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“To get my mate.”

Chapter 17

Lesson Learned

CORDELYA

“Honey, are you doing okay?”

Ember’s soft voice feels like nails down a chalkboard.

“It’s just a lot, and I feel so terrible for Auggie.”

My voice wobbles as I try to choke back another wave of tears.

I’m shocked I even have any tears left.

Wrapped in Auggie’s arms, I let out every last tear I’ve kept myself from releasing over the last year.

“It’s just terrible,” Ember agrees, “First your apartment and now Augustus’ house.”

A chill sweeps up my spine.

Chad.

After seeing the utter devastation of Auggie’s house, I’m convinced Chad has somehow found me here in Ravens Hollow. I don’t know how, but he’s here and the reason for every single thing that has happened.

As we approach my apartment complex, I start scanning the area, anxiety spiking high. It feels like the further away from Auggie I am, the higher my paranoia rises. I long for the comfort of his arms around me.

I force down the lump in my throat and focus on looking for Chad.

Ember pulls into a slot and gets out. Together, we walk to my door, my gaze sweeping every dark corner, half expecting Chad to jump out at any moment.

Minna happily greets us at the door, and I breathe a sigh of relief as she follows me inside.

“Can I make you something? Or order anything?” Ember.

“No thank you,” I say, checking my phone for the first time since the unpleasant wake-up. There’s a message from Darren asking if I can pick up a short shift.

Perfect. A distraction and time to plan.

“Actually, would you mind dropping me off at the Twisted Broom? Darren is looking for someone to cover a shift.”

“Of course! I don’t think I could sit still either. Logan constantly tells me I’m like a hummingbird. Always moving.”

I wonder again if Ember has any idea of the dreamy look she gets when she talks about Logan. Or that he is completely enamored with her. I’ve only been here for a month, but even I can see that the two of them are made for each other.

“Thank you. Let me go get changed, and we can head over.”

I rush to the bedroom and take the fastest shower on record, fighting another wave of tears at washing off the remnants of the best night of my life.

Out of the shower, I dress quickly and decide a simple swipe of mascara, a little blush, and concealer will have to do to cover my puffy eyes. I just don’t have it in me today to do my usual routine. With my hair in a simple braid, I head back to the living room and find Ember with Minna and Toby by her feet and the cats on the couch with her.

“I think they like me,” she says brightly.

“They certainly do.” It breaks my heart just a little to say.

Since my shift is short, I decide to keep Minna out of her kennel and head out after double-checking all the doors and windows.