Page 67 of Fated for Flames
Ryker’s stride was purposeful as he walked to the shifter house log cabin. He didn’t utter a word as he ascended the woodenstairs to the second floor, his grip around me unyielding. Entering a large bathroom, he carefully set me down on a sturdy bench inside an enormous shower stall. His back to me, he twisted the faucet, and a cascade of water began to fall from the overhead showerhead.
He stepped out and grabbed his phone, texting.
Then he returned, testing the water temperature with his hand before turning back toward me. His gaze met mine briefly before he picked me up once again, cradling me against his chest. We stepped into the warm spray of the shower.
The heat seeped into my chilled bones as I pressed closer to Ryker, burying my face in his chest. His arms wrapped around me tighter. We stayed like that, silent.
I wondered if Ryker could even talk.
Maybe he didn’t have a tongue?
Regardless, the tremors ceased, and I was getting warmer nestled in his strong arms until I heard the sound of the bathroom door creaking open.
Chad walked in and got under the spray of the shower, water instantly soaking his clothes and plastering his hair to his forehead. His eyes were wide and filled with concern as they flickered over my form.
“Little witch, are you okay?” he asked, his voice soft but steady.
I nodded, summoning a smile. “Always.”
“Who did this?” His voice held an edge of anger now.
I didn’t respond.
Chad’s gaze softened as he looked at me, and I felt a sudden surge of annoyance. I didn’t want his pity.
“I’m not weak,” I told him fiercely, looking straight into his eyes.Not anymore.
He gave me a small smile. “I know you’re not weak, little witch.”
A pause hung in the air before Chad broke the silence. “I found your backpack and clothes.” His gaze flickered toward Ryker, guilt shadowing his face. “When you didn’t show up this morning, I thought I’d let you sleep in and decided to let my animal out for a run in the woods. I should’ve checked.”
I shook my head. “It’s not your fault, Chad.”
His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t argue, giving me one last look before stepping out of the shower.
Ryker followed him out a moment later, leaving me alone to change into dry clothes.
41
Evelyn
After warming under the hot water, I got dressed and sprinted back to my dorm for a quick change into my uniform.
It didn’t matter what they did to me. They couldn’t break me, and I refused to give them the satisfaction that their little stunt had any effect on me. It hadn’t. Although yes, I wished it hadn’t been Lucien who’d found me in that humiliating position.
I was going to get grilled at our next meeting.
I shook my head, banishing the thought from my mind. I made my way to the outside amphitheater, where the entire school was listening to Lucien on stage. I moved between the rows of students, toward Theo.
“You’re late,” he said.
I rolled my eyes. “I decided to sleep in.”
Looking around, I searched for the Luminary Coven members. I spotted a couple, but none of them met my eyes.
I straightened my spine and lifted my chin high.
* * *
