Some Alpha 197
197 Grace: Dark Fashion 197 Grace: Dark Fashion Nothing. [CAERIEL: The journey matters. Your capacity needed testing.] Alarm bells ring, and I step back. He has far too much interest written all over his face. “I’m sorry. I have a boyfriend.” Should I have said mate instead? But that would be a little weird. “Hello?” I gasp out, checking the map once again. I stare at my screen, rage building in my chest. This cryptic bullshit is all I get for my troubles? [CAERIEL: Consider us met.] That’s it? I ran halfway across town, probably making myself a target for every shifter with a grudge, for this dismissive little message? At first, I thought he was wearing some sort of giant, creepy Grim Reaper cloak, but now I can see it’s some fancy, somewhat archaic–styled long jacket with a deep hood. I mean, she even thinks I’ve been talking to her father! He nods. I have no idea how much the phone costs, but I do know I definitely have no idea how to replace it. At least if Caine had stayed with me, she wouldn’t have had the balls to grab me as soon as I ran off on my own. I take it with both hands, feeling suddenly reverent to this strange man with his gothic attire and terrible treatment. “Thanks.” [CAERIEL: Good job. You can go back now.] My breath catches. [GRACE HARPER: Who are you?] Seriously, a phone. 197 Grace: Dark Fashion Nobody. [GRACE HARPER: Are you one of her weird creepy friends?] I wonder if he’s part of the fan club. My fingers tremble, and my phone falls to the ground with a clatter. The screen spiders on impact, and I curse softly. I gulp down air, trying to stand straight despite the knife–like pain in my side. I smack at the stitch, as if I can…