Page 14 of A Lesson in Obedience

“I’m such a monster. The guy that’s trying to make sure you’re alright.”

She ignored me, not even looking in my direction.

“Your mom is worried about you. And so is River.”

She sniffed, running a finger under her eye as if she could quickly hide the tears that were attempting to overflow. “San Jose Caltrain station. It’s like forty minutes from my house.”

No wonder she needed to stay at least partially awake. She was at a fucking public train station. “Stay put.”

“Yes, sir.” The way she said it was almost sarcastic.

I pulled myself out, speaking into the phone. “She’s at the Caltrain Station near her house in San Jose. I’ll send you the location.” I hung up before Corrin could say anything back.

River nodded at me and then returned to his call with Mrs. Monroe. Grayson stepped into the room with his head down but kept his door wide open.

“We know where she is, Mrs. Monroe. It’s going to be okay. We…” River fiddled with the studs in his earlobe, “we know where she is. Yes, she’s safe.” He said a few more things and then finally hung up.

I settled my attention on Grayson. “Where’s your ring?”

He looked down at his naked forefinger where he usually wore his dampener ring. “It’s on the bedside table.”

River turned around and searched, finally finding it and placing it in his pocket.

“Is she okay?” Grayson asked in a tentative voice.

I scowled at him. “What do you think?” I tilted my chin up, silently telling him we were leaving.

Grayson’s parents gave us cordial goodbyes. Grayson tried to act like everything was fine, keeping a somewhat believable smile on his face. He gave his mom a quick hug, pulling away too swiftly for her liking.

“Psssst. Get back here.” The sound she made had Grayson turning around without another thought. She held her arms out and kissed him on the cheek. “Ingat ka anak. Call to check in and eat something.”

I didn’t know what he’d said to them, but they seemed to trust their son, especially when River was involved. His mom gave mybrother the biggest hug and he gave her a small side-smile, walking out behind us.

“He can ride with me onmy bike—” he offered, getting his keys out.

“Fuck no.” I took Grayson by the arm and nearly dragged him to my car. “He rides with me.”

5

Riley

Iwas thankful that it wasn’t overly humid tonight and that the breeze was coming through every now and then. I was extra thankful that the station wasn’t as busy as I remembered it being. No one paid me any mind, but despite Beau staring down every person that passed, I still felt vulnerable. I made myself comfortable on the bench I’d claimed and played with the ends of my braids. I wanted to scream, but I was far too tired to even consider it. My mom still tried to reach me, comfort me, even though I’d hurt her.

She had lied to me about my lineage for my entire life, but that didn’t constitute violence. That didn’t make what I’d done okay. I would understand if she never wanted to see me again, but I knew that would never be what she wanted. Seeing her face in my mind now hurt my heart, but it also made it rage from all the half-truths and full-on lies. I was sorry for what I did, but that didn’t make me any less fucking angry.

I pulled at the ends of my hair, looking left and right. I no longerfelt like sleeping since Asher had jump scared me. I didn’t think he’d be the one to seek me out, but I clearly had been wrong about so many things before. Beau hopped onto the bench, nearly falling off, but settled against me.

Can we go home now?Beau asked in my head.

I sighed.Not yet. I don’t like what I did.

You didn’t mean it.

That doesn’t matter, buddy.I stroked the top of his head, running my fingers along the back of his ear and massaging. He started making grunting noises and one of his legs started kicking.

I heard arguing to my left, but it was too dark to make out what was going on. Even the lights in this place were too dim to help me out. Beau lifted his head up, jumping off the bench and staring right into the darkness. His tail stood up, on high alert.

“Ay Dios!Do you two ever stop fighting?” A familiar voice sounded, a laugh rumbling out of them.