The Raven Four Books 1-3 - Jessica Sorensen Page 0,75

the walkway, attempting to appear as nonchalant as possible. My plan is to stroll right on by where Dixie May is prattling on animatedly to Jax and Hunter. Then I’ll keep going until I reach the end of the driveway where the bus is supposed to pick me up. That’s probably when my pride will break down; it’s really hard to look chill when you’re walking onto a long, banana-yellow vehicle that smells like feet and has a bunch of screaming kids on it. But I’m going to try my best.

Halfway down the walkway, though, my plan goes to shit when Hunter spots me, a huge smile breaking out across his face that confuses the crazy unicorns out of me.

“There’s my new BFF.” His gaze scrolls up and down me as he walks toward me with a bounce in his step—the dude is so bouncy. “I was just about to go lookin’ for you. Thought you might try to ditch me or something because you forgot to make my bracelet last night.” When he reaches me, he wraps his arms around me and hugs me as he spins me around in a circle.

The move shocks the hell out of me and makes the cuts on my side feel like they’re getting torn open.

I tense, whimpering in pain, which makes him tense and pull back.

Worry creases his features. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lie, gripping his shoulders stiffly.

Jax glances in our direction then walks away from Dixie May, heading toward us.

Dixie May gapes at him then at Hunter and me. “What the hell is actually happening right now?”

Strangely, the guys ignore her.

Hunter’s concerned gaze burrows into me. “Little raven, I can tell you’re in pain, so fess up. What happened?”

I tuck my arm protectively against my side. “It’s not a big deal. I’m just a little sore from the stretches I did this morning.” A lame response, but I think I’m a little stoned.

His gaze drops to my side then snaps back up. “Get in the car.” The intensity in his tone throws me off. He’s always been so happy and laidback until now.

“Hunter …” I start, preparing a good protest.

“Now,” Jax orders, striding toward us.

I give him a really look. “Dude, just ’cause you boss Zay and Hunter around, doesn’t mean you can boss me around.”

He gives me a tolerant look then snags ahold of my hand and pulls me out of Hunter’s arms. Then he steers me toward the car, taking long, calculated strides. I have to shuffle to keep up with him.

Hunter trails behind us, muttering, “See what happens when you make big brother mad.”

I narrow my eyes at him from over my shoulder.

He starts to smile but presses it back. “I refuse to be happy again until you tell us the truth,” he tells me as Jax drags me past Dixie May.

Her jaw is practically hanging to her knees. “I don’t understand … What’re you guys doing with her? This doesn’t make any sense at all.”

“Aw now, don’t worry your little head, sweetheart,” Hunter says, coming to a stop in front of her. “We’ll take care of you eventually.”

I glance back at Hunter with a what the shit? look.

He flicks a glance in my direction, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He’s up to something, but what? Hopefully, it isn’t trying to get into Dixie May’s pants. I don’t think I can be friends with him if he screws her. Then again, are these guys even trying to be my friend? That was kind of unclear last night.

What the hell is this thing between us?

Jax slows to a stop beside the passenger side of the car then releases my hand and turns back toward Hunter and Dixie May. He has a calculating look on his face, but I have no damn clue what he’s calculating. Maybe he’s just checking her out. Or maybe he’s plotting the many ways he could torture her. Who the hell knows since his expression is so guarded?

While Jax may be interested in what Hunter is saying to Dixie May, I don’t share the feeling. At least, that’s what I try to convince myself. But then curiosity gets the best of me and I twist around to watch whatever the heck is about to happen.

Dixie May is smiling all doe-eyed at Hunter while raveling the end of her ponytail around her finger. “Really?” she asks, biting her bottom lip.

Hunter’s eyes twinkle as he steps closer to her. “Yeah, by the end of the week, you’re going