21. The Rival Blocked The Way

Noah's POV

"Argh!"

I flung off the blanket that was wrapped around me. It was morning, sunlight was creeping through the blinds, and I was still stuck on the same damn thought, Casey and her ghost. The sex we had yesterday totally messed me up. I couldn't focus on anything but her.

I heard Sherly talking on the phone with someone, maybe James. Thought she bounced last night, but nah, she crashed here. Whatever, I don't really care if Sherly stays over, long as she doesn't bug me. Sherly and James are the only ones who can crash here, but James ain't into coming around. He says I gotta have a spot no biker gang touches to keep things on the down low from my dad.

I got up and walked out. Sherly was already geared up to leave.

"Heading out?"

"Oh, you're up. Yeah, James wants me at the bar. Says there's some snags."

"Need a ride?"

Sherly looked at me, smirking, kinda surprised. "Your concern's making me awkward. So, I heard you mumbling Casey's name all night. Is she really messing with your head that much?"

I didn't say anything. I actually had no clue about that.

"I don't care if you wanna get serious with Casey or any other chick, Noah, but remember, you're part of Black Hell now. You're responsible for keeping the gang alive. So, don't let your love life screw over Black Hell. James already has a stable business goin'. Don't get mixed up in anything that'll hurt us."

"Don't sweat it. I won't involve Black Hell."

"Then what about Becky? Isn't he after Casey?"

"He's after me. He knows I'm with Casey. I'll protect her."

"Bravo, Noah. You're protecting Casey," Sherly laughed. "You're the villain here. Even if Becky doesn't mess Casey up, you will. Casey's an innocent girl. Don't drag her into our dark world. There's no coming back once you're in."

I looked at Sherly, who was being super serious. Man, is that how Sherly feels? She hasn't seen her family in ages. Maybe they disowned her 'cause she straight-up said she wanted to live with James.

"Whatever. Come on, I'll take you to the bar."

Sherly didn't turn down my offer. After throwing on my usual jacket and jeans, I took Sherly to the Black Hell headquarter. Nothing much happened on our ride until we were suddenly blocked by a bunch of bikes that were apparently waiting for us. They were near downtown, on a deserted street because no one ever dares to go there, it's not Fallen Bike territory, but they claim it.

"Noah, let's find another way. Don't mess with them."

I saw Becky in the middle. My business with him wasn't over after that whole thing. He's probably pissed I snatched his prey.

"Noah Adam! Get down here and face me!" Becky yelled.

"Let's turn back, Noah!" Sherly warned me.

Looks like I can't fight them today. Cops'll be patrolling soon. I don't want any trouble, and my dad could force me to go home. I took Sherly's advice, turned around, and bounced, but Becky wasn't backing down. He and his crew chased me.

"Shit!" Sherly cursed. "Go faster, Noah!"

I twisted the throttle harder. Becky wouldn't give up either. They were still on my tail. Oh, no. I couldn't go through the crucial city hall area. Biker gangs aren't supposed to be there, but it was the only safe place from Becky's chase. I wasn't scared, but I had to hit campus today. I couldn't cause a scene.

"No! No! No! Noah, don't go this way!"

I kept going, speeding down the street in front of city hall. The cops patrolling there obviously saw me and Becky's crew. I had no choice. I gunned it, flying past the cops.

"Noah, you're gonna get us killed!"

The cops flipped on their sirens, ready to chase.

"Becky's not following us!" Sherly said.

I sped up even more, then turned down a small street and went through a shopping area.

My ride to Black Hell heartquarter was totally dramatic, but when I came out of a small alley, someone crossed in front of me. I slammed on the brakes. I couldn't control my bike, which suddenly went down, skidding across the road. Sherly fell but seemed okay, while I crashed into my own bike 'cause I was going too fast.

"Noah!" Sherly screamed.

***

Casey's POV

"Stop following me, Anthony! I gotta get to class! Why don't you just go back to the capital?"

I was so annoyed when Anthony followed me out of the house. He'd been trailing me since I woke up. I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling, but I don't want him around anymore.

"Isn't everything better now? Why can't I be with you? I'll drive you to campus."

"No!" I yelled. "Don't come with me to campus!"

"Why? You're scared I'll spill the beans that you're cheating with that punk from yesterday?"

"Don't talk like that about Noah! He's even better than you, Anthony!"

Anthony grabbed me, his gaze sharp, a little rough.

"I already apologized and all these misunderstandings are over, Casey. So, I want you to end your childish fling with that guy. Don't ruin everything we've built."

"You ruined everything, Anthony. And I never said things were back to how they were. I'm just trying to make peace with the situation, but you and I are still broken up! Do whatever you want. I'd rather live like this. Go back to the capital!"

I immediately ran to the bus stop because my campus bus was almost there. I didn't want to miss it. So I just left Anthony there. On the way to campus, I wondered in my heart. I wanted to know more about what I felt for Anthony, and the feelings I had for Noah. I was too disappointed, and I figured there was nothing left to save in my relationship with Anthony. I didn't want anything to do with him anymore.

Once I got to campus, everything seemed fine. Students were bustling into their respective department buildings. I looked at the parking lot. Noah's bike wasn't there. Is he not coming to campus today? I felt an emptiness creep in, a little let down that I didn't see him. He seriously only had sex with one woman once, but what about that girl at the Black Hell heartquarter? I'm sure they didn't just hook up once.

I headed straight to class, doing my usual student stuff. Lucas greeted me, and we chatted about a bunch of things. Class went well, no drama, but my eyes kept darting to the door. Hoping someone would show up.

"Wanna head out together?" Lucas offered. "My friends and I are gonna hang out. Maybe you wanna join, Casey?"

"Oh, I'd love to, but I gotta finish my assignment. I haven't turned it in yet. I need to go to the library for references."

"Didn't you go there yesterday? Oh, you suddenly left. Professor Hayes was looking for you."

"Oh, yeah. I wasn't feeling well yesterday. I went home early."

"Are you okay?" Lucas touched my neck.

I quickly brushed him off. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Suddenly, things got awkward. Lucas was surprised by my reaction.

"I just wanted to see if you had a fever, Casey."

"Sorry, Lucas..." This was seriously embarrassing. I shouldn't have done that. "I gotta go to the library."

I immediately left class and headed to the library. Yesterday, I failed to get my assignment done there because of that terror incident. Hopefully, everything's fine today. I walked into the library, picking out books super carefully. I was scared of more traps, but everything seemed okay. After grabbing a few books, I was about to head to a table.

"Casey..."

I was startled when someone suddenly called my name from a dark corner of the room. I wanted to back away, but there was no other way out. My body froze. I stepped closer to the sound, my eyes squinting to see who was calling.

"Casey..." The voice came again. I moved even closer to check it out.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. My heart dropped when I saw Noah sitting there, looking helpless. His hands were just covered in blood, and his face was all messed up.

"No-Noah!”