Page 78 of PET

“I spoke with your mother, Billie. She wasn’t too happy to hear about her daughter’s sexual interest in two boys.”

Whipping my hard gaze to find her smirking in victory, I lower my lids and shake my head. “How old are you, lady? You sleep with high school boys, and play games like high school girls. If we didn’t need you, I’d—”

“Tell you what, princess… You get what I need from your mother, and I give you something you want.”

I’m about to take her up on her offer when Zeke cuts in with his own stipulation. “Don’t patronize our girl in front of us or you can fuck right off. This is actually how it’s going to go,princess.You’re going to shed off some time from Ms. Lucas’ time-served and we’ll get you what you want. But the legal documents have to be drawn up first. Or there’s no deal.”

My heart lurches with hope as Dana lets out a dry chuckle, shaking her head. “You think I can just snap my fingers and make that happen? Something like that takes weeks, Zeke. We don’t have that kind of time… Not unless you don’t mind holding your girl covered in her own blood.”

I can feel the tenseness rippling off of Zeke. Christian turns around and stares at her, crossing his bulging arms over his chest.

“No deal.” He slams the tongs down on the counter and takes my hand. “Come on, little hellfire. We’re getting the fuck out of here.”

But before we even cross the kitchen, Dana’s launching up from her chair with her hands up. “Okay, okay, okay! Let’s not do anything rash here, yeah? I’ll… make some calls and see what I can do.”

With a smirk, Christian throws her a wink. “You know where to find us when you get us the answer we want. Zeke, grab the bacon.” He pulls me along, stopping again to say, “Don’t mind the screaming.”

Chapter 32

BILLIE LUCAS

Thesoundofadeep buzzing echoes around us when an officer pushes open the bars, locking it up behind us before another set is open. I’m alone with the jailers, unable to bring the boys in with me because of protocol or something along those lines.

I don’t like being in here alone, though. The amount of locked doors we have to pass through just to get to the visitation area makes my skin crawl. I can’t imagine what my mom is going through being locked up in this place. But I’m working on getting her out—she just has to cooperate and give me some information today.

“All visitations are subject to a maximum time of one hour. No exceptions. You may briefly hug and kiss the inmate at the beginning and end. We may cut the time short if we deem necessary or for any emergency situation within the prison. Do you understand?” the officer asks with a piercing gaze.

Gulping, I slightly nod my head while twisting my fingers together. He makes me nervous. This entire situation makes me nervous.

But when another buzzing comes, allowing the solid white door to open before me, I instantly relax when I see my mother standing there.

I can’t help the sprint I do across the room, and right into her arms. Tears blur my vision when she sobs into my hair, kissing the top of my head. I’m pretty sure I saw other families and couples in the room with each other, but I only had eyes for my mom.

“Break apart,” another officer barks from his position in the corner.

Mom grabs my arms and gently pushes me back, getting a good look at me while tears swim in her eyes. A small smile lifts as she lets out another sob.

“Baby, you look so grown up.”

When I wipe away a stray tear, I laugh and cry simultaneously. “I’ve missed you so much, Mom.”

“I know, baby. I know.” She takes my hands and guides me to the nearest empty table. “I’ve been worried sick thinking about you being in that house with Patrick all alone. Have you made new arrangements with the Veradins? Honey, what’s this I hear about you dating Christianandhis friend Zeke at the same time? I think I might be going crazy in here. Billie, tell me what’s new. How’s school and—”

“Mom,” I cut her off in a rush, laughing. “I’m sure the conversation in this place isn’t the most desirable, but you have to give me a chance to comment, okay?”

She laughs, squeezing my hands. “Sorry, baby.”

“Let’s recap, shall we? I’m no longer in the house with Uncle Patrick because he’s a maniac who put a letter opener to my throat. I was going to stay at Christian’s but then something happened that’s a really long story that involves a Halloween party and a huge dramatic scene. Then a bat cave, that was a headquarters of some kind for the society. Yep, I know about that.

I am dating Christian and Zeke at the same time, and I’ve never been happier, Mom. They treat me like their—” I stop myself before the wordpetspews from my lips. “Like their queen. And I’m pretty sure they’re into each other, too.” I wave my hand with a giggle. “Carrying on… If you think you’re going crazy, there are therapists on staff at the prison, Mom. There’s a lot of new things going on in my life—which is actually why I’m here.”

Taking a big inhale, I grin. “Yeah, that was a lot. I was one hundred percent honest with you, so I’m hoping you’ll do the same when I ask you some of my own questions.”

She nervously looks around the room, checking to see if anyone had heard my rushed ramblings. Nobody is even looking in this direction. They’re all enveloped with their own inmate or family member. We probably don’t even register on anyone’s radar—the same way none of them registered on mine when I entered the room.

“Mom, tell me more about the society and—”

“Shh, you can’t talk about that here.” Again, she looks around nervously before leaning in and whispering, “If they hear us, we’re both dead.”

---