I don’t let her words have any sway on my decision. I shrug. “Well, I am.”
“That’s...stupid and idiotic and honestly, the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Ava sputters.
I snort a laugh. “No, it’s not.”
She crosses her arms, glaring at me. “Did you hit your head on the way over here?”
I roll my eyes at her drama. “No.”
“Then why are you talking about going back?”
“Listen, I didn’t come over here to ruin your night. I just came to say goodbye and thank you for everything. I—”
“No,” Ava cuts me off. “You’re not leaving.”
“Are you going to stop me?” We both know she can’t.
“No, but these guys can.”
I smirk. “No, they really can’t.” I hear a sound from Hunter, but I don’t even bother looking at him.
“Why?” Bryce’s question pierces the room. I was ready for that question.
I don’t look away from him when I answer him. “I don’t want to be here anymore. I want to go back.” There is no emotion in my voice when I say the words. I don’t miss the sharp intake from Ava, but I don’t look at her.
“I didn’t want to leave without saying thank you. And now I have.” I let my eyes drop to my friend for just a moment. “Take care of yourself.” I meet Bryce’s eyes. “If you don’t keep her safe, I will come find you.”
He doesn’t say anything; he just watches me. Without another word to anybody, I walk over to the front door and let myself out. The darkness settles around me, matching my mood. I make the trip to Hunter’s in seconds using my vamp speed. There are times when it’s particularly useful, like right now, when I don’t want to be here when a certain enforcer gets here. I want to already be gone. If I’d thought ahead, I would have come here first and packed a bag. But I was too focused on getting to Bryce and Ava’s. Part of it was that I needed to make sure Ava was safe. I also wanted to make sure Bryce’s head was screwed on straight; I needed to make sure he knew tonight was ahuge security breach. The enemy, the greatest enemy out there and a threat to everyone here, had somehow not only gotten on pack property but had been at the party. If I had the capability, I would feel anger. Instead, all I feel is emptiness, the same feeling I’ve been feeling for a long time.
I close the zipper on my bag and almost grin when I think of Hunter’s face when he realizes he’s missing half his wardrobe. I don’t even feel bad about it. I’ve been here for weeks and still have nothing to wear but Hunter’s black shirts and black sweat pants. It’s annoying, but I’ve never breathed a negative word about it. I've rocked those clothes like I was on a red carpet runway. And now, they’re coming with me because I have no other clothes. I’m going to need them at the facility. A shudder runs through me at the thought of going back. I yank my bag a little harder than I intended and nearly pull the handle off. I don’t look at the room I’ve been staying in one last time, and I don’t allow myself to think about the fact that I might never see my friend again. If I do, I might not be able to do what I need to do, and that’s just not an option.
I keep all the lights off and make my way towards the front door. I’m just about to open the front door when I hear a voice. “Going somewhere?”
I scowl at being caught unawares. I don’t know how he always manages to sneak up on me. Hunter is like a stupid cat. He just shows up without a sound and pounces. I wish I had night vision like he did. If I did, I would have seen him in the dark. If I had a wolf’s nose, I would have smelled him. Sadly, I have neither. I have vampire speed and strength. I’m faster than any of the wolves. I’m notstronger than them, but I can hold my own. I face Hunter now. “Get out of my way, Hunter. I’m leaving.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You can’t stop me, Hunter. You know that.”
I don’t hear him move, but when he speaks, his voice is closer. “If you go back there, they’re just going to kill you. You said so when you left.” He steps even closer. I can see him now in the dark. For as tall as I am, he still has a few inches on me. I lift my chin to meet his gaze. “You said when you chose the wolves, you could never go back. So, I’m curious, Sherese. Are you looking to be put out of your misery? I can just do it here. Save you the trip.”
I scowl at him. “You’re a gem, Wolf.”
“And you’re a treasure, Vamp.”
“Well, this has been thrilling as it always is. I’m going to be leaving now, so if you’ll just get out of my way.” I cock my head to the side and smile, but I know it’s not a pretty smile. “Of course, if you don’t, I will have no problem making you. Actually, stay right there.”
“It’s cute that you think you can make me. At least I know you didn’t hit your head tonight; you’re just as delusional as you always are. So that begs the question,” he pauses. “Why are you acting even more delusional than usual?”
“I’m not delusional,” I tell him with all the patience in the world.
I can feel his hard stare, even in the dark. “Why do you think you want to go back?”
“I don’t think I want to go back. Iwantto go back.”
“Give me one good reason.” Before I can say anything, he adds, “One good reason that doesn’t have anything to do with thinking you’re helping everybody by leaving.”
Chapter Two
