The Heirs: Fated Heirs

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Josh

I wake up with the sun and stare down at Ari as she sleeps, still nuzzled into me. The feeling of having her back in my arms after years without is indescribable.

If I never had to leave this room with her, I would die a happy man.

I stare at her far too long, just stroking her dark hair. She's dreaming and makes these little noises each time I touch her, breathing softly.

I kiss her forehead, savoring her, holding onto this warm moment so I can bottle it up and keep it forever.

"Cheeks," I mutter against her warm skin.

"Hmm?" she mumbles in sleep.

"I have to go do something, but I will be back – okay?"

"Where?" she asks groggily, eyes blinking open.

"I have to talk to someone about what happened last night. I'll be back soon, okay?" I ask. Ari just closes her eyes again and nestles into the pillow.

"Alright, prince."

My whole body freezes. And Christ, I do not want to leave her. I kiss her again before carefully climbing out of bed. I sneak out of the guest room down the hall to my own room, grab a quick shower, and my keys, then I drive towards campus.

I really don't want to be the one to do this, but someone has to.

I wouldn't be surprised if Imogen already heard about what happened last night. Word like this spreads fast amongst this group. I need my cousin to know I'm there for her if she needs me. I don't think many people know about what finding out who killed Rory means to her in particular.

I don't even really know. But I won't push her to tell me.

I pull up to the girls' dorm. It's quiet because it's still so early. I get out my phone and text Imogen, asking her to come meet me outside.

A few moments later, Imogen emerges from the side door of the dorm and spots my car waiting in the parking lot. She's still wearing pajamas under her winter coat. She looks around before making her way over to me.

I turn up the heat and prepare myself.

"Hey," Imogen says as she climbs in. "What's going on?" she yawns.

"Have you talked to Tate or Sophie yet?" I ask.

"No! I just woke up and saw your text. Why?" Imogen looks panicked.

I swallow, turning to her. I take my cousin's hands.

"Cal, you're scaring me..."

I hate that she's alone right now – that no one knows what she's going through. That I don't even really know what she's going through. Tate, Sophie, and now Ari all spent the night at the Wolves mansion, effectively leaving Imogen alone.

I sniff and force myself to stare her in the eyes.

"We found out who killed Rory Farrell."

Imogen's whole demeanor shifts. Her eyes instantly go misty behind her glasses and her hands start trembling in mine.

"Okay..." she whispers.