The Raven Series 2

by J. L. Weil

“Piper?” Parker called again. “Are you okay? Did you fall out of bed?”

  “Uh. Um, hang on,” I yelled, jumping out from under the covers, my eyes darting over the room. Zane had stood up, eyes thinned to slits. “Hurry,” I whispered, pushing at his back and steering him to the balcony. “Get out of here before he sees you.”

  “Would it be the worst thing if he did?” Zane grumbled, not bothering to lower his voice.

  I covered his mouth with my hand. “Shhhh. He might hear you.”

  He took a nip out of my palm and my eyes darkened. I hated seeing him go, and if Parker wasn’t banging on my door right now, I would have dragged Zane back to bed and kept him hostage for the entire day. Shaking my head, I opened the door and shoved at his chest. “Go.” Quickly closing the door with Zane smirking on the other side, I glanced over his face one last time before I whipped the curtains in place, covering the glass.

  FML.

  Chapter 14

  “Piper?” There was genuine concern in his voice. He was probably on the verge of busting the door down.

  I padded across the room and threw the door open. Parker stood with to-go cups of coffee in each hand. I ran my hand over my hair, pushing loose strands out of my face. “Sorry, I had to pee.”

  If Parker thought I was acting completely crazy, I would agree with him. My head wasn’t on straight, and I was blaming Zane. Parker handed me a cup, stepping into the room, and glanced around. “I know how you can’t function without this and how much you love to sleep in.”

  I let the paper cup warm my hands. “Thanks.”

  “Were you talking to yourself? I swear I heard voices.”

  “It was probably the radio.” The lie rolled off my lips, but I quickly turned to more concerning matters. “You went out on your own?” Panic tripped over my heart. He could have been hurt, easy pickings for the hallows or someone who wanted to cause me pain.

  “Yeah, early riser and all.” He took a sip of his drink, which I was a hundred percent sure was straight black coffee. “You were right. This place is…quaint.”

  Quaint wasn’t what came to mind when I thought of Raven Hallow. Terminal. Toxic. Prison. “Parker, you should have woken me up.”

  “And risked your morning wrath? No thanks.” He took another swig from his cup. “You know, there are people who drink real coffee and then they’re those who drink froufrou drinks.”

  “Hey, there is nothing wrong with cinnamon dolce,” I argued.

  He scrunched his nose. “It smells like Christmas threw up in your cup.”

  I took a sip. “Mmm, it’s perfect. Thank you by the way. For the drink.”

  Leaning a shoulder on the nearest wall, he smoothly asked, “So, what are we doing today?”

  I bristled. “Um, well. I kind of already have something planned for today. I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “That’s cool. I’ll just tag along.”

  I choked on my coffee. “It’s not a big deal. I’m sure you’ll be bored out of your mind, and I will only be gone a few hours. You could explore the manor. Take a swim. Walk the beach.” Anything, as long as it kept Parker away from the Black Crow, where I was supposed to meet Zoe for another riveting lesson.

  Parker was used to accompanying me anywhere. He was like a puppy, always following behind me. “It doesn’t matter where we go. I came to see you.”

  Internally, I groaned. There was no way I could say no, not without raising suspicion, or making me feel extreme guilt. Dammit all. “The country club.”

  “Excuse me.” He pretended to clean his ears out. “I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

  I rolled my eyes. “If you make fun of me, this froufrou drink is going to end up on your head.”

  He laughed. “I wouldn’t think of it. What are we doing at the country club?” he asked in a hoity-toity voice. “Not that I have anything against membership-only clubs. I’m just having a hard time imagining the Piper I know rubbing noses with the elite.”

  “It’s not like that. Trust me. And Rose was a member.” She’d been more than a member.

  The mention of Rose had the expression on his face sobering. “I still can’t believe it. I know you harbored some intense feelings toward Rose, but it sounds like you were beginning to let her in. And I know how hard that is for you.”

  I took my coffee and sat down on the window seat. After what happened with my mom, Parker had been the only person I could open up to. This time, it was different. Maybe it was me that had changed, but regardless, things had shifted. Parker couldn’t be my crutch, and I felt the pain of another loss. “I don’t think I can take losing another person I care about.”

  “You’re the strongest person I know, Pipes,” he said, seeing my crestfallen face, but misreading the hurt.

  I fiddled with my cup, not looking up. “If anything happened to you—”

  He sat down beside me, putting a hand on my knee. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  I swallowed. As long as he was on this island and near me, he wasn’t safe, but I couldn’t tell him that. Knowing Parker and his good guy attitude, he wouldn’t leave my side, even if the world were collapsing around us. “I forgot how awesome it is having you around,” I said, a half smile on my lips. Parker had this way of making me feel better, making me feel like I could do anything.

  His face relaxed. “You’re probably the only person in the world who thinks I’m awesome.”

  “Then the rest of the world sucks. How many times have I told you that?”

  “I’ve lost count.”

  “Okay, you know what? Change of plans. We’re going to spend the day together, doing whatever you want to do.” I surrendered even though I knew it was going to bite me in the ass.

  “Are you sure? I know you have responsibilities to take care of.”

  “One day won’t make a difference.” Or so I hoped. “Give me ten minutes and then I’m all yours.”

  He beamed, the sun lighting up the side of his face as he looked up at me. His “boy next door” smile and puppy eyes could melt hearts of mothers everywhere. He was the type of guy parents wanted their daughters to date. Wholesome. Honest. Dependable. My Parks.

  As soon as I was alone, I sent a text to Zoe, letting her know our lesson was going to have to be rescheduled due to Parker being in town.

  Boy BFF Parker? She texted back.

  The one and the same.

  Oh goodie. Fresh meat.

  I scowled at my phone. Parker was not meat of any kind, especially to Zoe. Off-limits.

  She sent me a pouty emoticon, along with, Don’t be a boy hog. You can’t have them all.

  It seemed like I was ensnarled with three guys, but that was never my intention. I didn’t even know how I ended up here. It’s not like that.

  Uh-huh. Have fun. TTYL.

  I rolled my eyes. Didn’t she understand I didn’t want Parker mixed up with this part of my life? I was a complete mess. My life was a mess. Parker shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be a banshee. And I didn’t know what to do about any of it.

  This was wrong.

  I should go tell Parker I’m not feeling well and insist we stay home. But I couldn’t bring myself to squash his enthusiasm.

  Foregoing makeup, since I’d wasted five minutes texting Zoe, I tossed on a pair of shorts and ran a brush through my tangled curls. My eyes glanced over the rumpled bed as I was about to set out. It was hard to believe less than an hour ago I’d been fully absorbed with Zane. I could still smell him on my skin, a scent that lingered.

  Parker and I spent the whole day goofing off and exploring the island. It was refreshing seeing the seaside town from his perspective. Everything was cute and charming, where all I saw was death and disaster. He thought it was so freeing being at the edge of the world. I’d never felt more caged, the reminder of who I was never far as my shadows squawked overhead. It was both a nuisance and a comfort.

  “The birds here are crazy,” Parker commented, glancing up. “Those two black crows
have been following us all day.”

  I stubbed my toe on the pier. “Ouch. Dammit,” I swore, hobbling on one foot.

  He grinned. “It’s nice to know some things never change.”

  “What? Like me being a klutz?”

  “Exactly.”

  I scowled. “You better watch yourself or you’re going to end up wet with a mouth full of saltwater.”

  Parker looked over the side of the pier. “I’d rather not take a dip right now. Fish freak me out.”

  I laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of the ocean.”

  “I’m not afraid. I just don’t like squishy, slimy things.” He had this horrified look on his face.

  “Does that mean you don’t want sushi for dinner?” I teased. Parker hated sushi.

  His skin tinged slightly green, or it could have been the waning light. “I think I’m gonna hurl.”

  Looping my arm through his, we started down the pier toward my car. I’d had a carefree day, and it had been long overdue. Zoe and Zach cornered us just as we were hopping into Josie, giving me such a fright I almost punched Zoe. “Zoe, you were two seconds away from a bloody nose.”

  “Hello to you too, girlfriend.” She leaned into the window, a curve to her cherry lips. Dark curls framed her slender face, tumbling over her shoulders. “And you must be the BFF.”

  Parker’s eyes bulged behind his glasses. I couldn’t blame him. Zoe was drop dead gorgeous. If he didn’t get all tongue-tied around her, I might question his manhood. “P-Parker,” he faltered.

  Zoe studied him from head to toe, taking in his manga T-shirt and worn jeans. “Cute. You’re definitely coming with us. I need a distraction.”

  Parker’s cheeks heated in adorable way that made me want to pinch the sides of his face. “Zoe,” I growled. “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s your birthday in”—she stuck her head into the car, glancing at the dash—“five hours. Zach and I are here to ensure that your eighteenth birthday is one you’ll remember. You deserve it, because with it comes a hefty price tag.”

  “What do you have in mind?” I asked, skeptical of any idea the twins had. They could take double trouble to a new level.

  “There is a rave tonight at Atmosphere screaming your name,” Zach said, eyes twinkling. “Perfect for a wild birthday night.”

  Ugh. They knew my weakness. I nibbled on my lip, thinking about Parker. The smart thing to do would be to go home and have a quiet night watching movies with Parker. But the idea of going to a club sparked a longing. Bright lights. Pumping bass. Dancing. A chance to let my hair down. I turned to Parker and raised my brows. “It’s up to you.”

  Zoe turned her violet-blue eyes on Parker, batting her insanely long lashes. I didn’t think there was a guy who could resist that look. Even I was a little bit awestruck. “Of course he wants to go, don’t you?”

  Parker was putty in Zoe’s paws. His lips lifted into a grin. “Pipes’s birthday. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Pipes,” she squealed in excitement. “You even have an adorable nickname for her.” She grinned. “Well, that’s settled. Let’s go have ourselves a little fun. What do ya say, Parks?”

  I groaned.

  Parker drooled.

  “Meet us there in an hour. Oh, and ditch the birds,” she whispered, eyes rotating to the sky.

  Easier said than done.

  Forty-five minutes later, I’d dug out a pair of dark jeans and a red crop top. I was adding the finishing touches of makeup when Parker appeared freshly showered in my doorway, wearing a new manga T-shirt.

  “Wow. You look…different,” he said, his whiskey eyes running over my face.

  “How so?” I asked, curious to know what he saw. Physically, I thought I looked the same, except for the little white raven on my wrist, but Parker shouldn’t be able to see the mark.

  He shrugged. “I’m not sure. Did you cut your hair?”

  I shook my head. “Nope.”

  “I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s definitely working for you.” He stared at me for another moment. “You look…really, really great.”

  I stood up, slipping my feet into my favorite pair of midrise boots. “Was that a compliment?”

  “Don’t let it go to your head.”

  I grinned. Seeing Parker like this made me think of old times. How easy it would be to slip back into a life before Raven Hallow. And I realized for tonight, that was what I wanted. One bomb-ass night like the many Parker and I’d had together.

  However, that burst of nostalgia didn’t last long. As we got back in my Jeep, doubt slithered inside me. I was beginning to wonder if I was making a gigantic mistake. Parker at Atmosphere? This club wasn’t like the others in Chicago. It was a club filled with reapers, some of the most deadly beings on Earth. I must be insane.

  “What are we waiting for?” Parker asked as I spaced out.

  For pigs to fly. I stuck the key into the ignition and let it rip. The entire drive to Atmosphere, I half expected a fleet of hallows to appear out of nowhere and play chicken with my Jeep. But the streets were free of angry ghosts, at least for tonight.

  Zach and Zoe met us a block outside the club. Parking in the heart of the island was a hassle, especially in the height of summer. “Are you sure this is okay? Safe?” I whispered to Zoe.

  “Lighten up. Have fun. What could possibly happen? You’re surrounded by the most lethal weapons. And Zane’s been ordered to keep an eye on you tonight.”

  “Just peachy.”

  Her lips split into a grin a second before she skipped in front of me, lacing her arm through Parker’s, and lead him down the alley. “You coming, Pipes?” she called over her shoulder.

  Oh, for the love of God, someone shoot me now.

  Chapter 15

  At first glimpse, Atmosphere was like any other club, liquor poured from the ceilings, bright lights flashed in time with the bass, and partygoers filled the dance floor. From personal experience, I knew this particular club was a supernatural sanctuary. This time when I strolled through the metal doors, I knew I wasn’t drugged or drunk. The marks glowing on their wrists weren’t a figment of my imagination, but reaper identification.

  I glanced down at the inside of my arm, thinking the little white raven stood out like a beacon. But the vibe of the club put me in the birthday mood. It was a weird feeling knowing I was one of them—hell, I was the leader.

  Zach came up between Zoe and me, putting an arm around both of us. “Girls, try to behave. I’d rather not have my face messed up tonight.” And then, with those words of wisdom, we watched him get lost in the crowd, looking for some girl to prey on. The Hunters charm was legendary.

  “You ready to let out your inner stripper?” Zoe asked, shaking her little tush.

  “Inner stripper?” Parker said, leaning in near my ear. His voice tickled the hair on my neck. “I’d pay to see that.”

  I elbowed him lightly in the gut. “Not tonight, you won’t.”

  “We’ll see. If there is one thing I’ve learned about going out with you, Pipes, it’s you never know what may happen.”

  I rolled my eyes, not because what he said was preposterous, but because it was true.

  Zoe’s dark eyes gleamed at Parker. “You and I are going to get along just fine.”

  That’s what I was afraid of. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Zoe taking such an immediate liking to Parker.

  “What kind of place is this?” Parker asked, taking in the scene. And what a sight it was.

  I held onto the railing, surveying the sheer energy of the room below. “A very different kind of place,” was my answer.

  He bumped his shoulder lightly into mine. “Not so different from a few of the sketchy joints you’ve dragged me to. At least I’m not getting the serial killer vibe.”

  I glared at him.

  “What’s with the VIP treatment? You some big shot now?” He was teasing me, but…

  I choked.

  Zoe’s smile widened
and she laughed.

  I hadn’t noticed until Parker said something, but I was drawing unwanted attention. More whispers. I could only imagine what they were saying, and it was becoming clear that my days of hiding were numbered. I was going to have to step up into my official roll as the White Raven soon.

  “Uh-uh,” Zoe sung. I didn’t like the texture of her tone, like I’d done something wrong.

  Tingles danced along my skin. Oh boy. Here comes the fun. My eyes allied with Zane’s as he walked toward me, a silent, watchful shadow in the dark club. Everything from his cool eyes to the chill in the air surrounding him was a warning. He was a formidable force I had yet to understand. A good head taller than most, he stood out in the crowd for an entirely different reason than I did.

  But damn, he looked good. And that was the God’s honest truth. Zane in dark jeans and a black V-neck T-shirt stretching across his broad chest was absolutely mouthwatering. His hair tumbled over his forehead, and he had a half grin on his face.

  I hated how often my cheeks flushed, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him or stop thinking about last night. Nothing had happened, but what was unnerving me was how much I’d wanted something to happen. And I couldn’t get the image of him sleeping next to me out of my head.

  I knew the second he noticed Parker beside me. The smile on his face went glacier, his body tensing and then relaxing, as if determining Parker wasn’t a threat.

  For a moment, no one moved.

  “What’s he doing here?” Zane said.

  Parker stiffened beside me, and my hand itched to smack the eyeballs out of the back of Zane’s head. It was hard to believe this was the same guy whose arms I’d spent last night wrapped in, or how quickly he could go from sweet to douche. “Don’t be a jerk,” I hissed.

  Too late.

  Parker and Zane were in the throes of a heroic stare down.

  “Asshole,” Parker coughed under his breath.

  Zoe laughed, amused by Parker.

  Zane widened his stance, biting back a growl. I flattened my hands on his chest and pushed him backward toward the nearest dark corner. “What the hell was that?”