Page 36 of Savage Torment

As I reach my bedroom door, all set to make a pit stop at the bathroom before heading out, a jolt of nerves runs through my body. I’m sure my day won’t be calm. Not with the wolves, and certainly not with Blaze, but the need for some form of normalcy prevails.

I consider texting Bryony, but decide to go in search of her instead. So I take a deep breath, ready to face the day ahead. Swinging the door open, I only take half a step before I’m frozen in place.

My heart lurches into my throat, my pulse ringing in my ears as I blink profusely at the sight in the hallway. A gasp rasps from my lips as my hand slams against my chest and the sound alerts the sleeping man propped up against the wall across from my bedroom door.

Not just any man.

The man at the top of my hate list.

“You’re ready,” he mutters, swiping a hand down his face before he slowly rises to his feet.

I clear my throat, easing the tightness in my chest. “And you’re… here.”

Guilt sweeps across his face for the briefest second, a look completely out of place compared to his normally thunderous expression. He leans back against the wall, eyes looking anywhere but at mine as he scrubs at the back of his neck. “My ego wouldn’t let me knock on your door, but…”

My pulse quickens once again as the silence stretches out between us. But I remember my pep talk from moments ago and attempt to encourage him along.

“But…”

His eyes meet mine, hooded and conflicted.

“But nothing.” He lifts his head with the declaration, or lack thereof, and I scoff, remembering the man I’m dealing with.

“So to clarify, you’re here because my words meant something to you, but it does nothing to stop you being a total ass?” I clarify, and he rolls his eyes.

“Are we heading for breakfast or not?”

Oh, hell no. I’m not doing this. “I am, you can do as you please,” I state, moving to step past him, but his hand wraps around my arm instantly.

My eyes snap to his as he sighs. “I couldn’t leave.”

I can’t deny the fact that my heart rate accelerates at the verbal acknowledgment, but there has to be more to it than that. “I’m aware, Lincoln.”

He nods, uncertainty dancing in his eyes as he releases his hold on me. “I still left your room.”

I think he’s searching for clarity on where we stand right now, but that’s not something I can offer. I didn’t expect to see him here, not after the way he left.

“Also aware,” I reply, the words sharper than I intend.

“Midnight,” he breathes, lifting his hand toward me again, but I step away, avoiding his touch. “You’re supposed to answer me,” he murmurs, and I scoff.

“And you’re supposed to actually ask a question. On top of that, you’re supposed to be mature and learn that you don’t just get everything you want because you say so.”

“That sounds ridiculous,” he grumbles, and the fact that there’s not even a slight hint of humor or amusement in his voice confirms he’s still not ready to pull his head out of his ass.

I consider starting a tally of kneeing assholes in the balls, but decide my words seem to stick better when it comes to him.

“Do you know what else is ridiculous, Lincoln?” I ask, swiftly proceeding before he has a second to respond. “Leaving like you did last night. Now it seems we’re both dealing with the consequences of your actions.”

I spin on my heels and march for the stairs before he can say another word. Or even worse, I let him fuck away the memory of him abandoning me again.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”Bryony asks, keeping pace at my side as I storm away from the witches' dorms. Thankfully, she was in the common area waiting for me, but the second I didn’t stop, she knew something wasn’t quite right.

“I’m great,” I insist, my voice lighter than usual, giving me away, and she offers me a pointed look.

“You don’t seem great.”

I roll my eyes but remain focused on heading to the dining hall. “There’s an asshole trailing us who can probably hear everything I have to say and he doesn’t deserve the insight,”I grumble. Bryony glances over her shoulder and, just as expected, two words ring in my ears a moment later.

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