Riley
You will not go near them.
Zane’s words ring through my head over and over again. Why does he care?
He used to always be jealous, and I suppose that makes sense now since I was his mate, but he rejected me. Who does he think he is by trying to continue to control me and what I do?
It’s hard to focus on any class whenever all I can think about is him. I’m nervous for my friends and for my brothers. I want us to all be able to enjoy this year, but I get the feeling that that will be impossible.
I walk over to my locker and Delilah rushes over to me and says, “Hey Ri, did you hear they’re already talking about the homecoming dance?”
I shake my head, “Already? It’s the first day of school.”
She shrugs, “Never too soon, I guess. Do you think you’ll try out for homecoming queen this year? You won last year!”
I scoff, “Yeah, I won because Zane was my boyfriend. He’s not anymore and honestly if he’s king then I have no interest in being queen.”
As we’re talking, I notice Zane’s sister, Breanne, across the hall shooting daggers at me. My eyebrows scrunch together, what’s her problem?
I don’t want Delilah to get in the crossfire of this by associating with me. I tell her, “Hey D, we should talk later, okay?”
The confusion is evident on her face, but she nods and says, “Yeah, okay, Riley.”
I move to walk away, but I can feel Breanne’s presence as she follows me. As soon as she can, she corners me.
I huff as I ask, “What’s your problem, Breanne?”
She says, “You’re messing with the wrong group of people, Riley.”
I shake my head as I ask, “Why do you care? Zane dumped me, you stopped being my friend, why are the two of you suddenly sticking your noses in my life?”
“I care about you, Riley.” She states and I force myself not to laugh out loud when she said it. I shake my head, “No, Breanne, I truly don’t believe that you do. If you cared about me, you would’ve tried to keep your friendship with me even when Zane dumped me.”
“We were friends, Riley, I’m just looking out for you.”
“Yeah, we used to be friends. We’re not anymore so it doesn’t matter who I hang around. Just leave me alone.”
The bell rings as I walk away. It’s time for my free period and I decide to go outside. Maybe some fresh air is what I need to get a fresh start on the day.
You know, a fresh perspective would be nice too. I wonder if Leviticus is out in those woods. I make sure that no one is following me as I rush out to the woods. Once I’m deep enough in, I softly call his name, “Leviticus!”
A moment passes and he hasn’t shown up and I whisper shout his name again, “Leviticus!”
I hear a tree branch snaps and then I huff as he says, “You know, you’re not very good at staying away, are you? The more we’re around each other, the higher risk of me getting caught.”
I turn towards him, and I can’t help the laugh that comes bubbling out of my mouth. He looks ridiculous. He’s wearing all camo and is wearing long sleeves and black gloves as well as some kind of beekeeper type of hat. He glares at me as I laugh and I try to calm myself. I tell him, “I’m sorry, you just look so… ridiculous.”
He rolls his eyes, “Yeah, well, the sun literally burns me, and I have to watch you to make sure you don’t die. So, a simple thank you would be nice!”
I laugh as I say, “Thank you, it’s much appreciated.”
He shakes his head before crossing his arms and he asks, “What do you want, Rieka?”
Every time he uses my real name it causes my heart to stop. No one else calls me that, and it makes me nervous that someone may have found out my secret. But… also, it’s nice having someone say my real name.
I huff, “School is boring, I’d rather hang out with you.”
He looks at me skeptically before saying, “I know you’re lying, but I don’t feel like dealing with it so I’ll allow it.”
I shrug, “I’m not lying. I like hanging out with you.”
“We’ve hardly ‘hung out’, Rieka. Besides that, I’m not all that interesting. I don’t think you really want to be around me unless you have no other choice.”
I look into his eyes as the truth comes tumbling out of my mouth, “I think you’re the most interesting person I’ve ever met. I want to be around you.”
He looks at me with wide eyes, shocked by my honesty. We hear my name being called in the distance, “Riley! Are you okay?”
Leviticus breathes out, “I should go.”
I nod and watch as he uses his speed to quickly disappear. I trudge back toward the school and whoever is calling my name. My heart longs to be near Leviticus.