The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past

Valentina's POV:

A strong hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back. I didn't need to look to know it was Xander. His grip on my waist was firm, possessive, as he steered me through the crowd towards the exit. His presence was both reassuring and unsettling, a strange mix of safety and danger.

We finally reached the car, and the five of us piled inside. Ron, Christopher, and I crammed into the back seat while Xander slid into the driver's seat, Jason taking his usual spot up front. As the engine roared to life and Xander started driving, I let out a slow, shaky breath, my tension easing ever so slightly.

"You okay?" Christopher's voice broke through the heavy silence, his tone softer than usual. I glanced at him, catching the concern in his eyes. It was a rare look from him—one I wasn't used to seeing.

"Yeah," I nodded, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine."

I turned around to check if anyone was following us. Thankfully, there was no sign of anyone tailing us.

Jason asked for my address, and I gave it to him.

The car fell into an uneasy silence as we drove.

"We're here," Jason announced as we pulled up to my house.

"I didn't know you were so fucking rich," Ron remarked with a whistle.

I hated this house—it was a constant reminder of what I had to do for my family to live here.

I got out of the car and started walking towards the house. When I noticed the car hadn't left, I walked back to them.

"Why haven't you left?" I asked, annoyed.

Jason smirked at me. "We need to make sure you get in safely."

"I'd prefer you leave," I said honestly, and Ron chuckled.

"Why?" he asked.

"I snuck out of the house, and that was a hassle. I know I'm going to look like an idiot trying to get back in. So, before I embarrass myself, please leave," I said, exasperated. From the backseat, Christopher and Ron laughed, clearly enjoying my predicament.

Unexpectedly, Xander got out of the car, his long strides taking him toward my house. He glanced at me, then back at the house, silently nodding for me to follow. I muttered a curse under my breath, knowing this was not going to end well.

"Tell me how the hell I'm supposed to get up there," I asked, staring at my second-story window, frustration creeping into my voice.

Xander took a moment, assessing the tree and window like he was planning a military mission. "You're going to step on my shoulders, reach for the branch, and climb from there," he explained, his voice calm and annoyingly matter-of-fact.

"And if I fall and break a leg—" I started.

"You won't break a leg. Now get on," he said, grabbing my hand and lowering himself into position.

I raised an eyebrow. "Xander, you realize I'm not exactly a lightweight, right? I'm a—"

"If you don't get on my shoulders, I'll make you do it, and trust me, you don't want me to," he threatened, his tone half-serious but the glint in his eyes left no room for argument.

I glared at him, reluctantly stepping closer. "Fine, but I swear if I fall—"

"You're not going to fall. Get on," he said, crouching down and holding out his hands. I placed my foot on his hands, hesitating for just a moment before pushing myself up, gripping his shoulders for balance.

As I wobbled slightly, Xander's voice lowered, "Nice and easy," he whispered, his words sending a completely unnecessary shiver down my spine.

Before I could curse myself for being turned on in the most ridiculous moment, Ron leaned out the window and shouted, "Just make sure you don't squish him, Vale! We kinda need him alive."