The Heirs: The Silver Knight

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Imogen

The Wolves are having an end-of-semester gathering and there are about a thousand other places I'd like to be right now. For example, a gynecologist appointment, in line at the DMV, getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist, or maybe trapped in a haunted mansion.

But I put on a brave face for my cousins.

I can't stop thinking about the other night – the general feel from both Jemma and Wes was the opposite of good. They seemed beyond stressed and clearly were worried about what Gabe would do. Knowing that they don't know what is going on, and that Gabe only confides in Anton can help.

Unfortunately, now I'm blocked from going to the Knights mansion. The only digging I can do now is through the security footage I have. I've been spending my free time going through it, trying to find something. Anything, really.

I sit sullenly as Eva and Eli flirt beside me. He's complimenting her hair. She's giggling and they talk about their plans to hang out over winter break.

Great.

Apparently, both the Callahans and the Sokolovs are spending Christmas in Chicago.

Just. Great.

I sip my sparkling water miserably, playing with the charm on my necklace.

I'd used up all of my party energy over an hour ago. Sophie and Ari commanded the makeshift dance floor, as usual, demanding we all dance together. It was honestly kind of nice. For a few minutes, I was able to forget. Just a few minutes though.

Tate disappeared with Zane, then Sophie with Leo, and Ari and Hannah are socializing with some new friends. I feel like a big, giant wet blanket as usual.

The truth is that my social battery is completely drained. It's hard to come to these things and ignore everything going on for long. If I was in a better mood, I'd go try to find something in Aleks' office or something – but I also don't have the energy. Plus, I've learned my lesson from the last time. I highly doubt I'll be able to break in there a second time.

Eva giggles as Eli plays with the ends of her hair and I feel like I might be intruding on something here.

I give my cousin the evil eye. Eli gives me a look right back.

"May I speak to you, please?" I ask.

Eli sighs but excuses himself. I pull him over to the corner.

"Are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend?" I demand.

"Jesus. Chill out."

"Eli, I love you. But this is getting ridiculous. That girl cares about you and you cannot keep stringing her along."

"We're just enjoying each other's time!" Eli smirks at me, putting an arm around me. "You really need to lighten up."

A lump forms in my throat.

I don't know why Eli saying 'lighten up' seems to trigger me, but it has. I can't. I just can't "lighten" up. God, don't they get it? All I want is to lighten up! That is all I fucking want.

"Come on. Deep breath in, deep breath out! It's all going to be okay!" Eli chuckles, squeezing my shoulder before letting me go.

I swallow the lump away. Eli gives me a small smile before all but skipping back to Eva. I want to protect my friends. Eli is a charmer. He does seem to like Eva a lot, but I don't want to see her get hurt.