Page 83 of Into The Darkness

“Which it will.”

“If you care about this girl and are going through all these hurdles just to be with her, do you realize what a walking contradiction you are?”

“She is going to understand. I love her. I have always loved her. I will always love her.”

“If she finds out about this plan with your dad, though—”

“She isn’t going to.” I was pissed. Ember would not leave me. I would figure out a plan that made the bonfire look like an accident. My father, the cartel, and the Den would know who was involved, that was it. Just as with the tattoo, she would mourn, but I would protect her because she was all that I had. She was everything that made sense.

“You know that everyone that comes to the house has to get tattooed if they are important to us. It’s our way of protecting them. You actually did something that would protect her,” Rain assured me, as if he could read my thoughts.

“Or somehow put a target on her back.” I groaned.

“I cannot lose her, Rain. I never had a mom growing up. I never had anyone who cared for me in the way that Ember does. My dad was always so harsh and cold, but when I met her, she brought me a light I didn’t know existed—a love I didn’t know could be possible.”

Rain ran his hands through his hair. “So you’re going to make it seem accidental? She will come running to you, then graduate, and life will be perfect?”

“I mean . . .”

I didn’t have a choice. No, not a single option was available for me other than what my fucking father wanted.

“It’s what needs to be done.”

He huffed. “Okay, Ash.”

I stalked closer to him. “What is wrong with you? Are you doubting me, your leader?” I seethed.

“No, sir.” He mocked. “I am just tired and stressed.”

I paused and let the cool demeanor fade from my body, bringing forth a softer side of myself. The vulnerable side that Ember taught me to have.

“I love her, Rain,” I muttered.

“I know you do” was his simple response.

“I cannot imagine a world where Ember and I aren’t together. I know nothing makes sense and I’m making shit up as we go, but she now holds a part of me that if I couldn’t have her anymore, I would fucking break.” My voice trembled as the truth rolled out of me.

“Okay.” Rain looked away from me and shook his head. “Fuck. Fine. What do you need from me?”

I gave him a small smile, then patted him on the back. “Thank you, brother.”

Chapter thirty-four

Four Months Later

Life settled into a quiet rhythm over the next few months. Ash and I spent most of our free time together, juggling classes, my library job, and study sessions. We had settled into a routine that brought a sense of stability. The ritual at the Den seemed to have cast a shield of protection over us, and I felt safer, more secure.

Most of our free time was spent at the house. Now that we were officially a couple and off-limits to others on campus, we frequented the place more often. The guys seemed to accept me, with Rain even softening, as he let me share in some Xbox victories. Ash and I established our own little traditions: post-class diner visits on Fridays, and Sunday afternoons at his special rock. Occasionally, Pico and Marissa joined us for double dates, and my friendship with Marissa deepened, becoming a regular feature of my week—coffee dates and study sessions at the library.

Meanwhile, my interactions with Maddy and Beatrice grew sparse, mostly limited to brief greetings in passing. As strange as it may sound, I found solace in this quietude, hesitant to disrupt the calm that had graced my life.

My dad and Walsh had visited me a couple of times, and I had ventured to the Alpha house a few times alone. While I noticed a few disapproving glances from some of the house members, who were likely aware of my relationship status, Walsh never brought it up, leaving me to enjoy my newfound sense of normalcy.

Was it weird that I was no longer being trailed? Absolutely. Was I going to live in my own blissful world of being wrapped up in the love I felt? Also, yes.

It was the first time in my life I got to be selfish. I got to know what it felt like to fall totally, completely, and madly in love.

However, the bonfire was closing in, and I knew the Alphas and the Den would wreak havoc on each other this Saturday, which was only a few days from now. I also was aware from eavesdropping on some members that it was mostly the two leaders that had it in for each other, which meant Ash and my brother were going at it.

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