Page 67 of Demise

Since we came down from the mountain, there hasn’t been anything remotely flirtatious or sexual between Ronan and Wesley. Somehow, I truly think the nature of their relationship is physical. Heat of the moment kind of thing. Obviously, I’m not going to pry and possibly put pressure on a delicate situation, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed. I love watching Asher and Liam’s relationship bloom.

Each night, I spent the night in someone else’s bed, but every night, Liam and Asher shared their own. I even asked Liam this morning if they had sex just the two of them, and he said they hadn’t, no particular reason, just that the moment hadn’t come yet. I wanted to ask why the hell not, because when we were all together, it was like goddamn fireworks, but again, I left it alone.

It was hard to say goodbye to the cabin. I begged Ronan to rent it again next year and the year after that. I want to spend every Christmas here, every holiday. It feels like…home. More than any home I’ve ever lived in has felt.

Now, we’re almost back to Salem, and like a lead ball, something heavy and foreboding drops into my stomach. My chest tightens and it becomes harder to breathe the closer we get to city limits. It was a nice little break from reality while it lasted, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

As soon as we got home, Vincent changed into a new pair of clothes, kissed me and hopped on his bike to take off. He said that he had some work to do and that he’d be gone for a few days. I’m not going to lie; I hate that I don’t know all that he does. Mainly that, I don’t know where he goes. Obviously, what he’s doing is dangerous. It’s how his parents died; how many eliminators before him have no doubt died. The thought of losing him is…I can’t think about it.

We spent the evening unpacking and getting settled in the house again. Ronan and Wesley have all but moved in, each of them taking up residence in a room at the house, which seems to be fine by Asher and is obviously preferred by me.

The next morning, Wesley drives me to school like usual, except this time, Asher and Liam accompany me. I steal a quick kiss from Wesley behind the tinted windows before he parks upfront.

When we get out of the car, Liam and I are holding hands while Asher walks with his arm around my shoulder. Everyone is staring and whispering, rightfully so, I suppose, and I know we should probably be more discreet. Then again, it’s not like Christopher doesn’t already know and approve, at least of the whole ‘them fucking the same woman’ thing. The whole love bit would be our downfall, honestly, but for some reason, I don’t fear him, not as much as I used to. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to be seen all over Vincent, Ronan, and Wesley to top it off. I do have a little thing called self-preservation.

We are walking through campus when a body comes charging at us out of nowhere. We all are slow to react, and they collide right into me, a familiar voice ringing in my ears.

“I missed you bitch! Where have you been? I called you like a hundred times this weekend alone,” Maggie says.

“Oh, sorry about that. We were up in New Hampshire for Christmas; it was a busy weekend,” I say with a small smile asI glance at Asher and Liam, both watching me with their own guarded smiles.

“Based on those smirks, I’d say busy is short for filthy, and you know I want all the details. Thank you for hand delivering my bestie, boys, but your services are no longer required.” Maggie grins as she drags me away from the guys.

“What the fuck?” Asher growls as Liam rests a hand on his chest, telling him to relax.

Asher pushes him off quickly, looking around for a moment before his shoulders relax. I smile sadly at them, hating that they have to adjust their dynamics once more. They can’t just be who they are, who they want to be here. Not with all of these eyes, all of these whispers. We are back to reality, and in the Brethren…with Christopher as his father…it wouldn’t go over well.

“Sooo, give me the horny details. I can feel something vibing between Asher and Liam, are they fucking yet?”

“Shhh,” I hiss as I cast a look around us.

Maggie’s eyes are the size of saucers, her mouth parted as she stares at me.

“Holy fucking shit. I was just teasing. No way, Asher is gay?”

“SHH!” I say once more, rolling my eyes as we step into our first class. “Jesus, you’re so loud. We will talk later, but not here.”

“Okay, cranky,” she huffs. “Have you had an orgasm yet? No one can be cranky if they’ve come. Want me to help you out?” she says with a waggle of her fingers and a raise of her eyebrows.

I laugh at that. “Nooo, thank you. My roster is officially fullll.”

Maggie faux pouts before she glances around the room and lowers her voice.

“Well, between you and me…so is mine.”

I raise my eyebrows at her in surprise.

“Oh really? Do tell.”

“You know Maryia Sewall?”

I think for a moment. “That girl you hooked up with at the back to school bonfire?”

She points at me and nods.

“We’re sort of dating,” Maggie shrugs, a blush touching her cheeks.

My mouth drops as I shove her softly.

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