Page 76 of Darkened Promises

“I’m not to blame for what he did to me,” I whisper, blinking quickly as my vision blurs.

THIRTY-EIGHT

PETER

Exhaustion and anger run simultaneously through my bloodstream. My pet is frustrating me to no end, with her remaining holed up in that place with them. Whilst I have to remain in hiding, watching over my shoulder and thinking through every move to ensure I don’t get caught.

If she’d just leave and let me catch her, we could move and build a new life elsewhere.

But no, she’s evading me and playing hard to get.

My phone vibrates on the seat beside me, and I scowl at it before answering.

“Sir?” It takes effort to remove the contempt from my tone; somehow I manage it.

“I’m becoming increasingly concerned and impatient, Serpens,” Draconis’ nasally voice snaps.

“You’ve no need to be concerned about me. I’m careful and know what I’m doing.”

“You misplaced my concern. I’m concerned about what your foolish actions could do to the organisation. We’ve stayed hidden for decades because of how carefully we choose and accept members. One singular pet is not worth the risk.”

The phone creaks in my tightening grip. If he’d only met my kitten, he’d not be saying these words. Although ice burns through my veins at the idea of someone else taking a liking to her. She’s mine.

“The organisation always comes first, sir.” Lie.

“Then you’ll move and disappear. I don’t want to hear that you’re still there, as you won’t like the consequences. Contact Talpa if you need any assistance with the move,” he says, cutting the call before I can respond.

My fist meeting the dashboard does nothing to quell the potent rage, other than making a passer-by jump at my sudden movement.

I wave her off, faking the apologetic smile as she scurries past.

Brushing a hand across my jaw, I grimace at the unfamiliar facial hair. I’m practised in the art of disguises from the numerous times I’ve watched my pets before making them mine. But I’ve not had to use them this regularly or for such long periods of time.

They itch, they feel wrong, and they’re a pain to maintain.

I’ll do it to get my kitten back.

Taking another glance at the building she lives in, I check to ensure she’s not leaving, then pull down my visor to check that the prosthetics and wig are still in place.

Movement catches my eye, and I see the taillights of a car enter into the carpark below the building. Recognising the number plate, my eyes narrow, and my muscles clench. Noah has returned. I’d mistaken that one, thinking he’d been the better, more controlled one of the group made up of filth.

Assumptions are not something I’ll allow to happen again.

She’s going to have to work hard to be a good kitten and prove to me that she truly appreciates all this effort.

THIRTY-NINE

NOAH

The day still weighs heavily as I arrive home. With students becoming more anxious and snappier each day, it can sometimes be difficult to remain patient. As their first exam approaches, tensions are high, and I barely had any time to myself to catch up on marking homework and replying to emails.

Nor did I get to finish my conversation with Rosy earlier, and it’s played on my mind that I’m not providing her with the support she needs.

After hanging up my coat and removing my shoes, I enter the living area, barely able to offer Bry anything more than a quick greeting because my focus is immediately drawn to Rosy. She’s sprawled across a sofa, e-reader close to her face, lost in a book.

Before I can make my way over to her, Bry quietly calls my name.

“Everything okay?” I ask, still somewhat distracted and wanting to cuddle up with her.