10. Ten
TEN
WRENLY
O ver the next few days, I threw myself into my classes and work, trying to distract myself from thoughts of Theo and the ever-present threat of Connor. But it was harder than I’d anticipated. I could feel people’s stares and hear their whispers everywhere I went on campus. News of my public altercation with Connor had spread like wildfire, and now I was the talk of the university.
I did my best to ignore it, keeping my head down and focusing on my studies. But even in the sanctuary of the library, I couldn’t escape the gossip and speculation after the scene at the party. A group of girls at a nearby table did nothing to hide their conversation.
“I heard he’s killed people,” one of them whispered conspiratorially.
“All those boys in The Brotherhood kill people. But what’s really important is, I heard they chase virgins in the woods and fuck them senseless if they’re chosen.”
“You’re ridiculous,” the first girl said.
“Well, I think it’s hot,” another girl chimed in. “Have you seen them? Word on the street is that Theo West fucks like a god. Of course, he doesn’t do relationships, but I would give my firstborn child to tangle with him in the sheets. Just once . . . or twice.” She clicked her tongue against her teeth, and the table erupted in laughter .
I rolled my eyes and tried to focus on the textbook in front of me, but their words echoed in my mind. Was there any truth to the rumors? I had heard all about The Brotherhood boys, but Theo had never told me he was a part of it. There were so many things I didn’t know about him. Was this why he’d rejected me? He didn’t see a place for me in his world? A world of murderers?
Without a second thought, I slammed my textbook closed, the sudden noise echoing through the library and catching the attention of curious students nearby. I couldn’t remain seated any longer, feeling overwhelmed by endless conjecture. Rising swiftly, I locked eyes with the chattering girls at the adjacent table. As I hurried past them, I forced a smile, dismissing the murmurs trailing behind me. The brisk autumn breeze greeted me as I stepped outside, and my phone buzzed in my purse while I walked toward my car.
Vera.
“Vera, what’s up?”
“Girl, what are you doing tonight?” she asked, her cheerful voice slightly slurred from what I gathered was the alcohol she was likely already drinking.
“Just studying. I have a test on Monday.”
“Boooo. What you should be doing is coming out to the quarry and enjoying the sweet taste of alcohol and hot drunk guys’ hands all over you.”
“I don’t know if I’m feeling up to it.”
“Wren. Stop being a drag. You can study later. Come out here and make sure I don’t make questionable decisions and give up my maidenhood.”
“As if your maidenhood was still intact!” I laughed loudly.
Vera’s laughter echoed through my phone. “True, but still, I need my wingwoman. Plus, I heard The Brotherhood boys might make an appearance tonight.”
“What is with everyone bringing up The Brotherhood today? What could possibly be so interesting about a bunch of roid-raged frat guys fucking their way through St. Mary’s?”
“You’re just saying that because you haven’t gotten a taste of that action,” Vera teased. “But seriously, Wren, you need to let loose and have some fun. Forget all about Connor and his diseased dick. Trust me, I have my opinions about him, but I’ll save that for another time. Come out tonight. For once, let me taint you. I promise it will change your life.”
I sighed, weighing my options. Part of me wanted to curl up in my bed and wallow in my misery, maybe even spend the night giving myself multiple orgasms with my toys, but another part of me knew Vera was right. It would be good for me to get out, and maybe I’d find someone—even if I secretly wished it could be hot-and-cold Theo West—to help me forget about the shit with Connor.
“Fine,” I relented. “I’ll come out for a bit. But I’m not staying late.”
“Fuck yes! That’s my girl!” she squealed. “Wear something sexy but warm because it’s chilly out here.”
I chuckled and rolled my eyes as I hung up, but a smile played on my lips. A night out might be exactly what I needed to clear my head and gain some perspective.
As the sun set, I arrived at the quarry, my attire now consisting of a flowy olive dress gliding over my knees. My outfit was complete with tall, sturdy brown boots and a cozy dark brown cardigan. The thumping beat of the music and the warm glow of the bonfire immediately caught my attention. I spotted Vera among the sea of drunk people, her long red locks dancing in the firelight as she twirled with reckless abandon, sucking face with a burly brunet who clearly didn’t miss arm day at the gym.
“Wren!” she called out when she saw me, beckoning me over. “You made it!”
I couldn’t help but grin as I navigated through the crowd filled with bodies swaying and grinding against each other in a euphoric trance.
She thrust her cup into my hand. “Drink up, buttercup!” she yelled over the music. “Tonight’s all about letting loose!”
I took a tentative sip, the strong taste of cheap vodka mixed with some sugary fruit juice making me wince. A party full of rich kids, and they couldn’t afford a more expensive vodka?
Vera pulled me through the crowd of dancing bodies. “Come on, girl! Show me your moves!” She laughed as she twirled me around.
I couldn’t help but giggle as I let the music consume my body. My hips swayed to the heavy beat as I downed drink after drink from Vera and whatever flavor of the night she was paying attention to. It felt good to let go, to forget about my train wreck of a love life. The warmth of the bonfire and the stinging taste of alcohol blurred my surroundings, engulfing me in a dreamlike haze. Through the dancing flames of the fire, I caught a glimpse of him.
Or I think it was him. Did I actually see him, or was I imagining it? I squinted my eyes because, in my mind, that would somehow help me see clearer. Drunk girl logic.
There he was again. Standing at the edge of the crowd, a bottle of beer in hand, laughing with a group of guys all covered in tattoos, with an edginess and danger to them. A thrill shot through my veins at the sight of him, his raw masculinity and uncertainty drawing me toward him like a fucking magnet. He looked devastatingly handsome in that black leather jacket and dark jeans, a strip of black hair falling over his eyes as he continued his conversation.
Sensing my gaze, he turned his head toward me, and our eyes locked. For that singular moment, the music and the chatter of the crowd became nothing more than muffled background noise. The flickering firelight danced across his chiseled features, casting shadows that only emphasized his brooding allure. My breath caught in my throat, and despite the chill of the autumn night, an inferno burned inside me, a familiar ache between my legs, and I needed release.
Vera’s voice suddenly cut through the haze of my thoughts. “Earth to Wren! Are you even listening to me?”
I blinked, tearing my eyes from Theo to focus on my best friend. “Sorry, what were you saying?”
She followed my previous line of sight and smirked knowingly. “Ah, I see. My girl is distracted by a certain sexy Brotherhood boy, are we? ”
I felt my cheeks flush and prayed the darkness would conceal it. “No, I just . . . I thought I recognized someone.”
“Uh-huh, sure,” she replied, unconvinced. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, I heard some interesting rumors about The Brotherhood.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Apparently, they have this ‘hunt’ where they chase girls down, and whoever wins gets fucked over and over again. Worshipped all day and night.”
“And then what?” I breathed, a shiver running down my spine and settling deep in my core.
Vera leaned even closer, her warm breath tickling my ear. “And then, if you’re lucky, you become their chosen one. Their queen. And that queen gets picked to go through some dark ceremony where she gets a train run on her by all of them. It’s like a dark fairy tale come to life.”
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “That sounds . . . intense .”
“Intense and incredibly hot,” Vera corrected with a wicked grin. “Can you imagine those gorgeous, dangerous men chasing you through the woods? The thrill of the hunt, the rush of adrenaline . . . and then the mind-blowing sex that follows?” She fanned herself dramatically. “I’m getting all hot and bothered just thinking about it.”
I couldn’t help but glance back in Theo’s direction. A slight smirk played at the corner of his mouth, as if he knew precisely the effect he had on me. I tore my eyes away, trying to focus back on Vera and the pulsing rhythm of the music. But my heart raced and my skin tingled with an electric awareness of his presence. I downed the rest of my drink in hopes the burn of the vodka would dull the ache of longing that had taken root in my chest.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
“I need another drink,” I yelled to Vera over the thumping bass. She grinned and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the makeshift bar.
As we waited for our drinks, I couldn't resist another glance in Theo’s direction. But he was gone; the spot where he had been standing, now empty. Disappointment settled heavily in my stomach. What had I expected? That he would finally come over and sweep me off my feet, proclaiming his undying love, chase me through the woods, and then ravage me on some moss?
That’s exactly what I wanted . . .
I mentally chastised myself for being so naive.
Vera pressed a fresh cup into my hand, the fruity concoction sloshing over the rim. I took a long swig, welcoming the numbing warmth that spread through my veins. I was determined to enjoy myself tonight, to push aside thoughts of anything but my present . . . of Theo and this Brotherhood he belonged to. But even as I danced and laughed with Vera and our friends, I couldn’t shake the feeling of his eyes on me, watching me from the shadows. I was tired of the cat and mouse games, the constant push and pull, but I also craved it like the fucked-up human I was.
As the night wore on, people drifted away in pairs and small groups, stumbling off into the woods or having sex in view of the party. It was hard not to watch them, envious of the connection, although temporary, that they were engaged in. Vera had long since disappeared with her burly brunet, leaving me alone by the glowing embers. The air was chilly, and I shivered, pulling my cardigan tighter around my shoulders as I moved closer to the bonfire.
“Cold?” a deep voice murmured from behind me.
I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat. Theo stood just a few feet away, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his leather jacket. The firelight cast a warm glow over his features, softening the hard edges of his jaw and making his green eyes glitter like emeralds.
“I’m fine,” I managed, ignoring how my body responded to his nearness and the scorching heat that pooled low in my belly.
He took a step closer, his gaze intense and unwavering. “You don’t seem fine.”
“I’m not sure what gave you that idea. I’m having a great time.”
“Hm.”
I was aware of how close he was to me, and my heartbeat quickened just like it always did when he was around.
“You’ve been watching me all night.” He broke the awkward silence .
I swallowed hard, and my mouth suddenly dried. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
An amused smile slowly curved his lips. “Don’t play coy, Raven . It doesn’t suit you.”
“How would you know what suits me, Theo?” I challenged.
Theo took another step toward me, close enough for his scent to envelop me, a heady mix of leather, smoke, and something like amber. My breath caught in my throat as he reached out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The touch was featherlight, but it sent shivers racing down my spine.
“I know more than you think,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate. “I’ve been watching you too, trying to figure you out.”
“And what have you concluded?” I asked.
“You’re deeper than you let on. You hide yourself behind these walls, but I can see the passion hidden beneath your intelligence. You’re wild, but you’re afraid to show it. Afraid of losing control. But I see you, and you’re so fucking beautiful.”
I scoffed, trying to ignore how my heart fluttered at his words. “Please don’t pretend like you know me, Theo. I can’t keep doing this Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde routine. One second, you’re stalking me. The next, you pretend like I don’t exist. I’m a little too old for the high school hot-and-cold routine.”
His eyes narrowed as a flicker of frustration passed over his face. “You think this is a game to me?”
“That’s exactly what I think.” I met his gaze, refusing to back down.
“You have no idea what you do to me, do you? What effect you have on me? You have no idea how much I’ve been holding back, how much I’ve wanted to let go and show you the truth.”
“Oh really? Let me guess: the truth is that you’re a brooding bad boy with a secretly soft heart. I’ve read that story before, and it never ends well.”
His lips curved into a humorless smile. “You’re right, it doesn’t.” He took another step, closing the distance between us. “But you know better than most; the truth is rarely pretty, and my truth, and yours , is darker than most.”
“My truth?” I asked. “What do you know about my truth? ”
“I know you’re running from something. I see it in your eyes. You’re haunted by your past, just like I am.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, hoping my voice had more conviction than I felt.
He reached out and twirled a piece of hair in his fingers. “Don’t I? We’ve both been touched by the shadows and marked by the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of this world.”
“What darkness? You’re talking in riddles.”
“The kind of darkness that changes you. That leaves scars that never fade.”
Flashes of the flames burning my flesh flickered through my mind. I swallowed hard as I tried to ignore not only the memories of that night but also the way my body responded to his proximity. “And what makes you think that kind of darkness has touched me?”
When his fingers brushed against my cheek, tracing my jawline, I shivered involuntarily. “Because I recognize the signs. The way you flinch at sudden movements, the way you’re always on guard. Always ready to run.”
I pulled away from his touch. “You’re wrong. You don’t know me at all.”
He stepped back but kept his eyes fixed on mine. “I know a lot more than you think, Wrenly .”
Wrenly.
My heart jumped into my throat.
How does he know my real name?
“Wh-what did you just call me?” I whispered almost imperceptibly.
His gaze held mine, unwavering. “Wrenly Morgan. That’s your real name, isn’t it? But the real question is, why did you lie to me and tell me your name was Raven?”
I didn’t know why I had lied to him. It wasn’t like I’d expected anything to come of him and me. Hell, when I’d given him that name, I hadn’t even thought I would see him after that night. How could I have known he would make it his life’s mission to find me? So why wasn’t I upset that he had seen right through me? Maybe I’d given him the wrong name because I’d subconsciously known precisely who he was and that he would recognize who I was too .
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to turn around and run as fast as I could from him, but instead, I did something dangerous. “If you know so much about me, then tell me: why would I lie about my name?”
He made sure there was no space between us, pressing his body into mine,his eyes never leaving mine as he spoke in a low, almost hypnotic voice. “Because you were afraid that telling me who you are means accepting the darkness in your soul and admitting that the demons inside of you are calling out for my demons. The minute our eyes met, you found something worth living for again. I’ve seen the scars, Wrenly—the ones etched on your soul. The ones that only someone who shares the same darkness can recognize. And admitting who you really are means you accept that our fates were intertwined long before either of us realized it.”
My breath caught in my throat as he traced a finger along the collar of my dress, his touch featherlight against my skin. “Stop,” I whispered, but my voice had no conviction.
He leaned in and brushed his lips against my ear. “You can’t run from what you are. From what we are. We’re the same, you and me. Two broken souls drawn together and haunted by the devil.”
I wanted to turn away. To turn away from him and the undeniable truth he spoke. I wanted to deny the connection between us, but I couldn’t. Not when every fiber of my being screamed at me to give in to the darkness that called to me from within him. The truth was, ever since the night of the fight, I had felt this inexplicable pull toward him. The kind that was irrational and defied all logic on this earth. The kind that the universe sent to you when you least expected it. And whether or not I cared to admit it out loud, my life felt a little more manageable with him in it, in whatever capacity I had him.
It felt . . . right.
But I still had questions.
“And what exactly are we, Devil?”
His eyes flashed with an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher. “Fallen. We are destined to burn together in the flames of our own making.”
“You think you have it all figured out, don’t you?” I challenged. “That you can just waltz into my life and claim to understand the depths of my soul? Just because you can spin words into something pretty, doesn’t mean you understand me.”
He chuckled softly. “I don’t claim to understand everything about you, little bird. I recognize what hides inside you because it mirrors what hides inside me.” His fingers had drifted down my neck and rested on the top of my breasts as he stroked a button on my dress almost playfully.
My brain felt euphoric, a combination of the alcohol and the intoxication of his presence.
“Is that so? And what do you propose we do about it?” I asked, my voice breathless.
His lips curved into a wicked smile. “Embrace it. Why fight it when we can revel in it?”
“If I do?” I asked. “What then? We ride off into the sunset?”
His smile widened. “No, not the sunset, little bird. We’ll go where we truly belong.”
Unfortunately, it was then that I remembered the rumors I had heard about him . . . about the girls and the sex, and a feeling of jealousy consumed me, breaking the spell.
“But none of that matters, does it?” I told him. “I’ve heard more than enough rumors about you and The Brotherhood to last me a lifetime. And you’ll excuse me if I don’t care to be just another notch on your bedpost until the next girl comes along.”
I noticed the subtle change in his eyes when I mentioned The Brotherhood. It was a pained look but was quickly replaced, as if I had imagined it.
“Rumors?” His voice was low and guarded. “What kind of rumors?”
I hesitated, suddenly unsure if I should press further. But the alcohol had loosened my tongue, and the words spilled out before I could stop them. “The Devil’s Hunt . . . and how you and your friends chase girls through the woods and . . . and . . .”
“And fuck them?” he finished, his eyes boring into mine, and my knees felt weak. “Is that what you want, Wrenly? To be chased? To be caught and claimed by the devil?”
My breath hitched at his bluntness. “I . . . I don’t know what I want. ”
“Liar.” His body was now flush against mine. The heat radiating off him combined with the intoxicating scent of his skin made me dizzy. “I think you know exactly what you want.”
I swallowed hard. “And what is it that I want?”
His hand slid around to the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair. “You want to be consumed. To surrender to the darkness and the primal desire that’s been building inside you since we met. You want to be devoured.”
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. All I could focus on was the feeling of his touch and the hypnotic sound of his voice.
But the sting of his rejection still lingered.
“You made it clear you don’t want me. So why are you doing this now? Why continue to play this push-and-pull game with me?”
Pain flickered across his features, and for a moment, his mask slipped. “I never said I didn’t want you. I said I couldn’t have you. There’s a difference.”
Confusion swirled through my alcohol-hazed mind. “What’s the difference?” I demanded, my voice rising.
He leaned in closer, his lips a hairsbreadth from mine. “Wanting you and having you are two very different things. Wanting you is a constant ache, a hunger that gnaws at my very soul. But having you . . . that’s dangerous. For both of us.”
I shivered at his words and the dark promise they held. “Why is it so dangerous?”
His thumb brushed across my lower lip. “Because once I have you, I won’t be able to let you go. You’ll be mine, body and soul. And in my world, that’s a risk I can’t afford to take.”
“And what if I’m willing to take that risk?” I whispered, my heart pounding against my ribcage.
Theo’s eyes darkened, a storm of desire and conflict raging within their depths. “You don’t know what you’re asking for, little bird.” His thumb brushed over my cheekbone, his gaze searching mine. “You’re playing with fire.”
“Then let me burn,” I breathed.
A low growl rumbled in his chest, then his lips crashed against mine. The kiss was searing, all-consuming, his tongue delving into my mouth to claim and conquer. I melted into his kiss, my body molding against his as the heat of the bonfire paled in comparison to the inferno he ignited within me. His hands roamed my curves, sliding under my cardigan and skimming the thin fabric of my dress. I tangled my fingers in his dark hair, pulling him closer, desperate to taste more of him.
He nipped at my bottom lip before trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along my jaw and down the column of my throat. “Once I claim you, little bird, there’s no going back,” he murmured against my skin.
I gasped as his teeth grazed my pulse point. But before I could respond, yelling and commotion erupted nearby, shattering the intimate moment. Theo tensed, his head snapping up and his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area.
“What’s going on?” I asked breathlessly, my heart still racing from our heated exchange.
He didn’t answer, his jaw clenching as he stepped back, putting some distance between us. The loss of his touch left me feeling cold and empty.
More shouts rang out, followed by the unmistakable sound of a fight. People began running toward the commotion, their voices rising in excitement and alarm.
Theo cursed under his breath. “Stay here,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll be right back.”
Before I could protest, he strode off into the crowd, his broad shoulders taut. I hugged my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very alone and exposed without his presence. The euphoria of our kiss had vanished, replaced by a growing sense of unease.
Minutes ticked by, and there was no sign of Theo. A palpable energy hung in the air, a mix of adrenaline and something darker, more menacing. Hushed whispers and furtive glances passed among the remaining partygoers, an undercurrent of fear and anticipation rippling through the crowd. Loud claps echoed through the quarry, and screams filled the air. I froze. My body was numb with terror as the realization sank in. Gunshots . The piercing sounds reverberated through the night, mingling with the screams of panicked people. They jostled me from all sides, their faces etched with fear as they scrambled to escape the danger. I stumbled into the clearing where the fight had broken out, my breath catching in my throat at the scene before me. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, some motionless, others groaning in pain. Blood pooled on the dirt, glistening darkly in the firelight. And in the center of it all stood Theo, his fists clenched and his chest heaving.
“Theo!” I cried out, my voice barely audible above the chaos.
His head snapped in my direction, his eyes wild and fierce. “Wrenly, get out of here!” he roared. “It’s not safe!”
Another shot rang out, closer this time. I ducked instinctively, my heart pounding against my ribs. I had to move, but my legs felt like lead, rooted to the spot as terror paralyzed me.
“Wren!” Vera’s voice reached me through the din, high-pitched and laced with terror. “Wren, where are you?”
I spun toward the sound, relief flooding through me as I saw my best friend pushing her way toward me, her red hair wild and her eyes wide with fear.
“Vera! Thank god!” I grabbed her hand, pulling her close. “We need to get out of here.”
Vera nodded frantically, her grip tight on my hand as we tried to push through the crowd. People shoved past us, screams and sobs filling the air. My heart raced as I searched desperately for an escape route, the acrid smell of gunpowder stinging my nostrils.
Another shot cracked through the night, followed by a pained cry. I whipped my head around just in time to see one of the partygoers clutching his neck, crimson blooming beneath his fingers. Bile rose in my throat. This couldn’t be happening. It had to be a nightmare.
I let go of Vera’s hand and ran toward the injured male, his eyes wide with fear as he fell to his knees, clutching his neck and mouthing, “Help.”
“It’s okay. I’m a nurse.” I dropped down beside him, my hands shaking as I tried to apply pressure to the wound. Hot, sticky blood seeped through my fingers. “Stay with me,” I pleaded, my voice trembling as I yanked my cardigan off and pressed it against his neck, trying to stem the flow of blood. “Help is on the way. We need to keep pressure on the wound. You’re going to be okay. ”
But even as the words left my lips, I knew they were a lie. Even in the darkness, I could see the blood spurting out of his neck. The bullet had hit an artery. There was no way he would make it to the hospital before he bled to death. The man’s eyes were glassy, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps.
“Just hold on.”
Vera appeared at my side, her face pale and streaked with tears. “Oh my god, oh my god,” she chanted over and over, her lower lip trembling.
His eyes locked onto mine, and he silently pleaded for a salvation I couldn’t give him.
“I’m sorry,” I choked out as tears blurred my vision. “I’m so sorry.”
Each breath now wet, and more labored than the last. I could feel his life slipping away beneath my hands while his skin grew colder with each passing second. And then, with a final, shuddering exhale, he stilled, his eyes staring blankly at the starless sky above.
I sat back on my heels, numb with shock. My hands were sticky with his blood, the metallic scent filling my nostrils and making my stomach churn. Around me, the chaos continued to unfold, screams echoing through the night. But it all seemed distant, muffled as if I were underwater.
Vera’s sobs broke through the haze of my shock. I turned to her, wrapping my arms around her shaking form as she clung to me.
“We need to go,” I whispered urgently.
She nodded against my shoulder, her tears soaking into my dress until I helped her to her feet. The man’s lifeless eyes seemed to follow me as we stumbled away, a silent accusation that I hadn’t done enough, that I had failed him.
The gunshots had ceased, but the air still crackled with tension and fear. People fled in all directions, their panicked cries echoing throughout the quarry. I desperately scanned the crowd for any sign of Theo, but he had vanished into the fray.
“Wren, come on!” Vera tugged at my hand, her voice high and tight with terror.
I let her pull me along, my mind reeling as we pushed through the crowd of bodies. The edges of my vision blurred, and I felt like I might be sick. The coppery scent of blood clung to my skin, a morbid reminder of the life I hadn’t been able to save.
We reached the edge of the forest entrance, the cool night air hitting my face like a slap. I turned to look once more before leaving the quarry, and I saw him. Theo stood at the edge of the clearing, his dark hair disheveled and his leather jacket splattered with blood. He spoke urgently with a group of men, their faces grim and their postures tense.
“Vera, you go ahead. I’ll catch up with you.”
“Wren, you can’t stay here.”
“I’m going to make sure he’s okay.” I nodded toward Theo. “I’ll call you when I get home.”
“Make sure who is okay?” she asked, hesitating
I ignored her question as a group of girls came toward us, no doubt intent on getting out of the woods as soon as possible. “Why don’t you follow that group of girls and text me when you make it out?”
She nodded and gave me a small smile before turning and disappearing into the woods.
I looked back at Theo, and he met my gaze as he turned. His expression was unreadable, but he strode toward me with a curt nod to his men, his long legs eating up the ground between us.
“Are you hurt?” His voice was rough, strained as he touched the blood that stained the front of my dress.
I shook my head mutely, unable to find my voice.
He reached out, his fingers grazing my cheek, and I flinched involuntarily. His hand dropped to his side, and a flicker of pain crossed his face before he masked it with a stern, impassive expression. “You shouldn’t be here, Wrenly. It’s not safe.”
“What happened?” I managed. My voice sounded small and far away to my ears. “Who was shooting?”
His jaw clenched, a muscle ticked in his cheek. “It’s complicated. There are things you’re better off not knowing.”
Anger flared within me, cutting through the numbness. “Don’t give me that cryptic bullshit, Theo. I just watched a man bleed out in my arms. I deserve some answers.”
He studied me for a long moment, his green eyes shadowed and unreadable. Then, with a heavy sigh, he took my arm and guided me further into the trees, away from the lingering chaos of the quarry.
“The Brotherhood has enemies,” he said finally. “Dangerous ones. And sometimes those enemies decide to send a message.”
A chill skittered down my spine. “A message? You mean this was some kind of fucked-up gang retaliation?”
His lips pressed into a grim line. “Something like that. The details aren’t important right now. What matters is getting you somewhere safe.”
“So this is what you meant when you said your world was dangerous?”
He glanced over his shoulder at the carnage behind us. “This is just a taste of it. You don’t belong in this mess.”
I started to protest, but someone yelled his name, and I saw one of the men he’d spoken to earlier signaling for him.
“Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
I watched him jog over to the stranger and noticed how the man assessed me as he spoke to Theo. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it was only a few seconds before Theo returned to me.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah. That’s Kai. Kai Montgomery. He’s in The Brotherhood with me.”
I glanced back at Kai, taking in his tall, muscular frame and the intricate tattoos that twisted up his arms. He had a dangerous air about him, like a coiled snake ready to strike at any moment.
“Let’s get you out of here.” Theo took my hand, his grip firm and reassuring as he led me deeper into the woods. The sounds of the quarry faded behind us, replaced by the eerie stillness of the forest at night. My mind raced with questions, but I bit my tongue, sensing that Theo needed a moment to collect his thoughts.
After a few minutes, we reached the small clearing where a few cars and motorcycles were still parked. Theo released my hand and turned to face me, his expression grave. “Wrenly, I need you to listen to me carefully. What happened tonight . . . it’s not something you can unsee or forget. And I’m sorry you had to witness it.”
I wrapped my arms around myself. “I don’t understand why someone would target you or this Brotherhood you belong to like that. What kind of enemies do you have?”
He ran a hand through his dark hair, and I could see the frustration in the tense set of his shoulders. “It’s a long story. We’re not just a group of college guys who party and ride motorcycles. We have a history—a legacy that stretches back generations.”
I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. “What kind of legacy?”
“The kind that’s steeped in blood and secrets. The Brotherhood was formed long ago by men who swore an oath to protect their own, no matter the cost. Over the years, that oath has led us down some dark paths.”
“‘Dark paths?’ What does that even mean?”
He hesitated, as if weighing his words carefully. “Let’s just say that The Brotherhood has made some powerful enemies over the years. Rival gangs, corrupt politicians, even members of law enforcement who resent our influence. And sometimes, those enemies strike out at us in the most brutal ways.”
The image of the man bleeding out in my arms flashed through my mind, and I felt bile rise in my throat. “So tonight was, what? Some kind of warning?”
Theo’s jaw clenched. “More like a declaration of war.”
“What happens now? Are you going to retaliate?”
His eyes grew distant, as if he were seeing something far beyond the dark forest that surrounded us. “Retaliation is inevitable. We can’t let an attack like this go unanswered. It would be seen as weakness, and in my world, weakness is an invitation for more bloodshed.”
“But won’t that just lead to more violence? More innocent people getting caught in the crossfire?”
He looked at me then, his gaze tinged with a sadness that made my heart ache. “Innocence is a luxury most of us can’t afford. Once you’re a part of this life, there’s no going back. The only way out is in a body bag.”