Page 9 of Midnight of Ashes
Just as quickly as he’d pulled me into his hold, Cillian released me. “You guys better get going, or you’ll be late.”
I gnashed my back teeth together, swallowing down a snippy retort. I knew that the guys had been through their own ordeal. I’d scared the hell out of them when I’d been hit with that dragon fire. But I was starting to feel like some sort of jewel they wanted to hide away instead of their mate.
“Hayden,” Cillian called as I started toward the door.
I turned to look at him, but I couldn’t force out any words.
His gaze swept over me, and I swore I saw a hint of fear in his expression for the briefest second.
“We’ll have two enforcers patrolling campus, and Knox, Cáel, and Easton will meet you between classes. You go nowhere alone. Promise me.”
It wasn’t a question. It was a demand. But I didn’t have it in me to challenge him.
“I promise.”
There was no life in my voice, no spark. I was too tired.
We filed out of the house and climbed into Easton’s G-Wagon. I was quiet on the ride to campus, simply staring out the window, watching the forests and town pass. I felt a pang when we passed Spark’s Diner. Cillian had already informed Fiona that I wouldn’t be working there any longer. It was too risky.
Hal Corbett had gone into hiding, but that didn’t mean that other Corbett clan members weren’t waiting to pounce. From the little I’d managed to overhear, tensions were running high between the two hordes. One wrong move and there would be an all-out war.
“You remember the cover story?” Knox asked from up front where he was riding shotgun.
I swallowed hard, not moving my gaze from the window as Easton parked. “I was getting some air in the alley at Ashes & Emeralds, and someone tried to mug me. They heard Easton coming, got spooked, and shot me. I didn’t see their face.”
The cop that had finally been allowed to question me hadn’t seemed all that concerned about my so-called attack. He told me to stay away from dangerous clubs and left. But I guessed with no ID or bullet, what was he supposed to do?
Cáel reached over and squeezed my thigh. “You don’t have to do this.”
I watched as students strode into the various academic buildings. This was exactly what I needed. School had always been my one grounding force. I’d need it now more than ever. So, I opened my door and slid out.
Cáel had been right. I should’ve stayed home.
“I heard she was giving someone a blow job in the alley, and then he just shot her when she was done,” one girl whispered to another as I headed down the hallway.
My shoulders slumped. The rumor mill had apparently been flying in the week since I’d been out of classes, and I was sure I had Delaney to thank for a large portion of it. I hated to admit it, but I was exhausted. My muscles ached, and my brain was foggy. All I wanted was a long nap.
I rounded the corner of the science building, knowing that one of the two enforcers on Hayden duty would be trailing behind. They had been all day long.
“Hayden,” an annoyed voice clipped.
My head jerked up to find Professor Brent glowering at me.
The pressure built behind my eyes. The last thing I needed to deal with after the longest day known to man was him.
“Professor,” I greeted.
“My office. Now.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I glanced behind me at my shadow, Pete. His usually easygoing expression was tight, but there was nothing he could do without exposing himself.
“Now,” Brent pushed.
I sighed and followed him down the hall to his small office. The space was crammed with books but still managed to fit a desk, two chairs for students, and a leather couch.
“Sit,” Brent ordered, gesturing to the couch.
