Page 18 of Broken Souls

“It doesn't matter.”

“I don't understand their problem with you.”

“Long story,” I mutter under my breath. She doesn't hear, otherwise she would ask me about it.

“Karma better be real.”

I hope so too. The bell rings and we go to homeroom. The classes go by and then lunch comes around. I go to the table we usually sit at and wait for Amelia. In the meantime, I go on my phone.

“We thought you were dead,” Ember's voice cuts through my silence zone. I look up and see her and the other two beside her.

“Too bad,” I say, dropping my eyes to my phone.

“How'd you get out of the forest?” Mitchell asks.

“None of your business.”

They walk away, which is surprising. Maybe they're stupefied that I survived. I text Amelia asking where she is and she responds saying she's in the library. I pick up my bag and make my way to the library where no one ever goes. Just as I'm about to open the library door, I feel a spark touch my arm and I'm spun around, staring into the wide eyes of Joel.

“Where have you been?” His voice is soft.

“Why do you care?” I pull my arm out of his hold.

“I want to know.”

“Joel, we talked about this. Leave me alone.” I try to walk past him but his hands go to my waist and keep me against the wall. I lose my breath at our proximity. His eyes bore into mine. But then I notice his eyes are slightly looking away from mine. When his hand reaches out and caresses my cheekbone, I realise he's staring at my bruise. His thumb softly runs over it, making me gasp.

“Are you okay?” His words sound caring but he still chose his girlfriend over me.

“Don't touch me.” I slip out to the side and walk into the library.

I said to myself that I wouldn't let him touch me again because it messes with my emotions. His touch would be my weakness.

***

Driving back to my hotel, I'm still irritated at the way Joel's touch makes me react. I go inside my room, drop myself on my bed and let out a heavy breath. I'm not sure how long I lie there but a knock sounds on my door. I frown. I didn't order any room service. I open the door and see Axe standing there.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” I ask.

“I've been worried this past week about where you were,” Axe says. “Can I come in?”

“Okay.” I step aside for him to come in then close the door behind him.

“Why didn't you go home?” he asks.

“Because I didn't want to.” I sit down on the bed while he stands in the middle of the room.

“Why?”

I ignore his question.

“Elora, I'm sorry I scared you. I know that's why you left.” He sounds apologetic. “I want you to come back.”

Why would he want me to come back? I thought he was only letting me stay there while I healed.

“No. I like being here,” I say.

“Come on, you can't stay in a hotel. Come back. I lost my temper because it had to do with my mate. It won't happen again.”