Page 49 of Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven
I lean on my elbows, resting my chin in my hands. “I need food and caffeine first.”
After we both ate breakfast, I was just about to begin our uncomfortable conversation when Declan made his entrance. This was the first time I hadn’t seen the man in a suit.
“Raven.” He dips his chin and opens the fridge.
“Morning,” I murmur as I watch him closely.
I remember Autumn saying he was a vampire, but he looks human to me. The sun was even shining on his skin, and he wasn’t the least bit effected. No sparkles or nothing.
“I’m so freaking late!”
I jolt in reaction to Presley’s shriek coming from behind me.
“I have an appointment that I cannot miss.” She shuffles over to me barefoot, her silver wedges dangling from her fingertips. “Oh. Bacon.” She snatches a piece from my plate and stuffs it into her mouth. “So good.”
I lift a brow as she swallows. “Where are you going?”
“What do you mean?” She asks as she slips on one of her heels.
“Appointment?” I hand her my glass of juice after she puts on the other shoe.
She takes a big gulp then drops it back in my hand. “It’s nothing.” She flicks her wrist. “But I can’t believe our apartment is under evacuation.” She fluffs her hair. “Some chemical situation.”
I frown, then glance over at Locke who has his eyes narrowed on Declan. Declan shrugs when my gaze meets his before he reaches for the coffee pot.
“My Uber should be here.” She swipes across her phone screen, then her eyes land on Locke.
“What are you doing here?” She looks at me. “Why is Professor Locke here?” She whispers, like neither one of them can hear her.
“This is my house, Presley.” Locke crosses his arms.
Her eyes move to Declan. She trials them down his tall frame, then back up before dropping her phone in her purse. “You ditched the suit.”
“I can ditch these too if you ask nicely.” He smirks.
She rolls her eyes and faces me. “I got to go. We can discuss this….” She nods her head slightly in the direction of the two men. “Situation later.”
“Alright,” I call out as she leaves.
Planting my palm on my forehead I let out a deep and defeated sigh before I meet the attention of a confused Locke and a smug Declan.
“I need to see it. I need to know I’m not crazy.”
Chapter thirty-six
Locke
Raven and Declan follow me out into the back garden. It’s lined with rose bushes, and a path that winds its way through the rows of abstract flowers and plants. I don’t really have a green thumb, but Frankie comes out here at least twice a month to work her magic.Literally.Her kind are very in tune with nature, and she uses a lot of these plants for herbs and mixtures.
I turn, not being able to keep my hands from Raven. Reaching out I land them on her shoulders and squeeze lightly, relieved when she doesn’t flinch away.
“Whatever you see, please know I would never hurt you. Don’t be scared of me.” I slide my hands down and back up. “Declan will be right here.”
She side eyes him. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? Can’t he like, drain my blood and leave me for dead?”
Declan chuckles. “I could, but I’ve been clean and sober for years now. No human blood for me.”
“So do you drink blood at all?” She asks.
