Wait…
I peered through the glass, frowning at the unfamiliar ivy twining along the ground.
We couldn’t be that far from the Homecoming dance. But I recognized nothing outside.
“Where are we?” I demanded, pleased to hear my voice sounding somewhat normal.
“On our way to my home,” he replied. “My real home.”
“You’re taking me back to your place?” I nearly laughed. “Wow. No. I refuse.”
“It’s too late for that, Isabella.” He removed the final pin from my hair, allowing it to clink into a cup holder.
“Ella,” I snapped at him. “Only my parents are permitted to call me Isabella, and they’re dead.”
He flinched at my words, clearly not expecting the venom in my tone.
The nerve of this guy.
“Take me home, Trayton.”
“I am,” he replied. “Well, sort of.”
“You just said we’re going to your house.”
“No, I said we’re going to my home.” He relaxed into his seat, appearing far too regal in his suit. “You wanted to know who I am, and I’m about to show you.”
I opened my mouth to argue, when an odd flicker of light caught my attention, distracting me. A moon, I realized, staring out into the night. No. Not a moon. Two moons.
“What the…?” I gaped outside at the myriad of stars twinkling in the sky between the gold globes. “That’s not possible.”
And neither was all this ivy.
It seemed to be moving, reminding me of slithering green snakes traveling up and around the branches.
Red pinpoints stared back at me, watching the limousine wind down the unending road.
No other cars.
No houses.
Just endless forest with the startling night sky overhead.
My earlier thoughts about this being a dream settled over me once more.
“It’s real, Ella.” Tray reached for my hand, giving it a squeeze before I ripped it from his grip.
“Start talking,” I demanded, chills sweeping up and down my body. “Right now, Tray. I mean it. I need you to tell me what the hell is going on.”
Chapter Nine
Tray
Well, tonight’s gone to shit, I thought, running my fingers through my hair and blowing out a breath.
I’d underestimated the pettiness of the humans at Darlington Academy. Particularly, Ryan.
The envy in that chick had nearly spoiled all my plans. When I heard her begin to rip Ella’s dress, I’d reacted in the only way I could—by retraining Ryan’s focus on me and away from her stepsister. Only, Charlie and Dash had jumped at the chance to harass beautiful Ella, their interaction bordering on sexual assault.