. So, when she started asking about her childhood, where she was from, and her background, my instincts kicked in. Declan was the first to confirm, checking her pupils to see she had been compelled. I had Hendrix meet me at her house to try to pry information on who compelled her to ask questions. Fucking vampires and their mind games. I didn’t want to believe a word Angeline said, but I felt it deep down. Something was coming.
“What?” I bark into my cell.
I’m pissed I had to separate from Raven, my wolf as well, but there was no way I was putting her in the line of danger.
“Don’t get angry,” Declan says quickly.
I can tell he’s out of breath.
I jump in and start my truck. “Declan," I growl.
“I lost her,” he admits.
Ice fills my veins. “What do you mean you lost her? I told you to take her home!” I roar.
“I did,” he shouts. “And your little angel pretended to be in the shower, escaped out the window, then set the yard on fire.”
“She what?” I seethe.
“Yeah, apparently you got a pyro on your hands,” he quips.
“Fuck,” I curse.
“Well good luck. She’s pissed.”
“About what?” I crank the ignition.
“I don’t know, Locke. Maybe because Sasha was the one sitting in your passenger seat instead of her. Maybe because she’s in the dark and wants an explanation.”
With a hushed curse I slam my fist on the dash. “I’ll handle it.”
“You will. And I expect new sod planted by next week.”
“Fuck off, Declan.”
Parking in the parking lot of her apartment building, I storm up to the door and pound my fist. A random guy lets me in, and in seconds I’m at her door. I pound my fist twice before Presley answers, her hands on her hips and her brows lifted.
“Can I help you, professor?”
“Where is she?” I place my hand on the door frame.
Presley narrows her eyes. “Why?”
“Ms. Aldridge, it’s probably best if you ran a few errands and came back later.”
“This is my house," she snaps. “And I don’t know what is going on with you two but…”
“Presley.” Raven appears behind her with her arms crossed. “I could go for some Chinese.”
“It’s almost one in the morning.” She hesitates, bouncing her eyes from me to Raven before she finally swipes her keys off of the entry table.
I slip inside, and as she passes me, she brings two fingers to her eyes before pointing them back at me. “I’m watching you, professor.”
When she shuts the door, I face Raven.
She spins on her heels, leaving me in the living room.
“Rae,” I call out.
She doesn’t respond, just disappears into her room, already out of her dress.
“Don’t walk away from me,” I grit out.
“Walk away?” She scoffs. Her dark hair flies over her shoulder as she turns to face me. “Fuck you, Locke.”
I step towards her as she lifts her chin.
“I told you to stay with Declan. You were supposed to stay at my place where I know you're safe, baby.”
“What does that even mean?” She shrieks.
“I was worried...”
“Oh, you were worried about my safety?” She mocks. “I’m glad your fuck buddy is safe and sound. Did you make sure to tuck her in too?”
She goes to brush past me, but I catch her arm. “You know I’ve never slept with her. That hasn’t changed in the last two hours.”
“You know what. It doesn’t matter.” She tries to jerk away. “I get it Locke. I’m just some forbidden fun, right? We both know this can’t really work.”
“Don’t say that. You know that’s not true,” I choke out.
“Isn’t it?” She asks.
“It’s complicated, yes.” I reach for her.
I just want to touch her. Hold her. Feel her.
I wish I could tell her why she’s in danger. But it involves a world she knows nothing about.
“What was that about? Why did you send me home with Declan?” She asks.
I can’t answer that. Not until I know more.
“Baby, look.” I lift my palms.
“It’s a simple question, Locke.”
No. It really isn’t.
“I thought you trusted me,” I defend.
“And I thought when you told me you were mine, meant we told each other the truth. Even if it’s complicated. So, if that wasn’t about you and Sasha. What was it?”
I sigh. “I just need some time.”
She nods, clear frustration written all over her pretty face.
“I wanted to leave with you, Rae.” I swallow. “I had something to handle first.”
A mischievous smile moves across her face as she steps away from me. “Don’t worry, Locke. I made it back perfectly safe.” She snatches up a t-shirt then glides to the bathroom door. “Declan took real good care of me.”
With that she slams the door and all I see is red.
“Pack a bag,” I growl at the closed door. “I’ll be back in thirty. You’re staying with me.”