A Shifting Love

Chapter 9: An Unpleasant Surprise

I climbed up the stairs to my apartment, feeling numb and dejected. Not only had Nicholas kicked me out of his house, but he left me alone, not knowing if I felt safe finding my way back.

I was an assertive person by nature, so keeping my mouth shut and letting things be was no philosophy I followed. But my intention wasn't to hurt Nicholas's pride or feelings; I just had an urge to be in his presence, which fed my desire to help him.

I reached the top of the stairs and retrieved my keys from my pocket.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. Someone was running. Raven dashed down the hall and met me at the corner.

“Girl, I have been calling you, she said, looking over her shoulder. “You're going to lose it when you see what your dad has done."

I looked at her, dumbfounded. Dad was angry that I mentioned possibly helping the Night Stalkers break their curse, but even he knew I was only talking. At least, I thought he did.

“What's going on, Raven?" I asked. “I spoke to my dad a few hours ago, and things were okay then."

“Well, he had you fooled," she replied, a serious look in her eyes. “I got here about an hour ago and found five guards waiting outside your apartment."

My hair felt like it would erupt into flames, infuriated by the news.

“What the f***?" I cried, storming down the hall towards my apartment, Raven alongside me.

Sure enough, five armed guards were standing outside the door. I recognized most of them but only knew the name of the one in the middle—Dakota, a young guard my father highly regarded. He was usually on patrol at the mansion, though.

“Good evening, Ms. Blackwell," he greeted. “It's good to see you've made it home safe."

“Let's cut the BS, Dakota," I retorted. “What the hell are you all doing here?"

“Alpha August sent us," he said.

“Well, duh!" I cried, unbothered if I was causing a scene. The neighbors probably heard the Alpha's daughter had a group of men guarding her apartment. It wouldn't have surprised me if they were eavesdropping at their doors. “Why did he send you all, though?" I clarified.

“That's between you and Alpha August," another guard spoke.

“I don't want to hear that mess," I snapped. “You all showed up at my place uninvited, and as far as I'm concerned, you're trespassing. Alpha authority doesn't protect you from breaking the law."

The guards looked at Dakota. I guess he was the one in charge. Dakota cleared his throat. “Your father learned about your encounter with the Night Stalkers and ordered for you to be under twenty-four-hour protection."

“The Night what?" Raven asked, confused. She hadn't heard of them either, which was a relief. I probably would have completely lost my cool if she had known about the Night Stalkers. The last thing I needed was someone else hiding something from me.

“The Night Stalkers," Dakota repeated, focusing on Raven. “They are a dangerous group of monsters that hunt in the woods at night, so please stay out of the area during that time."

Raven looked terrified but nodded. “Okay," she replied meekly. “Thanks for the warning."

“You're very welcome, Ms. Augustin," he replied, failing to hide his smile.

Raven extended a hand. “Please call me Raven."

She blushed when Dakota accepted her handshake. The chemistry between Raven and Dakota was so strong that my eavesdropping neighbors would even know they were each other's mates.

Bryce clearly wasn't on her mind, and I was thankful, but this wasn't the time or place.

“I can take care of my d*mm self," I said, interrupting the love fest.

Dakota stopped his drooling and got back on task. “No offense, Ms. Blackwell, but there are reports that one of the creatures saved you."

I stood there in complete shock. There were reports of my attack, meaning people knew about Nicholas. Had anyone seen me leave the woods with him that night?

“That doesn't mean I need you all babysitting me like I'm a child," I replied glaring at them.

“You'll have to take that up with Alpha August, Ms. Blackwell," Dakota stated firmly. “I've already said more than what your father wanted me to, but we will speak no more on this subject."

I was tempted to flip him off but resisted.

“Let's just go inside, Autumn," Raven said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “They're only doing their job."

I wondered if her opinion would be the same had she not just met her mate, but she was right. There was no point fighting the guards when I had a battle with the Alpha to prepare for that night. It was going to be one hell of a family dinner.