I carefully make my way back to the living room, seeking out Logan or someone to tell me where Rowan’s room is.
Things are not riotous as they normally are. Several guys playCall of Dutyon the large screens in the living room. Barely anyone is in the kitchen, though it looks as if they had some type of rager recently.
Ayan rounds the corner from the back hall and stops short, dark eyes narrowing at me.
I remember months ago when I used to be happy to see him. Now all I can think about is what he had planned for me. How could I have been so blind?
He had the name. The position. And seemed sofocusedon his future.
It was all a lie that I fell for because I wanted to check him off my list.
“You can’t be here,” he says. “You’re not invited.”
I raise my chin defiantly. “I need to talk to Rowan.”
His jaw drops, and he shoves his shirt sleeves up… My brow furrows as I catch several scratches on his forearms, ruddy and deep. Someone was clawing at him.
“You’re a cunt.” He says it like he owns the word.
“And you’re an insecure little boy propped up by a family name. No talent. No brains. Just a bag of nothing,” I sneer. “So just tell me where he is and make yourself useful for once.”
A few of the otherBetasclear the room, shoving into my shoulder as they pass.
His eyes narrow. “Why?”
“Because he saw Ellis get murdered, andI?—”
Ayan tosses his head back. Andlaughs. Like I just said something hilarious.
“Ellis wasmurdered. Oh, that’s great. I bet you’re devastated.”
Fury locks every muscle in my body. “How can you be so callous?”
“So someone leftyoualive but took out your best friend. If it was Rowan, I’d shake his hand.”
He takes a step closer and my pulse spikes. I can smell him. That familiar cologne that was always too much. Too thick. It makes me gag.
“Unfortunately for you? You can’t talk to Rowan.”
I blink up at him. Grit my teeth and sneer. “Why not?”
A tiny smirk makes the corners of his lips twitch.
“Rowan Greaves overdosed last night.”
seventeen
Fraternity meetings takeup too much of my time. All I really wanted to do on Friday was check in with Scout, but I told myself she was okay.Omegawon, and that was probably important to her. I had to pretend in front of the entirety ofDeltathat I was sad about losing.
“We’ll get them on Feral Friday,” I assured the downtrodden faces of my brothers.
On my way back to my room, Valen follows behind me. Too close. The toes of his heavy boots scrape the heels of my leather loafers.Fuck. Now I have to polish them again.
I whip around. “What?”
It’s odd that I can understand his expressions behind his full black mask. One arched eyebrow. Eyes wide. Lips parted as if he’s afraid to say something. All he does is nod to his room, and I sigh heavily, turning toward the door.
As I squeeze into the soft club chair, he sets to work on the locks, then rips off his mask. Rubbing a hand through his messy hair, he plops down in front of his desk and staresstraight ahead. Fingers perched on the keyboard. Silence clicking between us.
