Page 114 of A Lesson in Obedience
“I don’t need to be so just stop.”
He sighed, stepping around me. He moved his hand around, using his powers to lift Grayson from the floor and throw him onto the other couch. “You mean your little telepath. I didn’t do that, his father did. Horrible accident, so I heard. He’s alive so you should be grateful.”
“Your entire thought process was that you never wanted to hurt me, but everything you’ve done has proven otherwise. Everything that you do makes me the sole reason why everyone is in pain, scared or dead.”
He licked his lips, tilting his head to the side. “Are you here to scold me? Would you like me to apologize? What you did in those woods, what you did to my mother, all of it was your own doing. You can’t keep your emotions in check, you can’t handle a little push and shove…that is not on me, sweetheart. Your powers are tempting. It’s so easy to let them out, know how much strength it gives you and in turn you use that strength to make people submit.” He pinched the bridge of his nose as if I was exhausting him. “What I am sorry for is not being there for you and helping you with that magic. I’m sorry I wasn’t more vigilant when it came to my own mother and the fact that she helped Jillian smother your powers into that abhorrent necklace.”
He sauntered over to me, letting his fingers grasp the jewelry around my neck. “This dupe around your neck might comfort you, but you can’t go back now.”
“I know,” I spat back, planting my feet to stand my ground. I knew what I had to do and no one that truly cared for me would like it, but…it was my best shot. “I want you to leave them alone. The wolves, my friends, the guys, everyone. Leave my mother out of it, leave everyone’s familiesoutof it. Stop manipulating people to do your bidding. Tell Oliver to back off,” I stuck my finger into his chest. “And stop stealing from the coven. Justfuckingstop.”
His eyes sparkled with intrigue. “And why would I do that, hmm?”
“Because you’ll have me.”
He reared his head back, bringing his hand to his chin. “Finally admitting you need me?”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “No. But I know when I’ve had enough.”
“Riley…” Grayson slung his arms over the couch, lifting himself up. He looked at me confused and alarmed. “What are you doing?”
My insides hurt but I would find a way to fix this. I just needed to be away from them; they needed to trust me.
I cut my eyes to Chancellor Fowler. “Do you have a way to get him back to the hospital?”
He rubbed his hands together in delight. “Of course I do. Riley, I don’t want you to think you can’t see these boys. I want you to be happy. But you know I don’t tolerate meddling in my plans, so if they think…”
“They won’t,” I snapped, walking over to Grayson who sat up on the couch and grabbed my hands when they were in reach. I leaned down to kiss him, speaking against his lips softly for only him to hear. “Please trust me. Be as normal as possible and don’t do anything. Not yet.” He pulled back slowly.
Chancellor Fowler snapped his fingers, addressing the girl on the couch. “Laura, would you mind?” He waved his hand towards Grayson, and the girl quickly left the room to fetch whatever he’d silently asked for.
“We’ll have to figure out next steps. Obviously, the coven is dealt with. That girl that bothered you is none of your concern any longer and we’ll need to move your stuff here. I’m sure you’ll want that familiar of yours. I’ll have to introduce you to mine and teach you how to keep them out of your hair unless you need them. Despite her secrets, I would never keep you from your mother, so we will work that out so you two can see…”
His ramblings went on and on, but none of whathe said really surprised me. I cut him off, his incessant talking grating on my ears. “And you’ll do what I asked?”
Chancellor Fowler stood in front of me, cupping the sides of my face in his hands as if I was his most precious possession. “Yes. I promise. I will leave them alone. None of it really matters anymore.” My shoulders stiffened when he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
Footsteps sounded and we both looked to see a tall man come over.
“Take him back to the medical center.” Chancellor Fowler nodded over to Grayson.
My shadow wielder got up from the couch and started backing away from what I only assumed was another shadow wielder.
Chancellor Fowler scoffed. “He isn’t going to hurt you. I promised my daughter, no more.” He sounded proud to be able to say that, knowing that in his eyes I’d submitted fully with no ounce of backlash in sight.
Grayson looked right at me the moment I turned around to see him and I mouthed, “Trust me.”
He gave a few small nods as if he understood and let himself be shadowed away. I took in a shaky breath, “This doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you for the things you’ve done.”
Chancellor Fowler hummed. “All in due time. Come, let me show you your new home, while I send someone to go get your things.”
44
Asher
Ifinally took a minute to step out of River’s room. I was tired as fuck and based on what many of the nurses said, he would be okay. I didn’t see Grayson or Riley which was odd, but I couldn’t think about it long when I heard rattling inside River’s room. I hustled towards the bedside table, seeing his phone light up.
The name on the screen was Riley’s mom. I hesitated, but picked it up anyway.
