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“I’m sure Wren will want to confirm Michael’s death, and she can’t leave the underworld until her final. I know that’s another three months, but that’ll give us plenty of time to fine-tune our plan.” Wraith glances around the table. “What?”

“I thought you couldn’t fuck with people’s finals?” I sneer at him. “Isn’t that what you told me? And that’s why you haven’t been able to find out who sent me to collect my own sister’s soul?”

Wraith sighs. “No, I usually can’t. As fucked up as it was that you were sent to collect Wren’s soul, it didn’t hurt anyone. You passed your final, and you were able to find out she was dead. I’m not going to push that, trouble. I’m sorry, but it’s not worth it. If you want vengeance on Michael, this is the only way I can make sure you’re both there. I’m going to be breaking a lot of rules doing this, but I understand that you both need this.”

“And then what?” Nex asks. “You’re just going to kill him in cold blood?”

I scoff. “Seriously? Is that why you joined us? I thought you were here to help us plan this—not try to talk us out of it. Plus, it’s not killing him in cold blood when he already killed me and Wren. You know what? If you’re going to be all judgmental, you don’t need to be here.”

“What? You’re the one who wanted me here!”

“Sure. When I thought you were here to help.” I throw my hands in the air. “If you can’t support this plan, then get out.”

Nex just stares at me. “You’re really kicking me out?”

“If you’re just going to try to convince me I shouldn’t do this, then yes!” By the time I finish my sentence, I’m screaming in his face. “You know what? This was a bad idea. I can’t be here right now. Why don’t you all argue over what we should or shouldn’t do? Then, when you have it figured out, you can tell me. I can’t deal with any of you anymore.”

I head for the door, stomping across the house before I remember I don’t have any shoes on. My boots are upstairs, but there’s no way I’m going up there to grab them. Instead, I pull on a pair of tennis shoes sitting by the door and bolt.

Was that the most mature way of handling the situation?

Definitely not, but I’m just so sick and tired of the push and pull that’s happening between me and everyone else.

I have no idea where I’m going. I just know I need to not be here.

After about an hour of getting lost in the damn woods, I shadow walk to Diana’s place and knock on her door.

When she swings it open, I burst into tears and throw myself into her arms.

“Oh, Audrey. Come on in and tell me what’s going on.”

I let her lead me inside, happy to see Celeste is here, too. The two of them surround me, wrapping their arms around me and letting me cry until I can’t anymore. Then it’s time to let them in on the mess my life has become.

Thank the Fates for my two besties.

Chapter Eighteen

Audrey

IrefusetoleaveDiana’sapartment for two weeks. None of my mates are happy about it, but they can’t exactly force me home. It helps that I allow Donovan and Brenden to come visit me. I would’ve let Wren come visit me too, but Wraith wouldn’t let her leave Bristix.

Yet another reason to be annoyed with my overbearing mate.

“Audrey, babe, you know I love you,” Diana begins, “but you have to go home. You miss your mates, and based on the way they’ve been blowing up your phone, they miss you, too.”

“Maybe, but they’re all driving me crazy. No one wants to fix anything, and they’re all stressing me out. That’s on top of everyone trying to talk me out of killing Michael.” I hold my hand up when she goes to speak. “I know how you feel about it, but it’s not going to change anything. Just like none of my mates have been able to change my mind before now. I have to do this—even if none of you understand it.”

She nods, and I appreciate the fact that she doesn’t try to argue with me about it again. Diana thinks I should let it go, but Celeste is with me. She thinks the man needs to die.

It seems that murdering my killer is a controversial topic. Who knew?

“I get why you needed time away, but you’re not sleeping or eating. You’re hurting yourself by being so far away from your bond mates.” She makes a face. “Also, you’re kind of cock blocking me.”

I gasp. “I would never!”

She laughs. “But you are. The only way I’m getting any cock right now is at their place, which means Melody is there. Warren and I are supposed to be working on our relationship. The three of us are solid, but I’m supposed to be spending more time with him than with both of them right now. Part of that is definitely having sex with him, therefore, you’re cock blocking me.”

“Damn. I wish you would’ve told me sooner. I would never knowingly cock block a friend.” I run a hand through my hair. “I think I’ll shower first. Are my clothes clean? I don’t want to wear any of your clothes to get home.”