Page 57 of Revenant

The other girl snorts softly. “Same. We definitely drank too much.”

“I only drank like two beers,” Naomi replies, sounding almost amused. “I remember the fire, and people dancing, and then…nothing. Total blackout.”

Footsteps echo across the tile floor, louder now. Closer.

Metal rings scrape along a curtain rod somewhere nearby, causing my stomach to nearly drop out of my ass.

“I don’t know, Azalea, maybe try calling her again? I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. Lacey can take care of herself.”

“Yeah,” the second girl—Azalea, who I vaguely remember as being part of The Hollowed—agrees lightly. “There better still be hot water. The last time I had to shower, I swear every drop of it was gone. It was ice cold.”

Naomi giggles as a facet twists. Pipes groan, then water rushes out in a heavy spray. Steam begins to build in the stall next to mine, curling through the air. The space suddenly feels smaller, like one wrong breath might give me away.

My hand shoots out, and I twist the knob. The water cutting off with a sharp clunk. For a second I just stand there, dripping, listening to the roar of another shower finally starting up.

Then I move.

Grabbing my towel, I tightly wrap it around my breasts, snatching my clothes off the hook in a damp bundle. My fingers fumble as I shove my feet into my sandals.

Slipping out of the stall, I clutch my things to my chest and push through the door, stepping into the hallway. Only then do I let out the breath I’ve been holding.

My heart is still hammering as I walk away. Pryce’s voice creeps back into my mind, uninvited. The girl in the woods. The way he told the story so easily. He’s lied before. Or rather, omitted the truth…but still. He would probably do it again.

By the time I reach my room, my thoughts are spiraling. I slip inside quickly and shut the door behind me.

Dropping my things in the hamper, I start changing. Pulling on dry clothes with quick, distracted movements. My hair is still damp, water dripping down the back of my neck, but I barely pay it any mind. My mind keeps replaying the conversation those girls had in the shower.

As I step into a red cotton thong, I search for Koen’s shirt; I know I left here yesterday. But conveniently enough, I spot the one Bastian seemed to be missing. Not giving it much thought, I tug it over my head, the soft fabric warm against my damp skin, infused with the scent of leather and tobacco. Movement flickers in the corner of my eye and I freeze.

At first I think it’s just my imagination—my nerves still wound too tight. Then I see it again. Or rather, him.

18: Elias

“Your lack of attention is truly remarkable.” She walked right past me, not even glancing in my direction—something or someone clearly occupying her mind. Out of all the times I’ve seen her, this is probably my favorite. Hair dripping, soaking the shirt I immediately recognize as Bastian’s—leaving hardly anything to my imagination the further I travel down. Legs bare, pussy barely covered by the hem.

“How did you get in here?”

“Your roommate let me in,” I say matter-of-factly. “You think I broke into your room?”

“Wouldn’t put it past you.”

“Breaking and entering is more Bastian’s thing,” I clarify, stuffing my hands into my pockets to keep myself from doing something I shouldn’t—like throw her over my shoulder and sink myself into her. Fangs and other appendages alike. She crawls into bed, uncaring that her whole ass is on display. And if I were any other man, I would make her regret it. But alas, I have manners.

Sometimes.

“I have approximately ten minutes before Moriah comes banging on my door, so I would appreciate it if you were gone before that happens. I don’t need her to think I’m sleeping with all of you,” she mumbles, resting her head against the pillows.

“If only that were true.” She stares at me like I’m speaking another language. The adorable wrinkle appears between her brows, but exhaustion weighs on her features. Part of me feels guilty that this isn’t fair to her—in many ways, it’s not. “Get…presentable. I want to show you something.”

“I’m really not in the mood for more mind games, Elias. Or a field trip, for that matter.”

As much fun as it would be to curl up next to her, talk aimlessly until she falls asleep in my arms, there are far more pressing matters. “No games, just you and I taking a walk and ending at a destination that will hopefully give you some of those answers you’ve been wanting.” That piques her interest. Her confusion almost immediately morphing into curiosity, “Unfortunately, this does require pants. Unless you prefer to leave the room without them.”

She rolls her eyes, probably realizing that I’m not taking no for an answer. “I have to tell Moriah—”

“Already taken care of.” I smirk, knowing Koen has been put to the task of distracting her for the time being. She has unexpectedly become a good friend to Alicent, I’ll give her that. Still doesn’t mean I trust her.

“Why am I not surprised?” she murmurs. A heavy sigh escapes her. “I’m wearing leggings, and you can’t stop me.”