Cruel King (Royal Elite 0)

I wake up to someone shaking my shoulders.

“Dan?” I crack one eye open.

“Jesus Christ, Astrid,” he breathes sitting by my side. “I searched for you the entire day. Give a man a warning when you run off.”

“Sorry. My phone died.” I sit up, rubbing my eyes. “What time is it?”

“Around six. I came as soon as Sarah called. Where did you go anyway?”

I tell him about visiting Mum and my impromptu birthday date with Dad.

“I bet my gift will be better than Uncle Henry’s.” He reaches under the bed and gives me a box of scones. “Mum’s speciality. I helped.”

I half-hug him. “You’re the best, bug.”

“I know.” He grins. “You can thank me by splitting the scones.”

“Nice try, but nope.”

“Stingy.”

“They’re mine.”

He laughs. “Happy Birthday, bugger. How do you want to celebrate?”

His phone rings. Dan silences it and turns it off but not before I see 'Captain' flashing on the screen.

My heart aches as if being sliced open. But then I remember Dad's words from earlier.

You’re a Clifford and no one brings us down.

I shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself, I should be making him feel sorry.

I should make him feel my pain.

“What does he want?” I ask Dan.

“Forget about him.” He throws a dismissive hand. “Back to birthday plans. I cancelled practice and Ronan's party and I'm all yours to binge-watch Vikings.”

I stand up, my veins thumping with determination. “I have a better idea.”

33

Levi

You might have won the battle, but the war is far from over.

* * *

I pace the length of Ronan’s lounge area and run a hand through my already-dishevelled hair.

Searching for Astrid has been the theme of the day. After I went to school and beat the shit out of a few kids who made suggestive remarks her way.

I did it near the back entrance, so there’s no evidence — aside from the bloodied knuckles.

Once I was done, I made the entire team help in searching for Astrid.

Aiden sits opposite me playing chess with Cole, but he keeps watching my every move like he’s my damn mother.