Page 50 of Into The Darkness

I hated seeing her cry, but I was consumed in my own anger and frustration. I hated that I made her cry, but that’s how it was between us. There would always be some barrier preventing us from getting together, wouldn’t there?

“Let me walk her out,” Rain, who had appeared from behind us, said, and I nodded before walking away.

This was not the fucking place. I needed to get my father out of here and this fucking party over with tonight so I could focus on being a student.

I walked back into the dining room where my father was still sitting.

“Lover’s quarrel?” He mocked.

“Are you finished, Father?” I seethed, containing the urge to lash out physically. I may have possessed size and strength, but he held the strings of power. He trained me to lead but always within the boundaries he set. His authority was unassailable.

“I’m acting in your best interest,” he declared, rising from his seat.

“No, you’re safeguarding the cartel’s interests,” I countered with a disdainful edge.

He met my words head-on. “Indeed. And what’s best for the cartel aligns with your future leadership.”

Shaking my head, I muttered, “I have a party to oversee tonight, Father.”

“Get laid tonight. Take your mind off the Solis girl. She is only a pawn, right, son?” I nodded, and my father exited the room as quickly as he came.

I slammed my hands onto the wooden table the moment the front door shut.

“Fuck!” I erupted, the complexity of the situation weighing heavily. I longed to apologize to Ember, realizing once more how my anger and my father’s web of intrigue had ensnared her in this mess.

Chapter twenty

“He is a fucking dick,” I said as Rain walked me outside the fraternity. He was carrying my bag and handed it to me when we got outside.

“He is going through a lot, Ember.” Rain’s voice was much more melodic than Ash’s. I could almost feel the sincerity coursing through his words.

“That doesn’t give him permission to speak to me like that. I was just trying to help.” As we got to the gate, Rain entered the code and pushed it open.

“No, it doesn’t,” he responded, giving me an empathetic nod. “Come on.”

“What do you mean?” I asked as Rain walked toward a small white motorcycle.

“Get on, Ember. I will drive you home.” I looked down at the bike, then back up at Rain.

“Absolutely not.” I shook my head. “Do you know the chances of us getting seriously injured on a motorcycle, especially since the roads are slick from the rain last night?” Rain chuckled, handing me the helmet.

“No.” Stomping my foot, I hoped he would somehow understand my insistence on not getting on it, but he only inclined his head at the bike, giving me a sly grin.

“Rain,” I whined. “I’m in a freaking dress.”

“Fine,” he said, rolling his eyes, then walking over to Ash’s car.

“You have the keys to his car?” I asked.

“Yup. Brothers, remember?”

“Fine, but I am not going home. I am going to my brother’s for lunch.”

Rain hesitated, knowing he would have to drive me to the Alpha house.

“Get in, Ember,” he said after a moment while holding the door open for me. I hopped into the familiar seat, and Rain jumped in next to me, pulling out of the driveway and heading toward the Alpha house.

“About earlier . . .” Something had to be said about the fact that I saw this man naked.

---