Merciless Angel (Gods of Ravencrest University #4)

CHAPTER ONE

CLOVER

My best friend was a mob queen who would one day run the city. It still blew my mind to look at Raina and see the girl who’d become like a sister to me. I’d always been more of a goody two shoes. The type to sneak a drink with my friends when my parents weren’t home but nothing worse than that. The things Raina had shared with me would make me an accomplice in some incredibly shady events. I could only imagine the stuff she hadn’t shared.

She passed me a joint before tipping her whiskey to her lips. “Can you believe I’m married? Goddamn, that’s surreal. How did this even happen?”

Raina glanced toward the house where her three lovers played poker inside. We stood in the backyard near the blazing fire, sharing some much needed girl time. The wedding after party was well underway. I sucked deeply on the joint, loving the way it felt entering my lungs.

“Congratulations, babe,” I said, coughing slightly. “I’m happy for you. Those crazy bastards better be good to you.”

“Oh, they will be.” A knowing smirk adorned Raina’s face. “I have no doubt about that.”

“Good, I want you to be happy.” Offering the joint to our friend Lyra who shook her head in refusal, I studied Raina’s beaming smile. She really did look happy. After the shit she’d gone through to get to this point, she deserved it. I was overjoyed for her.

Raina plucked the joint from my fingertips and nudged me lightly with an elbow. “What about you two? Are you happy? Honestly.”

Her gaze strayed to where my current kind of boyfriend stood several feet away drinking beer with some guys from campus. Zane and I had been seeing each other for a few months now, although it never felt serious. Not the way it should have by now. Sometimes I suspected we were merely using one another to pass the time until someone better came along. Not really grounds for a healthy relationship.

“That’s a bit of a loaded question, isn’t it?” I joked, sipping my strawberry vodka cooler. “If you’re asking if Zane is the love of my life, I’d have to say no. I don’t think so. We’re having fun though. It’s good for now.”

I cringed as the words left my lips. Who was I kidding? Our relationship was a joke.

Raina pursed her lips and shook her head. She’d never liked Zane. Several times she’d made it clear she thought that I could do better. She glanced at Lyra, raising a brow as she awaited her response.

Lyra made a face of disgust. The firelight reflected in her pretty blue green eyes. “I’m happy whenever Jet isn’t around. I can’t wait until I graduate and I can leave the school and this city behind.”

“You think Jet will let you go that easily?” Raina asked, a frown creasing her brow.

“He’ll never find me,” Lyra replied with a confidence that didn’t reach her eyes.

It was no secret that Raina hated Lyra’s stepbrother. She’d offered to have him killed. Lyra had refused, of course. The two of them had a strange relationship. They didn’t act anything like siblings. Jet was a possessive jerk who went out of his way to make Lyra uncomfortable. Thankfully, he wasn’t here tonight.

Zane sauntered over, interrupting our discussion. Lyra seemed relieved. She quickly excused herself, finding another group to mingle with.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Zane slung an arm around my shoulders, nodding to my drink. “Ready for a refill?”

“Not quite.” I swirled the pink liquid left in my bottle. “I’m good.”

Raina barely hid her expression of distaste. She pulled me into a quick hug and said, “I’ll catch up with you later. Love you, girl.”

Zane slid his fingers through mine, pulling me along across the lawn. “Come on. Let’s go hang with Owen and his girlfriend.”

I let him pull me along to a small group gathered in a circle passing a fat joint around. Cheech and Chong would have been proud of that sucker. I nodded along to the ongoing conversation, content to keep quiet and sip my drink.

Hopefully Raina wouldn’t mind if I headed back to my dorm soon. I had to study for an exam. Regular classes had let out for the summer, but I’d opted to take a few summer courses in order to finish my program earlier. It also allowed me to stay on campus instead of having to go home to my parents and their constant bickering.

A murmur went through the party goers at the arrival of some newcomers. I glanced up, surprised to see the Angels stroll into the backyard. What the hell were they doing here?

The Angels were rumored to be vigilantes. Nobody knew for sure, although the stories surrounding them were pretty outrageous. I knew they were bad news because they’d gone after Raina. It made me ill to think about what they’d done to her. I felt ashamed of how hard I’d crushed on Blaze Bixby only to learn what a vile prick he was.

I watched him now as he and his two best friends, Daire Keller and Cash Lockwood, crossed the yard to where Raina stood. The Gods had joined her, gathering protectively around her. She was their Goddess now. They would do anything to protect her. I feared we may see some bloodshed.

“What are those assholes doing here?” Zane muttered.

We watched as the Angels boldly approached the Gods. There was nothing but bad blood between the two groups. I held my breath. When Blaze offered them a backpack filled with cash, I began to breathe again. Raina had said she didn’t want any violence tonight. So far everyone was playing by the rules.

A few words were exchanged before Raina threw a punch in the face of the ringleader, Daire Keller. She had every right to hurt the guy. He’d tied her down to a bed and abused her in vicious ways.

A moment later the Angels walked away. Instead of leaving, they helped themselves to drinks from the keg on the patio. Blaze glanced over, his piercing gaze landing on me. I swallowed hard as I took in his low slung jeans and black t-shirt before meeting his eyes.

Quickly I averted my gaze. It was too late. Eye contact had been made. That’s all he needed.

With a drink in hand, Blaze headed right for me. As he approached, he gave Zane a dismissive glance. Then his attention was solely on me. He made a show of looking me up and down. An unwelcome heat rolled over me under the weight of his stare. Why did he have to so blatantly undress me with his eyes?

Ugh, those eyes. A beautiful amber brown that a girl could easily fall into. No, no, no. No falling into anything. Not with this piece of human garbage. Despite telling myself this, I couldn’t help the way I responded to his sudden presence. He still took my breath away.

“Hey there, cutie. You’re looking especially colorful tonight. There’s no missing you in a crowd. I’ve gotta say, I love the look. I don’t think anyone else could pull off that skirt the way you do.” Blaze hit me with a grin that had no right being so damn charming.

I resisted the urge to glance down at my outfit. I’d always loved bright colors. Life was too short not to have fun with your attire. My skirt was a puffy tutu style in rainbow. It showed off a lot of thigh. Suddenly, I felt self-conscious about that.

“Uh, thanks,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t shake as much as my insides. I took a drink of my cooler, using it as a way to avoid saying anything else.

Zane stood stiffly next to me. I felt the growing anger emanating from him. He had a bit of a hot temper. It didn’t take much to set him off. If he lost it on Blaze, the Angels would kick his ass. Raina didn’t want any fighting at her party. I couldn’t let that happen.

Completely ignoring Zane, Blaze booped me on the nose. “You’re awfully quiet. You’re not shy, are you? It’s okay. I won’t bite. Unless you want me to.”

Blaze stood close enough for me to smell the musky, smoky scent that surrounded him. It penetrated into my psyche, tempting me with the forbidden. His dirty blond hair was just long enough to fall into his eyes. He moved it with a head toss that had no right being that sexy. The tattoos on his arms added to the rocker guy vibe he had going. I kind of wanted to lick the music notes inked down the side of his neck behind his ear.

Shit, what was wrong with me? This guy had watched as his friend violated Raina. He was scum.

“Quiet doesn’t always mean shy,” I said, desperately trying to play it cool. “It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for, you know.”

Blaze quirked a brow, his grin widening. “Is that so? Color me intrigued.”

I nervously gnawed the silver hoop in the middle of my bottom lip. Flirting with Blaze hadn’t been on my agenda tonight. Especially not with Zane standing next to me clenching his fists.

Before I could find a way to dismiss myself from the awkward conversation, Blaze reached to twist one of my blonde curls around his finger. His hand grazed my cheek, making me suck in a sharp breath.

“Has anyone ever told you how fucking adorable you are?” Blaze’s gaze fell to my lips, like he wondered what it would be like to kiss me.

Dumbfounded, I stared at him. I gaped at him like a deer in the headlights, lost for words.

Zane wasn’t similarly affected. Quite the opposite. He shoved in front of me, forcing Blaze back a step. Then he shoved Blaze hard enough to make him stumble backwards. I held my breath, expecting the worst.

“Has anyone ever told you what happens to assholes who fuck with another guy’s girl?” Zane snarled. He raised a fist, ready to throw down.

Thankfully, he never got the chance to throw a punch. Havoc and Gage, two of Raina’s guys, were suddenly there, pushing Zane and Blaze apart. I thought for sure there would be a hell of a fight once the Gods got involved. To my utter relief, they told Blaze it was time to leave, and he did.

As he and the other two Angels sauntered from the yard, Blaze cast a glance back at me. With a cocky smirk, he winked. Then he was gone.

Raina appeared beside me like a ghost taking form. She dragged me away from Zane. “Please tell me you’re not going to fall for Blaze’s smooth talking bullshit.”

My mouth dropped open in surprise. “After what they all did to you? That’s a hard no. Those guys can take a flying leap off a very tall building. I’m not interested.”

That seemed to appease Raina. She visibly relaxed, her tight hold on my arm loosening. I had no intention of encouraging Blaze. I wanted nothing to do with him or his screwed up friends.

It felt like a good time to let her know I’d be leaving soon. Once she’d returned to her guys, I told Zane I was ready to go home.

“Already?” he asked, an annoyed frown creasing his brow. “It’s still early. Let’s just stay another hour or so. You’ll still have time to study.”

“How about I head out and catch you later then?” I suggested, putting my cooler bottle on the patio table. “Call me tomorrow.”

Zane let out an irritated huff and chugged back the rest of the beer in his cup. “Whatever. Let’s just go then.”

I’d once thought he was a hottie with his unkempt blond hair and sky blue eyes. His mass of tattoos gave him a bad boy look that had appealed to me when we first met. Now that I’d gotten to know him better, I’d realized his personality could use some work.

“It’s fine if you want to stay,” I said, trying to keep the peace. I didn’t want to argue with him tonight. “I can get myself back to the dorm.”

Zane didn’t reply. Instead he strode from the yard with a furious gait, leaving me to follow. Okay then.

We rounded the house to the front where cars littered the driveway and street. Zane and I had walked over so we could enjoy a few drinks without worry. He angrily stalked ahead of me, forcing me to quicken my pace to keep up.

Feeling annoyed, I grabbed his arm and jerked him to a stop in the front yard. “What’s your problem? Why are you so pissy because I want to leave now?”

Zane roughly jerked his arm from my grasp. “I thought we were here to have a good time. I’ve had a rough week. I was looking forward to letting loose a little. I didn’t think you’d be such a killjoy.”

Although Zane and I hadn’t made an official commitment to one another, we’d spent a lot of time together over the last few months. We were more or less a couple without the label. I was starting to think that maybe we needed to talk about our relationship. This wasn’t looking like a good time for that though.

“I’m not a killjoy. I have responsibilities. Nothing is stopping you from staying here to party. I’d actually prefer that you do. I’m not in the mood to deal with your attitude.” My tone grew hard. I wasn’t the easily angered or argumentative type. I preferred to keep the peace. However, I wouldn’t let him talk crap to me either.

“My attitude?” Zane scoffed, clearly offended. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I’m not allowed to be pissed off after watching you flirt with another guy?”

My face flamed hot. “I wasn’t flirting with anyone. I barely spoke to him. Why do you care anyway? You’re the one who’s been seeing other people.”

Raina had told me about the time she caught Zane with another girl. Since I didn’t think we were exclusive, I hadn’t said anything. Anger made it pop out of my mouth now.

“That never meant anything,” Zane fired back. His face reddened, a vein in his forehead bulging. “I see the way Blaze looks at you. He wants you, and you like it.”

Of course that was why he was so mad. It had nothing to do with leaving the party early.

“That’s bullshit,” I insisted. “I can’t stand Blaze. Stop being so insecure and chill out.”

Telling an angry person to chill out never helped. Add alcohol to the mix, and a guy with a temper, and things went from bad to worse.

Zane moved fast. I wasn’t ready for it when he shoved me. I went down hard on the front walk, my tailbone slamming against the concrete. A pained yelp escaped me.

When Blaze emerged from the shadows beneath the large tree in the neighbor’s yard, I thought I was imagining things. Zane never saw it coming when Blaze punched him in the back of the head. Grabbing Zane’s shirt, Blaze threw him to the ground.

Before Blaze could continue his assault, I shoved to my feet and shouted, “Stop. Please, stop. Raina doesn’t want any fighting tonight.”

Nobody in the backyard would be aware of what was going on in the front. Regardless, I didn’t want to see anybody get hurt. When Blaze swung again, I launched myself at him. I grabbed his arm, holding tight.

Blaze froze, turning to face me. He gave a slow shake of his head. “Are you serious? This dumb fuck just pushed you. He deserves to have his face rearranged.”

“It’s fine. I’m okay. Really. Please, just go. You were supposed to leave.” I shoved against Blaze, trying to push him away from Zane. My efforts were pitiful.

To my utter relief, Blaze backed off. That’s when I noticed his friends, Cash and Daire, lurking down the block. They were ready to help him kill Zane.

“I don’t understand what you see in him, Rainbow, but if I were you, I’d cut him loose while you still can. Guys like him don’t change, and I’d hate to see anything happen to you.” Blaze lingered a moment, glancing at Zane who glared up at him from where he sat sprawled on the lawn.

Funny remark coming from a guy who’d been part of my friend’s abuse. Why would Blaze care if Zane hurt me or anyone else? He hardly seemed like the good guy type. I didn’t buy it for a minute.

I said nothing, watching as he joined his friends. They got into a silver Camaro and drove away.

Zane picked himself up off the ground. His anger had disappeared. Looking chagrined, he asked, “Are you okay? I’m sorry that I pushed you. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

My ass still throbbed. Unwilling to deal with him right now, I turned away. “I’m fine. I’m going home. Alone.”

He followed me several paces down the street. “Clover, come on. Don’t shut me out. Let me come back with you. I’ll make it up to you. I swear.”

Without looking back, I said, “I have nothing to say to you right now. Go home, Zane. Sober up. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

I half expected him to follow me back to the dorm. When he didn’t, I sighed in relief. That was the first time he’d lashed out at me physically. I was stunned. It hurt both physically and emotionally.

I’d just reached the parking lot outside my dorm when I caught sight of a silver Camaro driving away. Did the Angels follow me home? I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. A shiver crept over me, making me hurry to let myself into the building.

The Angels certainly weren’t any safer than Zane. I knew without a doubt that they were far more dangerous.