Page 6

Story: Dancing With Death

I might have shared how I died with them, but I realize I never shared my vengeance plans. That was probably a smart move on my behalf because I don’t think Wraith is going to take that well. He seems to think I just need to confirm if Michael killed my sister and then I’ll be able to move on with my life.

Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Even if he didn’t kill Wren, he had something to do with her death—of that, I have no doubt—and he will pay for what he’s done.

Brenden’s already on board with my plan. I think Donovan will back me up, but I think Wraith is going to be a hard sell. But that’s not something I have to worry about just yet.

First, I need to get Wren her memories back and confirm that Michael killed her, too. Then I can bring up my plans. Okay, my non-plan because I don’t actually know how the hell to make him pay, but I’ve already cleared the biggest hurdle—I passed my final and graduated.

One step at a time,I remind myself.

“I am pretty damn hungry. Who knew that crying burned so many calories?” My joke falls flat even to me. I huff as I stand. “I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be down in time for breakfast. Thank you—all three of you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Without waiting for a response, I practically run from the room and up the stairs.

A shower sounds amazing—definitely the right call. Hopefully, it’ll help relax my tight muscles and then I can come at the situation with a fresh mind.

Chapter Three

Audrey

Leaningagainstthewall,I bounce my leg.

Stupid fucking mate.

When Wraith said I could be in the room with them, I thought it meant I could stand next to him and Donovan on the stage while he gave his speech. Instead, I’m stuck in the hallway with the professors, waiting for Wraith to let us know it’s time for us to head inside.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Professor Freeman hisses, and I roll my neck to find her standing beside me. “You’ve barely graduated.”

I shrug. “And yet, here I am. Why don’t you take it up with Wraith if you have a problem with it?”

She sneers at me. “Just because you’ve somehow convinced him he’s your mate, it doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.”

“I didn’t convince him of anything,” I tell her, straightening. “He is my mate, and I’m here because he asked me to be. He has something for me to handle, so again, if you have an issue, you can take it up with him. In fact, how about you do it while I’m there? I’d love to see his response to you questioning his decisions.”

She pales, eyes going wide. “I didn’t… That’s not what… You’re a bitch.”

I snicker as she stomps away, shaking my head. She’s callingmea bitch? Really? As if she wasn’t the one who approached me and started talking shit.

Fates, I hate that woman.

I wonder if I can convince Wraith to find her a job somewhere else. I’m sure there’s someone else who can take her place.

Wraith slides out of the shadows with Donovan in his hellhound form at his side and nods to Professor Gregory.

“Audrey,” she says sharply. “Come on. You’re up first.”

I blow both my mates a kiss as I hurry to the door, following the professor into the room. Once we climb onto the stage, she lets the students know to come forward when their names are called. My eyes scan the room, trying to find Wren. I finally catch a glimpse of her red hair near the back of the room and clear my throat as Professor Gregory waves for me to join her.

“Umm…Wren Nathaniel,” I say, speaking up so I can be heard throughout the room that’s gone completely silent. I watch as my twin moves to the front, stepping off the stage as she reaches me. “Hi, Wren. You’re with me.”

She frowns, glancing up at the stage where the next professor is calling out multiple names before focusing back on me. “Just me?”

“Yeah, you’re a special case. Follow me.” I lead her out the door, happy to find Donovan waiting for me.

“Hello, ladies. Are we ready?”

Wren glances between the two of us, her frown more pronounced. “Who are the two of you?”

I guess she doesn’t remember me bringing her here. At least that’s one question answered.