_Alyssa's POV_
I quickly pulled out my phone and sent a discreet text to Damon, explaining the situation. I told him that I was being forced to take Ray with me, but I still wanted to meet. Since he didn’t know where my mother’s house was, I gave him directions, making sure to highlight a quiet route that wouldn’t draw any attention. I told him to wait for my signal before approaching the house so we would not raise any suspicion. It was risky but it was the only way.
I got dressed and headed downstairs where Ray was already waiting by the front door. He was tall and muscular, his expression as unreadable as always. “Ready?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Let’s go.”
The drive to my mother’s house was quiet. Ray wasn’t much of a talker which I appreciated. It gave me
