Page 29 of Shattered Skull

Maybe one of Erik’s friends?

Also, had my mother and brother really forgotten and ignored me?

“Thank you so much for the ride,” I said, opening the car door.

“Of course, girl. Any time. Hey, listen,” she said, catching my attention before I closed the door. “We’re going back out to The Strip Friday. You should come. We had fun last time.”

I laughed.

“I was so out of place.”

“Not true. You’re just new. Think about it, okay?”

I nodded. “I will. See you in class tomorrow.”

I shut the door, and she pulled away, leaving me at home with the strangers I lived with. I passed the unfamiliar car and peeked inside, but the windows were tinted dark, and I couldn’t see.

When I stepped through the front door, I was confronted with the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. I followed the sounds, and when I stepped into the kitchen, the laughing stopped.

Erik’s eyes grew large. “Oh shit. I forgot to go back and pick you up from school. I left early today. How did you get home?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes, tossing my bag onto the floor, and went to the sink for a glass of water.

“Zada,” I answered, downing the glass of water. I set the empty glass on the counter. “Whose car is out front?” I asked.

“That’s mine,” I deep voice answered.

I turned to find a young guy at the table I hadn’t noticed before. I was so angry with Erik and Mom I hadn’t even seen the guy.

He was obviously one of Erik’s friends. Tall and tan with shaggy dark hair and bright green eyes. He was wearing loose jeans and a dark T-shirt that showed his tattooed-covered arms. My eyes trailed over his chest before landing on his face and his brow piercing.

He smiled and flicked his tongue, his tongue ring clicking against his front teeth.

Then I got the shock of a lifetime.

“Everly, this is Will, my new boyfriend,” Mom said, standing next to the stranger and grabbing his hand.

Her smile was broad, and her eyes were glassy.

She had to be on something. No way was she serious. He looked young enough to be her son. He put the word boy in the boyfriend.

“Yeah, right,” I said.

Mom’s smile dropped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean, he’s one of Erik’s friends, right?”

Erik snickered at the side, sitting at the table and stuffing his mouth with chips.

“I just met him,” Erik said. “Be a little more open-minded, Ev. He’s nice.”

“Sorry,” the green-eyed stranger said, stepping forward with his hand out for me to shake it. “I’m Will. Your mom told me all about you.”

God, I could only imagine the stuff she told this kid.

I reached out and took his hand; it was warm and hard against mine. “Nice to meet you.”

I quickly pulled my hand from his and wiped it on my jeans. His eyes followed my movements, and he smiled.

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