Page 43 of Rebel

She let me sit with that for a moment. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of shit everyone had been talking about me. Although no doubt it was all true. I’d brought this on myself. The first time I met a girl that made my head spin and I was a piece of shit that fucked it all up.

I brought her hand to my lips, gently kissing her knuckles. “I can’t make any promises, pet. Trust me when I say that I wish I could. Making a promise would only guarantee that I’ll let you down. I know I’m an asshole, but I kind of want to be your asshole, and if that’s not good enough for you, I will totally understand.”

As far as heartfelt declarations went, it sure wasn’t Hollywood worthy. However, it was genuine.

A smile stole over her face. She rolled her eyes and punched me in the shoulder. “You’re really something else, you know that? I don’t even know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything. Sometimes it’s better that way.”

Her mother’s voice carried from inside the house, calling for Storm. She rose quickly, our hands separating. “I better get inside. Hopefully she has good news.”

“I’ll make some calls. I’ll let you know if I find anything. Chin up, beautiful. Everything will be all right.” Because I couldn’t leave her side without doing so, I kissed her.

Not the hungry kiss of needing to devour her, but something tender and soft, filled with affection. Feelings I still hadn’t come to terms with and maybe never would. She was hesitant at first before opening up and kissing me back. That simple action made my whole fucking day.

When I hopped to the fence back to my own yard, I immediately pulled out my phone to start calling around in search of Chase. The guy meant nothing to me. He’d wanted to fuck me up. Knowing it meant so much to Storm was my motivating factor.

That’s when I realized I would do anything for her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

STORM

The next few days passed in a blur. Chase never did turn up. Other than coming over to tell me that he hadn’t been able to find any information, I didn’t hear from Rebel much either. I got the feeling he was trying to give me space. Or maybe he was taking space for himself. My attention was elsewhere anyway. I needed to know what happened to my brother.

I continued to go to classes, doing my best to be the good little student. Sitting at home with Mom while she panicked wasn’t going to help either of us. Larry had taken time off work to be with her. Even though she said I could stay home, I decided going to campus would be better for me mentally.

My friends rallied around me. They did their best to keep the conversation positive and the good energy flowing. None of them had any idea where Chase ended up that night either. Athena went over and above to make sure I was all right, constantly checking in on me and coming by the house.

Then the worst day of our lives arrived. As soon as I walked into the house after school, I felt the shift in the environment. Something terrible had happened.

I found Mom and Larry in the living room. Mom was in pieces, crying her eyes out. Larry hugged her tight, saying nothing at all. Right away the adrenaline flooded me, preparing me for the worst.

“What happened? Did you hear something?” I stared at them with wide eyes, waiting for someone to fill me in.

Mom tried to speak but couldn’t get the words out between sobs. Larry took over from there.

“The police were just here,” he said. “They found Chase. It’s not good, Storm.”

“He’s dead?” I felt the blood drain from my face. Feeling like I was going to pass out, I sat heavily in the armchair across from where they sat on the couch.

Larry nodded. “I’m sorry. They think it was murder. They’re investigating. Apparently, some things were done to him to make them believe it might have been a crime ring or potential gang activity.”

“What do you mean? Tell me what they found. I need to know. I’m not a little kid. I can take it.” My voice rose, becoming shrill and demanding.

Mom and Larry exchanged a look. Mom nodded.

“Several of his organs were missing. They think it might have been someone involved with black market organ sales. They’re not sure. The investigation might take a while.”

My jaw dropped. Black market organ sales? No, it wasn’t possible. Rebel wouldn’t do this, would he?

My hands shook violently as I struggled for each breath. It took several deep breaths to clear my vision and keep me from blacking out. Mom rose from the couch and came to me, throwing her arms around me as she sobbed. I was too stunned to cry, although I knew the tears would come later. I hugged her back, holding her tight while she unleashed her pain.

This was no coincidence. Chase wasn’t anybody’s random target. I knew of one person for sure who had an issue with him since we moved here. My black market dealing next door neighbor.

Mom and I hugged one another for what felt like hours before she released me to go in search of more tissue. I shot to my feet, unsteady in the wake of my shock.

“I’ll be right back. I’m just going to sit on the front step and get some air.” Before anyone could stop me, I darted for the front door.

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