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Chapter 43
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2024-09-23 06:48:08
Alisa SelbyHow are we doing so far? Are you enjoying the story?
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Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 44
The following days I remained emotional, and as I worked my hours at the bar, the regulars noticed my preoccupation. Whispers of my inheritance had spread through the bar's patrons, casting me in a new light—and it was one I wasn't sure I liked.Rumors had always filled the space between the tables, and I had always paid them little attention. However, the whispers that always circulated about others, were now aimed toward me. Though I knew my life was now food for their fodder, I remained steadfast in my resolve to use the money for the bar and the people who had become my family.One night, as the final chords of Burning Down the House played out, and the last of the patrons stumbled out into the night, Tannin and I sat in the empty bar, the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses slowly fading into the floors and walls. Looking at me with a knowing smile, she soothed, "You're going to be fine." Her voice was a gentle reassurance in the quiet.I stared into my whiskey, not so certain
Last Updated : 2024-09-23Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 45
I knew what was going to happen next, and for the first time since Torin's death, I didn't push the thought away. Instead, I took a deep breath and let myself be swept up in the moment.~~The hotel Lucien had brought me to was contemporary and beautiful, and after a ride up the elevator, we stepped inside a plush hotel room. Closing the door behind us, he rested his hand on the small of my back, "It's not much," he teased, wearing a grin as his eyes swept over the expensive furnishings. "But it's all ours for the night."I shook my head. "It's perfect," I murmured.Lucien slid his arm the rest of the way around my waist and pulled me closer. "Are you sure?" he whispered, his lips caressing my ear. "If you're uncomfortable---""No," I protested as, turning in his arms, I placed a finger on his lips, silencing his words. "At this moment, I'm right where I want to be."Lucien's grip tightened and gazing into my eyes, he searched for any signs of doubt within the depths of mine. Not findi
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 46
The next evening as I walked into the bar, Jess was standing behind the counter, his fingers tucked into a glass, drying the interior with a cloth. At the sound of my boot heels clattering on the hardwood floor, he looked up, calling, “Hey, Kiddo.”“Hey, Jess,” I returned.His eyes lingered on my face as he asked, “All okay?”A small smile played at the corners of my lips, and I nodded. “Yeah, actually, it is. To be honest, things are better than they have been in a long time,” I told him.A knowing look came into his eyes. “Got some action, I take it?” he teased.“Umm... Maybe?” I hedged, knowing that the cherry-red coloring was a dead-give-away as warmth crept up my neck and spread to my cheeks.Jess snorted. “Don't try to fool a fooler, girl. It's written all over you. So, who’s the lucky guy?” he asked, slapping the towel in his hand down on the countertop and leaning against the counter.“Someone... different from my usual type," I admitted.“Different, huh?" Jess asked. Care to
Last Updated : 2024-10-16Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 47
The next day was a blur of uncertainty. Each time the phone buzzed, I’d find myself hoping it was Lucien, and my heart would skip a beat, yet in the back of my mind, was the nagging voices of both Jess and Brian telling me to be careful. Their caution wasn’t something I could just dismiss as merely a friends’ concern.Was I jumping too quickly after all? I couldn’t help but wonder. After all, what did I really know about Lucien? 1. He was gorgeous. 2. He made my heart beat for the first time since Torin’s death. 3. He was damn good in the sack. And 4…He was a Mob Boss’s son.Earlier that day, I'd found myself restless, and had decided to head into work early. I'd kept myself busy for most of the time, but now the steady flow of customers had begun to lag, and with a small sigh, I picked up a cloth and began wiping the counter down.When I’d finished, I was in the process of folding the cloth to set aside, when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up under the tingle of someone's gaze
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter 48
In the weeks that followed, Rook came to the bar more and more often. The atmosphere in the bar underwent a change each time he walked in the door. The customers seemed to like his rough charm and easy-going smile.On occasion I’d catch him silently gazing in my direction and I felt a pang of something I hadn't felt in a long time—jealousy. It wasn't that I wanted Rook for myself; because I didn’t. It was more the way he looked at me, with a genuine concern that seemed to have vanished from Lucien's eyes.The night passed, and the bar remained packed. Rook's laughter rang out above the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for simpler times---the times Rook and I had worked together at the compound's bar.As the last customers stumbled out, I locked the doors behind them and turned to face Rook. "You know having you around again means a lot to me, right?" I told him.His eyes met mine. "I know,” he murmured.His words lin
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-49
I sat, clutching the phone in my hand, feeling more alone than I had ever before. I couldn’t just sit, waiting to hear something, for something to happen; I would drive myself insane if I even tried. Instead, I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. The night air felt good against my skin, and it helped to calm my racing thoughts.As I wandered the streets, in the distance I began to hear the rumble of motorcycles, and I felt my heart skip a beat at the sound. Chances of it being Rook and the other members of the Raven’s was slim, but there was always a possibility. As I quickened my pace, the sound grew closer, and I ducked into an alley, my heart pounding in my chest. If it wasn’t the Raven’s, I didn’t want to be caught on the street alone.The bikes began roaring by, and as they did, I caught the Raven’s emblem on the back of their kuttes. Stepping out of the shadows and onto the street, I watched as several passed, before one of them peeled off from the pack, slowing down and c
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-50
The Hideout was a dingy place, the kind that you'd rather not go into if you didn't have to. As we entered the smell of cigarettes and whiskey hung in the air. The room was filled with bikers and as I gazed around, one of the women at the bar caught my attention.I recognized Tonya from being at the Raven's compound and catching her eye I nodded slightly. I could tell when Rook spotted her as well, as his eyes narrowed, taking in her uncomfortable glances about the room. Leaning closer to me, so that only I could hear, he muttered, "She knows something."Eyes flicking over Tonya, I nodded. She'd always had a soft spot for Rook, and I knew she'd help if she could. As we approached the bar, Tonya slipped away from the group, meeting us halfway, her eyes pinned on Rook.Her voice filled with curiosity, Tonya asked, "What the hell's going on, Rook?"Rook didn't sugar-coat any words, growling, "Got a snitch. Someone's selling us out to the cops."Tonya's eyes got big, and she breathed, "Se
Last Updated : 2024-11-17Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) Chapter-51
As Rook’s words dropped between us, he took my arm, guiding me, and as we made our way through the crowd towards the back, Tonya grabbed Rook’s arm. "Be safe," she whispered.He nodded. "I will," he assured her.The alley behind the Hideout was dank and narrow, the perfect place for a private confrontation to turn into a brawl. Keeping me close against his side, we made our way over to Rook’s bike.As we stood by his bike, he handed me the spare helmet I’d used earlier, murmuring soberly, "This is club business and shouldn't affect you in any way. So, you should be safe at home. I'll get a hold of you when this shit's over." Afterward, he climbed onto his bike, avoiding my eyes.As I straddled the bike behind him, my arms tight around his waist, the engine roared to life, and we sped off.A short time later, as we pulled up to my apartment, I climbed off the bike, and looking at me, his eyes glinting in the moonlight, he instructed, "Remember, not a word to anyone.”"Not a word," I agr
Last Updated : 2024-11-19
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Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 015
I stared at Rook, with a mix of fear, confusion, and a strange, inexplicable excitement."So, what does it all mean?" I asked , my voice hushed.Rook's expression grew tight, his jaw clenching as he took a step closer to me. "It means," he began, his voice low and intense, "that I have to be careful. I can't risk losing control, especially around you.""But what if you do?" I couldn't help whispering, my eyes locked with his because of my own darkness. "What if the creature inside of you takes over?"Rook's eyes searched mine, the depth of his pain reflected in the depths of his own. "Then you'll have to save me," he murmured. "As I've always tried to save you."Drawn like a magnet, I stepped closer to him. "And what if I can't? What if the darkness is where you truly belong, though?"He took a deep, unsteady breath, his gaze never leaving mine. "Then I'll have to be the one to save us both," he said, his voice a mere breath.The room around me faded away with his nearness, the warmt
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 014
Chills skittered down my spine at the woman’s words, but as she continued, dread filled my every pore. "You see, I intend to test Rook's blood lust. And who better to do that with than someone he holds so dear?"I stood frozen in the dimly lit room, my heart pounding against my chest as the realization of my dire situation sank in. Sharella, with her flowing jet-black hair and porcelain skin, seemed to embody a haunting beauty that belied the darkness within her.“Rook would never harm me,” I breathed.Sharella's face was a twisted canvas of emotions, her lips pulled into a sinister smile. Her voice carried a malevolent lilt as she spoke, sending icy tendrils down my spine. "Oh, my dear," she sneered, "harm is but a pale word to describe what he will do to you."Her eyes glimmered with an unsettling confidence, casting an ethereal glow upon her features. "You see, Rook," she said, her voice laced with an otherworldly charm, "is not quite what you believe him to be."I leaned in, my cur
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 013
~ROOK~Three Hours LaterWhen I’d entered Catriana's room, I'd had no intention of doing what I'd done. Hell no I hadn't, I'd actually come to apologize for my actions earlier, but I hadn't been expecting what I'd found when I'd pushed through the doorway, either. Fuck, I mean, Jesus Christ, what red-blooded male wouldn't have reacted the same way I had!The vision that had been before me had nearly brought me to my knees with need, the hunger I'd carried for Catriana beat strongly within my groin, causing the usual swelling behind my zipper as I'd moved toward her masturbating figure like an automated puppet before slipping into bed beside her. I was no more able to deter my next action than I could have willingly stopped breathing as I laid my hand over hers, husking for her to keep going. However, I'd quickly came undone, as shifting our hands, she pushed me backward until my back rested against the bed, then climbing on top of me, she'd began grinding against my hard-on. Sweet me
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 012
The rest of the day was a blur, the weight of Grandma's death and the looming threat of the unknown attacker pressing down on everyone at the academy. I felt like I was walking on eggshells, waiting for the next explosion of emotion or accusation.At dinner, I sat next to Keeley, my eyes darting to Rook at the head of the table. He was deep in conversation with the coven leaders, his expression serious. I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing, mixed with anger and fear.The food was barely touched on my plate as I pushed it away. Keeley gave me a concerned look. "Everything okay?""No," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it will be."The evening brought a moment of reprieve as Keeley and I snuck out to the conservatory. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of the fountain was soothing. We sat in silence for a long time, just listening to the water and the crickets outside.Finally, Keeley broke the silence. "What are we going to do?" she as
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 011
~Cat~I awoke as the sun began poking its golden mane above the horizon and spread sleepy tendrils of orange and yellow ribbons across the sky. Rolling over I watched through tired eyes as the ribbons journeyed their way across the hard-wood floor, creeping towards where I lay, washing the room within their announcement of the new day.Within the sun's kiss, the room lightened and brightened, as a particularly persistent ribbon of light climbed up and onto the bed. It continued to methodically inch its way towards where I lay until it bathed my face in its warm golden touch, forcing me to hide beneath the spare pillow again in an effort to blot out its radiant smile. However, only a few seconds later, I found myself suffocating within the insulated heat of my own breath as the confined space around my head became overbearingly warm and stifling.Letting out a low, frustrated groan, I gave up and threw off the pillow as I pushed back the sheet and sat up. Afterward, rising, I began wip
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 010
~ROOK~Cat's words of, 'I was raped, Rook. Tied up and gagged while the bastard raped me,' were stuck in my head. My fists clenched at the memory of her tears, the fear and pain in her voice when she'd told me. I didn't believe that she didn't know who it was. Cat had been a little hellion growing up, but I knew her better than she thought. She was staying mum about her rapist for my sake, not theirs.The thought made me sick.I took a deep breath, trying to push aside the rage that was burning a hole through my chest. I had to stay focused. The coven was in mourning, and Grandmother's killer was still out there. Now was not the time for personal vendetta.Tannin had called me to see how I was doing, and the phone call had jarred the fact within me that I hadn't been to the bar in days. As such, I now found myself in my office, the music from the bar and the patrons' voices rattling through the walls.The office was a mess, a stark contrast to the well-managed chaos of the rest of the
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 09
Daniel’s words hung in the air, filled with implications that sent a shiver down my spine. Special was not a word I was used to hearing, not in a positive way at least. In the world of Anderson Academy, special usually meant something was wrong with you.I took another bite of the sandwich, buying myself time to think. "What does that even mean?" I asked, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.Daniel leaned back in his chair, his eyes searching my face. "It means that you're not just a witch. You're something much more powerful. And much more feared.""And what are you?" I whispered.He smiled faintly. "I'm a guide. Someone who's been around long enough to recognize the signs. Someone who knows how to navigate the world of the supernatural without getting burned."I swallowed hard, the food sticking in my throat. "And what's the catch?" I asked, my voice barely audible.He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "The catch is that you need to trust me. You need to let me help you. Becau
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 08
Daniel reached over and gently took my hand in his. His skin was cool and smooth. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that," he murmured. "It's just... you have abilities, things you don't even know about. Things that make you a target. And I can help you."I couldn't help but feel a little calmer when he held my hand, even though his words only served to confuse me further. I squeezed his hand back, wanting to believe him, wanting to trust him. But the more he spoke, the more I realized that trusting him would mean giving up a part of myself, accepting a reality that I wasn't sure I could handle.The car pulled up in front of a small, unassuming apartment building in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Daniel turned off the engine and turned to look at me, his expression serious. "This is where we'll be staying for now. It's not much, but it's safe." He leaned over and pressed a button on his keychain, unlocking the doors.I hesitated before getting out of the car, still trying t
Torin-Shattered: Way Down We Go (Part 1) 07
I’d been gone for two days, when I found myself sitting in a diner just off the highway, nursing a cup of bitter coffee. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I had no idea where to go or what to do. The only thing I knew for sure was that I couldn't go back to Raleigh Academy.Shane's words echoed in my mind, his taunts and threats refusing to leave me in peace. I tried to push them away, to focus on something else, but they were always there, lurking in the shadows. I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread deep in my gut.I glanced at the clock on the wall and realized it was nearly noon. I'd been sitting here for hours, my thoughts spinning in circles. I needed to make a decision, to figure out what to do. My options were few and far between.As I debated with myself, a figure caught my eye from the corner of my vision. A man, sitting alone in a booth across the diner. He looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite place him. Something about him seemed...off. Lik
