I know I’ve gone too far, but I can’t help it.
I’m finally feeling something.
And it’s motherfuckingrage.
Aware that a few of the students streaming past me on their way to their next class are side-eyeing me, I stalk down the hall and slip into the alcove on the first floor landing next to the stairs.
The exact spot where I touched Haven for the first time, brushing that spot of ink from her lip.
Eden House’s representative is rambling now.
“—it states she wishes to be cremated, but we can schedule a wake either before or after?—”
“I won’t be attending, so it’s really no business of mine,” I tell her coldly. “As to her body? Burn her, throw her in a wood chipper, turn her into a piñata, I could care less.”
I end the call, slipping the phone back into my pocket as Parker comes into view. She’s headed for the stairs, a small frown on her face.
“Parker.”
She glances left, right.
“Parker!”
When she turns and sees me in the alcove, she hesitates, her lips working like she’s biting the inside. “Professor?” she says, standing at least three feet away from me.
“That was a smart observation back there.” I keep my eyes fixed on hers.
Not intent, just focused.
Her gaze darts away a second before returning, locking on. “Not everyone who takes your class is an idiot.”
“You think only idiots take my class?” I keep my tone light, but spots of pink appear on her throat and cheeks.
She doesn’t defend herself, or take the bait, and I don’t know whether to be impressed or irritated. “I think most of the kids in this place are only here because it’s expected of them,” she says.
“It’s not expected of you?”
“It is. But I’m also here to learn.”
“And take drugs.”
Those pink spots turn crimson as she throws a harried look over her shoulder, as if to check if there’s anyone in earshot. When she turns back, I’m surprised at the anger in her eyes. Did I look like that a few minutes ago?
“Loosen up. If I report you, I’d have to report everyone, then I wouldn’t have anyone left to teach.”
I should let her leave. Instead, I glance out the alcove’s window, frowning.
The Witch is dead.
I should be relieved, but I’m just fuckingpissed.
A career that’s circling the drain. A deputy who smiles like he knows where the bodies are buried. And the two people who understood the darkness inside me—gone.
After everything I gave them.
Everything I taught them.
Everything I made them feel.
