Where The River Flows Red

Eight

G-Eazy & Halsey- Him & I 

    "Bruce told me what happened," my mom started small talk when she began to do my hair. I hadn't worn it up for a couple of years now.

    "Did he tell you that thing almost killed me?" I asked. She chuckled. I turned to look at her in disbelief. 

    "You were never in any real danger. Once Edvard enters the room He can't get out until one of us lets him out. There are security censored machines along the wall that would have shot him down had he gotten too close," 

    "He gave me an inhaler to protect myself," I groaned, looking away as anger began to fill me up again. 

    "That inhaler is like pepper spray to them. You should keep it on you at all times now," she thinks this is cute.

    "Why are you so okay with this mother?" I asked. I suppose it's normal to her. Her baby is learning scary stuff. She smiled at me through the mirror fondly. 

    "Because I had to go through this myself. I got the complete training. It was very difficult the first two years after I married your father," 

    "Why didn't you just leave?" I asked turning to look at her.

    "Well, for starters. I love your father. After, I found out there was no leaving. There was just enduring. Then came Silas and I knew there was no way in hell that I would ever turn my back on any of this. When I finally gave in to it. I realized that I love knowing. Knowing how to protect me, your brother, and you. How to survive without the constant fear. How to help them because even when they scare the s**t out of me sometimes, they're people too. They're just a little different," 

    She finished my braid and it let fall on my shoulder. Then clipped the headpiece on my head. I put the leather dress on and pulled the boots she had gotten me on. I laughed when I caught my reflection. I look like an i***t. I put my cloak on walked out to wait for my brother. I laughed when he stepped out. 

    "You look..." I began and couldn't find the right word.

    "Like an i***t," he said. "I'm changing," 

    I laughed and waited for him to come back out in black skinny jeans and a graphic t-shirt with Thor's armor printed on it. Better, I don't know why he would want to wear that costume. He's thin, sure the outline of his obvious muscle is there but he's not built for that jacked jock stuff. His talents come from his intellect and he's handsome. 

    "Better?" I asked and he nodded. 

    "Alright, you two. Be careful," mom warned as we walked out. 

    "Don't stay up," Silas laughed as we walked out. 

    "So, I have to tell you something and I know you're not going to like it but I agreed to it and I am one hundred percent on board with this," he stopped before getting to the car.  

    "What now?" I sighed.

    "Do you remember Samantha Grey?" 

    "Yeah, I remember Samantha Grey. I never thought someone could get under Ebony's skin like she did," I laughed. He nodded pleased. "What about her?" 

    "Well, the Clans decided that our families should form a union. Dad wants to expand towards England. There are new minerals and oils that they have discovered that he'd like to bring into our work. So, we are now supposed to get married," 

    "What. The. f**k?" I turned all the way to look at him and he smirked at me like the idea was the best idea ever. 

    "She's also here. She is running the archives for most of Bourne Corp now and I invited her tonight while you were about to be mauled by a giant werewolf," he shrugged amused with himself.

    "Subtle," Ivanka chastised from the front seat. 

    "You're engaged?" 

    "Not yet but basically," he nodded. 

    "Oh, my god. You're okay with an arranged marriage?" I asked.

    "Yeah, I am," he nodded.

    "Why?" I couldn't stop the angry tone of my voice. 

    "I know mom, has kind of told you how hard it was for her to cope. I don't want to bring some innocent girl into this. First of all. Second, have you seen Samantha Grey? She is gorgeous. Not only that, she's smart, funny, and she's kicked my ass a few times in training. I love it when she's on top. We might not be in love, but we make a good team. With time it can be possible," 

    "This is crazy. Does she think the same way?" I asked. He smiled at me. 

    "She was the one who suggested it," 

    "So that's it? You're getting married for dad's sake?" 

    "No, I'm doing it because this is beneficial not only for our family and hers but trading for both our trades. Medicinal and technical. Our union is going to be revolutionary," 

    "You're insane. It's just an arranged marriage. End of story," I laughed, he laughed with me. 

    "You're right. I'm getting married so just congratulate me and be happy that I am happy because this girl is not only going to drive me insane. She's going to make me very happy and rich," 

    "I'm not congratulating you until it happens," I waved him off. Ivanka pulled up to a massive mansion. She got out and came around to open the door. In stumbled my new sister-in-law. We are wearing the same costume. 

    "Sup, homies," she beamed. "Hey. We're matching. Legitness," 

    "Yes, very legitness," I nodded. She smiled brightly and I had to smile back. "Hey, Samantha," 

    "Call me Sammy. Samantha is just a mouthful. Did you tell her?" 

    "I did. I just told her right now," Silas smirked.

    "You were supposed to tell her weeks ago," she laughed. 

    "Weeks?" I asked looking at him. 

    "She knows now," he's looking her over. 

    "Is it weird?" she asked. 

    "Yes. Really freaking weird, but hey. I was almost mauled by a werewolf a couple of hours ago so. Weird is the new black," I scoffed.

    "You were right. Sy. I love her," he smiled shaking his head. "Are we going to pick up your little friend Ivory?"

    "No," I laughed. "Ebony and I are not on speaking terms," 

    "Damn, I like bugging her," she said pulling her boots up. She is so lively. 

    "You are going to be great friends with Collum," Silas informed her.

    "For a while, until he figures out he's in love with her. Ten thousand on getting them together by newyears," she smirked. 

    "You're so on," Silas agreed, shaking her hand. "Those two have a couple more years of insults left in them. And an extra one of flirting before they accidentally f**k," 

    "What the hell? That's super specific," I laughed.

    "Are you getting in on this?" Sammy asked me. 

    "Alright, but my money is on Ebony. She's going to cave first," I agreed. They both looked at one another. 

"What makes you say that?" Silas asked.

    "He's sleeping with that girl from Lit. Jealousy is not my dear friend's buddy. Have you seen how she acts around Cassidy?" 

    "Nah, she's focused on you right now. We're still good," he smiled, looking at Sammy. We all shook hands. 

"You are all terrible friends," Ivanka scolded from the front seat. "I'm with Ms. Bourne on this one. May I cut in?" 

    "Yes," we all said in unison. 

    "She makes it to Valentine's day next year," she added.

    "Nah," Silas snorted. "Your loss," 

    "I will draw up the paperwork by tomorrow," she laughed. Once we were close to the party Ivanka pulled over. "I'll wait here," 

    "I feel bad that she has to wait for us," I commented as we walked towards the party. 

    "Ivanka is not just waiting. She's making sure we're okay," Sammy interjected.

    "Is she part of this?" 

    "In a way. They're on a need-to-know basis. They have our training but not the whys. They don't care," she explained. I looked back at her to see her smile at me. 

    Everyone is dressed like a Viking or strippers with a theme. Sammy took my hand and pulled me inside through the crowd of intoxicated sweaty bodies. Somewhere along the way she got us beers. This girl is definitely suited to be my brother's girlfriend. The way she walks, how she looks around, her entire existence was made to keep him on his toes. If he's not already in love with her, he will be soon.

    "Drink," she ordered, cracking a beer can open. 

    "Don't mind if I do," I grinned, taking it from her. Once the bitter taste of the beer touched my tongue I couldn't stop. I chugged the whole thing and crumbled the can in my hand. 

    "Yeah," she shouted. 

    "Another!" I laughed. Everyone cheered and we were handed two more beers. She opened hers and we chugged together. 

    "That's not good," Silas laughed. 

    "I need this. Shut up," I said shoving him playfully. 

    "Toga, toga, toga," some i***t rushed by wrapped in a sheet. 

    "I know. Which is why I got you this," he pulled a bottle of Grey Goose from the inside of his jacket after pushing the i***t off theme guy away. 

    "Are you serious?" I shouted taking it. 

    "Shots," Sammy proclaimed. pointing at me. 

    "Shots!" someone else shouted and it became its own thing. 

    The sound of the music thumping became louder. I took the small red solo shot cup and laughed at how cute this thing is. I shot back two shots. Silas handed me a regular cup of ice and then poured vodka in it before I was sucked into the crowd. I really didn't want to give in just yet the charisma of everyone and the feel of the music has me swaying with the crowd.

    "You are super hot," I turned to see Zachariah standing behind me. It has to be the alcohol because I laughed. 

    "Thanks. What are you supposed to be?" I shouted over the music. 

    "You don't have to shout with me, Love. I can hear you as clearly as you can hear me," he smirked. I nodded feeling a little dumb. He's right. I can hear him in a normal tone. "Dance with me," 

    "I don't know," I shook my head, stepping away from him. He stepped closer now and I can see the bruising on his face. His busted lip. The split in his eyebrow. Silas kicked his ass. Nice.

    "Why is that?" 

    "My brother is just itching for another round," I answered. He laughed. 

    "He caught me off guard. That won't happen again. It's probably best you tell him that," his tone changed. 

    The hint of a growl echoed in it with anger but I seriously doubt this guy had been caught off guard. He looks like the type to actually start a fight not shimmer his way away from it. 

    "Zach. Get away from her,"

    We both looked over to see Elijah inside the crowd. It's weird. He stands out so much that the rest of the crowd blended into a mindless movement where the only thing that matters is him standing there. Their features are so alike but they aren't the same person. I feel that. I see it. It's a thing. 

    "Right," Zach scoffed, snatching my cup from my hand. He walked away with it.

    "Are you alright?" suddenly Elijah is standing right in front of me. 

    "Yeah," I nodded a little breathless. 

    "You shouldn't be alone with him. He's kind of an ass," it's a real warning. I can tell it is, but it's funny.

    "Noted," 

    "You look amazing," he complimented. I looked him over. Jeans and a plain dark blue t-shirt and matching blue vans. He might as well be wearing nothing because he looks drool-worthy. That really just popped into my head. What is wrong with me? 

    "Not into dressing up?" I asked. He smiled. 

    "Not my scene. My parents sent me to keep an eye on Zach after the incident with your brother," he's not here for that. We both know, but I'm just going to nod.  

    "Tob," I turned to see Silas waving me down. When I looked back to excuse myself, he was gone. I sighed and began to push my way through the crowd towards my brother. "Where's your cup?" 

    "Hijacked," I smirked. He shrugged. 

    "Happens," he smirked before handing me another. Where he got cranberry juice is beyond me but he poured some vodka and then topped it off with juice. 

    "Blagodarya ti," I thanked him. 

    "Molya," (You're Welcome) he said raising his cup to me. 

    "Turn up," Sammy shouted and it was followed by a few more in the crowd. "I love this crowd. It's lit,"

    "It's lit," Silas and I repeated, looking at one another. If I still know my brother as well as I do. He is already in love with her. 

    "You're here," I turned to see Cassidy and another girl. "This is Tobi. Tobi this is Analyse Lockheart," 

    "Hi," I greeted her, extending my hand towards her. 

    She looked down at my hand before she slowly raised her's up and shook it. Her handshake is firm but that wasn't what caught my attention. The skin-to-skin contact made us both jump back when a spark shot through us, where our hands met. 

    "You're a Lockwood," she stated. Against my better judgment, I nodded. 

    "Yeah," I whispered to myself. 

    "Oh, my god," she mused, looking at Cassidy. 

    "I know right," Cassidy beamed.

    Analyse is a bit taller than my five-seven height. Her body is built thickly with muscle. Her costume shows a lot of her skin and there is no sign of her being a couch potato. Her dark hair is braided back in two thick ropes that rest on her shoulders. Her eyes are a stunning silver. Fair, light skin. She's majestic. 

    "There you are," we all turned to see Elijah and Zachariah coming towards us. 

    "Analyse, what are you doing here?" Elijah asked looking at her. The way he gave her his undivided attention unsettled me. She shot one of those are you kidding me looks at him.

    "You say that as if I have no right to be here," her tone is strong and confident. I detect a bit of an accent. British maybe? 

    "That's not what I meant. You never come out to things like this. I'm just surprised, is all," 

    "Lovers quarrel," Zach smirked, looking right at me like he couldn't bear another minute to throw that in my face. I felt my stomach sink. I took a drink from my cup. Elijah couldn't even meet my gaze. It made everything so awkward. What the actual f**k though. He has a girlfriend? Am I imagining his signals?

    "Ummm, it was nice meeting you," I laughed. cutting the tension. She laughed. The sound of her laugh sent chills through my body. 

    "We're not lovers. We're engaged. It's more of a partnership," she said. 

    "That's weird. My brother is doing that too," I mumbled, looking away. I finished my drink and looked around to see Ebony looking at me from where Silas and Sammy are standing. "I need another drink. Would any of you like one?" 

    "What are you having?" Cassidy asked. 

    "Vodka cranberry," I answered. I need to walk away. She smiled brightly. "You're a fan. We're getting you one. Would you like one Analyse?" 

    "Hell yeah," she nodded, following us. 

    "More?" Silas asked looking behind me. 

    "Double or nothing," I answered with a sigh. He laughed. 

    "Something funny?" Zach asked. Silas's laugh became a little darker. See what I mean by he's the kind to start things? Zach is going to get us all grounded like misbehaving teens in high school.

    "Yeah," my brother answered. 

    "Zach," Elijah warned, stepping in front of him. "Not this s**t again," 

    "Yeah, Zach. I think you and my brother should start getting along. We're all friends here," I agreed, stepping in front of Silas. 

    "Not all of us," Ebony scoffed, looking over at Analyse. 

    "Ebony Stark," she smiled. "Interesting company you keep, Lockwood. I think you're my new best friend," 

    "Zach," I sighed, taking a drink from my cup. "I'll take that dance now," 

    "Sweet," he smirked looking right at his brother. 

    I pushed him back into the crowd looking back at Silas. He shook his head with a smirk knowing exactly what I was doing. Zach wants to be an asshole and I'll take so as long as he does the opposite of what his brother tells him to do. And that's giving me the answers I want. No matter how hard they sting. I need to know, now.

    "You know how to play. I like that in a woman," he said as we began to dance. I shook my head. "It hurts, doesn't it. Wanting something that you can't have," 

    "Is that what this is?" I asked looking up at him and he smiled. 

    "It's a step closer to the dark side baby. Look over there," 

    I turned to where he motioned to see three guys walk in. The one in the middle was the first to catch my attention. Those brilliant green eyes scanned the crowd and stopped. I looked in the direction he was looking in to see him looking at Analyse. Her smile faltered when she saw him, her eyes became dark, and she looked away from the mystery guy to face Elijah. I've never met someone with the same shade of green eyes as my own.

    "Who is that?" I asked. 

    "If you really are a Lockwood that would be a very close relative of yours. He's one of the last of your bloodline. That would be Godrick Lockwood," he smiled almost apologetically. My heart skipped. 

    "We're leaving," Elijah demanded, point-blank. In one hand he held Analyse and the other Cassidy. 

    "You can leave if you like. I'm enjoying myself," Zach scoffed, defiantly pulling me into him. I pushed against him not liking the close proximity between us. I want to upset Elijah not make them kill one another.

    "I don't have time for this, Zach," Elijah bit out angrily. 

    "What's the rush?" we all turned to look at big scary Godrick Lockwood. 

    "My man," Zach smiled extending his hand. 

    They smacked hands and pulled each other into a guy hug. He did the same with the other two. Godrick's eyes stayed on Analyse who wouldn't meet his gaze. It reminded me of a few minutes ago when Elijah wouldn't meet mine. This is taking a few turns. 

    "Fighting again, Zach?" he asked him. Silas came over getting between me and them. "I see," 

    "Godrick, meet Tobiana Bourne. My new friend," Godrick looked me over his smirk becoming serious. He glanced briefly at my brother. "Tobi. This is Godrick Lockwood," 

    "Hello," I gave him a little awkward wave before offering him my hand. He reached over and just as it had happened with Analyse a spark flooded through us. He didn't let go like she did but I pulled away when his eyes sparked a brilliant blue. 

    "It's a pleasure to meet you, Tobi," he said softly. His gaze is intense but there something more there. Pain, as if he had lost something important to him.

    "Likewise, Godrick," I nodded. He looked at my brother. 

    "Stay away from her," Silas shouted, pulling me behind him. 

    "You can't keep me away or stop me," Godrick promised. 

    "Don't you come near my sister. I swear I'll put you down, leech," I had never heard Silas use that tone. Godrick met the anger head on his eye illuminating blue again. 

    "Do you know what you're up against boy?" he growled. My heart skipped a beat and I put myself in between them. 

    "Don't," I warned, shaking my head. Godrick looked at me and smiled the anger in his face completely faded. His hand came up and his knuckles gently grazed against my cheek. 

    "You look just like her," he smiled. "Where the f**k have you been?"

    "Get away from my kids, you filthy leech," I looked at the entrance to see my dad, Ebony, and Garrix, Ebony's older brother. She looked away in shame. 

    "Wait," I stopped him from moving away, not taking my eyes off of Godrick. "Who is her?" 

    "Tobiana, come here," my dad shouted. 

    "There will be time for that, Momichenste (Babygirl). I've been looking for you for twelve years now," 

    "Tob," Silas urged, placing his hand on my shoulder. 

    "How will I find you?" I asked and he smiled. 

    "I'll find you, Princess," he said tapping his forehead.

    "You will not find him," my dad shouted pushing me out of the house. 

    "Ne se osmelyavai da slozhish Ruka sestra mi (Don't you dare lay a hand on my sister)," Godrick let out an animalistic growl.

    No one had seen it coming but Silas turned around and punched Godrick in the jaw. Godrick stumbled back into one of his friends. All of them looked as shocked as I feel. The sound of the hit is still echoing in my ears. This undeniable feeling started in the pit of my stomach. I wanted to help this dangerous-looking man but I'm stuck rooted to the dirt under my boots.

    "Don't you ever call her that, you f*****g leech. She's my sister. Not yours," Silas shouted over the silence that is now as loud as the music that had been playing before. 

    For a moment, I thought Godrick was going to tear him apart. I felt his anger in my bones. I reached for Silas's arm pulling him to me. Godrick smiled at me rubbing his jaw where Silas had hit him and nodded as if he understood the situation perfectly. 

    "Don't let this mother fucker put his hands on her," Godrick addressed my brother before turning away. "Take her. Keep her safe until I come for her," 

    "You aren't taking her anywhere. She's where she needs to be," Silas assured him.

    "For now," he said stopping. "Shte se vidim skoro (I'll see you soon)," 

    "Get your family out of here Sterling," my dad demanded. 

    Elijah pushed Cassidy and Analyse in front of him and walked away. Godrick and his friends walked inside where the music once again began to thump. 

    "I don't know about you guys, but I am content with the way things turned out tonight," Zach laughed, following behind Elijah. 

    "Shut the hell up, you i***t," Elijah scolded, pushing him towards the girls. With one last glance back at Godrick, Analyse waved at me and I waved back. 

    "We're going home," dad proclaimed.

    "We're not going anywhere with you," Silas declared. "You have no right in being here," 

    "Dad," I shouted when he reached up. The slap whipped my brother's head around. He stumbled into Sammy. "What the hell is wrong with you?" 

    "I can take it from her, but you will respect me, boy," dad shouted. Those who were around us just acted like they hadn't just witnessed that. 

    "Screw you," Silas spat straightening up. He spit a mouthful of blood on dad's shoes. He took my hand and Sammy's. 

    "Silas," dad called after us but my brother ignored him. Something insane is happening and I'm too drunk to fully comprehend what it is.