THIRTY ONE
THIRTY ONE
“There’s no chance. Just delusion on her part,” Milo says with a lazy shrug, like this whole thing is just some sick joke. “She thinks one wild night between the sheets means she owns you now. That’s what happens when you mess with the unstable ones.”
I feel my face flame red, all the way to the tips of my ears. I’m still not used to how openly they talk about sex—so casual, so damn unbothered.
Selene reels back, visibly disgusted. “Wait, you two actually slept with her?”
“It was a mistake,” Jade mutters, his voice flat and grim. “One fueled by too much booze and no brain cells.”
“And she’s hoping for a sequel,” Oliver adds dryly, not even looking up from his plate. “That’s why she keeps showing up with tequila like it’s some love potion.”
I’m not completely clueless when it comes to sex, but compared to these guys? I might as well be a nun. Every word out of their mouths just reminds me how far out of my depth I am. And honestly, if I blush any harder, I might combust right here in the booth.
Panic starts rising in my chest. She’s going to kill me for this. I can feel it. After they publicly humiliated her and took my side? There’s no way I get out of this with just a glare and a shove. She’s going to come for me—and I need to disappear before she gets the chance.
“I just remembered—I’ve got a huge project due,” I blurt, sitting up so fast I almost knock my glass over. “Really need to get started on that.”
I’m ready to climb over Jade and Max if it means getting out of this booth faster. My chest is tight, breaths shallow. I need to move before I spiral right here in front of everyone. “Let me out. Please.”
Max looks at me, eyes narrowing like he’s trying to read what’s going on inside my head. He doesn’t press, though. He just nudges Jade and makes space.
“Hey, wait—just give us a few minutes and we’ll drive you,” Max offers, concern clear in his voice.
I shake my head fast. “No, it’s okay. You’re still eating. I was done anyway.”
He reaches out, probably just to stop me, but I flinch away, shifting to the side before he can touch me. “Really. I’ll walk. Might help settle my stomach.”
I don’t give them a chance to argue. I bolt.
The moment I’m outside, I scan the lot. No sign of her yet—but I’m not about to wait around. Heart hammering, I duck around the back of the diner and slip into the woods. My shortcut. My escape route.
Because if she finds me before I get home... I might not walk away this time.
She never seems to bother looking for me in the woods, but if I’m walking the sidewalks? She’ll trap me in seconds.
Been there, done that—no grazie. I’ve gotten pretty skilled at avoiding the main roads whenever possible.
When I finally reach my backyard, I scan the area carefully, my wolf and I both on high alert. We sniff the air for any sign of someone lying in wait.
Once I’m sure it’s clear, I make a mad dash for the back door. As soon as I’m inside, I slam the lock and lean against it, trying to catch my breath. After a few deep inhales, I head straight to my room and don’t come out for the rest of the weekend.
Milo knocked once, but I didn’t answer, so he didn’t bother again. I buried myself in schoolwork and, taking a chance, went for a run at 4 a.m. on Sunday.
I figured it was the safest window—no Raven, no minions, and definitely no guys. They were likely catching up on their beauty sleep, and I doubted even they had the stamina to assign someone to keep tabs on me around the clock.
It’s not fear, exactly. At least, I don’t think it is. I just don’t want more drama than what already clings to me.
Shockingly, Raven didn’t mess with me for two whole weeks. Weird, sure—but I didn’t drop my guard. Every time someone said my name or tapped my shoulder, I jumped. Something is coming.
I can feel it in my bones. It’s too much to believe she’s given up for good just because the guys decided to make me part of their group. She obviously wants that spot herself.
I do think their presence between classes helped hold her off—for now.
I also kept my distance from the guys as best I could, but it didn’t last long. Turns out I share a few classes with some of them, and they refused to let me disappear.
They insisted I sit with them, partner with them, be visible. Thank the goddess Raven wasn’t in any of those classes.
Still, I couldn’t be sure who might be reporting back to her, so I always made excuses to avoid walking with them for too long. She rarely caught us together in the halls.
I even avoided my brother—who really shouldn’t be an issue—but knowing how unhinged she is, I wouldn’t put it past her to not realize we’re related and think he’s another option to get under my skin.
Ivy probably sees me as an obstacle when it comes to Milo. And if that’s the case, Raven will come for me. That’s all she needs—one excuse.