23. Raven

RAVEN

Apparently, the event isn’t starting until after dark, which means I managed to sneak a little nap in. I feel more refreshed but not rejuvenated. It’s going to take sleeping for a solid week to achieve that and that’s not in the cards for me. Refreshed will have to do.

The sleep came surprisingly easy to me, despite Creed’s heated words remaining on my mind and infiltrating my dreams. My slumber was laced with desire, drenched in ecstasy, and consumed with every touch and caress.

Now, with my nude eyes and blushed cheeks, my makeup is set. Half of my hair is pinned back off my face and braided, while the rest falls around my shoulders in waves. Louisa insisted I match the dress with a pair of nude heels with glitter soles and a small purse. I decorate my fingers with my favorite rings and choose a pair of dangly earrings.

I have everything on but the dress, a task Creed made me promise was still his. It sits pooled and ready at the foot of my bed, I just need to get it on. As if sensing I’m ready, a knock comes from the door. I peek my head through a small gap, shielding my body, and Creed comes into view.

Nervously, I step back and let him in, feeling his eyes on every inch of my bare skin. The dress is designed to not wear a bra, so I’m standing before him in my panties, heels, and jewels.

“Fuck, Raven.”

I could say the same to him. He’s dressed head to toe in black. A fitted black dress shirt with a black silk tie and a tailored black suit that fits him to perfection. The polished black shoes finish the look and his black hair is swept back off his face with a loose lock flicking over his eyebrow.

“Where do you want me?” I breathe, my throat drying with need as he smirks at me.

“Patience is a virtue,” he murmurs back, making me laugh.

I step into the dress and bend down to grab the straps and sense him approaching. I gasp when I feel warm lips press a delicate kiss to the globe of my ass. My thighs clench, my pussy already dripping for him, but he doesn’t do anything else as he grabs the straps from my hands and lifts the fabric up to dress me.

“I think I might hate you.” I stand tall, slipping my arms into the straps as he gets to work on the laced corset.

“No, you don’t.”

“You don’t know that,” I tease, and he lifts his gaze, aiming a pointed stare over my shoulder into the floor-length mirror in my room. I glare back at him, but falter, glancing down at my feet in an attempt to calm myself.

Asshole.

Once again, his hands fall to my hips when he’s done. Looking at our reflection, awe rises inside me. It should be criminal for us to look this put together and sophisticated. His hand splays across my stomach, pulling me back into him, and I feel the outline of his cock at my ass. Instinctively, I place my palm against his hand and he presses another sweet kiss to my temple.

Who knew it would be Creed that was the biggest fucking tease?

Clearing his throat, he takes a second to hold me close before taking a step back. “We should go. The others are waiting.”

I nod, my pulse thrumming in my ears as he takes my hand, grabs my purse from the bed, and guides me to the door.

Tingles run up and down my spine, the chemistry between us palpable, and when he opens the door to reveal the rest of the Bishops, I’m almost positive I died in the Gauntlet because this is surely what Heaven looks like.

Eldon is wearing a white shirt, a deep-navy suit, and a matching tie. His hair looks like he spent hours raking his hands through the ends, but it’s the sultry shimmer in his eyes that has my lips parting. Zane is dressed in all black like Creed, only his tie is silver, making his hazel eyes gleam. The corner of his mouth is tipped up as he rakes his eyes over me from head to toe and I’m sure I’m going to combust from his look alone.

Brax stands a step back from the other two, not looking directly at me, but I spot him glancing out of the corner of his eye a time or two. The gray suit fits him like a second skin, reminding me of his ability, and it befits him perfectly.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to try and talk to him again about the Gauntlet, but Eldon steps closer to me, interrupting my thoughts. “You look radiant, Little Bird.” He places his hand under my chin before peppering small kisses at the corner of my mouth.

“Stop hogging her,” Zane grumbles, shoulder-barging Eldon to the side so he can stand in front of me. “We got you this, beautiful.” He holds up a white rose corsage decorated with pearls and silver and my heart lurches.

Everything is so overwhelmingly gorgeous that I have no words. I hold my hand out and he slips it onto my wrist.

“Thank you,” I manage, and he smirks down at me.

“It was Brax’s idea,” he replies with a wink, making my eyes widen in surprise. The man in question just grunts and stomps toward the door as I gape after him.

Creed is the secret tease, Eldon the declarer of being claimed, Zane the handbook king, and Brax is the one that runs so hot and cold that it leaves my head spinning.

“Are we ready?” Brax grunts from the door, swinging it open with a glare, and I smile despite his animosity.

Tonight suddenly feels more exciting than it did before, and I’m more than ready for the distraction. Following him outside, I gasp at the carriage that sits idle at the end of our path.

“What’s this?” I ask, turning to Zane at my side.

“They’re old school when it comes to events like this, so they use traditional carriages to escort each house to the ballroom.”

I turn back to the grand mode of transport, noting the jingling of chains as I get closer. They hang up front as if attached to an animal, but there’s nothing there…not that I can see, at least.

Brax climbs in without a backward glance and I shuffle in after him, sitting right beside him instead of taking the spot facing him like Creed and Zane do. Eldon slips into the seat to my right, his hand instantly finding my thigh, and I place my hand on top of his but focus my attention on the broody asshole on my other side as the carriage starts to move.

“Brax…”

“Don’t.”

Taking a deep breath, I try to not let his gruffness get to me, as my usual response is to be an asshole back, and that’s exactly what I’m trying not to do right now.

“In the Gauntlet—”

“I. Said. Don’t,” he bites, swinging his deathly glare in my direction, but I match it with one of my own.

“You’re an asshole.”

“You’ve already told me that,” he grunts, rolling his eyes at me before turning his attention back to the window.

God, I would love to kick him in the dick and listen to him squeal like a pig but, despite the excitement at the thought, I bite back my anger, remembering that the only reason I’m sitting here is because of him.

“Thank you.”

His gaze slowly swings back to mine, the glare still intact, but he offers a subtle nod, accepting my gratitude while simultaneously drawing the conversation to an end. The darkness outside the window claims his attention once again and I let him distance himself this time.

If the other Bishops are intrigued or confused by my thanks, they don’t say anything. Not even Zane and he usually has an opinion on everything.

We ride in comfortable silence, Eldon’s thumb gently running back and forth over my knuckles until we approach our destination. Carriage after carriage is lined up and a porter opens the door for us once we come to a full stop.

“Please, follow me.”

Eldon steps out first, immediately offering me his hand, which I take, letting him escort me down from the carriage. The second Zane is out, he’s trying to push Eldon off me to take me for himself while Creed watches with his deep onyx eyes, never saying a word. Brax, however, climbs down and stomps toward the entryway without a backward glance.

“Am I causing issues between you guys?” I ask before I can think better of it.

“No. Brax is just…Brax,” Eldon explains. There’s no irritation in his tone, no anger or anything that would indicate he’s worried, so I take his word for it.

Focusing on my surroundings, I notice we’re back at the academy building, the large circular double doors I first saw when I arrived standing before me. It feels like an eternity ago, yet very little time has actually passed. I’m still not much wiser about the world around me, no stronger than I was back at Shadowmoor, yet my life feels like it’s…superior.

“Raven.”

I turn toward Leila’s voice, watching her rush toward me in a red dress. Her blonde hair is braided back into a bun, and her smoky eye makeup accentuates her blue eyes. “You look amazing,” I say as she gives me a hug. She’s practically buzzing with excitement. I can feel it and it’s contagious.

“So do you. Are you ready for an evening with your brother?” I frown at her question, glancing back at the Bishops who look just as confused as I do.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, we have to sit with our families in there.”

My gut clenches and my heart instantly aches. “I thought we would be able to sit where we wanted, or in our houses at least,” I mutter like it’s going to change the circumstances, and Leila grimaces.

“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. We can mingle once the meal is over, though,” she adds, and I cling to that fact as we head inside.

The crowd is directed to the left and I startle at the room we’re led into. Candles float across the ceiling in an array of sizes, lighting the entire space and creating a cozy atmosphere. White, gold, and cream drapes decorate the walls, matching the flowers placed as centerpieces on each table.

“Family name, please.” I turn to the man, who looks at me with a warm smile, and realize I’m worrying my bottom lip.

“Hendrix,” I murmur, already hating the taste of that word on my tongue.

“Follow me.”

I glance back at the Bishops, offering them a wary smile as he leads me further into the room. They look about as happy as I do, but as much as that fills me with reassurance, it doesn’t save me from the dinner I’m going to have to endure.

A chair is pulled out for me far too quickly and I attempt to turn my grimace into a smile, but the glimmer in his eyes tells me I’m failing miserably. “Thank you,” I murmur, not sitting down straight away as I build up the strength to see who is here.

Exhaling, I bite the bullet and turn to see Sebastian, Papa, and Mama to my left. While another family fills the other half of the table. Not just any family, though. It’s Finn’s. Great, this just got even more awkward.

“Hey, Raven. You look exceptional,” Finn says from the seat beside me, and I offer him a tight smile, opting to focus on my mama across from me instead.

I don’t bother taking my seat as I rush around the table to greet her. She cuts the distance, meeting me halfway as she holds me in a tight embrace. I feel heavier and lighter all at once. She’s always been my home, my safe place, despite how far apart we may have grown. Right up until the last time I saw her. It was back at the old family house, where she stayed inside and let Papa ship me off. I don’t understand the politics behind anything that happened, but the way she holds me now, pouring all of her emotions into our hug, none of it matters.

“I’ve missed you so much, my sweet girl,” she whispers against my ear, and I hold her tighter.

“I’ve missed you too.”

“I’m so sorry, Raven. I thought I could stop the inevitable, but I was stupid, naïve, and hopeful for a better life for you. It was silly of me to think one existed. It’s hard here, I know that from experience, but I hope you’ll turn it into a beautiful journey, just as you do with everything else.”

Overwhelmed, I lean back to meet her gaze. “You came here too?”

“Of course she did. We all did. It’s the Hendrix way,” Papa interjects, irritating me, and I take that as my cue to find my seat.

I get comfortable without looking at Sebastian, hating that I’m sandwiched between him and Finn. Not that Finn has technically done anything to me. Shit, he healed me earlier, but I know it’s going to piss the Bishops off and something tells me he’ll enjoy doing it.

Water is poured into a glass for me and I instantly wish it was something stronger. Glancing around the room, I try to spot where Creed, Brax, Eldon, and Zane are sitting but there are too many people for me to catch a glimpse of their faces. I can’t spot Leila among the crowd, either.

I’ve spent the past fourteen years being a lone ranger and now I can’t even handle sitting at a table with my so-called family without my one friend and the Bishops’ presence.

I need to get a handle on myself.

“So, how are classes going, Raven? Sebastian tells me you survived today’s Gauntlet by the skin of your teeth.” Papa cocks a brow at me and if I didn’t want to leave before, I certainly do now.

“You wouldn’t believe it now, but she was pretty banged up. It took a little healing, but I hope you’re feeling much better now, Raven,” Finn interjects. Turning to face him, I can’t decide if he’s defending me or tooting his own horn for his ability to heal me.

“I am, thank you,” I murmur to him before turning my attention back to Papa. “They’re going as well as they can be. Random mishaps that land me in the wastelands of Ashdale make it a little difficult, though. Wouldn’t you agree, Sebastian?” I finally turn to him, hating the smug grin on his face.

There I was, thinking tonight was going to be a good ending to a shitty week.

Fuck was I wrong.

“Ashdale? What were you doing there?” Mama asks, and I smile sweetly at her and Papa.

“Why don’t you ask your son?”

I can’t decide if it’s a blessing or a curse that the food starts to arrive, halting our conversation. I can sense Finn watching me from the corner of my eye but I can’t handle him on top of the mess I’m already sinking in, so I eat in silence.

Seven courses of small portions come and go and I still feel hungry. From fish to poultry, finished with a selection of cheeses and a chocolate cake. Wiping the corners of my mouth with my napkin, I notice others start to mingle around us and I’m ready to join them. I’ve barely scraped my chair back an inch when the room goes silent.

“I’d like to start off by thanking the parents and families for attending tonight. The victory of our children, of our future, should be celebrated.” Professor Barton’s voice booms throughout the room and I glance around to see where his projection is, only to find the man himself standing on a stage to my right. Instead of wearing a suit like most of the men here, he’s draped in a red velvet cape with leather armor underneath. “I’d also like to thank The Monarchy for attending tonight’s celebrations. Seeing the future guardians of our realm before us is a wonderful thing.” He waves his hand to the left but I can’t see who he’s referring to over the heads in the way. “I don’t really want to say much more, but enjoy the rest of the night, and I’m excited to watch you continue your journey here at Silvercrest Academy. Follow the sun, destroy the shadows, and survive another dawn.”

My parents mouth the final words, as do Sebastian, Finn, and his parents too.

I’m ready to make a break for it but, as if sensing my eagerness to leave, Papa halts me with his gaze. “Raven, we must discuss more about how you’re adjusting here.”

I’d rather wash my face with a cheese grater.My hands clench in my lap, my desperate need to put some distance between us tightening my chest.

“Actually, Mr. Hendrix, I was hoping Raven would dance with me,” Finn interrupts, catching me by surprise.

What is his angle now?

“I—”

“Of course, Finn. Raven couldn’t refuse such an offer now, could she?”

I mean…I definitely fucking could, but the excuse to get the hell away from him wins out.

“Lead the way.”

Finn offers me his hand but I don’t take it. He takes the hint and waves for me to step ahead. His hand instantly goes to the small of my back but I glare at him over my shoulder and he swiftly moves it.

“I’m doing you a favor, Raven. Calm down.”

“What’s in it for you?” I ask, glancing over the crowd in search of Leila and the Bishops while heading toward the dance floor, which is already filling with couples. I don’t catch sight of anyone I need at first, but I do see Barton talking with a group of people by the stage he’d stood atop moments ago.

“Please, I’ve been dying to snap your neck.” The snarl comes from a furious Eldon, who appears out of nowhere from the other side of Finn. The relief I feel at finally finding one of them is quickly lost when I’m sure he’s literally going to commit murder with his bare hands.

“You were fine for me to heal her. Besides, I’m doing her a favor, aren’t I, Raven?” he replies, draping his arm around my shoulder and instantly making the situation ten times worse.

I’m ready to hand him over to his maker, but he’s right, he is doing me a favor. Before I can say a word either way, Eldon has him by the collar, his eyes darkening as a fireball forms in his free hand.

Fuck.

“He’s right, Eldon. He got me away from Sebastian and Papa. I owe him one.” Eldon’s eyes don’t lighten at my words or my touch on his arm.

“Did you hear that? She owes me.”

“And I’m paying you back now by saving your fucking life,” I snark, hating the whole power trip unraveling before me. “Tonight’s absolutely fucked, Eldon. Can you get me out of here? I’m done.”

My words seem to sink through his anger and concern flickers in this gaze. “Get the fuck out of here before I change my mind.” He shoves Finn back a step, who stands still for a moment, shaking out his suit jacket, and I’m sure he’s going to keep pushing.

“A pleasure as always, Raven,” he murmurs before disappearing into the sea of people now joining the dance floor.

Eldon grabs my waist and pulls me in close, resting his forehead against mine. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you, but if you want to leave, I can make that happen. We just have to go and say goodbye to my mother.”

The thought of meeting his mother makes me want to be sick, but I really want to leave, so it’s the lesser of two evils I guess. “Sure, where to?” I ask.

I spy the grimace before he can hide it.

“She’s talking with Zane’s father at The Monarchy’s table.”