Chapter 22

WES EVERGREEN

By the time I left the Underground, I was shaking, a light tremor spread throughout my body. Pure anger, I couldn’t believe Khloe would pull something like this.

Dark prince or White Knight? Lil’s words caused me to pause, conjured out of nowhere.

“Shut up.” I wasn’t sure if the words were spoken or thought, but I didn’t care. I looked ahead of me, seeing the sign of HQ. I grit my teeth, knowing that was the last place I needed to go.

She needs you, Wes. Now.

This time I stopped on the sidewalk, looking around, certain I didn’t imagine that.

“Shut. Up. No one needs me. This is insane, Khloe is insane.”

You’re the one arguing with the voice in your head.

Lil’s voice pointed out; her voice wasn’t mocking. I knew part of her was right.

“Go away.” I snapped, reaching for my phone. I dialed Tara’s number, needing a distraction.

She answered on the first ring. “Hey, you, I thought we were having dinner.”

“I know, I’m running late.” I couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll be there in five.”

“Everything okay?” I heard the worry in her voice and sighed, hating the fact that I was the cause of concern.

“I’ll tell you when I get there. Same place?”

“Same time.” I could already see the smile on her face and feel calmed. We said goodbye and I jogged the distance between here and Jake’s Dinner and Burger Joint. By the time I got there, I was much calmer and relaxed. Maybe it was the cool night breeze, or maybe it was the shock from tonight’s events settling in, I wasn’t sure.

Either way, when I got the restaurant, the hug I gave Tara Cole was genuine. I pressed my lips to her warm forehead, and she giggled. “Well, hello to you to.”

“Hi.” I sighed, letting go of her and falling back into the booth she has already settled for us. She took my hand from across the table and ran her fingers over the back of my knuckles.

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” She asked.

I debated the answer, wondering if stressing her out was worth it. I decided it isn’t. “Nothing.”

“You really suck at lying.” She laughed. “I know this funeral stuff is upsetting and you’re worried about your friend-“

“I’m done with Khloe, you were right. She’s crazy.” My own words shocked me, but I didn’t take them back.

Tara’s blond brow lifted. “Tell me what happened.”

I sighed, not wanting to tell her, but I knew at the same time she wouldn’t stop pushing until I did. “I think Khloe might’ve lost her mind today or something. She made a lot of serious accusations. If they weren’t so treasonous, I’d laugh.”

“What kind of accusations?”

I looked down at the table, a feeling of uncertainty washing over me. “She called my mom a witch. She said my dad is the king of hell and he’s going to arrest me.” I took a breath, shaking my head. “Honestly, I’m surprised she didn’t accuse you of being involved.”

I looked up quickly enough to see the clouded look that crosses Tara’s face. A look of wide-eyed surprise like a doe being caught in a headlight before she laughed. “Why would she do that?”

“I don’t know.” I Shrugged. “Why would she?””

“Calm down babe, you’re tense.” Tara said after a moment, giving me a thin smile.

“When did we meet?” The question took me by surprise, but I waited for an answer.

Tara’s face scrunched up in confusion. “What do you mean? Wes, we met at your father’s annual summer celebration.”

“Who introduced us?”

“Your father, of course.”

“How did you know him?”

“Why does it matter?” Tara shifted in her chair.

“Answer the question.”

Her look of confusion turned to one of anger and her eyes narrowed at me. “Wes Evergreen. I am not one of your criminals you get to interrogate. What is wrong with you?”

I cringed, blinking a little at her words before realizing she was right. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Khloe must be getting to me.” I sighed.

She nodded in understanding. “Just relax babe.”

I tried to follow her advice, but the burning sensation of tension building inside me, screaming at me to run, refused to leave. It was only made worse when two familiar uniformed officers made their way into the diner. Chris and Owen. They approached the hostess, who turned and looked at me in shock. I glanced over at Tara, whose eyes were downcast with a look of guilt.

“Tara-“

“I’m sorry Wes,” She whispered, refusing to look at me.

“What did you do?” The anger that spilled out didn’t cover half of the burning heat inside me.

“Wes Evergreen.” Chris’s voice cut over the crowd, silencing the diner.

“You know who I am.” My eyes never left Tara.

“You’re under arrest.” He continued as if I said nothing.

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

He laughed. “Tara was right, weren’t you babe? You’re a dumb twit. You have no idea what’s going on do you?”

“Let me take a wild guess.” I stood up. “You and she are Hades whores. You can’t think for yourself so you’re here doing his business like a little pet dog. Khloe was right about everything.” His fists collided with my face before I saw him move. My head snapped back, and my vision spun before clearing. The burning tension that has been bubbling beneath my skin all day exploded.

Physically. The heat sizzled through my fingers in deep, powerful waves that felt like relief, sending Chris and Tara into the back wall of the diner.

Tara called my name, but her voice was distant, muffled as she begged for me to stop. She reached for me, and I flinched, another wave of relief washed over me, stronger, heavier than before. Her eyes widen in surprise and her skin stretched, pulling apart, body quivering, she exploded.

Literally.

Into dust before my eyes.

Screams echoed around me as a stampede ensued. Owen was struggling to get up from the ground when I stepped over him, a slew of curses left his lips. I followed the crowd out of the diner, only knowing one thing: I had to find Khloe.