Broken, yet stronger

RAYNA

“Is he a crazy guy?” Lysandra whispered behind me.

“What do you think?” I asked, “Does it feel like he's a harmless person?”

Because to me, every instinct screamed danger. Could this…be the murderer?

“Yes. Rayna, I’m so scared I could wet my pants right now.” She shook behind me.

I had to protect my younger sister no matter what.

“Hmm,” I cleared my throat noisily, “just so you know, harassing us like this in the night can cause you issues. I’m a detective…”

Well, almost. Technically. By Monday…

He raised his brows one at a time.

“Doing this…is going to take you to prison. At least a week.”

“I haven't even touched you yet. Harassment?” He scoffed lightly,”Go ahead. Make the call.”

He's not scared. Not even a little.

People like him technically are the leaders of gangs in prison cells. The cells must feel like a second home to him at this point.

“What do you want from us?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady.

His lips curved in a slow amused smirk, “You.”

Me?

He wants to kidnap me?

“C’mon–”

I didn't even finish. He suddenly grabbed my wrist and yanked me close. So close that I felt his breath wash over my cheek instantly. I froze, my chest hammering.

“Are you pretending…” he asked roughly, “or do you truly not feel it?”

“F…feel what?” I stammered, trying to pull my wrist from his grip, but it's impossibly tight. “Let me go!”

“Let my sister–”

“Lysandra!”

Dad’s voice cut through the darkness.

Finally!

“Three against one, do you think you can take us up now?” I gritted my teeth.

“Two of you are girls, your old man…” he slid his eyes, “I can easily remove him from the picture.”

He released my wrist,

“But not tonight,” he said quietly. “We'll surely meet again.”

He walked past me, slipping away like he wasn't there seconds away.

“Are you trying to put your sister into danger? There's a murderer on the loose?” Dad snapped, glaring at me.

“She didn't ask me to follow her! I did, on my own accord,” Lysandra shot.

“Whatever.” Dad stared at me for a second, before glancing at Lysa. “Let's go home.”

As I walked with them, I turned back slowly.

He's no longer there.

****

Lysandra propped on her bed, staring at me. “What do you think ‘mate’ means?”

“Are you thinking about that guy?” I turned, staring at her.

“Yes. I can't seem to stop thinking about him. Sincerely, I’m so scared. You know, I’ve never seen him in this street before…what if he is the murderer?”

“The murderer won't roam the street they committed a crime in just like that.” I murmured, “You just have to be careful. You, mom and dad.”

She nodded.

“Or maybe you can actually stay with me when I get my apartment.”

“What?!” Lysandra jerked up suddenly, “I would love to!”

Then, her smile faltered.

“Dad and mom may not agree to it.”

Right.

“Absolutely not!” Dad fired the next morning at breakfast as he glared at both of us.

“You haven't gotten your life yet on track and you want to take her with you? Why? Are you trying to ruin her life?” He asked.

I sucked in a deep breath as I stared at him, “Dad–”

“Enough! Just eat breakfast in peace and leave on Monday.”

My chest tightened.

They just wanted me gone. Why did I come home in the first place?

Monday came faster than I expected.

One moment I was sitting at that tense table and the next I’m stuffing the last of my clothes into my bag.

Dad was already outside when I pulled my bag into the living room.

“I hope you find something good in your life and stop causing issues to this home.” Mom said flatly without any hint of love. “If you had any heart, you'd know we have done more than enough for you. You are not a real member of this family, it's time you stopped coming back.”

I blinked back my tears. “Do you truly don't want me?”

“Yes, Rayna. Coming home causes us distress.”

My tears strayed from my eyes,no matter how much I tried to hold them in. I wiped it off immediately, looking away.

“You didn't have to tell me this now. It feels like I’m a stray dog who no one wants. But thank you…thank you for taking care of me all these years. I can't ever thank you enough.”

I grabbed my bag, pulling it out of the house.

“Rayn–” the door closed,cutting off the rest of my name from Lysa’s lips.

“Delete her contact, Lysandra. Stop getting in touch with her.” I heard mom say.

I fisted my hands,trying to stop myself from breaking. I won't break,no matter what.

I’m a strong woman. Rayna Valecrest is strong.

“Don't make me leave you behind!” Dad yelled, popping out of the car.

I grabbed my bag, throwing it into the boot, before I got into the car.

The drive was fast and short. Before I knew it, we were already at the bus stop and dad turned to look at me,

“Hopefully we don't see you next Thanksgiving.”

“I would make sure of that,” I say, forcing my voice to be cold.

“Thank goodness.” He said, “Goodbye, Rayna.”

“Dad…can I ask a question?” I asked, pausing at the door.

“What is it?”

“Why..did you adopt me?”

He blinked.

“I was just curious, why did you take me in when you knew you were going to let me off at the end?”

“Isn't it obvious? Lucinda wasn't born then. We needed a child at that time.” He clicked his tongue.

I was just a substitute from the beginning. Just like it was with Cassian.

A substitute for Tahlia, one for Lysandra.

I pushed the door open without any further discussion, and after pulling my box out of the trunk, I didn't bother waiting for the bus.

I got into a cab instead.

“Where to, ma'am?”

I took in a deep breath. “FBI New York Field Office.”

He glanced at me, “Yes, ma'am.”