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

Chapter 4-Raven

When we return to the apartment, I find it difficult to hold back. As Brie microwaves some bagel bites, I settle down at the table. "It doesn't seem like clay is all that horrible."

"He's got you on his mind, Raven. Today, I saw it. It's a sight I've seen a million times before," she adds while attempting to maintain her composure. "Please avoid him; I'm warning you."

"Please, don't do this again. He isn't even that cute, "I lie. Why am I saying this? Although he is the most attractive man I have ever seen, I believe he is just as broken as I am. I would adore running my fingers through his thick, unruly hair, kissing him, and feeling the lingering motion of his exquisite lips against my neck.

What's going on? A shudder goes up my spine. Why am I feeling this way? My favourite dish, bagel bites, is placed in front of me by Brie. I hurriedly take one and try to push Clay from my mind.

"Thanks," I say, taking a bite out of one. We talked about her first year of college and how she met Logan as we eat. Brie met Logan in one of her classes. He kept trying to get with her, and she played along, but one night out together, he told her he loved her and wanted to be with her; she says she felt the same way, so she decided she was actually going to try and date him, and they've been together ever since. She says that when they are together, nothing else matters. I'm happy Brie found someone; she deserves it. Her phone goes off as she reads her screen, and her face goes pale.

"Raven, listen to me. You need to stay away from Clay." Cusoristy takes over, and I question her. "Why?"

"Logan said that Clay is dead set on making you his next pawn in this game that you two seem to love to play. He's looking at you like a challenge and won't stop until he wins. This could be dangerous, even for you, Ray." She says softly.

I'll never cave for a man; if he thinks I'm a challenge, then I'll make it difficult for him.

"Let him try," I tell her calmly. Why is everyone telling me to stay away from him? What's he going to do? Whatever it is, it makes this so much more enjoyable. "What time is this damn party?

"It starts at seven. The last party of the summer starts early and ends late, so go shower and get ready. It's already 6:30, so we need to get going." Brie continues. "All issues aside, I'm excited about your first college party."

"Yeah, yeah," I say, rolling my eyes and heading to my bedroom. I lock the door to my bedroom before entering the shower.

⁂

As the water rolls down my body, I continue to stand there and imagine Clay's face. Something in me tingles when he smiles. When he looks at me, I am out of breath. I've never felt anything like this before, and I don't particularly like it. I walk out of the bathroom, having just finished doing my hair and make-up.

I rummage through my closet; what does one wear to a college party? I pull out a pair of skinny jeans and a top, throw my clothes on, slip on my sneakers, and head out the door when Brie's voice stops me in my tracks. She is on the phone. I'm about to start walking until she says my name.

"You told me she wouldn't come. If Clay steps near Raven, Sloane will lose her mind. I don't want her to get hurt. Raven is my family; if Sloane does anything to her, I will kill her myself." She stops, I assume, to hear whoever she is talking to. I walk into the living room. "Logan, I've got to go. I'll see you in a bit," And like that, she hangs up. "Ready?" She asks me.

"Who's Sloane?"

"Oh, she is no one; don't worry about it."

"I'm not going anywhere until you answer my question." I sit on the couch, lying back. "Who is Sloane? And why would you be afraid of her hurting me?" I ask with curiosity in my voice. Brie walks around and sits on the couch across from me. "Well?" I ask.

"Sloane is a vampire, and an especially vicious and nasty one. She thinks she owns Clay since she is always ready and waiting when he says blow me or let's screw, and she always asks when and where. She is Clay's little lap dog. Him focusing on someone else annoys her."

"Okay, so you're telling me that I need to be afraid of some chick who is fascinated with a guy she will never truly have? What is she going to do, warn me to stay away from him like she is his mother?" I start to laugh.

"You don't get it, Raven; the last girl that got even remotely close to Clay disappeared. Rumour has it the girl switched schools, but I think she did something worse. Vamps have their way of dealing with things, and it goes unnoticed." Brie says, I look at her, and she has worry in her eyes. She knows I won't let anything happen to her or me. I move over to her and hug her.

"I'll be careful," I promise her. "Raven!" She knows me too well. "Please don't do anything stupid."

"I won't, but stupid is much more fun," I say with a grin.

⁂

Finally, after convincing her that I wouldn't pull any of the stupid stunts, we head to the party. As we were walking, I forgot to ask where we were going.

"Oh, it's at Clay's house," Brie says. "Don't worry, his family owns two properties, and the one we are going to is all Clay's."

I see a sign reading Cladwell Residence as we approach the house and think, "You've got to be kidding me." Cladwell University and the town were founded by members of his family. It makes sense that he can get away with all of his petty decisions. How could I be so stupid? When I heard him speak, I ought to have realised that two plus two equals four.

Great, I chose to play with fire.