Page 215 of Red Marked

My phone rings.

I take it out of my pocket, and it’s Magma.

I watch it ring. I’m so tempted to let it go to voicemail, but he’d only call back.

I answer.

“Hey, Flint.” He sounds upbeat. “So? Are you two celebrating? Where are you? I’m sure Star wanted to see her family. I don’t hear anything.”

“That’s because I’m in my room.”

“Where’s Star?”

“With Jett. He’s the male she almost mated with. He helped us crack this whole thing open. Anyway, she stayed with him.”

A pause. “Star stayed with her ex?” He sounds shocked.

“He might not be her ex anymore.” I look down at the road. “He seemed ultra-keen to pick up where they left off.”

“I’m sure he did.”

“She didn’t look like she hated the idea.” I didn’t see her push him away. I think she felt awkward because I was there. It was awkward!

“So you just left her there?” he grunts, sounding like he can’t quite believe what he just heard.

“Yes. It’s what she wanted. They’ve gone to surprise her parents.”

“Right. So you’re fetching her later?”

“No. They’re coming later to pick up her bags. She’s staying with him.”

“What?” Now he’s loud. “That can’t be right.”

“Why not? That’s how it is.”

“What about the two of you?” Now he sounds upset.

“There is no two of us,” I say. “We fucked a few times. I told you it was nothing.”

It doesn’t feel right saying it, but I push it aside. I’m being an idiot.

“It was more than that, Flint. I’m telling you as your friend. I saw how you looked at her.”

“What? You need your eyes checked, old man.”

“The fuck I do. Don’t let her walk away. If you have feelings for her, you fight for her.”

“I don’t. I like her. She’s awesome. But she’s where she belongs.”

I’m not talking about that prick either. I hope she kicks him to the curb. I’m talking about Mistveil City. Her family. Her life.

This is where she belongs.

“No. You’re talking shit,” Magma snarls.

“How so?” I frown at my reflection.

“Why do you do this to yourself? Your mother left. That’s on her, not on you.”