There was a slight fumble on my part when we exited on the other side of the portal. I felt a little more of my energy come back, and I ran the rest of the way through, and lost my footing. Luckily, Coop caught me before I fell.
Relief flooded through me and I looked up at him. As quick as it came, it vanished, as memories of our outburst returned.
I cowered from him a bit and reached down to grab my bag. I didn't know where I was going to go, but the library was a good start. Deadly nightshade wasn't as easily accessible as jellyfish venom, so starting there would be the best option.
"Where are you going, Oakley. Take a minute and pause. You've had a big day, and we both need some sleep."
I let his words sink in, and inched closer to him. I had no energy to fight, the disorienting portal made the ground beneath me unstable. Coop would be fishing for answers if I remained conscious, so his suggestion for sleep seemed like the easier way out this time.
"Okay, but I'm not sleeping here, or in your room." I murmured as I felt his arm wrap around my shoulders again. This time tighter, as if he were unsure I'd vanish.
"The woods are in my backyard. I'm a man with many hobbies. Wouldn't ya know? Hiking and camping go hand in hand, little nymph. What do you say?"
Shivers traveled up my spine at his words. Coop's determination for my comfort had melted away some of the doubt I had for him. He truly wanted me to trust him. Whether that was because of the shitshow he'd witnessed, or genuine care, I wasn't sure. It didn't matter, because I nodded along in agreement, and he led us out of my dorm.
"I think maybe a trip to the Cafe' may be in order after. There's a lot we need to discuss." He murmured against my ear as we neared the elevator.
"Coop, not now. Sleep is the goal, no more words." I mumbled covering my ears.
He gave a small chuckled as the doors slid closed. He didn't say anything else as we trekked to his house. Though I noticed, everytime I inched myself further form him, he'd bring me back into his side. I stopped trying to distance myself by the time we reached his front door.
Trey threw the door open, and Ainsley popped out from under his arm. She darted past us, throwing me a wink, and her beautiful, blood red wings appeared. They fanned themselves out, flapping a few times, and we all watched in awe as she flew away. I assumed toward the training grounds, but why would she go there so late?
"She's one hell of a fae huh?" Trey's voice leaked admiration, and I smirked at him.
"I'm so confused Trey, but I don't really care to delve into that right now. I'm gonna let Oakley sleep in the backyard. You and Alex, keep watch please. I need to call my dad," Coop said, pushing past him and through the kitchen.
I let him lead me into the backyard. When he disappeared into the house again, I sat myself on the furthest patch of grass before the treeline. I assumed he'd left me alone so I could fall asleep, and here felt as good a place as any.
*Flashback*
Icy air invaded my skin as the blanket was wretched from my body. The stench of Valerian Root made my stomach coil. Tired eyes snapped open to meet his vicious beady ones.
"Now, now, my little Oaks. We had our fun, but now is time for the real show." His gravelly voice shook my nerves. I let out a scream, and tears flooded my vision.
The sound of the rusted chains cracking the old wooden walls had both of us snapping our heads in its direction.
This was it, the wood was too old to hold them any longer, and my strength had returned somewhat, or maybe it was adrenaline.
I bolted from the floor to the opposite side of the room, grabbing the chains, and ripping them the rest of the way. I whipped them at him, and they coiled around his body. I yanked them back in my direction and he flew forward. Rage boiled inside me as I saw him fall to his knees.
I felt my vision blur, and the red fog settled in. The chains he used to hold me for two years, would be his own demise.
*End of flashback*
My eyes snapped open, and I shot up from the ground. a sudden gust of wind blew and I snuggled the fuzzy material wrapped around my body. It smelled like honey, and was definitely not on my person before I fell asleep. Confusion warped my features and I looked for the source of the red blanket.
When my eyes scanned the back porch, I saw Coop sitting on one of the luxury chairs. It looked like he was sleeping, though his face was too shadowed by the darkness to tell. I fought with the blanket, wanting to keep it on me, but knowing he might need it more. He wasn't used to sleeping outside, and it was kind that he leapt outside his comfort zone for me.
As I crept over to him, I debated on where I should start searching for answers. The first attack was the bear, but the cave from the mountain lion was closer, and I hadn't been back to scan the area. I decided on the mountain lion as I slowly peeled the blanket from my shoulders, and crept up the back steps.
My footsteps barely made a sound as I fanned the blanket over Coop. He was dead asleep, and his head was turned to the side. He looked, peaceful, and harmless, despite the intricate vines weaving across his neck. I gave him a soft smile before turning around, and descending the steps.
"You thought you'd go snooping without me, little nymph?"
A small shriek escaped my lips, and I jumped in surprise, turning to face him. He was holding the blanket in his arms, and he'd stood to his full height.
"Coop, why would you even want to come with. This shit isn't a game. I think someone is really fucking with us here." If he came with, it would be harder to sneak around.
"Oakley, I'm not arguing with you here. If you want to snoop around, and not go to the headmaster, whatever. I'm not going to let you do it alone, though. We can be friends, or we can not be friends throughout this, that's your choice. Got it?" Assertiveness coated his voice, and left no room for rebuttal.
"Got it, Coop. Now let's go. The cave was pretty far from here." I kept a playful tone, and took his arm.
I'd be friends with him so long as I had to endure his company. That was the only way I saw this going smoothly.