Page 28 of Royal Havoc

“Cut the shit, Zoey. Where is he?” I demand, shaking from the anger boiling in my veins.

Her eyes dart behind me, and I spin. “Onyx!” she calls, trying to grab me. But I’m too fast, and speed is a requirement to ensure I don’t lose him.

Suddenly, Carney steps from the masses, forcing me to change directions, back peddling a couple of steps. The baby deer hovers at her side, both glaring at me.

What did Zoey say her name was? Mal?

Within seconds, I notice a crowd forming a circle around us. Curious eyes ready to gain their first dose of gossip for the day, so hushed voices can pass along their creative versions, spinning the truth into their perceptions to gain attention.

Mal’s glare rises above my head when I feel Zoey’s presence behind me.

“You must be lost. The invisible section’s down there,” Carney sneers, pointing towards the opposite end of the hall before shooing me away in disgust. “Isn’t that right, Zoey,” she questions. Her side kick smirking beside her like the idiot clown she is, showing me everything I need to know.

It’s laughable that thisgirlthinks she can embarrass me.

Pulling a tissue from my purse. “Sorry, you’ve got a little something right…” pointing at the corner of her mouth, holding out the tissue.

Her brows dip, staring at me in confusion as she rips the tissue from my hand. “What?” she hisses, glancing at her clown, seeking reassurance.

I meet Vex’s stare over her shoulder, smiling wickedly. “Vex, I’ve told you to clean up your toys. You can’t let your dick sucker run around with evidence dripping off her chin. It’s rude.” Winking at Carney’s stunned face. “No worries, I got you,” I assure her with a straight face.

Muffled laughter erupts around us as I blink at her red cheeks, waiting for her to say something. Obviously, no one’s challenged her before because the wait’s about to make me yawn.

She closes the small distance between us while I stand my ground. “You don’t know who —”

“What’s that?” I taunt when she whispers. “Say it with your chest. I don’t think the crowd can hear,” I tell her loudly. “Because that’s what you want, right?” Remembering what Zoey said to me yesterday. “To be in everyone’s mouth? Oh… or do you want them in yours?” I ask her seriously, staring at her with wide eyes.

Carney’s face can’t turn any redder as I notice her clown appears to be clueless. Zoey coughs behind me, hiding her laughter.

I’m bored and ready to handle the prick throwing silver lasers at me.

I stroll past his toy, ignoring the raindrop-size tears flooding her eyes. “Stay the hell away from my house,” I grit, stabbing at Vex’s chest with my finger.

I assume it’s Zeke — Zoey’s twin — standing beside him from the messy grayish-white hair scattered over his head. It seems he’s struggling to hold in laughter as his green eyes bounce from Vex to me.

Annoyed that Vex hasn’t responded. “Sorry, let me use smallerwordsso you understand. I. Hate. You. Go play with Miss Sunshine, and stay away from me,” I finish sharply, ready to walk away, confident I’ve made my point.

His hand wraps around my throat before I can turn, cutting off my airway as he spins me, shoving me into the lockers.

Our eyes silently duel as he leans close. “Strike three,” he rasps, shaking his head slowly. Darkness starts to distort the edge of my vision, his fingers flexing while precious seconds of missed air tick by. My heartbeat hums in my ears, silencing thepolished hall. “Open,” I barely hear him rasp, my reality starting to tilt.

The need to breathe overtakes my deteriorating senses, forcing me to dig my nails into his hand, scratching at his flesh. My mouth opens on its own, and he spits inside hard enough to choke me if my airway wasn’t already constricted.

He slams the back of my head on the metal before releasing me. Instantly, I try to fill my burning lungs, choking at the same time I crumble on the marble floor, tears spilling down my cheeks.

“Take her home,” I hear him order before Zoey kneels in front of me, offering me her hand.

fourteen

Burnt Strings

Onyx: 2024

Zoey side-eyes me nervously from the driver’s seat of her SUV, carefully watching the road and me as I yank down the visor to inspect my throat.

“That mother fucker,” I growl, examining the small bruises already forming on my neck from his fingertips.

“I tried to —”

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