Raelynn.For a moment I stop breathing. Maybe if I hold my breath long enough, I’ll wake up from the nightmare.I start fidgeting with my hands, my nails grazing my index finger till it bleeds but I don’t even feel the pain.‘Why? Why now?’“Rae?” I barely hear mum’s voice over the other end. Till she snaps. “Raelynn!”I stop fidgeting with my hands. “What…what did you just say?”Mum’s voice is tight. “There wasn’t a name so I just picked it, but the moment I heard his voice I hung up.”I stagger off my head nearly tripping. “How? How did he get your number? Are you sure it’s him?”“I…I don’t know.” She sighs.I want to scream. Why is all this happening to me right now. does did he want after all these years? I tug at my hair, hard, till it hurts.‘Breathe Raelynn, breathe. In. out.’I exhale but my voice is still shaking. “Mum, you don’t think…you don’t thing he’s going to—”“He wouldn’t.” she cuts me off. “I’ll figure it out, you know I will.” She pauses, then continues. “I only tol
Raelynn.I stare at Yara waiting, demanding with my eyes, for her to say something, anything. I’m gripping the letter so tight it crumples slightly in my hands.“I found it,” she finally says, knitting her brows together like I’m acting crazy and maybe I am but that’s the least of my worries. “Near the girl’s restroom, just lying there on the floor.”“The girl’s restroom?” I echo in disbelief, my eyes narrowing. “Are you sure?”Yara roll her eyes, exasperatedly. “Of course, I’m sure Rae.” She gestures with her hands. “I was gonna toss it but then I saw your name on it.”“What? What do you mean my name?”“What else would I mean by your name,” she sounds concerned and a bit frustrated. “There’s literally Raelynn written on it.”That can't be true. I turn over the envelope and she’s right. it seems ‘Sarah’ was scribbled out and now it says, “To Raelynn, instead.”But why? Who would change it?I rip the envelope open and search for the date at the top right where the sender always puts th
GraysonWith a sigh, I follow Brandon out the door, ignoring Raelynn’s persistent glare. She probably thinks I was lying about losing her stupid letter and maybe just wanted to screw her.But I wasn’t, at least not in that way.I swear I left her dumb letter in my cupboard, so unless it magically grew legs and walked off, someone had to have taken it and left it wherever the hell she found it.But why?I shake my head. That’s not what important right now. Taking a deep breath, I knock on coach whit’s office door.A moment of silence, then, “Come in.”I step in my mind spiraling for answers—or rather excuses, prepared for a round of scolding. But then, he doesn’t say anything.He just keeps his head down, not even sparing me a glance, just keeps scribbling something on his clipboard.“Coach,” I start, trying to sound calm, but my voice comes out rough.No response.I hate this, hate that he isn't speaking at me, hell, I’d actually prefer it if he’d just lash out at me. and not because
Raelynn.‘I have no idea where I am. My surroundings are dark and blurry, the sound of the fall of rain causing my heart to race.I hate the rain. It takes me back to that night.My body feels sticky for some reason. It’s probably the rain. But as I bring my blurred palms to my face a scream echoes in the silence.Blood. I…I am covered in blood.My breathing becomes more labored, like a hand is wrapped around my throat refusing to spare me a second of air. I don’t feel pain anywhere. Whose blood is this?“Sarah,” a voice calls out in the silence. My heart jumps as my blood covered hands begin to tremble, the hairs on my neck standing.That voice…I know that voice. Even after all these years, after all the therapy, no matter how much I’ve tried to forget, I’ve never been able to. The same voice that has haunted me for years, both in my memories and in nightmare.I don’t wait till they come closer, I just turn and run. I don’t know where I’m headed to, but that doesn’t stop me neither
Raelynn.I stare at the pile of garbage on the floor, the sound of laughter ringing in my ears. There's still more in my locker. Wet wipes. What disgustingly looks like a used condom. A tampon with some red stuff I can only hope is paint.I won't cry. I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing the tears back.I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.The laughter gets louder, like it’s feeding off my silence. I curl my index finger, dragging the nail across my thumb like I can scrape the panic away. I focus on that...grounding myself with each harsh scratch.The locker door slams shut louder than I mean for it to, but maybe I need the sound. Need it to drown them out. I hoist my bag over my shoulder and turn.They’re all watching me. Like they’re waiting for the tiniest reaction. Briella steps forward, a cruel smile twisting her lips, twirling a strand of her hair with a pointed flick.“Remember what you said to me at that party?” Her voice is sugary sweet but laced with p
Grayson.The moment I see her, I lose my damn mind and almost choke on the smoke.She’s standing there, framed by the soft hallway light, in a dress that looks like sin and silk stitched together. Black and gold, hugging those perfect curves like they’re trying to drive me insane.One strap sliding slightly off her shoulder, drawing my eyes to her bare skin. Her hair is gathered up like she didn’t even try and somehow that makes it worse. Hotter.I think back to the hickey I gave her and don’t even realize when my tongue darts out to wet my bottom lip.This is driving me crazy. And don’t even get me started on those thighs.Brandon whistles and I nearly hit him. I don’t like that they’re looking at her. Drinking her in.I bring the vape to my lips, blowing it out as her gazes meets mine.I push past Brandon and Isaac blocking their view after giving them a quick glare.“Isn't it past your bedtime, sunshine.” I step forward, she moves backwards, till her back is pressed against the wal
Raelynn.This party is insane.Like, the kind of insane where half the people here probably won’t remember their names in the morning, and the other half will be in someone else’s clothes. I thought the rager Grayson threw was intense, but this? This is something else entirely.Lights are flashing, music is pulsing loud enough to rattle the windows, and there’s this faint smell of tequila, sweat, and something suspiciously skunky drifting through the air. Yara’s house is huge, and everyone’s crawling all over it like drunk ants with zero self-respect.Yara’s parents aren’t around, and I kinda envy them right now. Must be nice to be far, far away from this disaster zone.There’s only one rule: don’t go into the master bedroom. Or any door that’s locked. Other than that? Everyone’s as free as a bird.A really stupid, possibly drunk bird making very bad decisions.“You seem to be regretting a lot of things,” Yara laughs, flopping into the seat beside me.“Your brother is insane,” I mutte
Raelynn“Pack your bags we’re moving.” My mother’s words echo in my mind as I shove my clothes angrily into my box.This week has been hell, scratch that, way worse than hell. Yesterday, I walked in on the one person I called my best friend, Chloe, and my boyfriend Peter making out.Peter and I were to hang out at his place but he couldn’t because he suddenly caught the flu, being the sweet and naive girlfriend I was, I decided to go over and check on him. Bring him some soup and tissues.I Didn’t need to knock because I know his passcode...one two three four five six, yes, he’s an id*ot.Turns out I should have just minded my business and stayed at home then maybe I wouldn’t have had to walk on both of them right there on his couch, her black hair tangled in his fingers.Worst thing they didn’t even feel bad about it, Chloe just smirked and peter’s excuse? “You’ve been depressed lately, we needed to rely on each other.”I throw another shirt into my suitcase. Depressed? I was only dep
Raelynn.This party is insane.Like, the kind of insane where half the people here probably won’t remember their names in the morning, and the other half will be in someone else’s clothes. I thought the rager Grayson threw was intense, but this? This is something else entirely.Lights are flashing, music is pulsing loud enough to rattle the windows, and there’s this faint smell of tequila, sweat, and something suspiciously skunky drifting through the air. Yara’s house is huge, and everyone’s crawling all over it like drunk ants with zero self-respect.Yara’s parents aren’t around, and I kinda envy them right now. Must be nice to be far, far away from this disaster zone.There’s only one rule: don’t go into the master bedroom. Or any door that’s locked. Other than that? Everyone’s as free as a bird.A really stupid, possibly drunk bird making very bad decisions.“You seem to be regretting a lot of things,” Yara laughs, flopping into the seat beside me.“Your brother is insane,” I mutte
Grayson.The moment I see her, I lose my damn mind and almost choke on the smoke.She’s standing there, framed by the soft hallway light, in a dress that looks like sin and silk stitched together. Black and gold, hugging those perfect curves like they’re trying to drive me insane.One strap sliding slightly off her shoulder, drawing my eyes to her bare skin. Her hair is gathered up like she didn’t even try and somehow that makes it worse. Hotter.I think back to the hickey I gave her and don’t even realize when my tongue darts out to wet my bottom lip.This is driving me crazy. And don’t even get me started on those thighs.Brandon whistles and I nearly hit him. I don’t like that they’re looking at her. Drinking her in.I bring the vape to my lips, blowing it out as her gazes meets mine.I push past Brandon and Isaac blocking their view after giving them a quick glare.“Isn't it past your bedtime, sunshine.” I step forward, she moves backwards, till her back is pressed against the wal
Raelynn.I stare at the pile of garbage on the floor, the sound of laughter ringing in my ears. There's still more in my locker. Wet wipes. What disgustingly looks like a used condom. A tampon with some red stuff I can only hope is paint.I won't cry. I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing the tears back.I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.The laughter gets louder, like it’s feeding off my silence. I curl my index finger, dragging the nail across my thumb like I can scrape the panic away. I focus on that...grounding myself with each harsh scratch.The locker door slams shut louder than I mean for it to, but maybe I need the sound. Need it to drown them out. I hoist my bag over my shoulder and turn.They’re all watching me. Like they’re waiting for the tiniest reaction. Briella steps forward, a cruel smile twisting her lips, twirling a strand of her hair with a pointed flick.“Remember what you said to me at that party?” Her voice is sugary sweet but laced with p
Raelynn.‘I have no idea where I am. My surroundings are dark and blurry, the sound of the fall of rain causing my heart to race.I hate the rain. It takes me back to that night.My body feels sticky for some reason. It’s probably the rain. But as I bring my blurred palms to my face a scream echoes in the silence.Blood. I…I am covered in blood.My breathing becomes more labored, like a hand is wrapped around my throat refusing to spare me a second of air. I don’t feel pain anywhere. Whose blood is this?“Sarah,” a voice calls out in the silence. My heart jumps as my blood covered hands begin to tremble, the hairs on my neck standing.That voice…I know that voice. Even after all these years, after all the therapy, no matter how much I’ve tried to forget, I’ve never been able to. The same voice that has haunted me for years, both in my memories and in nightmare.I don’t wait till they come closer, I just turn and run. I don’t know where I’m headed to, but that doesn’t stop me neither
GraysonWith a sigh, I follow Brandon out the door, ignoring Raelynn’s persistent glare. She probably thinks I was lying about losing her stupid letter and maybe just wanted to screw her.But I wasn’t, at least not in that way.I swear I left her dumb letter in my cupboard, so unless it magically grew legs and walked off, someone had to have taken it and left it wherever the hell she found it.But why?I shake my head. That’s not what important right now. Taking a deep breath, I knock on coach whit’s office door.A moment of silence, then, “Come in.”I step in my mind spiraling for answers—or rather excuses, prepared for a round of scolding. But then, he doesn’t say anything.He just keeps his head down, not even sparing me a glance, just keeps scribbling something on his clipboard.“Coach,” I start, trying to sound calm, but my voice comes out rough.No response.I hate this, hate that he isn't speaking at me, hell, I’d actually prefer it if he’d just lash out at me. and not because
Raelynn.I stare at Yara waiting, demanding with my eyes, for her to say something, anything. I’m gripping the letter so tight it crumples slightly in my hands.“I found it,” she finally says, knitting her brows together like I’m acting crazy and maybe I am but that’s the least of my worries. “Near the girl’s restroom, just lying there on the floor.”“The girl’s restroom?” I echo in disbelief, my eyes narrowing. “Are you sure?”Yara roll her eyes, exasperatedly. “Of course, I’m sure Rae.” She gestures with her hands. “I was gonna toss it but then I saw your name on it.”“What? What do you mean my name?”“What else would I mean by your name,” she sounds concerned and a bit frustrated. “There’s literally Raelynn written on it.”That can't be true. I turn over the envelope and she’s right. it seems ‘Sarah’ was scribbled out and now it says, “To Raelynn, instead.”But why? Who would change it?I rip the envelope open and search for the date at the top right where the sender always puts th
Raelynn.For a moment I stop breathing. Maybe if I hold my breath long enough, I’ll wake up from the nightmare.I start fidgeting with my hands, my nails grazing my index finger till it bleeds but I don’t even feel the pain.‘Why? Why now?’“Rae?” I barely hear mum’s voice over the other end. Till she snaps. “Raelynn!”I stop fidgeting with my hands. “What…what did you just say?”Mum’s voice is tight. “There wasn’t a name so I just picked it, but the moment I heard his voice I hung up.”I stagger off my head nearly tripping. “How? How did he get your number? Are you sure it’s him?”“I…I don’t know.” She sighs.I want to scream. Why is all this happening to me right now. does did he want after all these years? I tug at my hair, hard, till it hurts.‘Breathe Raelynn, breathe. In. out.’I exhale but my voice is still shaking. “Mum, you don’t think…you don’t thing he’s going to—”“He wouldn’t.” she cuts me off. “I’ll figure it out, you know I will.” She pauses, then continues. “I only tol
Raelynn.I stay frozen against the door, the towel clutched so tight around me my knuckles ache. My body won't stop trembling. Not from fear or anything like that. Maybe a bit of anger but it’s mostly because of him.Because my mind won't stop playing the way his eyes ran up and down my body.‘Get it together, Raelynn. You hate this guy.’I do, so much when I saw his bruised face, I felt a bit of relieve. At least someone beat up his annoying ass.But the memory of his eyes, dark, hungry, shameless, wouldn’t leave. It stuck to me, sticky and hot, clinging to my ribs.Worse was the dampness between my thighs that has nothing to do with the damn shower.I curse under my breath and push away from the door, stalking toward my dresser to yank out clothes. I need to cover up. I need space. I need to stop thinking about—‘His hand sliding around my waist that night at the party. The rough way he pressed my back against his chest. The heat of his breath brushing my ear as he growled something
Grayson.Of all people to be standing right in front of me when I’m two seconds away from exploding it just had to be Jace asshole Norman.‘Fucking Perfect.’He’s standing there in purple and black silver wolves jacket like he owns the place or something. His eyes light up as he sees my scowl, enjoying the effect he has on me.“What do you want, Norman?” Brandon asks his voice tight.But Jace just ignores him. “Shouldn’t you, Captain of the great and mighty ‘Fallen’ Knights,” he places emphasis on the fallen. “Be practicing, trying to defend your ‘legacy?”My fists clench, jaw tightening. Brandon turns to me. “Ignore him, let’s just get out of here.”I run a hand through my hair and get up smoothing my leather jacket, Brandon following.“All right,” Jace continues as I brush past him. “If I dad got married after I killed my mother, I’d be trying to drink myself to death to.”Everything stops.‘If I killed my mother…’ ‘If I killed my mother…’“If I killed my mother…” I mutter my voice