The next few days, Molly had taken it upon herself to monitor every interaction between Dashley and Kellan. When she couldn't do it herself due to their different class schedules, Lily filled in. She'd recently discovered Dashley was attending the McCarthy's party—as Axel's date. She'd overheard Axel telling Kellan and Jace, and while Jace teased him lightheartedly, Kellan's reaction had been… cold.
"She's starting to cloud his mind," Molly thought darkly. "That's dangerous."
Meanwhile, Dashley remained blissfully unaware of the silent war waging around her. Her days were a blur of classes, study sessions with Axel, and a growing to-do list.
The day after Kellan and Axel visited her house, Dashley began searching for a part-time job—just as she'd mentioned to Axel—and luck was on her side. She found a vacancy at the very first restaurant she and her dad, Williams, had visited when they moved to Derreve: R&D's. The pay was fair, and she was offered evening shifts to accommodate her school schedule.
Her study time with Axel would be shortened, and she had planned to let him know. If only she had his number—it would've made things a lot easier.
When she told Celine about the job, her friend was thrilled.
"That's great! Now I'll get discounts every time I eat there, right?" Celine had teased.
After classes, Celine informed Dashley that she had to meet her parents to finalize some party arrangements, so she couldn't give her a ride home. Dashley didn't mind—she wanted to find Axel anyway.
She checked the cafeteria, then the empty classrooms, but Axel was nowhere to be found. Just as she was about to give up, she spotted Kellan heading toward the school's exit.
"Kellan!" she called out, jogging after him.
He stopped, visibly surprised. "Dashley," he greeted with a faint smile. His deep voice gave her a moment's pause.
"Hey… have you seen Axel? I've been looking everywhere."
Of course, he thought bitterly. What else would she want with him if not for Axel?
"He's busy," Kellan replied, the light in his tone fading. He turned, ready to walk away.
"Could I have his number then? I haven't gotten it yet."
"I'll text it to you," he replied coolly.
"But… I don't have your number either."
Kellan paused, pulled out his phone, and held it out. "Give me yours."
"You could just tell me the number, you know."
"Do you want it or not?"
Rolling her eyes, she took his phone and punched her number in. "I'll be waiting," she said, handing it back.
"Where are you headed?"
"Home?"
"Come on. I'll give you a ride."
She raised a brow but nodded. "Sure. I could use it."
"Wow," Kellan said with a smirk. "That's a first."
"What?"
"I thought you'd argue, make me explain how it's more logical to take my ride than a crowded bus."
"Well, I guess it's your lucky day."
"It sure is."
At his car, Kellan quickly opened the door for her. She murmured a thank-you, caught off guard by the gesture. Moments later, they were on the road.
"Is Axel on patrol again?" she asked, referring to what Kellan had said earlier.
"Yeah… something like that," he said, eyes flicking to her briefly.
"Do you go on patrols too?"
"Only when necessary."
"Axel seemed embarrassed when I asked him about it. I told him not to be. I mean, I'm working as a waitress now."
"You are?"
"Yep. But that's not the point."
"Dashley, maybe don't stress over the patrol thing."
"Alright, fine. Back to me—I start work today!"
"Where?"
"R&D's."
Kellan chuckled. "The one where we first met."
"You remember that?"
"Of course. You were staring like a creep."
"Excuse me? You were the one staring! I was just watching a group of weird teens walk by!"
"You're the teen here, remember?"
"Uh-huh. And how old are you again?"
"Twenty-two. Not a teenager."
"Whatever," she muttered, turning to the window.
Kellan smiled slightly. "So, are you going to work straight from home?"
"Yep. I'll shower and change first. My shift starts at five."
"And ends?"
"Somewhere between ten and eleven."
"That's late. Won't your dad be worried?"
"That's why I picked a place close to home—five minutes, tops."
"Still… being out that late isn't safe."
"Relax. I've got self-defense skills," she said confidently.
"It's not just drunk men I'm worried about," he muttered. "There are more dangerous things out there."
"And what things would that be?"
He glanced at her. "Sometimes, ignorance is bliss, Ley."
"Wait—what did you just call me?"
"Ley. Short for Dashley. My personal nickname for you."
"That's the lamest nickname I've ever heard."
"Sorry to disappoint, but it's sticking."
She shook her head, laughing softly before turning to the window again, his warning still echoing in her mind.
He pulled up in front of her house. She waved, thanked him, and dashed inside. After a quick shower and cereal snack, she left a note for her dad—just in case he forgot she had work. Then she was off.
R&D's was buzzing. For a modest restaurant, it was popular. Couples on dates, professionals in meetings, families out for dinner—it was nonstop movement. Dashley was running orders when her supervisor handed her a slip for Table 9.
There sat Kellan.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"What everyone else came to do," he said smoothly.
"Oh, my bad," she scoffed.
"Is this how you treat customers? Risky behavior. Could cost you tips."
"Can I take your order, Mister?" she asked with mock formality.
"That's more like it," he said, placing his order.
"Your food will be out shortly," she replied, scribbling the request before vanishing into the kitchen.
Even after eating, Kellan didn't leave. Dashley checked on him twice—he ordered nothing more.
Near closing, she approached again. "We're about to close."
He gave her a nod and stood, finally heading out.
"Weird," she muttered.
After changing and bidding her coworkers goodnight, Dashley stepped out—and froze.
Kellan was still there, leaning against the wall outside the restaurant.
"What are you doing?"
"I told you—it's not safe to walk alone this late."
"Okay…?"
"I'm walking you home."
"And what about every other night I'll be working?"
"I'll walk you then too. Now let's go."
He started down the sidewalk, not waiting for her response.
Dashley stared after him, heart oddly touched, confused, and a little… intrigued.
What neither of them knew was that someone was watching from the shadows—silent, hidden… waiting.