Braxten High

Chapter 25

Ayden's POV:

"Seriously. Quit being so stubborn, and let me drop you back," I said in my most persuasive tone, grabbing the keys to my car in the hope that she will cave in.

"It's such a clear night, and I feel like walking. Why are you so against that? I thought my pepper spray had proven itself to you," she whined petulantly.

"I am not against it; I'm just worried for you. I can walk you home maybe?" I suggested.

She sighed, and I knew she was giving in. "Fine," she huffed. "Men," she muttered under her breath and grabbed her bag, making me laugh.

We were five minutes away from the penthouse when I spotted Mr. Joe's bakery and immediately remembered Scar telling me how much she loves Danish pastries from there.

"Do you mind waiting here for five? I'll be right back," I asked.

"After all that trouble you went through to persuade me to let you drop me back home? Just kidding, go ahead. I'll be here," she smiled.

"Okay, be careful," I smiled, kissing her softly.

Just as I was getting the pastry wrapped, I heard a bang that sounded a lot like a gunshot. Scar, she was alone. I ran out of the bakery on instinct and to where I had asked her to wait for me, hoping she was alright.

She wasn't. She was on the pavement, bleeding out and whimpering in pain. She was shot.

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Azriel's POV:

The first things I registered as soon as I woke up was that the bed was empty, the curtains drawn and someone speaking.

I quickly realized that the person speaking was Zara, and upon squinting through the bright morning rays, I also realized that she was talking to someone on the phone and was dressed in the t-shirt I wore yesterday.

She kept her phone down a couple of minutes later, having ended the conversation I was too sleepy to tune in to.

"Good morning, slept well?" Zara smiled at me when she noticed I was awake, and took a seat beside me on the bed. "I'm sorry if the phone call interrupted your sleep," she said while getting under the covers.

I smiled and shook my head. "I slept better than I have since when I can remember, thanks to you," I mumbled and wrapped my arms around her waist. "Who was calling you so early in the morning?"

"I pulled a few strings and planned the funeral for the next week. I mean if it's fine by you and your mother, I just thought I could help," she said, brushing her fingers over my cheekbone lightly.

I hugged her; I was at a loss for words. "It's perfect," I whispered. "Don't worry about her, she probably won't even bother objecting," I added spitefully. "You're so fucking amazing, you know? How did you manage to get it all arranged so soon?"

"I contacted my father's agents. I don't know how he'll react when they tell him but we don't have to worry about that right now," she explained, hugging me back with a smile. "You have to prepare the guest list though, you could maybe invite his department."

"Those money-sucking leeches? Hell no," I fumed, still mad at the fact that they took the Jenny case from him just because he won't close the investigation in exchange for cash. "Thank you so, so much, for everything. You make it all so much more bearable. I love you," I said and kissed her lovingly.

"Oh and by the way, my t-shirt looks phenomenal on you," I mumbled, trailing my fingers up her thigh.

Once we had managed to get out of bed and decided on waffles for breakfast, I took a seat on the breakfast counter and watched Zara work, helping her here and there.

The doorbell rang just as we were sitting down to eat, and then the visitor proceeded to ring it five more times in a row in the time it took Zara to get to the door. "Probably Scarlett, she's always moody in the mornings," she muttered.

"Why aren't you answering my goddamned calls? I've been trying yours and Azriel's cell since last night" Ayden roared as soon as Zara opened the door, looking at me and her pointedly. "Why are you here?" he added when his eyes landed on me.

"Calm the fuck down man; what's wrong? Don't yell at Zara. My phone was dead and we kind of were busy," I said.

"Scarlett was fucking shot last night and you expect me to calm down? She's in the ICU and you would've been informed earlier if you bothered to check your phones," he breathed out, running a hand over his tired face and disheveled hair.

"You better be joking right now," Zara said quietly, stupefied.

I rushed to her, trying to shake her out of the shock. "Listen, she's fine. Right?" I said, looking up at Ayden inquiringly with a panicked edge to my voice.

"She's isn't but she will be; whoever shot her aimed for her heart but she missed it by inches. If things go well she'll be shifted to the ward in the evening. Anyway, I have to get back to the hospital. Good to see you back, Azriel." he said, sounding low.

"I heard the gunshot last night but I ignored it and went to sleep. I should've checked. I have to go see her," Zara said, panicking while grabbing her keys and heading for the door.

"Are you crazy? Please just change and eat something and then we'll go together. You heard Ayden, she'll be fine." I said, managing to convince her and hoping for the best, at least for Zara's sake. 

-zoie and dawn