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

Chapter 8- Raven

I run, making my way to a staircase. The noise of glass breaking makes me jump. I open the dark door and face a monster in front of me.

Red eyes glow; anger infused within them.

"Get out!" He growls; his voice echoes, shaking every inch of my bones.

Another night of being awake and unable to sleep is owed to these dreadful dreams. As the sun beams brightly through the windows, I sit up and run my hands through my hair. Rolling out of bed, I stutter into the shower. The hot water runs down my body as I relax. I can't help but imagine how Clay would feel touching me. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something odd about him. My head warns me not to approach him, but something inside of me is pushing me in that direction. To him and me, it's just a game, but my inner voice tells me it might not be.

Stop thinking like that, Raven.

I get out and dry myself off. I need coffee, and then I need to get Brie up and buy everything I need for my classes. I throw my robe on and walk into the kitchen, making something quick to eat and downing my coffee. I run upstairs to wake her up, hoping not to catch her in bed with Logan. Looking around, it seems like she never came home. Great, so much for her promise.

I hear something in my room as I'm getting dressed. My balcony door is open, and the wind is whipping across my curtains as I go to check. Although I can't recall doing it, I could have opened the doors. Perhaps it was me; it was stuffy in here last night, and I was exhausted. I grab my backpack and cell phone and walk out the door. Today is a gorgeous day, so it will be good to walk to the bookstore.

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I can hear Clay's car approaching from behind me with a low roar. He approaches and rolls down his window. Wearing a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket, he looks sharp. His tattoo on his upper chest, which protrudes from the neck of his shirt, is clearly visible. At the sight, my heart starts to race.

What the hell is wrong with me?

"Hey!" he says.

"Hi." I manage to squeak out, trying to hide the fact that he makes my heart race.

"Need a ride to the bookstore?" He asks.

"No, I'm good, but thanks," I reply.

"Oh, come on, I don't bite. Plus, since Brie ditched you, I thought you might like some company." He says with a smile.

He is right; Brie did ditch me. I don't know where I'm going. I can use him for more than just playing. I internally smile. "Come on," he offers again.

"Okay, fine," I say as I hop into his car. It's half past ten in the morning, and I wonder why he is up and about. Shouldn't he still be sleeping or leading on another poor soul? He did have a party going on at his house last night.

As he parks his car, he pulls his little stunt again; this time, I laugh. "What's so funny?" His expression is so smug; he knows exactly what he is doing.

"Who knew the bad boy had such a romantic side?" I tease and laugh again. He runs up behind me as I walk toward the store, his hands gripping my wrist. I can feel his breath on my neck.

"I tried to tell you, but I can be more romantic than that if you would just let me show you," he says as he whispers in my ear. I get goosebumps all over. I contemplate turning around to face him. This isn't supposed to be happening. I don't fall for anyone; what is happening?. "I still think about the first day we met," he says. I turn to face him, and he has a smirk on his face.

"Oh Clay, do you remember the game, or did you forget the rules?" Looking into his eyes, "It seems like I'm better at this than you are." I laugh.

I turn back around and head to the store. "Ouch, again?" He laughs, and I roll my eyes. As I walk into the store, it felt like I had passed through some barrier, but nothing was there. List in hand, I start walking up the aisles when a crash catches my attention.

"Julie? How is this possible?" The guy says, looking right at me.

"Um, sorry, no, my name is Raven." I manage to say.

"I'm sorry, you look just like an old friend of mine," he says, confusion taking over his face.

Who is this guy, and why do I feel like I have seen him before but can't remember where? I try to shake off the feeling and focus on the present moment.

"Is everything alright?" Clay startles me, coming up from behind. "Mr. Michaels, let me help you with those." He continues as he bends down to help the store owner pick up the books he had dropped.

"Thank you, Clay; you're always so kind to help out an old man," he chuckles.

"Anytime," Clay says, joining in with the laughter.

"While you two catch up, I'm going to grab the books I need for my classes," I say as I continue walking up the aisles.

I meet Clay at the front of the store, chatting with Mr. Michaels. He asks if I found everything I needed. I nod and put the books in my bag, thanking him. As we sit in the car, Clay turns to me and asks.

"Who is Julie?" He asks me a question as if Mr. Michaels' confusion is confusing him. I sigh and begin to explain.

"My mom," I say, looking at him with a million questions running through my head. "I haven't heard her name in years, and I don't ever want to hear it again."

"Hey, why don't you come over for lunch, then I'll drop you off at home?" Clay says, trying to change the subject; he can tell I'm uncomfortable.

"Sure." Anything to get my mind off Mr. Michaels knowing my mother. As we drive to Clay's house, I try to push the thought out of my mind. But it keeps nagging at me, like a persistent itch that won't go away. I glance over at Clay, hoping he doesn't notice my unease. He's focused on the road, humming along to the radio. I lean against the window and stare out at the passing scenery, trying to calm my racing thoughts.