Page 64 of Shadows Within

“Where the hell are you? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for the last hour.”

“I’ve been tied up with a Society matter. What’s going on?” I start to wonder if they didn’t want Harrison here because they didn't want anyone to defend me.

“I’m here. Deluca called a meeting.”

“Yeah, they wanted me to clean this mess up before I came.”Clean-up crew member number two.

“What mess?”

“I’m just trying to tie up some loose ends.” I know what that’s code for—he’s not alone.

“Who is it?”

“Nathan, Emily’s brother. He heard something and was on his way to the press again.”

I sigh.That goddamn family needs a break.I don’t say that out loud—Harrison knows. He was friends with Nathan in elementary school.

“What happened at the meeting?” He asks as I walk outside to my car.

“They want everyone to proceed with caution as we come to the final initiations. Can’t decide if it was a warning or a threat. And they fucking invited that slime ball in for the meeting.” He knows who I mean. I hear him let out a sigh.

“Why was he there?”

“Apparently to support The Society. He reminded everyone on the importance of loyalty.”

“Loyalty.” The word rings loudly. I lean against the driver’s door.

Harrison knows our history. Hell, he witnessed it.

I close my eyes and the flashback returns. I’m on top of him, my fists flying into his face. It wasn’t just Scarlett that I protected that night, it was all the other women that he’s laid his nasty hands on. If only she knew who was really in her life. My eyes slowly open to the dim moon in the sky—it reminds me of what I’m fighting for, who I’m fighting for. Although I’m still pissed with Deluca and Leo, there’s more to worry about right now.

I open the car door, get in, pull out a cigarette, and light it. I need to see her, even if it’s just from a distance.

I check the time on the dash—she’s either at the gym or at home. I’ll go to the gym first. As I drive across town, I think about how I can add a GPS to her car. I could do it easily.Maybe I should track her phone as well. With everything that is happening at The Society right now, I need to be able to find her.

I pull up to the gym’s aged red brick exterior and scan the parking lot for her car. I don’t see it. She must be at home. I look at my phone, click on her contact, and call her.

“Hey, Callum,” she answers. I hear laughing in the background.

“Angel.”

“What are you up to?” I guess we’re doing the small talk thing before I skip to territorial boyfriend.Boyfriend. I’m stunned by my own thoughts.

“Just wondering where you are?”

“I’m just out with Soph. Did you want to do something later?”

I laugh.

“What’s so funny?” She asks. I can hear her smiling.

“You think you have a choice. Text me when you’re home.”

“Actually, my dad is home. I was hoping that we could go to your place?”

My place. My parents house. The place I dread the most. She will never understand what it’s like to exist in a place that’s supposed to provide comfort but feels like it’s ripping you a part.

“Scarlett, I’m not afraid of your dad.”