Page 42 of A Spark Of Revenge

“I told you I had him. You didn't need to intervene.” Creed arches a brow, his eyes sparkling in amusement as he leans closer, his hand reaching out to brush a piece of hair off my forehead. And for just a moment, it feels like it did just a few days ago when Creed was my safe space… my happy guy who was always there for me when I needed him. But then reality comes crashing back in as I hear Elaine call out Jordan's name.

“Jordan, please,” Elaine whispers as Jordan steps around her and grabs my wrist, yanking me away from Creed and dragging me behind him as he practically runs from the Training Center.

“Whoa there, tiger! What's the rush?” I ask, grinning up at him. My smile falls when I see tears running down his face, and my good mood plummets. “Hey… hey, what's going on? Who do I need to punch?” I ask as he drags us down the long, brightly lit hallways.

“Nothing,” Jordan snaps, bringing his free hand up to wipe at his wet cheeks. “And please don’t punch anyone. Elaine is nice, but she can kick your ass in ten seconds flat,” Jordan adds, and I scowl.

“That’s not nice. I’m getting better,” I defend myself as I practically run to keep up with Jordan's long strides. “Where are we going?”

“I need to ride. To clear my head… I just need out,” Jordan stammers, and I nod.

“Yeah, yeah, okay. Um, I’m not the best rider, but sure,” I agree immediately, and Jordan snorts and looks down at me.

“You're a terrible rider. And you're not coming. I just wasn't going to leave you alone there unprotected,” he announces.

“But… where are you going? You can't be alone…” I start to panic, and Jordan laughs.

“Yeah, I know. I’m mad, not stupid. All I want is to ride in the larger horse pen on the south side of the castle.” I nod and snap my fingers at him.

“Yes. That’s a good plan. But are you sure you don't need company?” I ask, worried about leaving him alone when he may need someone to talk to. Jordan hesitates, then nods.

“Yeah. Can we talk when I get back, though?” His voice is soft and unsure, reminding me that my best friend is still so young. Jordan is eighteen, still a teenager, and is currently handling a Demon takeover and his life being upended like a freaking boss.

Damn, I need to take a page out of his book and man up… Woman up? Ugh, whatever it is. I need to handle my shit and be there for him if he needs me, and if what Jordan needs is space for now, then that's what I’ll give him.

“Yeah, of course,” I agree as we run down the stairs and move through the entryway of the castle, over the new rugs, and out the enormous doors. “Just be careful, okay?” I ask. Jordan nods, wrapping an arm around my shoulder for a quick side hug before bounding down the steps and heading in the direction of the stables, with tense shoulders. I frown after him for a moment, then pivot on my heel and head back inside, shivering from the chilly winter air. I hadn't put a cloak on, and last night's temperatures had plummeted so much that even with the sun up, it’s still well below freezing.

Rubbing my arms, I decide to go to the cafeteria since it’s lunchtime. I’m assuming Elaine was about to dismiss everyone for lunch, which is why Jordan yanked me from the Training Center like he did. My stomach growls, and I grimace as I walk back up the main staircase. About halfway up, I stop when thundering footsteps catch my attention. Suddenly Theo is at the top of the stairs, his eyes wide with worry as he rushes to me, taking the steps two at a time.

“Meyer! Where is Jordan? Mom said he was upset, and I just went to the barracks to find him, but he’s not there,” Theo rushes out, cheeks red, hands trembling as I stare at him.

“Why?” I ask, feeling a little defensive about my friend.

“Huh?” Theo asks in confusion.

“Why do you want to know? Why do you care?” I ask, making Theo's confusion melt into despair. I know why Theo cares; but after everything Jordan has been through for Theo, I want to hear him say the words out loud.

“Meyer,” Theo rasps, shaking his head. “Please. Where is he? I-I need to find him. Please!” he begs, and I shake my head. Nope, not the answer I need.

“Why?” I grind out, looking Theo in the eyes and watching as tears form. “If you want me to tell you where Jordan is, then I want to know why I should tell you. You hurt him, Theo… like really badly,” I whisper. “I may understand why you did it, but that doesn't mean I like it. So I need to know why?” A tear falls from the corner of Theo's eye and slowly trails down his cheek.

“You know why,” he rasps, and I nod.

“Yeah. I do. But I still want you to say it.”

“I love him,” Theo whispers after a tense moment, and I nod.

“He’s in the south horse pen riding,” I whisper back with a small smile. Theo nods and wipes at his face, rushing around me and down the stairs.

“Theo?” I call after him, waiting as he turns to look up at me. “I would have done the same thing for you if the roles were reversed. You both deserve to be happy.” A bright smile lights up Theo’s face, and he nods.

“Thanks, Angry Girl,” he rasps before turning and running for the door just as it slams open, letting in two Demon princes. Theo ducks around them, not even glancing their way, as he rushes from the castle.

TWENTY-ONE

Meyer

My eyes widen as I take the brothers in. Nox looks furious as he stalks through the double doors, his long stride eats up the distance between us as our eyes clash, making my stomach lurch. His long black hair is streaming around his shoulders as he scowls and nods at whatever Valen has just told him while he takes off the black gloves he has on and yanks the thick black cloak from his shoulders.

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