The girls look at each other then back at me. “Straight after you left, Jax was made Alpha. When our parents left to travel to our ally packs, the parties began.”
Chloe butts in, “I think it helps to keep his mind off of you.”
I look back at the house and see Jax standing on one of the balcony’s with a drink in hand looking down at us. I turn quickly to look at the girls, I’m pretty sure he just heard everything we’ve said so I try to change the topic.
I look to Chloe. “Why aren’t you a wolf?” Looking at Ronny I ask, “Thought you were gonna turn her after graduation?”
They’re both silent for a few seconds, I’m starting to suspect that this is a sore subject between them.
Chloe blurts out, “She’s scared she’ll kill me.” She rolls her eyes and when Ronny covers Chloe’s hand with hers, Chloe pulls her hand away and folds her arms. I sense the hurt of rejection as Ronny’s eyes find mine.
“I’m scared she won’t make the shift.”
I look to Chloe who refuses to look at either of us. “That’s a reasonable excuse, don’t you think Chlo?” I don’t get a response from her, but I can feel the tension building between the two of them and I’m thinking it’s best I stay out of this one.
“I don’t want to see you in pain, sweetie. You have so much to think about before you make a decision. What if you don’t survive the shift? What am I supposed to do without you?” Ronny’s voice breaks as she says the last word.
Chloe turns her head, tears fall from her face. “You said I was meant to be your mate! You said you would turn me, now you’re afraid I’m not strong enough to survive! How will we ever know if we don’t try!” Chloe doesn’t wait for a response; she stands up and walks away. The sound of her sobs and the sadness and love shining through Ronny’s eyes as she watches her girl walk away makes me miss my mates.
“Go after her, Ron.” She squeezes my hand then takes off after Chloe.
I sit there alone for a few moments before getting up and heading down to the edge of the woods. Making my way to the fountain, I keep an eye open for Drake. I haven’t seen him since I arrived here, hopefully Jax has him locked up somewhere, preferably in those cages in that basement he mentioned earlier.
I climb onto the boulder I used to sit on so often when I lived here and look up to the starry sky. I close my eyes and let out a deep breath. The sound of the water trickling down the rocks and into the water is tranquil, but the sound of footsteps and a branch snapping has me turning to look behind me.
Chelsea comes out from the shadows. Her bleached hair is the first thing I notice, the tears running down her face and smudged makeup has me on high alert. I’m pretty sure the cause to all her tears is lurking around here somewhere. I see blood on her yellow top and all over her hands.
“Please help me, Lexi,” she sobs, falling to the ground. I jump off the boulder and run over to her. There’s blood all over her back, my hands are shake as I try to calm her.
He must have whipped her like he did me. I don’t have any love for the girl, but that doesn’t mean I won’t help her get away from that monster.
“He did this to you, didn’t he?” She continues to sob.
“Roll over let me see how bad it is.” I move her carefully, trying not to cause her anymore pain. The back of her shirt is full of blood, a rusty smell fills my senses, but something about the smell is off. I slowly peel away the shirt that covers her back.
“What the,” I whisper out loud. There’s nothing. No lacerations, no bruises, nothing. I look at the blood that covers my hands, then watch Chelsea’s shoulders shake.
She’s laughing. I back away and stand up fully. My back pushes against something hard; I don’t need to turn around to know who’s there.
“You’re such a stupid fucking bitch,” Chelsea says, sitting up straight and wiping away the mascara that has run down her cheeks. I let out a low growl as I realise my mistake.
This was a set up.
When Drake’s hands snake around my right shoulder, I move away and come face to face with his black eyes.
“Don’t. Touch. Me.” I snarl, moving away. Chelsea quickly grabs my wrist.
“I’d say it’s you who is the stupid one, Chelsea. Have you forgotten what I did to you the last time I saw you two together?” I say, ripping my hand away from hers.
She’s at a loss for words as she stutters and looks to Drake. “Y…you c…can’t hurt me now. Drake will protect me.” He doesn’t say a word and this causes evident unease in her features.