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

Chapter 12- Clay

Finally, the first week of classes are done. I complied with Raven's request and withdrew, although I did continue to keep an eye on her. I felt weak for her after seeing her smile all week. This feeling is incomprehensible to me. I wish I could be with her with all of my being. A week was plenty of time, I thought; I needed to be close to her. It's a miracle I stayed away. She was nowhere to be found when I went seeking for her after class.

"Clay." I hear someone calling my name. I turn to see Adrian.

"Hey Adrian," I say. He runs up to me, asking me how my first week of sophomore year was.

"Are you going to the lake party tonight?" He asks.

"I don't know, maybe," I tell him.

"Oh, come on, man, you've got to go. There's going to be all those freshman girls there," he says. I start to wonder if Raven will be there. Of course, she will; Brie will make her. I would like to see her; the thought of her burns in my mind.

"Yeah, why not? I'll see you there," I say, walking to my car.

As I'm driving, I chuckle to myself and think of Raven. She attracts me in some way, for some reason. I'm not sure why, but I want to love her. When I arrive home, I go to the kitchen to fetch a snack. I reach for my phone and send Logan a text.

Are you going tonight?

I'm on my way home now to get ready. - He replies.

Five minutes later, Logan walks through the door. He heads to the kitchen to meet me. "Are you going tonight?" he asks.

"Yeah, I am." He starts to laugh. "what?" My eyes narrow in his direction.

"Nothing. I'm just surprised, that's all. This shit is never your scene; you only party at home."

"Yeah, that's because I can control what goes on in my own house."

He shakes his head. "But where's the fun in that?" he laughs. "We can ride together. I'm picking up Brie and Raven in an hour," he tells me.

"I don't think that's a good idea. Raven doesn't want to be near me." I say, frustrated with the words that just came out of my mouth. Logan looks right at me and starts laughing. I ask him what's so funny.

"Dude, I never thought I would ever see you like this. You like her. She got through to your cold heart."

"Shut up!" I say, laughing. Logan's phone went off after we downed a blood bag or two while talking.

"Oh shit. It's Brie. She's asking where we are." He says, "I got to call her." As I walk up to my room, I hear Logan asking Brie if Raven will be okay with me in the car, then telling her we will be there in ten minutes. I throw on a white t-shirt and black jeans and walk out.

"No swim shorts?" Logan asks.

"If I want to go swimming, I'll jump in my pool," I reply.

⁂

The girls are waiting outside their apartment when we arrive. I can't seem to take my eyes off Raven, despite the fact that she appears irritated and like she is being dragged to this event. They are both dressed in short shorts and bikini tops. The distinction is that Raven's hair is pulled back to highlight her attractive face, her body is fully exposed, she is seductive, and I desire her. In order to let Brie and sit up front with Logan, I exit the vehicle, and let Raven enter into the backseat.

As we approach the lake, it is crowded with people dancing, drinking, and listening to loud music. After exiting, we go have some drinks at the makeshift bar. I observe Raven take off her shoes and unwind as her bare feet rest in the warm sand. Everyone's drinks are brought by Brie. This time, I see Raven holding one and consuming it quickly. Brie takes Logan and moves in the direction of the dancing crowd. Raven notices me avoiding her, but she turns back and says,

"You don't know how to stay away, do you?" She looks at me with curiosity.

"What do you mean?" I ask as she walks closer to me.

"You don't think I didn't see you watching me from a distance all week?" She says. "If you still want to play, just say so." Her smile lights up my world. I stop myself from pushing my lips against hers.

"I'm sorry, I tried," I say, so only she can hear. I tell her I'll leave her alone and let her mingle with the other guys at the party. I sit down, and she stands in front of me, her waist right in my face.

"Don't get comfortable. Come dance with me," she says.

"I don't dance. There are tons of guys staring at you. Bet any one of them would dance with you," I say to her and look away.

She walks behind me and whispers in my ear, "But I'm not looking at anyone else, just you." A shiver runs up my spine as she says those words. What has this girl done to me? I can't refuse. She steps back in front of me and grabs my hand.

Fuck it.

We head down to Brie and Logan, and she puts her body up against mine; she feels so good. I follow her example and am having fun until I smell fresh blood. When Logan approaches, he inquires about my well-being. My mouth is drooling, and my eyes are burning. He instructs Brie to track down the injured party. Raven looks at me and freezes when she notices a change in my gaze. She doesn't even flinch. I'm overtaken by hunger. I have to leave this place right away. So I take off running.

My feet hit the ground with an urgency that surprises me. The hunger gnaws at my insides, demanding to be sated. I run faster, my mind consumed by thoughts of blood. As I weave through the trees, my senses are heightened. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, and every breath in the forest is amplified in my ears. I finally make my way home, sprinting to the fridge for a blood bag. I down it as fast as I can, but it's too late; the monster in me has taken control.