A/N: Here you go!!!

How The Fire Burns

Chapter 9

ALEXPOV

So we've been keeping a close eye on Lash. Which he didn't seem too happy about.

"Lexy do you want to tell me why at least one of you follow me around everywhere? Glow-worm would've gone into the stall with me if I hadn't threatened to give him a swirly." He demanded.

"Well maybe they just want to get to know you better. You know, see a reason on why your my best friend."

"But I don't like them! And they don't like me. As we established when you started hanging out with me, I can live with it. I don't need new friends Lexy. The only one I really have patience for is Peace! And that's because he barely talks!" He was getting angry. God! Why did they have to be so obvious? That would make keeping an eye on him a hell of a lot easier.

"Can you try to be friends with them? For me? Please?" Great now I was begging with Lash.

"Look, I've made a reputation for myself. You may not understand, but I like being feared. If I start being all best friends with Will Stronghold my rep is done." He said as he turned and walked away.

"Are you still coming over tonight?" I asked.

"I'll pass this time Lexy." he said.

Well this is just freaking perfect now isn't it?

It was Saturday and everyone was at my house. Except for Lash and Speed. Well, Speed called and said he would go to Lash's place instead so he would have someone looking after him that he actually enjoyed being around. Max was kind of disappointed because he really liked Lash. I was currently in the kitchen making some sandwiches when Justin came in.

"So what happened with Lash?" he knew me too well.

"Riley."

"What does Riley have to do with anything?" he asked.

"I don't know. But he sent this vision thing of Lash and it was really scary, so we decided to keep an eye on him but he got all pissed."

"Well do they know it was Riley? Wait how could it have been Riley? He's normal."

"How do we know for sure?"

"True but why would he take Lash?" he looked at me. I shrugged.

"Have you told them about what happened with you and Riley?" I shook my head. "You should."

"NO!! I can't! They'll kill him!"

"He'll kill Lash!!" that was a low blow.

"But-"

"Max and I will be there with you." I nodded and took a deep breath. I got up and walked into the living room.

"Hey Alex." Magenta said as I took my spot next to Warren.

"Hey umm... I need to tell you guys something." I bit my lip nervously.

"What's wrong?" Ethan asked. Warren put his arm around me, making me feel safe. I took a deep breathe and started.

"Well, when I lived in New York, I had a really serious boyfriend." Warren tightened his grip. "He uh... he was the perfect boyfriend to say the least. He treated me like a princess without smothering me. He would buy nice things and take me out on expensive dates. My entire family loved him. I loved him more than my own life and I would have done anything for him. His only imperfection was that he was.... to be frank, horny. He wanted all of me but I wasn't ready to do that just yet. On more than one occasion he would try to go farther than I would let him."

"Why are you telling us this?" Will asked. I held up a finger signifying that he would have to wait for that answer.

"One day he got tired of my supposed "games" and...." I had to take a deep breath to keep in the sob in my throat that wanted out, "And he took what he wanted." It took a minute for it to sink in then they all gasped. Layla was about to speak when I held up a hand, telling her I wasn't finished yet. Warren tightened his hold and I could feel the smoke from his hand. I pressed my hand to his knee as I sent waves of calmness into him. "I didn't tell anyone because he threatened me. After that he wouldn't leave me alone and would remind me of all the things he could and wanted to do to me. After the 'incident' I started acting up. I would use my powers more than I already did and get in trouble in school. When I got suspended for fighting GiGi is when my parents finally snapped and sent me here. I was finally away from him. He must've found out because on my first date with Warren he called. According to my brothers. I hadn't heard from him since then so I thought he had given up. I was so wrong about that. After the... the vision, a voice talked to me. It wasn't just a random voice. It was his. I don't know what he's planning but I know for sure that he wants to get to me. And he's using Lash to do that." I finished.

Just then, an urgent knock was heard. I got up to answer with Justin and Max trailing behind me. I opened the door and was greeted with a terrified Speed. Oh no. No no no no no....

"Speed? Wh-what happened?" I was dreading the answer.

"He's gone! I went to his house and his mom said she thought he had gone to my house after he went to the gym. I called him like 20 times but his phone is dead!" by the time he finished the entire gang was by the front door. I'd never seen Speed scared before and let me tell you. It was extremely unsettling. My cell phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking me out of my thoughts. I pulled it out and the Caller ID said it was Lash. I let out a sigh of relief before I answered and put it on speaker.

"Lash! Where are you?" I asked trying to mask my worry and failing miserably.

"You shouldn't worry too much about him babe." Riley's voice filled the room.

"What the hell did you do to him Riley?!" I screamed.

"Oh nothing. Like I said, don't worry. He's pretty tough. He didn't even make a sound when I put the cuffs on him. Then again... He was unconscious." he laughed an evil laugh than made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and sent a shudder down my spine.

"Let him go Riley or I swear to God when I find you I will roast you!" I threatened meaning every word I said.

"Oh look! Sleeping beauty is waking up." he paused.

"Wh-What?" I whispered.

"What the hell? Who the fuck are you?" Lash's voice echoed through the room. He sounded more angry than scared. Suddenly he cried out in pain. "Maybe I shouldn't have pressed that button. What the hell let's hear it again. Shall we?" Riley asked. Then Lash cried out again.

"What are you doing to him!?" Speed bellowed.

"Nothing harmful. Just injecting a little venom into his system."

"WHAT?!?!" I cried.

"Oh don't get your panties in twist Russo. It's enough that his body can fight off. But of coarse, not without a little pain first." he laughed that laugh again. Lash cried out again before the line went dead.

"Riley? RILEY!!!!!" I couldn't help it, I fell to the ground and my body was shaking with powerful sobs. It was one thing to know that your best friend was missing, but to know that they're being tortured is painful. And to have seen and heard it as well is even worse. The thing that tore me up the most is that it's all my fault.

Lash. My best friend, was gone and I don't even have a clue of where he is.

A/N: OH SNAP!!! The next chapter will be in Lash's POV. Read and review for faster updates!

xoxo

Scorching Roses