“The Gages have been a thorn in our side for too long,” he continues, his voice taking on an edge. “Securing this technology will not only neutralize them but elevate us to an untouchable realm. You’re proving to be the crow I raised you to be, Xavier. Keep on this path, and our legacy will be immortal.”
He dismisses me with a wave. Stepping out of the study, the air feels slightly cooler, a small relief from the oppressive atmosphere of his strategic plotting. I walk quickly, more than ready to put distance between me and my father’s insanity.
No one takes on the Order and survives.
Once I’m outside, I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. The moon is high, casting long shadows across thedriveway as I walk towards my motorcycle, my thoughts drifting to Benjamin. My role in his life isn’t just dictated by familial duty or organizational loyalty—it’s something far more personal.
At one point, the McKenzie heir was my friend. If I follow my father’s orders, Benjamin will be my enemy. Maybe he always was.
I climb back onto my bike, and the engine roars to life under me, like a beast awakened, and I speed away from the Donovan estate. I’m not just leaving the physical mansion but the confinements of a destiny I never chose.
I pull up to the dormitory, the building dimly lit and almost silent, most of its occupants asleep. After parking within the garage, I cut the engine and remove my helmet, soaking in the reprieve of returning to a normal student life. Even if only in appearance.
Stepping inside the castle, I make my way upstairs, my boots cushioned by the carpet in the empty hallway. When I reach my door, a sense of longing to see Delilah, to confirm her safety and just to be near her again, washes over me.
I crave that girl with an unhealthy obsession.
I step inside and come to a halt. Delilah is there, curled up in my bed, her presence unexpected but so welcome. The soft glow of the bedside lamp casts gentle shadows across her face, highlighting her peaceful expression. For a moment, I just stand there, taking in the sight, the tension from earlier melting away.
“Xavier?” Delilah stirs, her eyes fluttering open. When her gaze lands on me, a smile spreads across her face, lighting it up even more. “You’re back.”
“Yeah. I didn’t expect to find you here, though.” I close the door behind me and approach the bed, both warmed by her presence and weighed down with the burdens I carry.
“I missed you,” she admits, sitting up and pulling the covers around her. “Ben brought me back early because I asked him to. I wanted to surprise you.”
The sincerity in her voice and the simplicity of her desire to be with me has my heart beating harder, a steady thrum that makes my chest ache when I look at her. I sit on the edge of the bed, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I missed you too.”
“Is everything okay with the summons?” she asks, her eyes searching mine, a trace of concern in her voice.
“It went... as expected,” I say, choosing my words carefully. The details of the mission and the conversations with my father are things I can’t share with her. Not if I want her to live.
And love me.
Delilah nods, and shifts closer, her warmth tangible as she leans against me. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am now.”
I wrap an arm around her, pulling her close. She rests her head against my shoulder, the weight of her comforting. We sit in silence, content with the moment, her closeness soothing.
“I need you, Delilah,” I whisper, the confession spilling out of me. “More than you know.”
“I’m here.”
She reaches out to grasp my hand, our fingers entwined. The warmth of her touch seeps into my skin, and the rest of the world disappears. All I’m aware of is her.
“I’m yours, little raptor.” I lift our joined hands and press a kiss to her wrist. “I love you. So fucking much.”
“I know.”
Her simple reply has me lifting my head to stare at her, amusement rising within me. “Did you really just Han Solo me?”
She gives a shy nod. “Maybe.”
Her smile lights up her entire face, a brightness that illuminates the darkness in my heart, chasing away the shadows. I cup her face, stroking her cheeks with my thumbs, and her eyes drift shut.
Then I brush my lips against hers, a soft kiss that speaks of my devotion, a promise that will always be kept.
“I love you, Delilah,” I whisper. “I’ll never stop saying it.”
