Page 22 of Consume Me

She’s so small and dainty, fitting perfectly in my arms. It makes me think this is what my body was meant to do all along––hold her.

I slip into her room, yet I can’t bring myself to place her on the bed and just leave like I’m supposed to. Inhaling her sweet scent, everything else vanishes. She’s always been the calm to my storm.

I place her down with the utter gentleness that only this girl ignites in me. Brushing her hair from her face, I let my fingers linger on her soft cheek.

“Blake…” She says my name with so much longing, making me weak in the knees.

I remind myself that I am protecting her from me whenever these bouts of weakness threaten to make me give in. Because if she ever finds out the truth, she’ll see me for who I truly am—a monster.

***

Cassandra assured me that my absence at school was taken care of. The news of my return must have made the rounds because the moment I park, the students’ gazes follow me.

After living the way I did for the past two months, going back to somewhat of a routine is a fucking pathetic attempt at normalcy. Yet, I managed before. Plastering on an easy-going smile, I get out of my car. I am instantly surrounded by people who welcome me back.

I spot Kaden parking next to my car. He glances my way before he and Celine walk away hand in hand. Next, Abigail and Dane arrive. He gives a quick jerk of his chin in greeting while she sighs, looking at me. Being surrounded by people was easier when I wanted to forget, even just for a few moments, about everything else. But now, all the small talk grates on my last fucking nerve.

Bailey and Mia follow. Bailey waves at me while Mia’s attention is somewhere else—on the girl who has sidled up to me, giving me a sultry look.

Hunter is the last, storming right into the building.

“So what do you say?” the brunette asks, and I answer, not even remembering what she asked.

“Not interested.”

The moment I step inside the classroom, Mr. Hansley nods at me. “Glad to have my favorite student back, Mr. Sinclair.”

“One of us has to make sure the world gets its finest drugs.”

Chuckles erupt in the room as I swallow the knot in my throat. I know of serums that could bring this world into utter chaos. Thankfully, all those studies burned with that fucking laboratory. But knowing my father, I can’t be sure they were the only copies. There was no evidence left at his home. Because I didn’t just leave like Kaden implied, I made sure no one could get their hands on them.

The thought doesn’t bring me fucking peace. But checking some more places will have to wait a few more hours.Be a normal student for once.

At the end of classes, I return to the house with a clear mission. Striding inside, I see Bailey and the others at the kitchen island.

“Give me the address of the cabin you found Felix in.”

“What happened?” Kaden asks.

“I have to check something.”

Bailey sends me the address, and I leave. Three cars follow me as I speed toward the location. I don’t fucking need them.

When I reach the cabin, I push my arm against the door, giving it a push, and let myself in. Dust covers the wooden floor and furniture, and a musty smell permeates the cabin. No onehas been here in a while, which is a good sign, but I rummage through drawers anyway to be sure.

“Start talking,” Kaden says.

“I have this. Go back.”

“What are we looking for?” asks Celine.

Knowing they won’t give up, I give in, “My father must have had a backup for all his research, and if someone finds it or is in the possession of one particular serum…”

What I don’t say out loud hangs around us with deadly implications. Kaden rakes both hands through his hair. “Fuck.”

Yes, fuck.

We turn the cabin upside down but find nothing.

---