The Broken Raven - A Paradox Of Two Worlds Series Book 1

Chapter 2- Raven

In my room, the sun is shining strongly. It's just 7:30 in the morning when I roll over and check the time on my phone. I get up from my bed and go to the bathroom. As I enter the shower, I consider how the campus would look. I hear shuffles coming down the stairs as I'm getting ready. I turn to head towards the kitchen as Brie and another man descend the stairs. He is adorable, has blonde hair and blue eyes, and is only around 5'10". He turns to face me and says,

"Hey. You must be Raven; my name is Logan." He grins. I respond with a smile and say, "Hello, nice to meet you."

After giving Brie a kiss on the cheek, he walks away. I move over to the counter to begin brewing coffee, and ask Brie as I turn to face her. "Boyfriend or boy toy?"

"He is my boyfriend. I tried to stay away. I wanted to spend college being single and having fun with you, but I couldn't," she says. I start to laugh; she playfully smacks my arm.

"No, truly, college boys are so different; they understand what girls want and how to treat you nicely. You could probably find someone to rip your dark heart open." She says while keeping her eyes fixed on me. That is not going to happen in a million years. I've known for a very long time that I'm not good with love. For me, it does not exist. I avert my gaze from her and shrug.

But she doesn't let it go that easily. "Come on, don't be so cynical," she says, nudging me with her elbow. "You never know; maybe you'll meet someone who changes your mind." I roll my eyes, knowing that she means well but also knowing that it's just not in the cards for me. Love is a concept that has always felt foreign to me, like something that only happens in movies or fairy tales. And besides, even if it did exist, I don't think I'm the kind of person who could handle it.

"Oh, come on, you don't like them—what could possibly go wrong? Enjoy yourself; someone might surprise you. This is college. Where is the Raven I know, the one that enjoys playing with boys' heads?"

"Fine." I cave quickly, knowing she is wrong. I couldn't help but ask, "Human or vampire?"

"Who, Logan? He's a vampire, and a cute one at that," she says with a smirk. I look up at her and nod in agreement. "His best friend, Clay, is cute too! But I want you to stay away from him."

"Why?" I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Before you say anything, yes, Clay is a vampire as well. Once he sees you, Clay won't be able to resist; he will try everything in his power to make you fall in love with him, then leave you high and dry just like that," she says, snapping her fingers. I start giggling as I turn to face her.

Is she serious?

She continues. "He has slept with pretty much every girl on campus. He likes to play with girls. It's his hobby; he is the only guy I don't want you to play with." She says this, looking down.

I can feel the weight of her words and the concern in her voice. It's clear that she cares about me and doesn't want to see me get hurt. But at the same time, I can't help but feel intrigued by this Clay. What is it about him that draws so many girls in? Is it his charm, his looks, or something else entirely? 

"Seriously, do you forget who you're speaking to? No matter how hard he tries, he won't be able to get past my defences. Keep in mind that love is a myth." I tell her. "But even before classes begin, you made the experience of attending college much more enjoyable." I laugh as I make my way to the sink and set my mug down.

"You're my best friend, and if anything happened to you, I would lose my mind." She looks upset, but how often does she have to witness my black heart, as she calls it, not react to anyone?

"I know," I say. "But you know a girl is a boy's greatest weakness, vampire or not, and I'm every boy's weakness," I say with a smirk.

"Fine, just be careful, please." She sighs heavily. I nod. "Plus, I think I've already found my next pawn." I smile.

"Oh Lord, save us and help that poor guy," Brie says while stifling a laugh. "Okay, now go get ready, so I can show you around campus." She instructs me. I walk into my closet and get dressed. I slip my Jordans on and look in the mirror.

Great, I still look like crap.

I put a little make-up on and leave my hair down. I walk out to see Brie, ready to go.

⁂

The condo is about a 30-minute stroll from the school. When we arrive, Brie shows me the courtyard first, which makes me quite happy, and then says something about Logan meeting us. I wasn't paying attention since I was admiring the towering trees that covered the place—a great area to read and unwind—when I noticed him across the yard.

"Who's that?" I ask Brie.

"That, my dear, is Clay."

She didn't say he was this hot when she claimed he was good looking, though. I am able to see him better when Logan and Clay move closer to us. At least 6'3 and tan, he has tattoos and is attractive. When they get close, Clay stares at me; his jet-black hair is a mess, and his dark-grey eyes are just above the level of his eyebrow-raising locks. It's understandable why girls would fall in love with him given his looks, but I'm not one of them. When he smiles, I realise.

"Oh shit," I mutter.

"What?" Brie says, getting herself all worked up.

"Remember when I said I found my next pawn?" She nods.

"That's him; Clay is the newest piece in my game of chess."

"This is not going to be good." Brie mumbles. "It won't go down well because the two of you are similar." She turns to me and says, "He will do everything to shatter you, Ray; step back and find someone else, please." She begs.

I give her a lifeless gaze as I glance at her. "Are you kidding? You should be aware by now that if you give me instructions, I will act in opposition to them; therefore, if your friend Clay is injured while playing my game, it is your fault," I tell her with a friendly smile. She rubs her face and sighs, "Fine," She states and shakes her head.