Page 136 of Let Us Prey
I spit the gum out and use the wad to stick the updated list to the glass, grinning at the image. It will remind me I am worthy of love and friendship, even if my bitchy mother doesn’t agree. I will not let her abuse me anymore—we will play her games onmyterms, as equal opponents.
Delores Diamond Drew has had enough. I’m a Rostoff now, bitch.
From now on, I’m going to do exactly what she suggested. I’m going to summon the inner strength to take control of my life, starting with figuring out how to keep more students from dying. If the Council and their lackeys won’t protect us, then we have to do it ourselves. Hiding in the dorms isn’t fixing anything, and I’m tired of running scared—like prey.
My lips curve as I pick up my phone, looking at it for a moment before I unceremoniously hang-up. Turning the ringer on silent, I drop it in the purse on my dresser, deciding once I figure out my plans, I won’t look at it again for the rest of the night.
Lucille Rostoff may be the enemy, but she’s no longer the boss of me.
A loud knock on my door has me freezing in place. For one frantic moment, I assume Lucille has somehow already sent Bruiser over here to punish me, but evenshedoesn’t work that fast. Staying absolutely still, I sniff the air, trying to determine who is in the hallway before they can scent me in return. I refuse to let anyone intimidate me or steer me away from my newfound confidence or mission. No matter what challenges come my way, Iwillsolve the mystery of what’s going on at Apex Academy, once and for all.
I may not be Nancy Drew, but I’d make a pretty decent Velma.
SEVENTY
When Doves Cry
Nicodemus
C’mon, open up!
I know she’s home—that mouthwatering scent of hers making me salivate, as usual—but it’s taking Delores longer than usual to answer the door.
Oh shit, I hope she’s not in there with someone else…
Racking my brain, I try to remember if one of the guys had a date scheduled with her for tonight. While I’m being purposefully left out of the loop in general, it’s been made crystal clear that weallneed to communicate on certain things from now on.
Mainly, Delores Drew.
I blow out an exasperated breath. Despite admitting he was also angry, Renard seemed to have my back with what happened, but when Bash refused to let me lead a family meeting, he simply threw up his hands. I don’t want the gargoyle to fight my battles for me, but how am I supposed to explain myself to a bunch of wolves who won’t listen?
Wolves who will never treat me like I’m one of them.
Cash seems to be internalizing everything again, which breaks my heart. I truly believed Delores had broken through the wall he’d constructed around himself since the trial, but lately it’s felt like he’s more closed off than ever. I attempted to sleep next to him, on a night when Lo was in Bash’s room, but my alpha had locked his door—something he’s never done before.
I’d really hoped, with Lo claimingme,that the others would see me as a more important member of this pack, but it’s clearly never going to happen. While I’mstillnot in a position to speak up for myself, at this point, as long as they’re all pitching in to protect Delores, I’ve decided I don’t need to interact with them any more than necessary.
Fuck ‘em, as Bash would say.
My heart pangs at the thought of my beta, but I immediately bury whatever emotion is trying to surface. Bash made it clear from day one that I was nothing but property to him—a toy he didn’t want anyone else playing with. Despite how Iwishedthings could be, he never felt the same way about me as I did about him.
He neverlovedme.
This moment of acceptance has a profound effect. I feel simultaneously grief strickenandelated, my body physically collapsing against the doorframe even as a weight is lifted from my shoulders. If I no longer feel tied to Sebastian Romulus, then perhaps I no longer need to pretend to be a Romulus at all.
What greater opportunity to be… me.
“Nicodemus Deoradhán,” Lo exhales in a breathy whisper as she finally opens the door. “What brings you to my doorstep?” Her smile is blindingly radiant, and at this moment, it’s only for me.
Even without the confirmation that we’re ‘fated mates,’ I’m addicted to this girl. When I’m not with her, I dream about every curve, facet, and tone that makes up the mosaic of Delores Drew. And when I’m in her presence, I want to create worshipful art in her image—a magnum opus to somehow convey everything she is—whether with paint, charcoal, clay, or glass…
Even my own blood.
“Well, I was about to go solve a mystery,” I bite my lip, legitimately excited about the puzzle I’m chasing. “And I was wondering if you might want to join me. It’s in the prey tunnels... "
Her smile falters, her brow furrowing momentarily before she shakes off the reaction. “Sure! I’d love to. Lemme just grab my boots and a hoodie.”
She’s put on more makeup than usual—not that she needs any of it—and again, I worry she already has plans for the night. But then I remind myself that I’mnota mind reader, and if someone else wants to claim her time, they should use their words, like a grownup wolf.
