Viva

Part 2.2

Unedited

***

Part 2.2

The headlights of my car illuminated a neon green sign, which indicated that it was just five more miles until I would reach Cedar Falls. I gripped the black, leather steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I should go back, I thought for the millionth time, I should not be going to Cedar Falls.

I had been aware that my plan was foolish. Braxton warned me that he would kill Magnolia and my parents if I dared to come back to Cedar Falls.

Gulping out of fear and anxiety, I tried to convince myself that Braxton would not do such a thing. My internal persuasion was a lost cause because it was something I already had been trying to do, each and every day since Braxton had threatened me.

I had told myself that he would not harm them if I was to go back. My method had worked a few times, causing me to gain enough courage to pack up my bags and attempt to go back. But, every single time I hesitated. What if he was serious? What if he really would kill my parents and sister?

This time was different. Angie's death and last words, right in my arms, had made a sickening feeling twist in my gut. Something was wrong; I could sense it deep in my bones. There was no shaking it.

With each closing mile to Cedar Falls, however, the excitement and anticipation of seeing Braxton momentarily dulled the feeling that something was wrong.

I began to jump on a familiar train of thought. Was Braxton safe and healthy? Had the year and five months treated him well?

Angie's words came to mind, in regards to Braxton. She had urged me to stop him. From doing what, I had no clue.

In addition to the things that I did not understand, Angie wanted me to find Dinah - a girl I had briefly met back in the hospital, after my werewolf attack.

At the time, Braxton had called her his deputy, which had made me wonder if she was in his pack or not.

However, I had a feeling that was deep in my gut, which told me that Dinah was not a werewolf. Mainly, I figured I had felt that way because Dinah did not get off the vibe I would expect, and did receive, from someone like Braxton.

In that moment, I told myself that after I found out what was going on with Braxton, I would make Dinah my top priority.

***

It was not long before my car pulled into Cedar Falls. Once more I was amazed at the layout of the town, with the main road, Parkside, leading straight into the town; only for the street to curve around and lead you back out the way you came, towards Greensburg.

I realized it was Braxton's ploy to get people out of the town. It was evident he did not just want me out of Cedar Falls. He wanted everyone out that was not part of his pack. I saw it as a means to protect his pack because strange, unknown people could not be trusted. However, I thought that Braxton should have trusted me. After all, I'm his mate.

I parked a few shops down from Red Moon Nightclub. I let out a shaky breath, feeling my nerves shot. Closing my eyelids, I controlled my breathing. "You can do this, Viva. He's not going to hurt your family. You're just going to walk right in there and make sure he's okay. And, you're going to figure out what Angie meant." I gave myself a pep talk, with the intention of calming myself down.

Immediately, I wished Magnolia was there with me. When my little sister was around, it always had made me feel courageous. The way we teased each other without fail had always brought a smile to my face and eased my nerves. I assumed it was a sister thing. And, in that moment I craved that comfort even though I knew that I could do what I was doing all on my own.