Page 29 of Roaring Flames

But then Ansel turns away and focuses his attention back out the windshield once more.

“See you tomorrow?” he asks as both disappointment and relief settle in my stomach.

“Yeah, of course.”

Even if I want nothing to do with the four assholes who claim to be my mates, I refuse to drop out of school. I need to graduate, receive my degree, and then I’ll get the hell out of this town. Fuck the paranormal.

“And…happy birthday, Illy. I hope it ends better than it started.”

Me too, Ansel. Me too.

Ansel waits until I’m inside the building before his car slowly pulls away. I watch until it disappears around the corner before taking the steps two at a time. The damn elevator in Grayson’s apartment is always out of order. I keep telling him he should move somewhere else, but he says it doesn’t matter where he lives, only that he’s near me.

When I reach his apartment, I half expect to find Grayson sitting on his bed, waiting for me.

I’m only marginally disappointed when I find the room empty, the lights off.

I don’t have anything with me except for my backpack and the clothes on my back, but that’s okay. I started over with less than that on more than one occasion. I can do it again.

I toss my backpack onto the bed and then take a moment to return some of the text messages I’ve received throughout the day. I’m furious at most of the people in my life, but I’m not a complete bitch who wants them to worry unnecessarily.

Hale

Your teachers told me you skipped classes today. Decided to have an early birthday celebration? LOL! Happy birthday!

Hale

You’re still not home yet. Is everything okay?

Hale

Isabella, call me. We’re worried.

Izzy

I’m fine. I’m safe. I just need to be by myself for a little bit to get my head on straight.

Before I can even click out of the message, Hale shoots back a reply.

Hale

Is this about what happened yesterday? With your friend?

Yes. No. Maybe.

How do I tell Hale it’severything? All of the lies and secrets and deceit? I’m not ready to have that particular conversation with him just yet.

I leave his message unanswered and then flick to Gerry’s messages. He sent me a standard happy birthday message with a plethora of GIFs. His most recent one is a simple…

Gerry

You okay, kid?

Izzy

I will be. Just need to take some time for myself. I’m safe. I’ll be back soon.

Ethan, Emery, and Desiree have all sent me over a dozen messages each, but I ignore them all. There’s nothing from Ashton—no surprise—but there is a text from Reid. Curiosity makes me click on it, despite my trepidation.

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