18

Tiv

Wednesday 7th February, Year 825

The minutes crawled by as anxiety twisted my stomach into knots, unable to stop thinking about Alayna. My eyes stayed glued to the ground, avoiding any chance encounters with Marco who still harboured a grudge after Alayna publicly humiliated him at my expense. This certainly didn't improve after Mother's scolding. I had not been in his good graces since. Every interaction was venomous so I found it best to simply avoid him, especially at college. When the bell signalled the end of the academic day, I rushed straight to my car, ignoring the numerous people who were still asking where my scab girl was, and beating the crowd.

I almost made it before Jo collared me. She was wringing her hands together as if trying to muster confidence.

I cocked an eyebrow, "Yes?"

"Don't meet her. You should leave her alone. Aly… S-she's too good for the both of you," she stammered out.

I rolled my eyes, "A notion I am already vastly aware of. Thank you for your concern for her though. At least one person in this wretched place has some."

She gave me a peculiar look, as if not expecting my thanks, before deciding on what she was about to say. "You need to be careful. The Jamesons are popular. Yours is not the only family to be scared of around here. If you hurt her, you'll have Ben and an army of us at your door."

"Are you threatening me?" I growled.

She shook her head quickly, "Shit! No of course not! Please don't call the Guard." My chest constricted at the pure terror in her tone. "I'm warning you. You don't mess with the Jamesons. All our lot know that. Don't be thick."

"I have no intention of messing with the Jameson family."

"You already have! Aly told me she wished she'd died before she was dragged to that cell. Your family did that to her. Ben and Nate won't forget it. Julie only will because she likes your mum." Nausea rippled through me as the taste of bile rose to my throat. Jo didn't wait for my response before she continued. "Do you know Ben starts most of those riots in The Grange? Nate's something else if you think Ben's bad. Do you know they-" She cut herself off the same way Alayna would when she'd given me too much information about the people she cared for. "They are dangerous. Be careful."

She didn't move. Like she was waiting for permission to leave. I paid her no more heed, pushing past her to my car.

It had been over a week since I last saw Alayna and the void her absence left was overwhelming. As much as I wanted to agree with Alayna that we came from different worlds, something inside me couldn't resist seeing her again... Even if I knew Jo was right.

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My car cut swiftly through the Guard blockade into Outer Harroworth, stopping briefly to flash my identification before putting my foot down again. Easing off the accelerator at the edge of Rowe Meadow, I steered the car onto the gravel shoulder, my heart thrumming. She was already there, waiting for me. I couldn't help but stare at her for a moment. It was an unusually bright day with few clouds in the sky, making her stand out even more against the backdrop of skeletal trees. Her pink nose showed signs of the cold, yet she still looked beautiful as she leaned against a wooden farm gate. Her black faux leather jacket hung loosely off her shoulders. In tight black jeans and a loose white jumper tucked into her tiny waist, she exuded effortless style. The whole scene seemed like something from a dream. When our eyes met, it was like my brain had forgotten how intense her gaze could be. I took in every detail of her features, wanting to remember the moment forever.

I jumped out of the car at the same time she rushed to greet me. Without warning, she jumped on me, wrapping her legs around my hips and pushing us back into the side of the vehicle. Her lips pressed to mine fiercely, one hand wrapped around my neck, the other in my hair.

About fucking time.

The shock barely had time to register before instantly reciprocating, bringing my arms around her and holding her to me. Running my hands under her top, my touch swept across the base of her back as she let out a soft sigh. The electric current that ran through my skin whenever it made contact with hers was euphoric.

Her lips left mine, trailing down my neck as she murmured, "You're an idiot."

"I know," I laughed before finding her lips again.

And I did know. I had nearly given all of her up for Marco. 'Idiot' did not begin to cover it.

She silently reminded me of the notion more and more as our kiss deepened until we were forced to break away from each other, gasping for air. I put her on her feet and she gazed up, a playful glint in her eyes. She had a mischievous smile on her face as she gently pushed away, her hands lingering on my chest. I could see her preparing to say something, her lips parting slightly. When she spoke, I got the impression she changed her words at the last moment.

Instead, Alayna rummaged through her bag, a grin playing on her face as she pulled out a bottle. "Look what I've got," she said, brandishing the wine with a flourish.

Holding the bottle up to the light, I could see it was a fine vintage. "Please don't tell me you borrowed that like you did the cars?"

Scoffing, she pulled my car keys from my pocket, using them as a makeshift corkscrew. "It was a birthday present asshole. From your mum actually."

I had no idea she'd given Alayna a present; Mother had managed to keep her kindness hidden beneath layers of social pretence as usual.

"I've never had wine before," Alayna admitted with a sheepish grin, holding the emerald glass up to the light as if scrutinising a precious gem.

She put it to her lips and tilted back her head, a stream of wine flowing freely. Watching her throat move as she swallowed elicited an unexpected warmth in my groin. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand afterwards and gave a mischievous smile.

"You look like such the lady swigging from the bottle like that," I teased, reaching for the wine.

She nudged me with her shoulder before passing the bottle. "Your turn."

I hesitated briefly before following her lead, feeling a pleasant burn as the liquid trailed down my throat. It wasn't at all like sipping politely at dinner parties. This felt freer—rebellious even—and entirely too fun.

We settled into the meadow, finding a dryer spot near the tree line and sprawled upon the cool earth; Alayna's head nestled into the crook of my arm as she took the bottle from my hand.

"This is reckless," I noted.

She scoffed, "This isn't reckless. I bet you can't tell me one thing you've done that's been reckless."

"Since I met you I have been caught up in a riot and smashed a photographer's camera," I replied without missing a beat. "That feels pretty reckless."

Her smile bloomed like wildflowers. "I smashed the camera I think you'll find. And that's your idea of recklessness? You've got a lot to learn but you're getting bolder by the minute, Hawes."

"You're corrupting me," I retorted.

"You wanted chaos," she winked.

Her hand reached out again, fingertips trailing down the fabric covering my arm, sending ripples of desire through my limbs. Setting the bottle down, I captured her hand in mine, the coolness of her skin against my warmth, and brought her lips to mine once more, feeling intoxicated beyond what the wine provided.

We remained in our entanglement for anything from minutes to hours, gulping wine between kisses. The sun had dipped below the trees, casting a cold golden hue across the frost-kissed meadow. We didn't have much longer. This didn't seem to perturb Alayna as she slowly unzipped my coat, stripping me of it. I pulled away from her as she began to unbutton my shirt. The air was crisp and cold, sending shivers across my exposed skin as we faced each other. I barely dared to breathe. My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the rhythmic thrumming of my pulse in my ears. Alayna's fiery gaze locked onto mine salaciously. My throat bobbed as I swallowed before I stuck a beam on my face to hide my nerves.

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"Oh, do not tempt me," I growled playfully.

"I suppose a wet field isn't the most romantic, is it?" she giggled.

I love that sound.

Her fingers twitched once more and I held her hands to my chest, immediately hating myself for stopping her. Why the hells did I feel nervous? She obviously did not. Her fingers ignored mine, sliding across my bare collarbone, her touch so light, like a feather dancing up and down my skin. She pressed closer, and I could smell the meadow and petrichor on her. Sweet, earthy and exhilarating. Her lips brushed against mine then moved down to my neck. I groaned softly as she traced her tongue along my chest, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. She made me feel fantastic. I had absolutely no notion of how to reciprocate. Despite myself, I pulled away again, my face burning. Her eyes sparkled, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her audacity.

"No, it's not exactly the most comfortable spot," I replied, swallowing nervously despite the want burning in me. Yet she simply smiled wickedly, reaching out to trace her fingertips over my cheek.

"But that's half the fun, isn't it?" she purred, leaning in close until my breath caught in my throat. "Besides," she added, "I don't mind getting dirty."

My laughter was cut off as she straddled me, pulling me close. I gasped in surprise, and suddenly, we were pressed against one another once more, her body heat seeping into my skin, lips hard against mine, her backside grinding against my groin. My heart pounded erratically. Throat tight, I pulled her closer still. She froze suddenly and pulled away, her bright eyes cautious. I felt like a schoolboy in front of the girl he liked. I was just that.

"You've done this before right?" she asked, her voice soothing.

"Yes-" I cut myself off from the lie abruptly. Would she think less of me if I told the truth? The thought made me cringe. I swallowed once more, determined to let go of my self-consciousness.

I tried to kiss her again yet she pulled away, studying me for a moment, her expression softening. Then, she leaned in close, continuing her delicious pattern on my chest with her finger as she pressed her lips to my earlobe. "It's getting late. We can find somewhere warmer to hang out another time. I can show you exactly what I like."

I quite literally shuddered at her words as she rubbed her hand down the length of me all the way to the throbbing between my legs.

"I think we should go to the coast for the weekend," I blurted out. "We have a holiday home in Garth. The weather will be atrocious at this time of year but we'll be away from here and the prying eyes. We would not need to hide in a wet field." Ignoring the prickling heat creeping up my neck, I continued, "Mother returns from her Lambent trip on Friday, I'm sure I could make something up to get away."

"A weekend alone with you in a swanky seaside house? Fuck yeah." Her teeth gripped at her bottom lip and I'm surprised I didn't burst into glorious flames. "Mum is going to love that. Dad might come for you though. And Ben… he'll definitely chase you off with a bat—I hope you're a fast runner."

Brushing off her humour, my stomach knotted, "You can't tell them where we're going."

"I also can't lie about leaving for a weekend. They'd have the whole of Outer Harroworth looking for me," she said.

"Won't they go mad?" I asked.

She shrugged nonchalantly, her hands finding their way back to my chest. "They know I can handle myself."

"They trust you," I noted.

"Course," she quipped. "You're very far from the worst boyfriend I've ever had."

Jealousy unexpectedly knotted in my stomach as I realised the freedom Alayna's family allowed her, a luxury I lacked. My Mother's silent treatment persisted even when she arrived at Lambent. She had not bothered to call like she usually would to announce her safe arrival and it stung more than I cared to admit. The thought of Alayna's family ignoring her for a week didn't seem plausible. I shook the feeling, thinking about the riot in the Grange, of Alayna's incarceration; her dark thoughts when she was imprisoned, and considered myself lucky.

Her contented sigh blended with the cool dusk air, a fleeting cloud of breath that hung between us. I leaned in once more, pressing my lips against hers, feeling the warmth of her mouth counteract the chill creeping into our secluded spot. Her hands slid up to my shoulders, fingers digging in gently, sending ripples of heat through my skin. I tilted my head, deepening the kiss. This time, she didn’t pull away.

"As much as I'd love to have you right here in this field," I said, finally mustering confidence, "I'm rather fond of my extremities. I fear your brother might relieve me of them if I bring you home late again."

“I’ll protect your extremities,” she smirked, eyes smouldering.

“Don’t look at me like that or we're going to end up with grass stains in some rather awkward places,” I beamed.

She stood, pulling me to my feet, fire still glinting in her eye.

“Course you’d be worried about ruining your expensive shirt,” she quipped.

I chuckled a throaty sound, cupping her face gently as my thumb caressed her cheek and our foreheads touched. “I’m so glad I met you.”

Her eyes slid shut as she breathed a laugh, “You lucked out.”

“I mean it. When I'm with you, for the first time, I feel like I can breathe.”

She surged up on her toes and kissed me, hard and desperate, her hands fisting in my hair. I responded instantly, banding my arms around her waist and hauling her against me until not even a breath could pass between our bodies. When we finally resurfaced, Alayna rested her forehead against my chin. I could feel the flutter of her lashes on my skin.

“You make me… happy,” she said simply. I supposed that was as close to open and honest as she could give. Nonetheless, it warmed me. Yet then she spoke again, "Happier than I've ever been actually."

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We eventually made our way back to the car when the sun dipped low under the tree line. We didn't make it in before she pinned me up against the vehicle again. She was bloody perfect. It was short-lived as suddenly, a peculiar hissing sound echoed from the trees behind us. Alayna pulled away from the sound however I froze, blood running cold.

"Get in the car," I rasped, dragging her around the bonnet and opening her door.

"What the hells is it?" she responded to my sudden fear.

"Get in the car," I repeated.

"You had a lot more of the wine. I should drive-"

I slammed the door in her face as terror trickled through me; I was about to do to Alayna what I'd done to Sarah and Lucy. We needed to get away. I wanted the hissing to stop. And to my utter relief, it did abruptly stop. Yet with the silence came a black hatred so strong, it shocked me. Like poison in my veins. My mind went to nightmares of Umbrith attacking Alayna and the thought made me despise the creatures more than I had ever thought possible. Trying to rid myself of the anger, I jumped in the driver's seat and did not look back as I sped to her home. I was rigid. As if to make my day worse, Marco's name flashed across the dashboard. I immediately rejected the call for fear I would spew venom if I answered.

"Are you alright?" Alayna whispered.

I could not speak. I wanted to scream at her for asking such an imbecilic question.

What the hells is wrong with you? Calm down.

I began inhaling deep breaths as Alayna stiffened beside me.

"Was it one of those things?" She was barely audible.

"I think so," I choked out.

"You've heard that noise before."

I nodded.

"When?"

"Recently," was all I could bring myself to say.

"Are you alright?" she asked again.

Anger subsided as anxiety crept in. I had to tell her of Sarah and Lucy yet the words wouldn't form in my mouth. She would never speak to me again.

"I have seen one before. I do not wish to talk about it now. We have had a lovely day for the first time in a while," I explained.

For the first time ever, Alayna was speechless. The desire to stop her worrying won the battle over the rage and my breathing began to return to its usual rhythm. Reaching out for her hand, my thumb stroked over the back of it, trying to reassure her with a touch.

"You can tell me anything, you know?" Alayna whispered.

"I know."

A part of me believed her and despite everything, the thought made me smile. I felt her relax next to me.

"It's a story for another evening," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

"Keeping me on tenterhooks, I see," she joked. "I wonder if every single one of our meetings will end with an adventure."

We pulled up to her house and Alayna's father marched through the front door, Julie on his heels, reaching up to place her hand on his large shoulders, clearly chastising him.

"Why is Mum home?" Alayna asked.

I checked my phone and had five missed calls from Marco, one from my Father and eleven from Meredith. None from Mother who was quite clearly still ignoring me.

"Mother's trip must have been cut short. I think Father has returned home with her." My stomach knotted at the thought. He would not appreciate my late arrival home or my reason for it. "I'll sort out our weekend trip this evening and give you a call tomorrow… or more likely tonight."

"Okay," she beamed, before kissing me again.

I dared not look to the porch where I knew her mother and father were watching.

"You are trying to get me killed, aren't you?" I whispered, my forehead to hers.

"Dad will calm down. It's Ben who will be a prick but eventually he'll get used to you too. Neither of them will be nice to you though," she beamed back. "They're never nice to my boyfriends."

"Boyfriends? Am I part of a club?" I smirked.

"Oh definitely. A very large club." She beamed as she kissed me before jumping from the car.

I did not watch her into the house; I already felt Nate's deadly gaze on me. Instead, I put my foot down and sped off.

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The manor was still as I approached. Too still. I pulled up at the entrance to find nobody there. Usually, Fletcher, our chauffeur, was prompt in taking our cars to the garage though maybe I was too late for him and he had retired for the evening. I frowned and left the car, approaching the main entrance. Expecting Meredith to open it, my body jolted back as it was forcefully thrust aside. To my surprise my Father stood before me, his eyes crazed and his usually sleek grey-black hair wild. He grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and pulled me into the house.

"Where have you been?" he screamed. "We thought something had happened to you!"

I was completely taken aback and braced myself for his fist. I knew he was quick to anger, however it was only three minutes after sundown. It was an overreaction even for him. Yet for once his fist did not strike. I was so shocked it took me a moment to notice the reason why; Meredith standing behind him. He was always kinder with her around. Yet her eyes were red and swollen, her cheeks tear-stricken. I had never seen her cry before. Something was incredibly wrong. Before I had a chance to open my mouth, Father pulled me to him in a crushing embrace. He was frozen to the bone, causing a nasty chill to snake down my spine. Fear seemed to jar the rest of my senses; the man had never shown me any affection in my entire life.

Marco approached Meredith, holding Beau. All three of them looked ghastly.

"What has happened?" I asked in a whisper.

Father's face remained stoic. "Come and sit. We must have a difficult conversation."