Page 118 of Dead Wolf Walking (Bad Moon Academy 1)
He groans. “Fine, for you, I’ll make it happen.”
“Thanks,” I say and pop another piece of steak into my mouth.
“Of course. I’m going to go get it set up.” He stands, taking his tray with him.
I frown after him, guilt pricking at me for making him cut his dinner short. Though I don’t feel too bad when I see he’s carrying it out of the cafeteria instead of dumping the food. At least he’ll still eat. Focusing back on my plate, I finish up so I can meet him in the theater for movie night. I drop off my dirty dishes in the dish bin and head up to the second floor.
A cool wind rushes over me from the west wing when I reach the landing. I stare down the darkened hall, but I can’t see anything. I take a step in that direction.
“I hope you’re hungry! I made popcorn and stole some of Draco’s beef jerky,” Everett says, pulling my attention from the darkness.
With a grin, I take in the armful of snacks he has. “We literally just ate.”
He smirks. “So?”
“Touché.” I laugh and grab a bucket of popcorn from him and we head into the theater right as the opening scene toBridesmaidsbegins playing. While I love this movie, Kristin Wiig isn’t distracting enough to make me forget about the west wing and what I have to do.
Tonight, I go save Joan.
Chapter 27
Raven
After the first movie, he picked out one of his favorites,Dodgeball, and we stayed in the theater for a few more hours. I feigned sleepiness once it finished and we came back to lie down. Since he ate most of the snacks, I figured he’d fall asleep pretty quickly. I wasn’t wrong.
I slip away while Everett is fast asleep, not bothering to wake him. What comes next, I have to do alone. They can’t help me get Joan back. I’m the only one who can journey to the other world, but the spirit is strong enough to hurt them, or worse, kill them. I can’t let anyone get hurt because of me.
Leaving my shoes behind, I cross the floor on bare feet and gently twist the knob. Thankfully, the door doesn’t creak when I open it and Everett is still sleeping when I ease it closed. The hall is empty, so I rush down it, cringing at the dirt underneath my feet. I really can’t wait to get out of here. Adler said his fae friend would be here today. Hopefully, that means they’ll come straight to the academy to help me.
I trail my palm over the banister and descend to the second floor on my tiptoes. The silence permeates the air, almost more eerie than if there were strange noises. With the quietness thick like a blanket, I step over the velvet rope blocking off access to the west wing and start down the hall.
“Raven,” Everett whispers my name, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
I didn’t hear him following me.
Spinning around, I rush toward him. “You can’t come with me.”
He shakes his head. “You can’t go alone.”
“I agree,” Draco says as he appears behind him, stepping over the rope.
Carter follows after him. “We’re coming with you.”
“Were you all following me?” I whisper-scream the question at them.
“Little Red, of course we were.” Why does Draco almost sound offended that I didn’t realize it?
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you guys have to wait here. I won’t be able to concentrate if you’re there.” Not to mention, they might get eaten by an evil spirit.
“If you think I’m staying behind while you face whatever that thing is—”
“No, Everett, she’s right. We’ll only get in the way.” Carter places his hand on his chest to keep him from coming after me. “We’ll wait here for you?”
I nod, shooting him a grateful smile. “I won’t be long.”
Everett shoves Carter’s hand away and paces in front of the velvet rope. Draco scowls at his friend, but Carter simply dips his head in understanding. “Don’t let the darkness consume you.”
Wrinkling my nose at his strange words, I give him a thumbs-up. Real smooth, I know, but what the hell am I supposed to say to something like that. I turn and make my way down the hall, occasionally glancing over my shoulder to make sure they stay put. After the third time checking and seeing them where I left them, I take a deep breath and push through the ballroom door.
