Prodigal Thorn

Chapter 27

"Hey," was all Sophie said the following week at my locker. I hadn't seen her much other than our training sessions at headquarters and a part of me felt the sting of abandonment from her.

Gathering my bag out of my locker, I sighed and turned to face her. "What's up, Soph?" I thought about smiling, but these days I had little to smile about. "Um, so don't hate me for this, but I have to cancel our session for this weekend. My Nana's in town and well she's insisted on spending time with me." Her gaze shifts over my shoulder and I know she's lying to me. I make it easy for her though.

Plastering the fakest smile on my face that would probably make Natalie proud if we were still actually friends, "It's fine. I've got my own trials to worry about and dance so thanks for freeing me up, friend." My persona slips when I slam my locker close and brush past her.

By lunch, I was over the snickering, whispers and slut jokes so I grabbed my food and headed to my office for solace. I gave a nod to Bridgette, who wore her most diplomatic smile on her face. "Should I clear your schedule for today, Ms. Carson?" She wasn't my assistant, but Bridgette loves to be helpful.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine, Bridgette. Enjoy your lunch." I waltz into my office to find a picture on my desk of me and the guys when we were kids. This picture I was piggy backing Tyler and flanked by the others. "Who knew you'd be a sick little fucker. Too bad you're in Juvie or I'd kill you myself." I muttered, picking up the picture. My brows furrow when I notice a note attached.

Alexandra,

A picture is worth a thousand words, but you, my dove, have always been on my mind or on my back. What's a better bond between friends than the bond of blood. I can still feel yours on my fingers and tongue and soon, little dove, I'll finish what I've started. They can't save you, but maybe if you beg, I'll make your death quick this time.

See you soon,
Tyler

My blood turns to ice, fear clawing over my skin and I realized I'm shaking. No, he can't be free. How did that even happen? My grandfather went to great lengths to make sure those charges stuck, but apparently the devil and the Richards work harder. "No,no,no,no." I can't over and over. "Breath Alex. You're safe. You're at school and you're fine."

I took a picture of the photo and note and sent them to my father. No matter how upset he still is with me, my safety is important. My phone rings with a video call from him within seconds. "I'm fine dad. Other than being a little freaked out, I'm okay. I promise." I hoped I sounded convincing, because I'm fucking terrified.

"I'll get in touch with my contact down at Rustford. Tyler isn't supposed to have contact with you, if this is even him. You need to come home, Alex. I'm sending a car for you." His brows furrowed a look on his face that barred any further argument. I smiled softly and cleared my throat. "Dad, I drove your car today and I've spent all this time training. I need to know I can defend myself against him or anyone else. You raised me to pick myself up and fight and I'll be damned if I'm letting that bastard kill me again!"

"Keep your tracker on and no pit stops. School and fucking home, Alexandra. I love you, Sweetheart." He gives a tight smile and ends the call. Grabbing my bag and my safety keychain, I found myself outside of the last place I wanted to be. Nate Richard's office.

Putting my pride on the shelf, I knocked on the door and the sound of a groan and shuffling of feet indicated that he may have been taking his afternoon nap. "Come in." Came his husky reply. I crossed the threshold into enemy territory. "What do you want, Alexandra?" Irritation in his tone, but I ignore it, reaching into my bag and showing him the photo. "There's a note from him on it. He's coming for me, Nate."