Page 35 of Mayhem

I open the door to my car, glancing over to Midas's house. They aren't home, thankfully. I turn some music on and drive out of town. Mom’s office is in Richmond, which is about a forty-five-minute drive or so. I asked her one night why she didn’t move to the city instead of the small town. She looked into the city, but the prices were too much, and she got a good deal on the house we are staying in now.

I pull into the underground parking lot at the law firm and park in a guest spot. The feeling of someone watching me sends a shiver down my spine, but I ignore it. There is a massive crowd, and no one would be looking at me.

The lobby is bright and beautiful. Everything is white and so clean. The receptionist is pretty woman. Her brown hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She is wearing a navy blue blazer and white blouse. Her smile is warm and inviting as I approach her. I tell her I am looking for my mom, and she directs me where I need to go. I thank her and make my way to the elevator.

I still feel that someone is watching me while I wait, but I ignore it. The elevator opens, and I step inside, clicking the top floor. It didn't take long for the elevator door to open again and to be greeted by a new receptionist. She smiles at me and points in the direction I need to go. I walk down the hall to my mom's office.

When I walk in, she is on the phone. I give her a wave to get her attention. Mom holds a finger up to let me know she will be right with me. I sit in a plush leather chair in front of her mahogany desk. Her office is beautiful. Very spacious with a dark brown leather couch and matching chairs on one side and her desk on the other.The faint teal color really pops in the room with all dark furniture. One wall is entirely windows with a stunning view of the city below.

She hangs up the phone and looks at me.

“I just wanted to ask you to do me a favor.” I cautiously say, fiddling with the zipper on my jacket. “I wanted to change my phone number. Do you think you could do that for me?” I shrug my shoulders and grimace at her. She stares at me, lost in whatever she is thinking. She shakes her head no.

I want to argue with her. Tell her I need a new number so the three people who are driving me nuts can’t get a hold of me anymore. I open my mouth to tell her that, but someone knocks on her door and opens it. Why is it that whenever I am with her now, we are interrupted? First Axel, then Midas’s Dad- whose name I still don’t know- and now this guy. He must know the former two because he gives off the same energy as them, only darker. More dangerous. Deadly good-looking, too. He reminds me of Odin. If I had to guess, it’s his dad.

He is wearing a black Harley Davidson shirt underneath his leather jacket, dark jeans, and leather boots, the typical biker look. It suits him, though. He smiles at my mom and then swivels his gaze to me.

“You must be Serena.” His gaze leers at me, taking all of me in. “My name is Ryker. It’s nice to meet you.”

Ryker walks over to me and extends his hand. I go to shake his hand, but he grabs me and pulls me into the most awkward and uncomfortable hug. My body locks up, and I can’t move. Danger bells ringing in my ear. I swear I can feel him inhale my scent. I shake at the touch.

I push back and give him the most awkward smile before turning to my mom. I don’t bother saying anything. I give her a little wave and exit her office.

That was fucking weird. Ryker crept me out the most out of the three men I met. So that means Axel is Zeus’s Dad. I can see it, but they don’t look that much alike. Ryker is definitely Odin’s Dad. They both have that crazy look and ooze danger. Apple didn’t fall from the tree there.

I walk out of the building and walk back to my car. The hairs on the back of my neck are standing straight up, and my body almost feels heavy. I turn around, frantically looking around for the danger. I can’t see anything or anyone that is immediately looking at me or seems creepy. I grab my car key and clutch it between my fingers.

I sprint back to my car and lock the door behind me. I whip around in my seat, checking no one is in the back, ready to pounce on me. When I don’t see anything, I finally breathe normally again.

I pull out of the parking lot, still scanning everywhere. I know I felt someone watching me that time, following me, but I still don’t see anything. Maybe I am just going crazy. The drive back home is fine. My phone has been nonstop buzzing all day. I only respond to the girls giving me a play-by-play of what happened today.

I didn’t miss much in my classes. They got all my assignments for me so I could start later. Evie said Math was weird today. According to Evie, Mr. Labeau seemed distracted. From all three of my friends, I heard about the Kings. Each of them being more than their normal pissed off with the world selves. Midas apparently decked some kid in the face who got in his way. Evie warns me that they are on a war path and to stay clear.

I chuckle thinking about being the reason they are mad. Knowing they won’twin their prize fills me with a small bit of satisfaction.They don’t care about me. I thank the girls for the warning and continue with my drive.

I pull into my laneway and see all three bikes parked at Midas’s house. Of course, they are all there. I quickly walk to my house and lock the door behind me. The curtain is open in my room, and I can see them looking at me through it. I give them the middle finger and close the curtain.

I still feel gross after Odin’s dad stared at me earlier. My body involuntarily shivers at that memory. The only other time I felt that creeped out was when that stalker was watching and texting me.

I toss my bag on my bed and walk into the bathroom to turn the shower on. I connect my phone to my speaker and press play on my music. The cover of Lovely by Lauren Babic starts to fill the room. I sing along while I wash away the day.

I hear my bedroom door close. I thought I closed it before I got in the shower, and who would be in my room? “Hello?” I call out. No one answers. I yell again, but silence.

I rinse the soap off me and turn the shower off. I wrap a fluffy white towel around my body and peak my head out of the door. I don’t see anyone in my room. I must be hearing things. No one can get in unless they have a key. I roll my eyes and turn to walk back to the bathroom, but I stop dead in my tracks. On my bed is a deep red rose and an envelope with my name on it.

I walk over to my bed and grab the rose. It’s beautiful, but this is creepy. I pick up the envelope, open it, and take a small handwritten note. I don’t recognize the writing, but the word rings a bell.

You belong to me. No one else. I will make sure of it.

Fucking Midas. I clenched my fist around the note and rose, the thorns cutting into my skin. I throw on my robe and rush out of my house. I bang on Midas’s door until Zeus answers.

“You motherfucker!” I screech at him, launching myself at him, ready to attack him with everything I had. “Where is he?”

“Serena, what is going on? Where is who?” Zeus grabs me and holds me at arm's length. He looked me over, confusion marring his god-like face.

“Midas!” I scream. “Come out here, asshole.” I try to get out of Zeus’s grasp, but he tightens his hold. Midas walks out of his room without a care in the world. Odin rushes out like his ass on fire. They both see me in Zeus’s arms in just my robe and groan. Both look like they are ready to fuck me until they see the murderous look on my face.

Midas and Odin look at me like I have lost my mind. Maybe I have, but it’s because of their crazy obsession with me. My eyes lock with Midas, and I rush out of Zeus’s grip and charge at him. Midas doesn’t even flinch, and I feel strong arms wrap around my midsection, pulling back into a hard chest. Zeus whispers something in my ear. I don’t hear him over the ringing in my ears from the anger. I throw the rose and note on the ground at Midas’s feet.

---