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

Chapter 6- Raven

It's late, the journey back to my apartment is comparatively quiet, and I have a ton of work to do tomorrow. Maybe I shouldn't tease Clay since he seems like a nice guy. Was I thinking that? Brie has previously stated that to him, I am merely a game. "Stay one step ahead of your opponent." My aunt's words linger in the back of my mind.

I'm shaken out of my thoughts by my phone vibrating. I take it out of my back pocket to see Brie's name pop up.

Where did you go? The text read.

On my way home, I reply.

Are you walking alone? Logan could have driven you home.

I'm not alone. Clay is driving me home. Don't be out too late. I'll see you when you get home, I respond, then shut my phone off.

"Brie checking up on you?" Clay asks.

"Yes," I say.

"Can I ask you something?" Clay says with a soft voice. His voice alone would turn any girl on.

"Sure, go for it." I shrug my shoulders. "I'm an open book."

"Why Cladwell University? Why not somewhere closer to home?"

"Well, my dad came here, and I guess somehow coming here would make me feel closer to him." I can feel the tears begin to well up in my eyes.

"Are you not close to him?" He asks me with curiosity.

"No, he died when I was young, along with my mom. I don't remember much about them. My aunt raised me." I say, holding back my tears. No one has asked me about them before.

"I'm...." He starts to say. " I'm sorry, Raven, I didn't know."

I turn to face him and see pity in his eyes. Everyone who knows my story has given me the same look of feeling sorry; teachers, classmates. I don't need anyone to feel sorry for me. "Don't look at me like that," I say quietly.

"Like what?" He says with confusion.

"Like that! Everyone gives me that look because they think I'm a broken little girl with no parents."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." I can feel his eyes on me, but I stare out the window, realising I'm home.

"It's okay," I tell him. The one tear that managed to escape is wiped away with his thumb as he cups his hands to my face. I look intently into his eyes; despite what I've always been told about vampires being soulless, his eyes reveal otherwise. They exhibit humanity, love, and passion. Despite the fact that I should resist him, something about him draws me in. I can feel his breath on me since his lips are so near to mine. I pull away.

"Thanks for the ride," I say, as I go to open the door. It was like a gust of wind, and there he was, holding the door open for me.

"Show off." I smile.

"What can I say? I'm a romantic". He shrugs and smirks.

"I think it's pronounced pathetic. I'll see you around. Thanks again."

⁂

I walk into the building and head up to the apartment. Once inside, I head to my bedroom to get ready for bed. It's already two in the morning, and I need to be up early to get stuff done. I walk to the bathroom to wash my face and change into my oversized t-shirt. As I lay in bed, I can't help but think of what Clay's kiss felt like or how his touch made me shiver. It hits me; he wants me to think like this. I'll give it to him. He is good, but I'm better.

I've always promised myself that no matter who he is, I'm not going to be one of those pitiful females whose world stops turning because of some guy. I begin to consider the impression he has left on me. These emotions are brand new, and there is something distinctive about him. Unlike any of the other boys I've played with, he is unique.

Maybe Brie is right; perhaps my barriers will crumble and I'll meet someone I care about. The only issue is that it appears they are pursuing the one individual she specifically advised me to avoid. More than I'm willing to admit, I believe I'm falling for him. But I know I shouldn't. It's just a matter of time before everything falls apart.

I try to push these thoughts to the back of my mind, but they continue to linger. I can't help but feel drawn to him, despite the warnings from my friend. It's like a magnetic force that I can't resist. But I know that getting involved with him would be a mistake. Yet, every time I see him, my heart skips a beat, and I can't help but wonder what it would be like to be with him. It's a dangerous game.