Page 84 of Fire of the Fox

I needed to focus on packing, so I continued to dig around, throwing anything I thought I might need into the suitcase. With only two dresses in my closet, I figured a trip to a boutique might not be a bad idea since Rune’s family expected me to dress in what they found proper.

Once I’d packed everything that I could, I grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweater to change into. Before leaving for the shower down the hall, I noticed the mug I’d created for Rune sitting on my desk. I made a mental note to pack it when I got back. Carrying my clothes to the bathroom down the hall, I stood under the heat of the water, letting it wash away the lingering memories from the encounter with Jonah. This was the one constant in my life. The gentle stream of water trickling down my skin seemed to soothe any remaining ache in my body. I felt energized and at ease once more. With so much turmoil going on around me, the water’s caress was like a breath of fresh air.

When I got back to my room, I gathered up my belongings but paused. Seeing as how I wasn’t going to meet Dallas again before I left for the trip, I decided I needed to put on my big girl panties and at least reach back out to her. I pulled out my phone and was instantly struck with guilt. I had seventeen texts now, plus the ignored voicemails she’d left.

I finally read the texts and listened to all of the voicemails. Her tone was frantic, telling me to come back to the dorm immediately or to give her Rune’s address so that she could come get me. She didn’t want me around Rune anymore.

The more I listened to her high-pitched voice, the more my fears were confirmed. Dax had told her. She knew what Rune was, and her distrust of him was evident in how she spoke. My heart pounded with this new issue. Two of the most important people in my life hated one another, and they both most likely wanted the other dead. What was the right answer in this scenario? How did I tackle this?

I decided not to text Dallas, but instead got out a piece of notebook paper to write her a note that she would only find after I was already at Rune’s.

Dallas,

I’m sorry for not telling you sooner about this trip, but I’m leaving for awhile. Two weeks. I need some time to myself. Plus, it’s Rune’s birthday, so we’re going to his hometown next week. I’ll be perfectly fine. You don’t need to worry about me. I trust Rune, so you should, too. Please do not be angry or worried. I’m recovering from the other night nicely, so you don’t need to worry about that, either. I will come back home safe and sound. I love you. ALL of you.

Bria

Biting back my emotions, I laid the note on her pillow. I probably could’ve said something more about being aware of the truth, but I wanted to talk about that in person with her, not through a note. Still, I felt physically sick doing something that would worry her so much. I didn’t want to cause her any grief, but I knew I was safe with Rune, even if she didn’t believe me. I had nothing to worry about when it came to him. His family, on the other hand, was a different story.

That was another problem for another day, though.

I had to make two trips to my car between my suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, and purse. Traveling the stairs numerous times while still recovering from my beating was exhausting, and by the time I loaded the last bag in my car, my sides were throbbing. After resting on my hood for a few minutes, I braced myself and headed on foot to my English teacher’s on-site housing. Not all of the teachers here lived on campus, but a few of mine did, which was convenient.

When I made it to my English professor’s house, I knocked, and within seconds, she opened the door with a wide grin. Her black hair was twisted in an elegant bun at the top of her head, and her purple-rimmed glasses sat on the tip of her nose.

“Hi, Professor Dobbins,” I greeted her with a smile of my own.

Her previously bright face fell as she let out a gasp. Her mouth fell open, her concerned eyes raking me over. “Dear Heavens, Bria! Whatever happened to you?”

I sighed and touched the bottom of my swollen eye. It was sensitive to the touch, and I had to fight back a wince. I realized then that I should’ve covered the injuries with make-up, but the idea hadn’t occurred to me while I was still in my dorm.

Drawing my hand away, I said, “I, uh, got in a pretty bad car accident the other night. I’m still a bit traumatized by the whole thing, so I’m actually going home and staying there through fall break next week. Since I won’t be here, I wanted to let you know.”

I hadn’t planned on skipping this whole week, but after getting pummeled into a disgusting sight, I decided it would be best to avoid campus. Plus, I wanted to avoid Dallas at all costs until I’d come to terms with that secret she’d kept from me all this time. Weak or not, I wasn’t ready to face that battle yet.

I waited, hoping Professor Dobbins bought my lie. When I’d first thought up the story, it sounded believable in my head.

I must have been right, because she gave me a soft smile and said, “Of course. I’m so sorry that happened to you! Take all the time you need. I can email you the PowerPoints and assignments for this week, so just do them when you feel up to it. You can turn them in after we come back from fall break.”

Smiling, I thanked her. I repeated the process with the other professors who lived on campus, with a plan to email those who didn’t live here. It was a good thing fall break was the week of Rune’s trip. Two weeks of missed work would be a bit much, even for me.

Glancing at my phone, I saw it was now 10:45. Dallas would be getting back any minute, so I quickly headed back to my car and made my way to the mall. Not only did I need to get more dresses, but I wanted to get Rune something for his birthday, in addition to the mug. My plan was to find him a scary movie. Granted, I had no idea what horror movies were actually good, but hopefully, there would be someone I could ask.

I pulled into the mall parking lot, but this time, I chose to park in a populated area, near the front. No way was I going anywhere near where Allen and his goons had jumped me. The thought of something like that happening again made ice settle in my veins.

As I made my way into the mall, my phone vibrated in my purse. I dug it out and looked at the screen. It was Dallas. I knew she must have found my note, so she was probably calling to scream at me to get back. She’d no doubt say or try anything to get me away from Rune now that she knew what he was.

“Sorry, Dallas,” I mumbled before hitting decline.

My phone started buzzing once more. Dallas again. I took a deep breath and squeezed my eyes shut as I turned off my phone. I dropped my phone back into my bag and continued on my way. I hoped she wouldn’t keep calling all week and next. If she did, I’d have to keep my phone turned off, otherwise I’d feel compelled to answer.

The film and music store was thankfully near the entrance of the mall. It had dozens upon dozens of shelves and tables, all piled with movies and CDs. The store was organized by genre, so I followed the signs until I found the horror section.

I was completely out of my element as I scanned the titles. Frustrated at my lack of horror knowledge, I looked around for someone to help me.

A voice came from behind me and asked, “Can I help you find something?”

I froze, and my skin crawled. I knew that voice. I knew that voice! I slowly turned around to look at the person behind me. As soon as he saw my face, his friendly expression fell. I swallowed hard, looking at his blue shirt and khakis. A name tag was pinned to his shirt.

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