Jenalyn: From the Inside (#3) [Complete]

Chapter 14: Hayden

Monday, 12:01 A.M. EST

I’m woken up from a sleep I wasn’t aware that I fell into by the sound of murmuring... a female’s murmur.

Did finally Ren make it in here? 

I go to turn around from where I was curled up against the wall, but the sound of a new whisper freezes me in my tracks.

Is that...?

I don’t finish the thought. The whisper becomes a very clear and definite voice.

“Ah, Lil Bit! You’re awake!” the voice announces.

Am I still asleep? That can’t be Dane- I’m still at Miermont, right?!

I turn over, sitting up faster than I’d believe I could move for having just woken up from sleep. Two figures stand in the room. Neither of their faces are visible through the darkness, but I recognize their shape as a man and woman.

I know it’s Dane. I just can’t figure out if this is real.

“What’re you doing here?” I demand, sleep still clear in my voice. “And who is that?” 

I’m hoping for a change of scenery or for something crazy to happen; a wild orgy or even teleportation would at least assure me that this is, in fact, a nightmare. It would assure me that Dane isn’t actually standing in my room at Miermont right now!

Instead, I get a confident and malicious response from him. 

“This is Crystal! You’ve met, I’m sure!” Dane says, a smile evident in his voice. “She’s the bitch that’s been taking care of you since you’ve gotten here!” I hear Crystal whimper, but she says nothing.

This is too lucid for a dream. I can feel panic starting to form in my chest.

“What’re you doing here?” I ask without hesitation. “How did you even-"

Dane is quick to cut me off. He lets out a small laugh before I see the silhouette of him make its way closer to where I lay on my bed. 

“Lil Bit, your tone! I thought you’d be glad to see a familiar face!” He exclaims with exaggerated emotion. “If you must know... I’m here for pussy!  And I brought you a gift!”

My stomach feels sick. 

He didn’t show up here for that. Dane’s got a whole slew of girls he could fuck if all he wanted was pussy. His intentions are probably a lot more sinister. He came here to finish what he started...

“How did you-“ I try to ask, but he interrupts me again.

“Get here?” He asks, sitting on the edge of the bed where I still lay. “I drove, but if you’re asking about how I got in here? In this room? That’s a far more interesting story! Right Crystal?”

Dane laughs, but I can still make out the sound of Crystal whimpering behind it.

This can’t be real. Is Crystal working for Dane? Has she been working for him this entire time?

That’s impossible! Ren referenced Crystal like she knew her! She’s been here for a while, and there’s no way Dane has ever even heard of this place!

“What’s the story?” I ask with a flat tone, still trying to will myself to wake up; It’s wishful thinking. My life is the nightmare; This would never be in my dreams.

Dane doesn’t waste time before responding.

“Well, let’s just say a little firebird took a visit to Crystal’s house as… inspiration for her decision to let me come visit you today,” he says, being vague.

I don’t understand at first. Just as my brain wraps around it though, Crystal finally opens her mouth. 

“He set my house on fucking fire so he could bribe me into letting him in here, Hayden!” she yells, only to lower her voice when she remembers where she is. "Who the fuck is this guy?! Why is he-"

“Pipe down, Crystal!” Dane interrupts her before she can finish. “As a matter of fact, I don’t need you in here anymore, do I? Why don’t you get the hell out? Keep watch so I can enjoy some time with my little... psycho.”

She rushes to the door before he can even finish his demand, but turns around in a heartbeat when Dane calls out her name with a warning tone.

“You value your family, right?” he asks, his tone assuming of her response. “Don’t let anyone find out about this.” 

Crystal nods her head, tears in her eyes, before exiting the room.