I’m nearly to easily stalk again dwelling when a voice stops me. Or reasonably, a reputation.

“Alina,” a feminine voice calls. “You’re right here! I noticed you and your brothers and cousins drive away collectively this morning once I went for my run, so I used to be fearful you’d be gone all weekend.”

All of my senses sharpen as I flip in the direction of the supply of the voice. It belongs to Carla, the first-year who lives on this home. Or not less than one of many first-years who dwell right here. Her darkish curls are pulled up in an elaborate model, and her gold-shimmering gown glitters as she hugs a smaller determine.

Anticipation ripples via me as I examine that smaller determine.

Alina Petrov.

She’s right here.

“Oh, no, it was only a quick household assembly,” Alina says as she steps again after Carla’s hug. “I wouldn’t miss this social gathering for something.”

“Good.” Carla grins and jerks her chin in the direction of the nonetheless open glass doorways. “Now, go on in and begin getting drunk. You might have some catching as much as do.”

Whereas staying out of Alina’s direct line of sight, I examine her as she says one thing else to Carla after which laughs earlier than heading in the direction of the doorways. Her lengthy blonde hair ripples as she walks. It falls nearly all the best way right down to the small of her again like a easy waterfall. Which is a good size for a wide range of… restraining strategies.

She’s carrying a pale blue gown that ends midway down her thighs, leaving her slim legs and arms on show. I slide my gaze to her delicate wrists and ankles. She would look implausible in some metallic shackles. In rope too. However most of all, these large doe eyes of hers would look unbelievable brimming with concern.

Making a split-second determination, I stroll over to the again of the home to verify if it’s as crowded because the entrance. It’s not. Just one couple is making out within the shadows of the nook.

I hurry again to the entrance and seize the primary individual I come throughout.

“Hey, what the hell?” The man I grabbed, a blond second-year who slurs a bit of when he talks, spins in the direction of me. He glares down at my hand round his arm earlier than trying as much as meet my gaze. His eyes go huge and shade drains from his face. “Oh. Fuck. Hunter.”

“You see that skinny blonde who walked inside a minute in the past?” I demand.

His gaze flicks right down to the knife I’m nonetheless twirling in my hand for a second earlier than returning to my face. “The one who was speaking to Carla?”

“Sure.”

“Yeah, I noticed her.”

“Go in there and inform her that Carla wants her assist with one thing out again.”

“Wh—”

“Now.”

“Alright. Alright.” He swallows and casts one other cautious look down at my knife earlier than backing away.

I launch his arm however watch to ensure that he follows my orders and goes inside. He does.

As soon as he’s out of sight, I transfer in the direction of the again of the home once more. The 2 individuals within the nook are nonetheless making out. I stride in the direction of them.

“Take a hike,” I order.

They jerk again from one another and switch in the direction of me. One look is sufficient to make them straighten their garments and hurry away. I transfer in order that I’m standing on the opposite facet of the again door. After which I wait.

Alina seems solely a minute later.

Her pale hair shines like silver within the moonlight as she sticks her head out and squints into the darkness. “Carla?”

Thumping music and the sounds of speaking drift out into the evening from inside as Alina pushes the door open wider and steps out onto the small patio. There’s a purple plastic cup in her hand.

I look ahead to the door to fall shut once more earlier than taking a step out of the shadows.

“Carla?” Alina says. “Are you right here? David stated you wanted assist.”

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