The Witch's Betrayal (Book 3: The Raven Chronicles

Chapter 3

Lucinda

Braeden's voice echoes in my head. "Hey, sis, wake up."

My heart pounds and I gasp for air. Sobbing, I catch myself waking from the nightmare. A lucid dream, the details already beginning to fade. But it felt so real. So much pain and sadness.

I knew I was dreaming, caught in that horrible night terror, but unable to wake myself. Shivers course up my spine.

When I open my eyes, it's dark outside. I dab my eyes with my sleeve, and then wipe my nose.

We're parked beneath a bright neon sign. It blinks the word danger. The hair on the back of my neck spikes up. Danger, like in my dream.

But then I look again and it says vacant, except the bulbs for the v, c, and a are all burnt out. Classy place.

I blot the sweat that's formed on my brow line. "Where are we?"

"Not far," Braeden says. "Only a few hours away."

"Why are we stopping?" I rub my eyes and stretch my arms above my head.

"Because it's dark," he says.

"Are you scared of the dark?" I tease.

"No. But it's hard to tell what mess you'll be walking into, so I'd rather it be light outside when you arrive home."

"What? We're this close and—"

"I'm looking out for your safety." He gets out of the car and slams the door shut.

My shoulders roll forward and I slump. Pulling out my phone to call Caiden, shivers course up my spine. That creepy dream lingers in my mind. I shake my head, but glance over my shoulder to ensure I'm safe. Maybe Braeden is right about waiting until daylight.

The phone vibrates and a message from Caiden pops on the screen.

Caiden: What's your ETA?

Do I call him or text him back? I'm a chickenshit. I'll text.

Me: Stopping at a motel for the night. See you midmorning.

Caiden: You are that close and are stopping?

Me: Yes. I'm tired.

Caiden: Seriously?

Me: Yes.

I wait several minutes for a message to come through. Nothing comes.

My heart aches from knowing we're so close but still so far. I dial his number. I need to hear his voice to help calm my wolf. But he doesn't answer. I leave a brief message and climb out of the car.

"What's the matter, sis? All not well on the home front?" Braeden asks.

I shoot him a glare from across the parking lot. He's sitting on a bench outside the main office. He spins a set of keys with the number eleven written on the key chain.

Braeden stands up and asks, "What's the big bad wolf upset over this time?"

"What did you say?" I look up to him and wrinkle my nose.

He cocks a puzzled look. "Your mate, the Alpha... what's his name?"

"Caiden."

"Right. What's got him all up in a rage now?"

"No, you called him the big bad wolf—"

He snorts. "Yeah, you don't like it? I think it's catchy and fits him perfectly."