Chapter 13: She’s Not stock
(Charlotte's POV)
The heavy air from the detention center lingered long after I left. Even as the chilled night wrapped around me, I felt Alexander’s intense gaze seared into the back of my mind.
Yet Lucas stood beside me, hobbling slightly, a bandage wrapped tightly around his arm where Gabriel’s claws had landed the worst blow. He winced deliberately, exaggerating each step as though he were on death’s doorstep.
"You know," he began with a crooked, boyish smile, "I think this might be the most pain I’ve ever endured in my lifetime."
I snorted despite myself, shaking my head. "Your injuries aren’t that bad, Lucas. Stop being dramatic."
"Not that bad?" He gripped his ribs for effect, letting out a mock groan. "Do you have any idea what I sacrificed f
