Page 74 of Shattered Souls

“When Hayze took me,” Took. Not stolen, not kidnapped—took. “Why were you so cold to me?”

“Well,” I think back to seeing her small frame so full of fear. The way those green orbs would drown in the whites of her eyes anytime I entered the room. The answer’s simple—I enjoyed her fear. “You threw a rift in my plans. I wanted to stay here as long as we could. And once you came into the picture, well, it wasn’t just killing a random park guest. We had to feed you, and eventually let you see the sun.”

She removes the pancakes, pours more batter, and then spins in my grip to face me.

“I’ve never been good when I’m not in control.” What an understatement. I feel like I’m drowning when I’m not in control. There aren’t many situations where I can’t take over or manipulate my way to the top, but with her—I’m her puppet and she’s my master.

“Hmm.”

“But, I think I didn’t want to be attracted to you. I knew how much Hayze wanted you. And if I needed to let him have you solely to be happy, I would do it.”

“Would you still? Sit back and let me love him while you were alone?” I know they told each other they love one another. But to hear her causally admit she loves him and not include me in that—it feels like a knife through the heart.

“Yes. I’d sacrifice myself if it meant he could be happy.”

“You’re a good man, Synn.” She turns back around and flips the new batch of pancakes.

“No. I’m not.”

I leave her vicinity and take a seat at the table, my head in my hands. My head feels like it might pop off with the headache that’s suddenly surfaced.

I hear the click of the stove shutting off, the soft clanking of plates being laid out, and the scuffling of the spatula moving pancakes to plates. Something slides in front of me, a plate no doubt, then in Hayze’s spot, and then Rayvn’s. The noise quiets, I’m sure she’s gone off to wake Hayze.

My body tenses as warm and delicate hands slide down my chest from behind me.

“You are a good man, Synn, even if in your own way.” She repeats. “Why are you upset?”

“I’m not, Rayvn.” I press both thumbs into my forehead, trying to choke down my jealousy.

“Synn?” I grunt. “Is it bad if I say I love you? Am I allowed to love both of you? Because I do.” I remove my hands, lifting my head in time to see Hayze spin on his heel and head right back to one of the bedrooms.

“You’re able to love whoever you want, Rayvn. I’ll never tell you not to love someone.”

“Really?” She deadpans. “So if I told you I fell in love with a random man—you’d let me love him?” She runs her hands down to my abdomen, learning the dips of the muscles.

“Sure.” Her hands still. “I’d kill him after, though.” She chuckles. I reach behind me and lead her to my lap. She takes a seat, looking deep into my eyes.

“The deal was always we share you. Neither of us have had a problem with the arrangement. Not now, not ever. If you only love one of us—so be it. But, if you find yourself loving both of us, then I’ll gladly welcome your love, little scarecrow.”

“Well then, Synn, I love you.” She leans forward, kissing my cheek tenderly. Hayze walks in, seeing the sappy shit is finally over. He takes a seat at the table, looks at the plate set for him, then at us.

“I know Synn didn’t make this shit. But, Rayvn, you can make shit like this, and haven’t said anything?” He shoots her a pitiful look while he signs. She laughs, pushes from my lap and saunters off to the fridge. Coming back with a thing of syrup and a tub of fake ass butter.

“I’m just trying to keep my hands busy before we leave. I’m getting antsy.” She pours a generous amount of the sticky substance on her food and then hands the bottle to Hayze, after I deny it myself.

“I’ve been meaning to ask,” She says around a forkful of food. “Has there been any updates in my case?”

“Haven’t looked.” I reply.

“Well, look after you eat. If there's something there, you’re not going to eat after and I’m not going to stand for that.” Hayze signs to her.

“I’m on his side, little scarecrow.”

“You’re right, I’m gonna barf.” Rayvn’s face is turning greener the longer we all stare at the news article about the newest advancement in her case.

In the latest update following the Charlie Russ case, there has been recent development about the whereabouts of his daughter, and suspected murder, Mae Russ. Law enforcement has received multiple tips that indicate Mae Russ is running under the alias Rayvn Harlow.

She has been spotted all along the state of Montana, but her latest spotting is in Wraithridge, Montana. Under her alias, Rayvn, she has been reported as a missing person, but is still presumed to be in the area.