breaths. Exhaustion seeped into every mus

hrough a shower, and, without bothering to dry her hair,

l. Nightmares hounded her sleep,

ng, she jolted aw

n a dim, fading light. A cold breeze crept in throu

uched her forehead, feeling the ala

itterly, sighing as she tried

nd shrill. She fumbled for it, her

e irate voice of the convenience store owner ra

er heart sank. She'd only landed this part-time job a couple of

on my

ith Julian's constant meddling and threats

ls, and hastily got herself ready. Her body protested e

ic her life was, sh

ma to think about. She'd be damned

ng with people. It was late, and the convenience store, loc

was performing at the bar tonight, wh

lids heavy. She took out her phone and sent a quick message to Shawn. "D

ered. She guessed he wa

rms, intending to close her eyes for just a minu

try chime jer

es fully, she straightened

cigarettes." A young man's voice ran

bleached blue hair lifted his head from his

adow, his loyal little sidekick. Wherever Le

anced out the store's wi

et, surrounded by his usual crowd. A

ession remained indifferent. His hands were buri

, he also looked down on Bethany. Alec's mouth tw

an into!" he called out to the group outside, his voi

how out of place she'd always seemed among Julian's cir

shifted lazily towards Bethany. The moment

f she were a complete stranger. Then, with a slight lift of his

he loyal lapdog he was, he jogged back to the side of the street, offe

ake it, his hands still

ourage followed in his wak