Page 22 of Ruined Wolfsbane

I look at the clock and let out a sigh. “Guess it’s time for me to head out.”

A look of disappointment quickly flashes across Sebastian’s face. “You can hang out longer if you want. I’ll be here for a while.”

It’s kind of him to offer. I’m sure he can tell I’m dragging my feet about leaving, but I’m not going to waste any more of his time. Spending two hours a week with me out of class is more than I should even expect.

“Thanks. I’ve gotta get home, though.” The lie tastes bitter in my mouth as I pack up my stuff. I’d rather be anywhere other than at the house with Patrick. I give Sebastian one last smile before heading out the door.

Every time I have to leave one of the Grimm brothers, it feels like my heart is shredding in my chest. That’s probably a sign I need to spend less time with them, not more. But I’m not strong enough to do that.

I feel like I’m on a train hurtling toward a blown-out bridge. I know my infatuation with the Grimms isn’t going to end well. Still, I’m powerless to do anything other than hang on for the ride. I’ll make the best of the time I have, while desperately hoping everything doesn’t go up in flames.

CHAPTER 11

BRIAR

Before I know it, six weeks have passed, and it’s early November. The harsh cold of winter is making itself known in Wolves Hollow. My breath is now fogging on my morning runs to school. I enjoy the sting of the cold air in my lungs as I run.

Miraculously, Patrick has left me alone for the most part. He’s smacked me around but nothing major.

I’ve gotten into a routine of hanging out with Ronan and Rory in my free time. We eat lunch and dinner together every school day. I can feel myself getting stronger from eating two good meals most days.

My afternoons are spent with one of the Grimm brothers. I fall a little more under their spell each time. Malachi’s overbearing protectiveness, Xander’s calm steadiness, and Sebastian’s exuberant levity work their way past my walls a little bit at a time. It’s almost embarrassing how much I look forward to our one-on-one time. I don’t know what I’m going to do next semester when I won’t have an excuse to see them as much. That’s a problem for future Briar.

“So, you’re totes coming to the party tomorrow, right?” Rory’s excited question as we sit down at our usual table for lunch breaks me out of my thoughts.

“Um—" I begin, trying to find a way to politely decline. Rory throws parties at her parents’ house in town every other week at least. I’ve gotten out of attending all of them so far. Parties are aggressively not my scene. The people, the noise, and the groping hands all make me want to puke.

Rory interrupts me. “You have to! It’s our nineteenth birthday! As my bestest friend, you have to be there!” While Rory’s usually the most upbeat person I know, she sounds almost sad about me not being at her birthday.

“I’ll think about it,” I hedge. Maybe she’ll forget.

“Okey dokey. I’m gonna go get food.” Rory skips toward the buffet, looking like a bubble gum fairy in her pink dress.

Ronan stays behind. I glance at him, noting his white-blond hair, blue eyes, and sharp features. He’s definitely classically handsome, but I feel nothing for him. I certainly don’t feel the crackles and pops of electricity that rush through my veins when I see his cousins. Life would be so much easier if I were into Ronan. He’s a student and a safe choice, but I view him like a brother.

“It would mean a lot to Rory if you came,” Ronan informs me in his deep, melodic voice, cutting my musing short. “You’re her only real friend. Please consider it.”

What is he talking about? Rory’s constantly being approached by other people. She stops to chat with other students so frequently we’re sometimes late to class. Rory seems to be friends with everyone she meets.

My confusion must show on my face because Ronan continues. “You’re the only person who doesn’t want to use Rory for something. Everyone else wants to use us for our money, to connect with our parents, or get access to our cousins. You’re the only one here who sees us for us, Briar.”

I groan, letting my head droop forward. How can I say no to that? I know what it’s like to be surrounded by people and so crushingly alone. Rory and Ronan have shown me what having friends is like. The least I can do is go to a stupid party for them. “Fine. I’ll go. You play dirty, Ronan Wynters, hitting me in the feels and all.”

At my acquiescence, Ronan breaks out into a grin. It’s strange seeing him look anything but serious. “Thank you, Briar. I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not. I’d do anything for my sister.”

“I’d do the same for mine.” There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Ava. I’d kill for her, and I’d die for her.

It’s been almost two months since I’ve seen my sister in person. This is the longest I’ve ever been away from her, and it hurts every day. I’ve learned that taking care of someone often means hurting yourself. I will happily pay any price to keep Ava safe, happy, and whole.

“How is Ava?” Ronan asks, resting his elbows on the table. He runs his fingers through his hair, making it stand up at odd angles. I bite back a smile at the porcupine look he’s rocking.

“She’s doing great. Her school has a top-notch equestrian program, so she’s in heaven. Aves is making a ton of friends and is happier than I’ve seen her in a long time.”

Before Ronan can say anything, Rory returns to our table. Her tray is piled higher than usual. With a huff, she sets it on the table. “Since you decided to be a lazy bum, I got you food too, Rone.”

Ronan ignores his twin’s stink eye and raises his eyebrows at me. Ugh, guess I’m doing this. “I’ll come to your birthday party. When does it start?”

Rory lets out a piercing squeal. She rushes over to my chair and hugs me tightly from the side. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s gonna be epic. You won’t regret it!”

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