Ryker bid us to have a wonderful day, as did Liam before they yawned and admitted they needed to rest for the day. However, both warned that I better come to them for help if I needed it. Dakota, without my asking, offered to wait until Ryker could leave the house to visit Jax’s parents, and the vampire lord smiled beautifully. Kissing my forehead, Ryker promised the answers I sought would soon be mine and reminded me to take it easy. I stared at him for a moment before I recalled the blood that leaked from my eyes, nose, ears, and mouth the last time I overdid things. Right. Careful. I could try, but we’d see what the hotshot had to say about that.
Laughing, Riff and Char led the way to the front door, whistling cheerfully while Dakota brought up the rear with my backpack, and I quirked my brow. When did he get that? When he only grinned, I sighed and rolled my eyes only to pause when I noticed the large mirror on the wall in the entry hall. The girl staring back at me looked ethereal, albeit edgy. I only ever saw my bruises when I looked at my reflection before. This young woman looked as beautiful as the shifter a few feet away, and the werewolves surrounding her. Was I always this pretty? Because, while I could try to deny that I was her, those haunted light violet eyes were definitely mine.
“All right, hot stuff, you can appreciate your beauty later because we will be late,” Riff chuckled. Shaking my head, I glanced at the teenager who stole his way into my heart and managed a slight smile. “You were always gorgeous, but I’m glad you see that for yourself. Now, let’s rub Kyler’s face in it while your fox feigns that he’s your shadow.”
Chuckling, Arc looked pleased, and we left the house. I felt odd not wearing a hoodie, but Tyger gave me a leather studded jacket that fit the punk rocker look. He even found a black choker style necklace with a small fox on it, which caused my cheeks to heat. Ryker glared when he saw it, only to sigh at how cockily Arctic swaggered until I burst out laughing. Nodding, he agreed it was good to wear a fox and not a wolf.
The ride to school was boisterous with Char, Riff, and I singing along to the radio while Dakota drove, and Arc rode shotgun. They whispered about something with serious expressions, but I decided not to worry about it and enjoyed this time with my friends. Once Dakota parked, I swallowed nervously, following Riff out of the car only to find Arctic’s hand waiting to help me step out. Eyeing the shifter, I accepted his aid, my eyes unable to glance away from his while tingles raced through my fingers. His outfit was identical to mine, other than his tank was blue while his t-shirt was white. Chuckling, he threw his arm around my shoulders, and took my backpack with his other hand to throw over his free shoulder. He looked pleased with himself, and I laughed while we walked through the lot.
Everything stopped when the door opened, and we walked in. Riff and Char chuckled, appearing cocky and pleased while they strutted through the halls. They brought me back, after all. Dakota was calmer, shaking his head at their idiotic showboating while he followed them. Then, Arctic and I brought up the rear, with Arc kissing my cheek once he saw the crowd. My face burned, but I didn’t resist my desire to return the gesture. However, I had to stop walking so I could raise to my tiptoes, and I kissed the startled shifter’s cheek, who grinned smugly once he recovered from his shock.
Several jocks stared at us wide-eyed when we passed, and I swallowed nervously when their eyes darkened. What was that about? Ah. They discreetly sniffed the air, trying to scent what Arctic was, and I inwardly rolled my eyes. I should have known the lettered teenagers were werewolves as well. I hoped they held back to give the poor humans on the team an honest chance.
I stopped by the office, opening my mouth to introduce Arctic to the friendly Miss Brines, who smiled upon seeing Arctic’s arm around my shoulder. “My, my, is this your young man, Miss Draven?” She asked, chuckling when my cheeks burned.
“I’m here to ensure her safety. I’m a member of Ryker’s household, and my name is Arctic,” Arc declared politely, and her eyes widened. “Poor Angel is stuck between us, I’m afraid. So, while Ryker will let Angel return to the first school she has ever enjoyed attending, he refuses to let her do so alone. She was hurt when we took her in. As you can see, although her eyes are haunted, Angel is physically well.”
“And the haunted eyes are because of...?” Miss Brines asked in a voice so cold a shiver raced along my spine. My hand tightened on Arctic’s jacket in the middle of his back, where Miss Brines couldn’t see. With a soothing noise, Arctic kissed my forehead before turning his disdainful gaze to the woman behind the counter.
“The details are neither your business nor your concern. However, another of Ryker’s household behaved like your fallen alpha pup and sought to hurt Angel. They showed her something they knew would cause her intense emotional and mental distress. Thus, her eyes are haunted,” Arctic explained coldly.
“So, you are here to make sure Angel is safe? Very well, since the pups need to be
