Page 45 of Exile

"You do love a little bit of bribery in the mornings."

He hops up on the desk with a grin. "You know me so well."

I offer him a tilted smile, his damn infectious mood getting the better of me. "Where is dear Avery anyway? I thought she'd be with you."

"Our little killer is with Theo in the library. She's helping set up for tonight."

"She's certainly taking her new responsibilities seriously," I mutter, admiring her newfound leadership skills.

Grey grins. "Dark horse," he winks, reciting one of our earlier conversations.

I guess he was correct. He saw her potential before anyone else. Even though I trusted his judgment—most of the time—I was still surprised at her progression. If I had to narrow it down, I'd say that's what ultimately won me over.

She's much stronger than she appears. And with the right people supporting her, we're finally seeing Avery's true colors.

Just like a true Emerson-Dale.

At the conclusion of free time, Grey and I head to the library to double check things are ready. Tonight has to run smoothly—it's imperative.

Everyone has been escorted back to their rooms, Theo confirming with us that Avery is safe and sound.

We decide to be a little adventurous, planning to head to her room when we are finished. I want to brief her on tonight's agenda, as well as inform her that she'll be heading up part of the next operation.

She's ready. I'm confident in her ability. It's time that the society sees that as well. While I know they respect my decisions and will listen to whatever I say, it's vital that they see Avery in full swing. For her benefit, not mine.

Avery has spent her life tiptoeing around people, submissive and timid. She needs to believe in herself that she has the strength to lead, and by doing this, it will provide the opportunity for her to do so.

After we confirm the library is ready for nightfall, the two of us start making our way down the corridor toward the female dorms. There's a loud bang that echoes in the distance, the sound of a door slamming but I pay it no mind.

The two of us continue to exchange idle chit chat as we approach her room, when suddenly there's a bone chilling scream that stops me and Grey in our tracks.

Avery.

Chapter 17

Avery

The scream rips out of me before I can stop it, my stomach heaving as I quickly cover my mouth. Despite my best effort, I have to run to the tiny en suite in my room, stomach emptying into the toilet in violent waves.

When the door to my shoebox opened, I was expecting one of the guys to be on the other side. No one pushed open the door, so I got up from the bed to investigate.

Outside my door was a tiny white caddy, unmarked but clearly discarded. For a moment, I thought it was a gift from one of the guys, a surprise since they have been so generous lately.

How wrong I was…

I jump a foot in the air as my door crashes open into the adjacent wall, wild footsteps rushing into the room before a body appears in the doorway.

"Little killer?" Grey breathes out, relief flooding his face at my seemingly okay figure.

I'm far from okay. I fear I never will be okay again after what I just witnessed.

Damon peeks over Grey's shoulder, wide eyed with semi-composed Damon level panic. "What the hell was the screaming about, Avery?"

I can't muster words, a fresh rush of vomit coming when I try. All I can manage to do is point my finger in the direction of the door.

Grey shares a look with Damon before stepping into the bathroom to hold my hair. Out of the corner of my eye, Damon vanishes, en route to investigate.

"Well, fuck," his voice mumbles, completely different from his usual unfazed tone.