Page 165 of The Curse Trilogy

“What the hell happened?”

“Hale happened,” I retort, and then I motion for the young ones to follow me.

“I need to get someone to take a look at this to ensure there is no structural damage. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Clay exasperates.

“Yeah,” I huff.

They follow me in silence to the elevator, and it carries us back up to Hale’s floor, which is apparently where I’ll be staying. I follow the numbers, and I get sick when I see I’m directly beside his room.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding.

“What’s wrong?” Grayson asks when he notices my wide, tortured eyes.

“Nothing. Are you two hungry?” I mumble.

“Starving. My dad gave me his card. Can we go to the cafeteria?” she asks so sweetly.

“Yeah. Let’s go,” I grumble, and Grayson whispers to me.

“Can we have a minute alone. We haven’t yet, and we’d like to talk about ourselves for a second without everyone else talking about us,” he gripes.

“Of course. Just don’t stray too far, and call me if you have any problems.”

“Thanks,” Angelica giggles, and Grayson takes her hand in his.

Hale isn’t stirring next door, so I can only assume he didn’t return back to his home after his stupefying violent outburst. I wish I knew what was going on with him, and why he’s icing me out again.

I take a minute to realize the room is only a damn two bedroom.

Great. Just my fucking luck.

Angelica is the first hybrid I’ve ever known to hold onto her virginity for so long, and I certainly can’t ask her to sleep with Grayson. I’m sure as hell not sleeping with him or her. I suppose the couch is my only option.

I walk into the kitchen, and I’m happy to see Wendy has left me a bottle of whiskey with a bow and a card welcoming me back. I pick up my phone to see I have a text telling me to call a number, and that’s exactly what I do.

“Hey babe. How was your trip?” Brazen asks as he answers on the other side of the mystery number I’ve dialed, and guilt consumes me even though it shouldn’t.

“I really wish I had stayed in Hershian and made Clay come there.”

“That bad?” he sighs.

“It’s just fucked up. How’s your detail? Tell me about it,” I murmur softly.

“It’s very boring. I’m here listening to a bunch of arguing about a land dispute. I’m actually staying at Berimond.”

“The hybrid and full blood marketing district? That’s just an hour away from here.”

“Yeah. I was supposed to go to Whipstyle - don’t get any kinky ideas - but they had me swap at the last minute. I could have driven you to Seminole if I had known.”

I laugh a little at his little joke. He’s so much sweeter than Hale right now. Why can’t I just go back to him and tell Hale to fuck off forever?

“The drive was fine, it’s everything else that sucks. I didn’t know Hale was the advocate for the hybrids now. He’s wanting them to stay here, and I’m having to fight to get my way.”

And I’m having to fight just to stay vertical.

“Sorry. I just assumed you had heard. Who did you vote for?” he asks curiously.

“I didn’t vote. It was the day I had a ridiculous amount of interrogations lined up. I’m starting to regret that shit,” I grumble.