Brotherhood of the Wolf (Packard University Season One)

Chapter 15.2: Let's Make a Deal

I have really messed things up. No, seriously. Like really, really messed things up.

The guilt is starting to overwhelm me as I follow the housekeeper up the marble stairs and down a portrait-line hall until we stop at one of the many doors. Although I've been here twice already, I don't know my way around this huge place, but this definitely isn't the wing I had been in after the night of the full moon.

"The Blue Room, Dr. Milligan," Mrs. Adelaide says robotically as she opens the door and gestures inside. "I'll fetch you fresh towels and send up some tea. If you need anything else during your stay, please do let me know."

With only my laptop and a spare change of clothes to my name, I'm going to have to take her up on the offer. It's not like Clayton hadn't shopped for me before, but now is not the time.

"Thank you. I will," I say instead and enter the room.

Just like the Peacock Room that Clayton had chosen for me to tidy up in before, this one also lives up to its name. Nearly every piece of fabric and furniture besides a wooden wardrobe and a carved bed are all a shade of dark blue. The effect isn't overwhelming, and the various textures and patterns actually make the vibe calm and serene.

I do wonder why I couldn't have the Peacock Room again, especially because of Mrs. Adelaide's reluctance in placing me in this one. But I also want to get back downstairs as quickly as possible so for now I focus on cleaning myself up.

By the time I'm done in the en-suite bathroom, there's a teapot and cup waiting. The hot liquid warms me from inside and I feel re-energized. But after making my way downstairs hoping to find my sister, I only find Spencer in the parlor with Clayton.

"Where's Lark?" I ask, scanning the room again in case I somehow missed her.

Spencer rises from the couch next to Clayton and moves over to a chair across from him.

"She wasn't in the apartment when I got there," he says, motioning to the now empty spot for me to sit. "The bar staff hadn't seen her since her shift ended at five, but we have people keeping an eye out for her."

I can't believe his composure at my sister being missing at a time like this and I look to Clayton.

"It's nearly two a.m.!" I exclaim as worry begins to bubble to the surface. "We need to do more than 'keep an eye out for her'."

Without waiting for an answer, I pull my phone out.

"I've already sent her a bunch of texts and all of my calls are going to voicemail," says Spencer as I try to ring her.

True enough, my call doesn't even complete and my sister's chipper recording replies, "This is Lark. Leave me a message. Or not. Bye."

I plop onto the couch next to Clayton and he gently places his hand on my back. "Is it like your sister to go out this late? Should it be cause for concern or . . . ?"

He doesn't finish the thought, but I know what he means and I sigh.

"Honestly? Lark has always been a night owl and this is pretty typical for her. She probably just forgot to charge her phone before she went out and I'm just overreacting, as usual," I say, trying to sound optimistic, even though I don't fully believe it myself.

Clayton smiles. "There we have it. As soon as Lark gets home, we'll send Carlos to fetch her. Until then, you should probably go back up to your room and get some sleep."

Now that he mentions it, I can feel the heaviness in my eyelids and it's getting harder and harder to keep them open.

"Could I stay down here? I promise I won't get in the way," I say, agreeing with his suggestion, but not wanting to be alone.