Reign of Brayshaw (Brayshaw High #3)(51)

His meaning is clear – in case we need to figure out who the shooter was.

Royce’s response confirms we already know, but the man doesn’t dare ask. Royce takes it, and nods, calling over one of the security guards.

He hands him the bullet. “Melt it down, reshape it and give it back to me,” he orders.

“Yes, sir.” The man asks no questions and walks away.

The doctor starts to turn, but his eyes linger on me.

“Hey, Doc,” Royce calls, noticing as well. “If you need anything, for Captain, you’ll need to speak to Raven.” Royce looks to me, apology and understanding. “His wife.”

“Yes, sir.” The doctor doesn’t bat an eyelash and takes the announcement as his okay to approach me directly. He reaches for my hand.

Hesitantly I slip it into his, frowning when cool metal meets my palm.

“My sorrow is yours, Mrs. Graven.” My body locks at the name as does Royce’s beside me. “We will protect him as we can, get him well.”

“When you look at him, I need you to see a Brayshaw. When you speak to me, speak to one.” I tug my hand free of Royce’s and close it over his on mine. “There are no Gravens here.”

“Yes, ma’am. Go, rest.” He looks between us both, motioning to the couches behind us. “We will come get you the moment he’s in his room. Not much longer now. His wallet, brass knuckles, and phone have been bagged. The nurse will place them in his room as she prepares it.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

With that, he walks away, and I open my palm to find a ring sitting in it, an item he chose not to place with the rest of Captain’s belongings.

It’s small, the band black, the front the shape of a crown with tiny pinkish-purple diamonds at the three tips.

I look to Royce who frowns at the jewelry, a curious expression on his face.

“What?”

He licks his lips and looks away. “Nothing. It’s perfect for you.”

When I stand there frozen, staring at it, Bass steps over to me. He tips his head to the side a little, so he can meet my eyes better.

He grabs the ring from my palm, seizes my hand, and slips it on... my middle finger.

“Fuck everyone, Raven. This is your crown. Wear it.”

I nod, then move to the couch near Royce.

Bass lingers a few feet away, his eyes roaming around every few seconds.

I take a deep breath and sit back with my eyes closed.

Cap will be okay.

My mom is dead.

Maddoc is gone.

And me, I might just fucking crack.

One thing is for sure, though. If I do, everyone will fucking feel it.

Everyone.

“There you go, baby girl,” Royce whispers. “Get angry. Get loud.”

My eyes open and hit his.

“Get revenge.”





“Raven,” Bass calls, nodding toward the hall.

I spot a wide-eyed Victoria down the long walkway. Her eyes find mine the second I stand.

She slows so I meet her. “Mac picked me up, or more demanded I get in or he’d tie me up and put me in the trunk.” She looks around. “I didn’t even know this was here.”

“Me either.”

“What happened?” she asks. “All he’d say is he was bringing me to you.”

“Captain was shot, he’s almost out of surgery.”

“Shot!” Her eyes widen, her forehead creasing. “He’s okay, though... yeah?”

I look to Royce and her head snaps his way.

“They said he will be,” he tells her.

She nods, glancing back down the hall a second. “Rolland was pulling up right as I was shoved through the glass door.”

My eyes fly to Royce again.

“I trust you.” His dark gaze holds mine strong.

I nod, glancing to Bass and he kicks off the wall.

“Sit with Royce. I’ll be right back.”

I get halfway down there when the shouting reaches me.

“Get the hell out of my way! You’re lucky I don’t put a bullet between your eyes,” Rolland is yelling.

“Step back on the elevator before I place you inside it.” Fernando is firm, calm.

The corner of my mouth lifts.

When I step around, I see he’s backed by three more security guards, all who stand taller when I’m spotted.

Rolland’s eyes slice my way and his shoulders drop. He shakes his head. “Thank God! Raven, get Royce and Maddoc! These assholes—”

“Are doing as they were told.”

His head snaps back. “No, they aren’t. I gave them specific instructions.” His eyes cut to Bass and narrow before moving back to mine.

“Instructions I overrode.”

He tenses where he stands. “Excuse me?”

“You aren’t welcome here, not yet.”

That gets him angry. He shifts closer and is met with a wall of men, but I push past them, stepping in front of him.

“Not welcome,” he drags out, his eyes moving over my shoulder. His words are calm but hold a heavy power. “I’d bury you for less.”

“Don’t threaten my men.”

His brows jump. “Your men?” When I say nothing he starts to break. It takes him a minute, but then his eyes lose their peril, sloping at the edges as concern seeps through. “Raven,” he pauses. “I need to be here for him.”