The following day was a whirlwind of excitement and chaos. I hopped into my new SUV, still amazed that Clay had gifted it to me. I felt the keys in my hand like they were a talisman of something larger, something that was still hazy around the edges of my understanding. Just as I was about to pull away from the dorms, Moro burst out the front door, her eyes locking onto mine. "I'm coming too!" she announced, before vaulting herself into the passenger seat. "Whoa, girl, make yourself at home," I laughed, her enthusiasm a live wire in the otherwise sleepy morning. "This is way nicer than my car," she said, stroking the leather dashboard with awe in her eyes. "I can't believe he gifted you a car. A huge car!" I grinned, remembering the somewhat comedic moment Clay tried to drive my old car. "It's because he felt so awkward driving my compact the other night. He was practically a contortionist trying to fit himself in. I told him no, but he laughed and said money was not an issue. I m
I held the car door open for Lexi, and as she settled into the passenger seat, a sense of giddy euphoria overcame me. I couldn't help but laugh softly to myself as I closed the door and made my way around the car. I knew I probably wouldn't "get the girl"—her connection with Clay was palpable, even to my dulled senses. But the sheer relief of her not looking at me like some evil being was enough to lighten my steps. "So, do you want to stop for some coffee? There's a drive-through on the way," I said as I jumped into the driver's seat. I trailed off when I noticed her eyes were glued to the center console. I followed her gaze, and my heart sank. "Shit," I muttered under my breath, hastily brushing the white powder off. I watched as it disappeared into nothing on the floorboards. But as I glanced up, my eyes met hers, and I saw them flicker to the glove compartment. It was still open, displaying the small plastic bag that left no room for the imagination. There was no brushing that
The second I saw them walking up together, a visceral sensation coursed through me, a feeling I'd never known. Every nerve ending in my body had been ignited, a volatile mixture of incredulity, fury, and something more complex. Jealousy? Betrayal? It was a heady brew, and it made me sick. I literally had to clench my fists to keep them from trembling.My eyes glowed, an involuntary response to heightened emotion. The person I was talking to sensed the abrupt shift in my demeanor and took the cue to leave when I coughed and closed my eyes. I couldn't let them see what was bubbling just below the surface; it was too raw, too untamed. Too dangerous for the human world.I led Lexi and Luke to the vault—the only appropriate place for this meeting. It was soundproof, which meant whatever confrontation was about to unfold wouldn't be overheard. Plus, the artwork and artifacts in this space were of such significant value that they served as a sobering reminder. Tread carefully. No sudden mov
Clay's jaw clenched as he muttered, "Give me a minute to wrap things up here, and we'll go home." I followed him out and watched him, a storm of emotions brewing behind his eyes, as he began to organize some paperwork on his desk. His hands worked swiftly, each movement measured and controlled. It was like he was channeling his turbulent emotions into each minor decision in front of him. We walked out to his car in heavy silence. As we drove, Clay's grip on the steering wheel was white-knuckled, starkly contrasting with the relaxed demeanor he usually had behind the wheel. "Can we stop by my dorm? I need to grab a few things," I asked softly, my voice tinged with caution. "Sure," he nodded, making a detour toward the university campus. I packed a bag quickly, scribbling a note to Moro about an impromptu trip with Clay for the next week or so. I deliberately left out any mention of Luke. Clay waited patiently in the car, and when I returned, we resumed our journey in silence. Aft
Lying on the couch in the dark, the weight of my choices settled around me like a suffocating fog. This was necessary, I told myself. It was essential because my life had spiraled into something unrecognizable, hollowed out by what I thought would give me an edge. The path ahead was a steep uphill climb, and damn, I dreaded every step.And Lexi. Why did her entrance into my life stir something dormant in me? It wasn't just me. I'd watched Clay around her, and it was like she could make us want to be better men with one word or look. I never thought Clay and I would find a scrap of common ground again. I didn't deserve this chance, but here I was, getting it anyway. An opportunity not just for redemption but for something resembling a real life.Sleep wouldn't come, my thoughts too loud, my skin tingling with the urge for another hit. I sat up and turned on the gaming console to distract myself, muting the sound to not disturb Clay and Lexi.Just as I was getting into the rhythm of the
I woke up to the sound of grunts, clinking weights, and the muffled impact of feet against the floor. For a second, I was disoriented. Then I remembered: Luke was here, and they'd planned to work out in the living room to avoid disturbing the neighbors. Curiosity got the best of me, and I padded to the doorway, still in my nightgown. The sight that met my eyes was nothing short of primal. Clay's muscles flexed with beads of sweat glistening on his forehead as he pushed through the burn. Every lift was precise and controlled, and his eyes were ablaze with an almost electrifying ferocity. He was in a deep lunge, his muscles rippling through his t-shirt as he lowered himself, steadying a dumbbell in each hand. Luke was beside him, following suit, his form slightly shaky but determined. Their synchronization was almost poetic—a dance of strength and willpower. Sweat made their shirts cling to their torsos, highlighting every muscle in vivid detail. The sight was electrifying, and my
The sizzle of eggs and bacon filled the small kitchen as I focused on the task at hand. Cooking had always been a therapeutic activity, a way to shut out the chaos and concentrate on something simple and tangible. I plated the food and carried it to the living room. "Here you go," I said, setting a plate in front of Lexi and another in front of Luke before settling onto the couch with my own.I took a few bites before I noticed Luke poking at his food. My eyes narrowed. He needed to eat, especially given the ordeal he was about to go through. A low growl escaped my throat before I could stop it. "Eat it," I commanded, my voice laced with an urgency that surprised even me.Lexi and Luke looked up, caught off guard by the forcefulness in my tone. I could see Lexi's eyes wide with curiosity, but I held Luke's gaze. The atmosphere was tense with numerous unasked questions, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the harshness in my voice.Slowly, Luke picked up his fork and took
I'll admit, I had forgotten how invigorating a good workout could feel. It was like every fiber of my body was alight with renewed energy. But watching Clay move, I couldn't help but wonder: how the hell did he manage to keep up this kind of intensity without the aid of substances anymore? And then came breakfast. The moment he set that plate of food in front of me, the first wave of nausea hit. The aroma of the eggs and bacon, which would generally be appealing, twisted my insides like a wet rag. I couldn't help but think, did he do this on purpose? Was this some convoluted coercion to remind me of my weakened state? Every bite was a struggle. My body begged me to stop, but my mind screamed louder, urging me to hold it together, to not give Clay the satisfaction of seeing me crumble. Anger bubbled within me with each mouthful, stewing and festering as if fed by the food I was forcing down. Then we transitioned to video games, but it was far from the distraction I needed. Each mist