June retrieves the crowbar and whirls around with the tool raised in defense. “Oh, it’s you.”
The familiarity in her voice gives me the courage to slowly turn around.
The owner of the deep voice stands in the shadows, wearing jeans and a black hoodie that assists in concealing his face. My brain sparks with the memory from years ago when I faced a different hooded individual.
He still haunts me to this day.
I stand there, vacillating between panic at having been caught and a curiosity that always gets the best of me. Junesounds unafraid. I focus on the identity of the stranger as opposed to what he’s going to do.
“Come on, X,” June says, waving the crowbar. “I’d recognize you anywhere.”
He steps forward. “Interesting.”
Raven, still perched on the window ledge like—well, a raven—shines her phone in his direction. “To answer your question, we’re taking the scenic route. Obviously.”
The light finally reveals his face. His mouth is twisted in a smirk, and his eyes are liquid silver, beautiful despite twinkling with something hostile.
His attention shifts to June. “Still unable to keep your nose out other people’s fucking business?”
She shrugs. “Old habits die hard.”
“What were you looking for?” he asks.
My roommate jumps down to stand next to me. “Now who’s not minding their own fucking business?”
“Anything concerning the Order is my business,” he says. “What are you doing here?”
“Why should we tell you? If you’re going to be a narc, just go ahead and do it,” Raven says. She folds her arms and lifts her chin. “My dad will make those charges disappear faster than you can bust a nut.”
He shifts his gaze to me. “What about you? What the fuck are you doing here?”
I point to myself. Like a dumb ass.
When Xavier nods, I snap out of whatever trance he’s put me in. I said I wanted answers, and now that I’m faced with someone who could actually give them to me, I can’t walk away.
Like Raven said, don’t be a pussy.
“I’m looking for Benjamin Johnson, um—McKenzie. I know he’s part of this group, and I need to talk to him.” I pausefor emphasis although my worry is genuine. “It’s an emergency. Have you seen him?”
Xavier’s caustic expression shifts. It’s slight, possibly a trick of the moonlight, but I swear I catch it. “Yeah, I have.”
“Where is he? Is he okay?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not telling you anything. Like some people,” he says, looking at June, “you need to learn to mind your fucking business. If I catch you here again, even your daddy’s bank account won’t be able to save your ass.”
He gives Raven a mocking look. She flips him off.
His refusal ignites something fierce and primal in my soul. Benjamin could be hurt or in danger… and this guy is treating it like it’s a joke. Well, fuck him.
Fury propels me forward to jab my finger hard against his chest. He blinks, surprise skating over his features.
“Listen here, fuckbucket!” I say. “You better tell me exactly where Ben is, or I’m going to…”
I don't get to elaborate my threat as Xavier's brows draw downward. “You’re going to what exactly? Cry? Slap me? Or maybe you’ll try and stab me, little raptor?”
The impact of those two words is like a punch to the gut. My breath wheezes from me while my insides clench until I’m shaking from lack of oxygen. My lips tremble with questions I’m too scared to ask.
Did I imagine what he said?
