Before heading up to his room, Clay gives me one final kiss. I can tell that everything that has happened is having an emotional impact on him. "I will be there shortly," I say with a smile.

"I'll be waiting," He smirks, and I can't help but laugh. I watch him disappear up the stairs, feeling grateful for his presence in my life. Brie laughs, making me face her. "What's so funny?" I ask, still feeling the warmth of his smile.

"I've never ever seen Clay this affectionate with anyone, or your. I like this Raven." Brie smiles.

"Hey, the old Raven hasn't gone anywhere. She's..." I get cut off by Brie.

"In love?" She teases.

"Shut up." I laugh along with her. As we clean up, I look over at Brie and ask, "Do you agree with what Clay said?"

"Honestly, what he says makes sense. She won't stop until she wins. All this girl has ever wanted was Clay to herself." She's telling the truth. "But remember, she has to go through the three of us first, and I won't let her touch you," she assures me.

Brie's tough, real tough, she can hold her own, and so can I, but to her, she is older, so she needs to protect me. It's always been that way. As I grab the broom to clean up the shattered glass, I think about how my life has changed in a matter of months.

I blurt out my thoughts. "What if we let her?"

"What are you talking about?" Brie asks. "I mean, what if we let her win?" I say again.

"No, no, no." She puts her hands up. "Are you serious right now?" She whispers, like that will stop the two vamps in this house from hearing us. "Those two up there won't go along with anything you have in that brain of yours. We already have a plan in action, so don't go and do something stupid like you always do."

"Okay," I say, and turn around.

"Raven?" she questions.

"I said okay, jeez," I grunt.

⁂

Ten minutes later, we are done cleaning up, I start the dishwasher, and we head up to bed. "Night," she says.

"Night." I walk into the room to see him lying on his back; I can't help but look at his muscles and how intricate his tattoos are.

"I know you're obsessed with me; I already told you if you want to see me naked, all you've got to do is ask." He starts laughing; he's in a better mood.

"Clay!" I softly say in embarrassment.

"Come here!" He tells me. He sits up, and I stand in front of him. His fingers find the waist of my sweats, and he tugs them down.

"Clay," I say softly. I trace his tattoos, and he kisses my neck, and goosebumps cover my body.

"I could spend the rest of my life with you under the covers." He teases. My waist is gripped as he draws me in close and places his lips against mine. I adore how I feel when his hands are all over my body; it is exhilarating. I yank on his pant leg. I hold onto him as he lifts himself to remove them. I swallow his moan as my hand slowly caresses his length.

"Raven." He moans.

He slips his hand down to my panties and moves in a circular motion, one finger in, and he pumps slowly. "Oh!" I moan.

He kisses me, and I bite his bottom lip. He moves his hand and tugs my panties down. I kick them off, and he grabs my waist and lifts me, and I'm on top of him. He removes my shirt so that our bodies are touching.

My hands explore every crease and hard line of muscle as they move up his abdomen. My body begins to warm up, and the temperature rises until I feel myself becoming damp to his touch.

He flips me over, flicking his tongue against my neck. Sending shivers down my spine as he slowly enters. I moan his name, watching his muscles contract under his skin, it's mesmerising, and I let him take control. I gasp for air. "I love you," I say in between breaths.

His dark eyes meet mine. "I love you." And he kisses me harder. He lays back on the pillow, arms open for me to cuddle with him.

"I'm so tired, I think I'm going to shower now, so I can sleep in a little bit longer in the morning," I tell him.

He stands at the bathroom door while I shower; he explains how Brie and I are not to be left alone. I roll my eyes; thankfully, he can't see me. Our whole lives are planned out for this week, from what I have gathered. He passes me a towel, and I wrap myself before stepping out of the shower. I see him leaning up against the wall and stop myself from drooling over his hard abs, which are completely perfect. I walk into the room, and he hands me his shirt, and I slip it on. I finish getting dressed and comb my hair.

I sit on the bed, grab my business notes, and work on them while Clay showers. Again, he walks out with just the towel.

"You do this on purpose, don't you?" I wave my hand at his body.

He shrugs, "Maybe." I put my schoolwork away as he climbs into bed and turns the TV on. He pulls me close. His eyes shine and lock on me.

"I love you, remember that, no matter what happens." His mouth presses up against mine, and I'm lost in the intoxicated state that he brings. I drift into a deep sleep.

Ravens, fire. What's happening? Zack? He is crying for help.

"Babe, baby, wake up," I hear, and I sit up quickly, sweat dripping down my face, and I start to cry. "Shhh, it's just a dream," He says, holding me tight; I feel safe in his arms. He pulls me back and holds me until I fall asleep. The nightmare replays over and over again.

⁂

"Hey," Clay whispers, "it's time to get up." I had the worst sleep I have ever had. "Are you okay?" He asks.

"Yeah, I'm just tired," I say; getting up, I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and get ready. As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I can't help but feel haunted by the nightmare that replays over and over again in my mind

Clay is ready when I walk out. Leather jacket, a white tee, and a beanie. He looks cute, book bags in hand, waiting. As we walk out, Brie and Logan walk out, also meeting us in the hallway. "How's it going?" Logan asks.

"Same shit, different day," I respond and keep walking.

"Everyone." Brie laughs. "Meet Raven in full bitch mode. If she gets tired, she's the one who will rip your head off, so be kind if you want to live until tomorrow." I roll my eyes and head down the stairs. I'm not in the mood this morning for small talk, I'm tired, and I already want this day to end.

"We'll get coffee at the café near campus," Clay says, almost as if he is asking me.

I nod, and I go to get into the back, and Brie stops telling me to sit up front with Clay.

⁂

We arrive at the café, and the boys get out, telling us to stay in the car. I rest my head back, and the monster in my head taunts me.

Oh, come on, Raven, let me out to play, just for a little bit. My head pounds, and I try to silence the noise. I open my eyes, and from the side mirror, I see her. "Oh shit!" Brie states.

"Yup, let's go," I tell her. I open the car door and let Brie out of the backseat. Slamming the car door behind me, I follow Brie towards the entrance of the building, my heart still pounding in my ears.

As we walk into the café, she is standing next to the guys. She puts her hands on Clay's chest, and he pushes her away. "Oh, come on, Clay."

"Get off, Sloane!" He scowls, giving off a warning.

"Seriously?" She asks him.

"Go now!" Logan yells at her. She goes to put her hands on him again. She's stupider than I thought. I'm pissed now; today is not the day.

"Didn't he tell you to get off?" I say directly towards her.

"Awe, look, your little princess came to save you." She walks toward me and says, "I'm pretty sure the last time we spoke, I told you he was mine and for you to back off." She pushes me, but Brie has a hold of her hair before I can react and snaps her head back.

"And I thought I told you to never lay a hand on her!" Brie growls.

My mind races, and I think of everything this bitch has done. "I'm going to destroy you," she says, looking at me. The wrong day to piss me off, I grab her by her throat and pin her to the wall; I overpower her with my powers. I tighten my grip harder.

"Don't. Ever. Threaten. Me. Again." I growl. "If I were you, I'd be extra nice to me right now."

I feel Clay's arms wrap around me and pull me off her. I let go, and she gasps for air. "You crazy bitch!" She says, trying to catch her breath.

"I'll show you crazy." My hand on her throat once more, and I feel the monster in me take over. Sloane's nose starts to bleed. Before I can do any damage, Clay grabs me once more and pulls me away. I walk out and head towards the car; I slip my arm through the window, grab my book bag, and start walking.

"Where are you going?" Clay calls after me.

"I need time to myself, so I'm walking!" I shout, not looking back, and head toward campus.

Within seconds, they pull up beside me. "Stop being so stubborn and get in!" Clay demands.

"No," And the wind picks up. I hear Brie tell him to leave me be; I can feel his anger as he speeds away. I needed this walk alone, just for me to think. I haven't slept because of the goddamn nightmares, and now Sloane. I take a deep breath and let the chilled air fill my lungs. They burn, but the feeling is good.

"Raven, wait up." I turn to see Zack running up. "Hey." I force a smile. "What's going on?" he asks, concern etched in his features.

"Nothing, just tired," I tell him. "Oh crap, how was your date with Serenity?" Feeling like a lousy friend for not asking him before.

He blushes. "It went great, thanks for asking." We walk and talk about our class assignments; we turn the corner onto the campus parking lot.

"Bodyguard alert." He laughs. "I'll see you in class."

Clay, Logan, and Brie walk toward me. Logan breaks the silence. "Well, I must say what you girls did back there at the café was hot." Brie laughs, and I let out a side smile; Clay stands there, solid as a rock. I say bye to them and walk away; I can feel Clay behind me. The tension is thick. Before I'm able to walk up the stairs, he wraps his strong arms around my waist, turning me around and kissing me before I can protest. "I'm sorry for getting angry," He says into my hair. "How was your walk?"

"Just what I needed," I tell him; he holds me tight.

"Who knew you were so feisty?" He teases.

"I've told you, don't get on my bad side," I warn him, laughing.

"Get to class. I'll see you in a little while." He kisses me as I turn around to walk up the stairs. He slaps my ass and starts laughing. I shake my head and giggle, walking into the building.

I can't imagine going through college without him by my side. But as much as I enjoy our playful banter and affectionate moments, I know that I need to focus on my studies. After all, that's the reason I'm here in the first place. So, with a deep breath, I push any distracting thoughts aside and prepare myself for another day of classes. But I find myself daydreaming. I can't believe how much I love that idiot.