Page 54 of Smoke the Enemy

Our father turns to me and smirks. “Good job last night. You have food to take back to Allison. Proud of you, son. Did you have fun with that extra key?”

I completely forgot about the guy I fought for Taylor and the extra key. I don’t even know who it was. Looks like he wasn’t able to take another key though. Instead of answering my father, I give him the same bored expression I typically do.

“Right. Go pack and get going.” All pride and humor leaves his voice as he snarls. “Try to get rid of Van Doren before Spring Break.”

As we’re walking out, I nudge Succo. “Are you alright, man?”

“Can I tell you something in private?”

We hold back until everyone leaves. I wait for him to spill it. “Lee’s uncle? I fought with him. He tried to take my key, but I won. If I had, fuck, I don’t know shared…”

I have to remind myself that Succo is still a new member. His family line has been dwindling, and I don’t think he’s been exposed to as much as Steffan, Lee, and I. “He played the game and knew the risk. Who do you think fought gator bait and won? I fought him earlier, too. This doesn’t fall on you. This Angel fucker is going to pay for what he did. He’s to blame.”Even though the guy was going to be dead either way.

I’m impressed that Succo was able to beat an older member. Maybe I underestimated him as one of our soldiers. As we’re walking out, we hear a blood-curdling scream. More shouts and commotion. We get into the open foyer to see Lee being dragged by several men. Taylor comes running into my arms. “It’s Bailee! She was found in Lee’s bed. Stabbed and her skin flayed with a note that read ‘traitorous whore’. Lee was screaming he’s going to rip Bryce apart.”

“How the fuck would Van Doren get into the house?” I fume.

Succo’s shoulders rise and fall as he struggles to control his rage as well. “How’d anyone get in?”

“Itishim. Van Doren is the Angel Maker,” Steffan grumbles. “But still —how?”

“They have to be close. Lee was just here, and she must’ve been fine a few moments ago.” I start to take off in a run, but Taylor holds on to me.

“I’m scared, Soren. You can’t go! What if he gets you too?”

“What if he getsyou?Let me end this.”

I push her off me and take off. This shit ends now.

Blue Rose, Alabama

Taylor

After we flew back home, they forced Kali and me to stay home and lock the doors. We even have pledges surrounding the house. I’m furious. I assumed, or at least hoped, that when I left with them that I would be a part of everything. Now I’m back to being in the dark. As if Soren can feel my rage from wherever he is, I get a text.

Soren: I know you’re mad. This is for your safety.

Me: You have no idea how mad I am. You should be concerned for YOUR safety.

Soren: Little Mouse… are you threatening me.

Me: Are you scared?

Soren: I’m so fucking hard.

Me: Stop. I’m seriously mad.

Soren: Think of all the ways you want to punish me. I want you to unleash all that rage on me. Then let me try to win back your forgiveness with my tongue between your thighs.

Me: As mad as I am, you’re going to be there until you’re blue in the face.

Soren: Gladly.

I have to place my phone in my lap and take a moment. My body is aching with desire, especially after the night we shared. I never in a million years would’ve thought I’d be sending naughty text messages to Soren Carmichael, even if he is distracting me from being annoyed for keeping me in the dark. He claims it’s for my own protection, but it would be nice to know who or what I need protection from. Other than the obvious, Bryce Van Doren. And Alex. Maybe he has a point.

All I want to do right now is protect Soren from himself. I can’t wait to see him again. Our future is so unpredictable, but the more Soren opens himself up to me, the more attached I find myself becoming. He’s his own worst enemy with all the darkness he keeps buried, not allowing anyone to get close enough to shed some light into his life. I want to be his beacon of hope that he can have happiness, laughter, and carefree days. I want more nights of cuddling and talking. Maybe we can even have a lazy Sunday together.

This is running deeper than just an innocent attachment. I’m falling more and more in love with Soren. I also enjoy that he likes to watch me with his twin. Both brothers are so different, yet they both are driven and passionate. I want to always be at the center of their focus. These wanton thoughts and emotions are making my head spin. I should feel dirty, especially with how wet I’m getting, but all I want is for the danger that’s lurking around every corner to finally be over so I can have the twins to myself.

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