Page 2 of Crimson Promises
“Bennett, do not cross me. You have an opportunity to obtain what you have always wanted. Don’t repeat your previous idiocy.” The figure gestured to Bennett’s gray wings.
Bennett clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening.
The figure approached Bennett with his hand extended, revealing a forearm corded with muscle. “Are we in agreement with the terms, Bennett Caelum?”
Bennett shook his hand. The figure had a firm grip.
“I’ll be in touch periodically. The same method that I used tonight.”
“But how can I reach you?” Bennett briefly averted his gaze to the stream the rain created that flowed into the drain beneath the streets. The water was reddish-brown from the mud as if it was a river of blood. When he looked back up, the individual was gone. All that remained was the howling wind.
Bennett lingered outside. Safely tucked inside a blue Victorian home resided the key to acquiring what he had always wanted. All he had to do was stay away from the girl and ensure she didn’t get into trouble. Simple.
His finger brushed the brand on his inner left wrist: three simple vertical lines next to each other, with a thicker line slashed across the others. Underneath, in cursive, the script read:Libertati vel mortis.
To freedom or death.
A permanent reminder of the decisions he had made and what they had cost him.
ChapterOne
Aurora
Arch Cape University was supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to reinvent myself. Instead, I’m reliving my high school experience: alone, snug in an oversized chair, and surrounded by the only friends I can rely on—books.
The wing-back chair sat in the library’s west annex, hidden deep amongst rows of shelves covering American history. It spanned some of the Rs, from the Revolutionary War to Roanoke. I stumbled on this gem earlier in the year, trying to find a book for my Western Civilization course. A Tiffany floor lamp sat behind the chair, casting the room in a cozy glow. No one else had ever stumbled upon my private reading quarters while I was there. Not that I would have minded the company.
My phone vibrated, dancing across the three-by-three makeshift table I had hobbled together from stacks of old books. I glanced down at the display before swiping my hand across the phone and pressing it between my ear and shoulder. “Hey, Dad. How’s it going?”
A well-worn copy ofJane Eyrewas open on my lap.There has to be a bookmark around here somewhere. I uncrossed my legs and lifted each knee to check.I settled for a brightly colored sticky note.It might not be a fancy Barnes & Noble bookmark, but it'll do the trick.
“Oh, you know—same old, same old. I just finished playing poker with the guys. Going to have a quick bite and then head to bed.”
“I bet Uncle Rick kicked everyone’s ass again per the usual.”
The familiar answering chuckle made me ache for the comfort of home. “He did, honey. Not much has changed since you left.”
If only he knew how true that was.I was happy to know he was getting out there again, even if it was just a card game once a week. He shouldn’t be in that house all alone.
“How is your night going? Going to bed soon?”
“Actually, I’m just getting ready to head out to the campus pub with some friends from class.” Lie. “We just finished studying and came back to get ready. Then we’re heading out again.” More lies.
“Sounds like fun. I won’t keep you, but I just wanted to check how you were doing.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Be careful. Don’t forget to put that pepper spray in your purse. And make sure you keep your drink covered—especially at a bar.”
I rolled my eyes. Constantly overprotective, but I was all he had left of Mom. Pretty sure pepper spray would be required when one truthfully had a social life. It’s not as though the books would start jumping from the shelves to attack me. “It’s already in my bag. I should go, Dad. Everyone’s waiting for me in the quad.”
“Okay, Aurora. I love you. Call me tomorrow.”
I couldn’t help my heart softening at his words. “I love you too, Dad. I’ll give you a ring after my morning class.”
Alone again with nothing but silence and words to keep me company.
I stuffed my books, rainbow of post-its, and navy moleskin notebook into my bag. A thrilling night of tea and more books awaited me, or a chick flick if I wanted to spice it up. The sound of laughter grew louder as I left the safety of my nook and approached the Coburn reading room. I stifled a groan, averting my eyes from the groups of friends gathered around the long study tables while walking past the circulation desk. A weight settled in my chest.Man, my life is pathetic.
