Going Mad For Maddox

CHAPTER TWO

KODI

I STAND IN front of a rustic contemporary styled home, checking and rechecking that this is in fact the right address. I scrutinize the house, its presence feeling more regal than comforting. I scan the paved driveway looking for Ryat's beat up truck, but to no avail.

I know Ryat has roommates, two of their vehicles parked outside being proof of that. A shiny brand new Jeep, and an extremely expensive one that is no other than an ocean blue Bugatti.

Jesus.

When Ryat told me about his friends he spoke highly of them. Mentioned they were people he trusted with his life, but he never told me they were filthy rich.

I look back to my twelve year old Toyota and cringe. I've worked hard for this vehicle and I'm damn proud of that, but that doesn't stop the depressing reality that others don't have too.

I recently discovered my older brother lives with Talon Archer, man who's the heir of a billion dollar corporation and practically sweats gold. His other two roommates are his childhood friends I've never met since he lived with our Dad while I grew up with our mother in the neighboring state.

I look back up to the huge house in front of me. The home feels ominous, baleful, as if a darkness looms from the inside. It feels more threatening than welcoming as I step onto the stoned path.

After my calamitous life you'd believe this feeling would be one that I'm used to, but it's not and it never will be.

It's been five years since I've seen my brother and my fingers grow antsy at the thought of living with my best friend again.

Our father kicked him out once he was eighteen and with his limited resources he moved in with mom and I for two months until he... found my monsters secret. Making his name a curse in our home. A boy who shares my blood yet my family exiled him from our lives because his sanity was seen as evil.

Losing him was the worst pain I had ever gone through. I wasn't allowed to message, call, or even visit him. They turned him into an unwanted ghost while I suffered in silence afraid for my mother to see my tears.

Sucking in a deep breath I finally reconfirm the address and climb the stairs. My eyes fall onto the huge golden knocker, a heavy brass snake wrapped around it. The snake catches me off guard the familiarity of the figure sends goosebumps down my neck yet I can't remember where I've must of seen it.

A heavy engine rumbles behind me breaking my questioning stare and I turn around to see Ryat exiting his truck. The biggest smile I'm capable of branches my face and I run towards my big brother.

"Ryat!" I crash into him and he grunts but his arms covered in his signiture hoodie envelopes my frame. A relief I haven't felt in over five years encloses me. The familiar smell of diesel and his cologne crowds me with a safeness I haven't experienced since I was fourteen years old.

"I've missed you so much, Peach." I relax into his arms. My childhood nickname rolling off his lips with such ease as if this isn't the first time we've seen each other in years.

I contacted my brother last week explaining in brief details about the incident and before the sun rose the following week I was already on my way. I knew the big city he lived in making it easier to keep up with enough tabs about his where about's. An eight hour drive later, here I am.