SynergEbooks www.synergebooks.com Copyright ©2008 by Cyrese Covelli First published in SynergEbooks, 2008 NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment. * * * * Wolfsmage Book 3 of the Witchlock Series by Cyrese Covelli Copyright 2008 by Cyrese Covelli All Rights Reserved Published by SynergEbooks www.synergebooks.com WITCHLOCK SERIES Book 1—Witchfire Book 2—Shadowshifter Book 3—Wolfsmage Book 4—Bloodcharm [Back to Table of Contents] Dedication To my Monkey, the love of my life, The designer of my book covers. The man of my dreams, The defeater of my nightmares. Thanks for being so wonderful. [Back to Table of Contents] "In innocence, she'll light the fire And set ablaze the fun'ral pyre And one shall rise and one shall fall, By hand of she who'll lead them all. Marked twice by beast in time of rage, And born again as the Wolfsmage." A house of magic be undone By she who can remake the sun." ~ The Prophecy of the Last Cerridwen Maiden of Coventry (1691) [Back to Table of Contents] Prologue "I'm not going to pretend what Quillan did was right, but he did save your life,” Ruby Wolcott said. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at Quillan who had the good sense to look ashamed at the outcome of our last encounter. "Yeah, by turning me into a freaking werewolf!" "You were already a freaking witch...” Luna said. "And a freaking warlock...” Diana said, twisting a lock of silver-blonde hair to coil through her fingers like a snake. I curled my lip in a sneer at the toe-headed pre-teens. They were right, though. My sister Gemma and I are half-witch and half-warlock. I can conjure and control fire with my hands, and Gemma can shape-shift into a panther and communicate with cats. The truth is, if Ruby, Luna and Diana's brother, Quillan, hadn't bitten me to counteract the poisonous scratch of his jealous ex, I'd be dead. Of course, he'd also been holding me hostage at the time. "You two ... out!” Ruby said, her eyes glowing with an eerie silver-blue that I'd only previously seen in a Siberian husky. I felt Gemma tense beside me and her arm drape around my shoulders. Her fingers curved into claws and she growled softly. Please don't let this turn into a shape-shifter slap-fight. "Shhh ... it's okay,” I said, in an attempt to calm by big sister. I was starting to seriously consider carrying catnip around for moments like this. The twins giggled before leaving the room, causing Ruby to recite a list of threats to make sure they didn't come back. Of course, that made Quillan focus all of his attention on me. Weirdly enough, the fact that his family had two sets of twins was normal. Well, for werewolves anyway. Quillan's black hair was done up in spikes that clashed with the innocent-looking dimple on his left cheek. "How's Elliot?” Quillan asked. His question caught me so off-guard that I jumped at the mention of his name. I hadn't seen my boyfriend, Elliot, an accidental vampire servant and time-shifter, in six days. I was beginning to worry. Part of me wondered if he'd left because things were getting serious between us. You'd think when a guy's been around for over two-hundred years, he wouldn't be so ishy about relationships. And there was the fact that I found out I looked just like the love of his lifetime, Elizabeth. Gemma had found a pictograph of Elizabeth in an historical text on vampires. Was he really falling for me or just reliving the past? "It's going that well?” Quillan said. Jarred from my thoughts, I frowned. "Just shut up, dog-boy” I said, another growl issuing from Gemma. "What? Did you guys break up or something?" A pillow hit Quillan square in the face. I smirked, wanting to believe that I'd just developed telekinesis when I saw Ruby hurl another one in his direction. "Stop baiting her, Quill..." "I was just trying to be friendly..." I snorted. His idea of friendly was a bit over the top. He'd caught me in a kiss last week, much to my dismay. Well, partial dismay. "We get it. You're interested in Ascher. You only locked her boyfriend in the trunk of daddy's car and all but held her hostage to get her to hang out with you.” Quillan snarled, the four tips of his canines elongating. "Mind your own business, Ruby..." "We're here to mend bridges not piss all over them!” The door to the backroom of Bruer Books, a magical supply store opened and Nana Bruer, local witch Crone, poked her white-haired head through the door. "Is everything okay, kids?" "Yes.” We all answered in unison. "Okay then,” Nana Bruer shut the door behind her. "There are just two days until the full moon and if Ascher shifts, she'll be a member of the pack which means her business will be mine. I'm Dad's second-in-command and I'm free to do what I think is best." "As if I need a reminder,” Ruby said. I watched with interest as something passed between them in the silence. “I'll cut to the chase..." "Ooh, my favorite part,” Quillan said. Ruby gave him a look, but I couldn't stop the smile that spread over my face. Quillan caught my eyes, winking at m. I felt my face flush in some unknown emotion. Could it be ... no. There was just no way I liked him. "You two are to come stay with us at the manor for the weekend so we can control Ascher if and when she shifts." "Uh, uh. No way,” Gemma said. "You'd rather Ascher freaks out and attacks someone?” Ruby asked. "I can control her...” Gemma said. "And who is going to cover with your mom? What'll you tell her about why her youngest daughter is sprouting a tail?” She had us there. "But it's homecoming weekend. I've got to perform at the game on Friday and Saturday night is the dance...” Gemma said. "You can still do all that. Quillan and I will just have to tag a long to keep an eye on Ascher.” Quillan snapped his teeth at the air in front of him and flashed me a smile. "Fine. We'll stay with you, but when I don't end up turning, we leave, and you don't try to stop us,” I said. "Agreed,” Ruby said. She shook hands with Gemma and then with me while Quillan shot me smoldering looks from the couch. "Looks like we've got a date for the homecoming dance,” he said. He puckered his lips at me while Ruby and Gemma went over the final details. There is no way I like you ... no way. My mind replayed our kiss and I had to look away from him as a rush of warmth washed over me. Great. First I find out I'm some weird Witch-lock mix, then I get hunted by vampire, and now I'm in like with a werewolf. Fifteen is so not going to be my year. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter One MY LITTLE TRIP INTO WERE-LAND "It sounds reasonable enough, but I think it's best if Anise goes with you. Just in case there are any ... complications,” Nana Bruer said at breakfast the next morning. "I'm a warlock-witch-werewolf. It can't get much more complicated than that.” Nana Bruer smiled at me and patted my hand. It looked like Anise Curry was going to be chaperoning my little trip into Were-land. Anise combed her fingers through her sleep-tousled hair, the color of blood and shot me an annoyed look. She had a thing against warlocks. “What about Cyd?" Chalcedony “Cyd” Bergamot was Anise's fourteen year-old cousin and an entertaining pain in the butt. Cyd had always been kind to me, though. Maybe I could use her as a buffer between her Anise and me. "Chalcedony is magic-grounded for sneaking out to Equinox with some friends,” Anise said. I blanched. Equinox was a dance club for warlocks, not the kind of place an innocent young witch should hang. "For how long?” I asked, anxious to bail Cyd out of the trouble she seemed drawn to. "Until midnight tonight,” she answered. "Okay. Well, can she come with tomorrow? I mean...” I gestured at Anise before dropping my hands into my lap. "If it'll make you more comfortable with Anise, then I suppose Cyd can accompany you,” Nana Bruer said, climbing to her feet with some effort. She leaned on her cane, her amethyst eyes flashing from behind a curtain of grey hair. "It's a shame, though, that such accommodations must be made. It is important that the Maiden Witch looks after every member of her magical family without prejudice. Anise, a word in the family room.” Anise threw her napkin on the table, muttering a word very much like witch under her breath as she passed me. Uber-bitch I thought, sure she would read my thoughts as she passed. Her posture stiffened, but she sloshed out of the kitchen in her furry, hot-pink slippers. Gemma was scarfing down her third helping of bacon "You're quiet this morning.” Gemma shrugged, devouring another greasy strip of bacon. "I didn't get much sleep last night." "Oh, God. Is Savian still bothering you?” Savian Radbourne, the Master vampire of Chicago, had a thing for Gemma and was not shy about showing it. He'd been visiting her in her dreams to try and get her to accept an invitation for a date. “Maybe you should go out with him.” I meant it as a joke, but Gemma choked on the piece of bacon, her green eyes wide as her usually tanned face paled until I could see the constellation of freckles on the bridge of her nose. "Not funny. Besides, he's old, Ascher." "Oh, what's a couple of centuries between friends?” Gemma curled her fingers towards me, pointing a purple polished finger at me. "You'd better be careful. Nana Bruer is still checking out that charm Savian gave me and I have P.M.S,” Gemma said. Savian had given me a charm for Gemma to wear that was supposed to help keep her from shifting when she didn't want to. "Me-owww!” I said. Gemma shoveled two more bites of eggs into her mouth, took a gulp of orange juice and pounced. Before I could react, she had me pinned on the tile of the kitchen floor, tickling me mercilessly. "You see what happens when you mess with me, kid? And I'm real sure Matt wouldn't be so thrilled with me dating the undead,” Gemma said. She'd been dating Matt for almost two months now. I had a feeling that the L-Word would be coming up soon. My thoughts turned to Elliot. He'd said he loved me right before disappearing. I missed him so much; it sometimes felt hard to breathe. My eyes misted over and I had to bite my lip to keep from crying. "What is it?" "Nothing. I just remembered something I have to ask Nana Bruer.” Gemma groaned. "Not this whole Elizabeth thing again. Asch, you've got to stop fixating on this. So what if she looked like you. That's not why Elliot liked you." "How can you be sure? I mean, it's not like any guy ever paid attention to me before Elliot. It makes sense that he was only interested in me because I reminded him of her." "Geez, Ascher. Three cheers for self-esteem. God! Your gorgeous, smart, funny and sweet. That's why guys like you. Look at that warlock prince, Daray and Chase. Not to mention Quillan Wolcott who..." "I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, but I just want to know more about her. If I know more about her, I think I can tell if Elliot really cared about me." "How?” Gemma always got right to the point. "I'm hoping I'll find out." [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Two SUPERNATURAL HOTTIE MAGNET The alarm clock sounded, the old-fashioned bells jangling to wake me from my dreams, but not my nightmare. With one look at the pensive face of Gemma staring down at me, I knew something else was wrong. I carefully placed the copy of Elizabeth's diary in the drawer of my nightstand. Nana Bruer had leant it to me, calling it a study in the cruelty of vampires. Apparently, copies of the diary had been circulating as a warning to witches for over one hundred years. "Gem-muh! You have to stop doing that! I could've freaked and launched a fireball at you!" "Unlikely. You would've caught yourself in time,” Gemma said. "Yeah and set the bed sheets on fire by redirecting it.” I called this magic or power or whatever it was “it” because I always cracked up when I tried to call it by a witchier name. I still couldn't believe I had powers. I mean, for fifteen years I was this regular girl and suddenly I was... "Um, speaking,” Gemma said, snapping her fingers. "Huh? What? Oh, sorry, Gem. I was thinking." "I was saying you should skip your student council meeting this morning so we can head to the mall and buy you a dress for homecoming. I told Mommy you were going to the dance and she was so excited she left her credit card,” Gemma said. "Really?" "Yeah. I mean, this is, like, your first dance. Isn't it?" I'd never been asked to a dance before. As a matter of fact, I hadn't been asked to this dance, either. I was just tagging a long with Gemma and Matt so I wouldn't be left alone with the werewolves. The sound of my sister's ring tone sounded and Gemma pulled her phone out to check the caller ID. She broke into a happy dance and scuttled out of the room. "It's Matt. It's Matt. It's Matt,” she sang. I couldn't help but smile. I lay back on my pillow and tried to rest my eyes, but I was wide awake. Kicking the covers away, I climbed out of bed and made my way downstairs. Since my mom was already at work, I wouldn't have to have our daily argument about drinking coffee. I emptied the grounds from the previous pot into the sink, added water and went to the fridge for the beans. When they were ground, I dumped them in the filter and switched on the pot. Mom had said coffee would stunt my growth, but I was already five-foot-ten, so I wasn't worried. After it was brewed, I added a butt-load of milk, savoring a sip as I climbed the stairs. My heart leapt at the welcome rush of caffeine. "Nummy.” I rested my mug on my desk, opened my lap top to YouTube, selected one of my favorite music videos and started to dance. It always made lame chores like making my bed easier. Spinning on my glove-toed sock, I took one look at my bed, lost my footing, and fell hard on my cartoon-clad pajama bottoms. There were at least four dozen white roses strewn across my comforter. Their milky color looked like little drops of heaven, lit with the sun shining in from my partially opened curtains. "Elliot!” I craned my neck towards the empty antique mirror frame; its glass having been blown to pieces when Gemma performed a power-enhancing spell on me. I opened my mouth to scream when I saw it wasn't Elliot, who stood there, but Daray Valerian, Prince of the Warlocks, and major pain in the butt. "It's nice to see you in the morning,” Daray said. He bent forward to help me up, but I was already scrambling backwards to get away from him. "What the ... hell ... are you...?” Before I could finish my thought, Daray flicked his fingers towards my bedroom door which shut, making a popping sound like a Tupperware container closing. As if noticing the look of horror on my face, Daray inclined his head towards the door. "I've cast a dampening spell ... for privacy." "Oh, so you don't want my family to hear me kicking your ass?" "Your sister is the only one here and anything you want to do with my...” I felt my face flush and didn't know who I was more mad at, Daray for popping in like this or me for getting so flustered over him. "Enough, Daray. Just get out-now!" "Let me explain about last time." "Oh, you mean when you cut my thumb with a ritual knife before removing my best friend's memories?" "You mean that girl you were with at the mall? She's a human,” he said as if that should mean something. “I needed your blood for this.” Daray pulled a tiny purple vial out of the inside of his jacket and extended it to me. “It's a Seer's potion. It'll allow you to relive the moments that led to your grandmother binding your family's powers.” I reached towards the vial, but Daray moved his hand away. "Of course, it comes with a cost.” I felt my face fold into a frown. "Of course it does. Just giving it to me would be too decent. What do you want?” Daray smoothed the blonde hair away from his forehead. "For you to go out on a date with me.” I laughed at the absurdity of his request. I'd gone from social misfit to supernatural hottie magnet in less than two months. "I think you know I'm dating Elliot." "Ah, yes ... Mr. Ambrose,” Daray sat at my desk chair and placed the heels of his shiny leather shoes on the desktop. “Elliott Ambrose, the timeshifter who just happens to work for the Master Vampire of Chicago." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Oh, nothing. I just want you to be careful, Ascher." "And if I do will you promise to stop showing up like this?” Daray's lip twitched. "I promise nothing..." "God, you're soo ... irritating!” I cried. My hands started smoking, forcing me to clench them at my side. "This is very troublesome for me, you realize?" He reached forward and fought me for control of my hands. I slapped at him for awhile, sending sparks to zing at his hands, but when it became clear he wasn't giving up, I let my arms hang limply at my sides and sighed. “I am the eldest son of the King of the Warlocks, girls throw themselves at me. It's an honor to just be near me..." "Well, hello Mr. Ego. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not all weak-legged and moony around you. If anything, the very sight of you makes me feel like that time I got food poisoning from Freddy's pizza and spent New Years Eve throwing up all night...” But I digress. "Why won't you give me a chance, Ascher?" "Um, because you're a two-faced jerk who turned over your own cousin to the vampires..." "I did what I had to do to get your sister back." "And that's another thing. You traded your cousin for Gemma, but why? You don't even know me. Then there's that whole ... proposal thing. I mean, who does that?” I was referring to the fact that Daray had proposed to train me in my magic and-eesh-marry me. "I can't help that I feel this way,” Daray said. Seeing that I was close, very close, to getting him to go away, I continued. "Not interested. No way. Go away. Don't come back. Don't pass go and I can tell you where to stick the two-hundred dollars." "You don't make any sense,” Daray said, his nearly black eyebrows arching into his white-blonde hair. “If you won't take the charm, then you'll, at least, let me offer you, this...” He produced a silver necklace with a large heart on the end, it looked like... "A tiger's eye gemstone?” I asked. “I don't want any presents." "It's not a present. It's a promise. I'll give you the vial now, so that you can have it looked at by the Bruer Witches and you'll agree to go on a date with me. Just one. After the date, I'll give you a restorative memory potion for you grandmother, but you must promise to only use the Seer's potion with me, so that I can anchor you to this world. And you'll wear this as a symbol of that promise." "I'm kind of dealing with a lot right now. I don't, exactly, have time to be dating." "Yes, I know. I heard about what that animal, Wolcott, did to you. I assure you he'll be dealt with." "Forget it. If he hadn't, I would have died,” I said. Daray's face paled and he sat back against the desk chair. "I could give you a charm that'll keep you from becoming a werewolf,” Daray said. I snapped my mouth shut on the words forming and swallowed. "You could?” My voice was small and child-like, hopeful. "It's similar to the charm Savian gave your sister to keep her from shifting when she doesn't want to, except, it'll keep you from ever turning into ... one of them,” Daray spat the last word. "I don't know. You don't seem to like them, so maybe my being furry once a month will keep you from stalking me.” Daray smoothed the leather lapels of his black jacket and sat on my desk chair, perched over me like some great bird of prey. He laced his fingers together and rested his chin on them. Goosebumps rose on my arms as I was struck by a thought. “Wait a minute. How did you know about the charm Savian gave to Gemma?" "It's not your concern. Now, what is your answer ... ‘Yes, I do want to know about what caused my grandmother to bind my family's powers and restore her memories,’ or ‘No, I'd rather throw away this opportunity and leave my family in their ignorance?’” "It's, I really don't like this guy, but, yes, I'll go on a date with him, but I swear if he tries to kiss me, I'll spew on his shirt.” Daray took a step towards me and for a second I thought I'd gone too far. When I could tell he was trying to put the necklace around my neck, I awkwardly lifted my hair up to let him fasten the clasp. He took a step back and smiled. "I'll find out what I can about the anti-shifting charm. See you soon.” He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a dark red pouch, dumping its contents onto the floor. I had just enough time to be irked by the fact that I'd have to vacuum the sandy mixture up and then he was gone. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Three THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS After cutting the dozens of roses Daray had left me into garden mulch and spreading them through the bushes in my back yard, I spotted a large crow staring at me from the bushes. "Hey, Mr. Crow.” I'd always liked crows, I think because they were so disliked. “What are you doing?” The crow cocked his head. Caw Caw Brushing my hands on my knees, I went inside to get some bread, but by the time I came back Mr. Crow was gone. Grabbing my purse, I headed out to the car with Gemma. I'd refused to miss the student council meeting and so she'd agreed to pick me up from school in an hour and go to visit Matt in the mean time. The student council meeting was boring as usual. We talked about the colors the streamers for the Homecoming Dance should be and decided, after a twenty minute debate between Kyle Turner and Melissa Grove, on our school colors—blue and white. Letting my mind go, I thought of Elliot and my heart squished with how much I missed him. He was the first boy I'd danced with, my first kiss, my first boyfriend, and maybe now, my first heartbreak. Ascher. Ascher. Was that Elliot calling my name? Ascher. Without thinking, I stood up from my seat at the back of the table and started walking towards the girl's bathroom and the nearest mirror. "Um, excuse you? Did you, like, ask to leave?” Melissa Grove aka Student Council President asked. I bit my lip and spun on the toe of my boot. Melissa had been the bane of my existence since junior high. In eighth grade, she'd convinced the people I usually sat with at lunch to get up and leave the table when I sat down. She'd also persuaded the boy I'd had a crush on to pretend like he liked me, only to make fun of me behind my back when I talked with him on the phone. My palms began to itch with the need to release my fire. "I needed to use the washroom and I didn't want to interrupt such an important discussion,” I said, straight-faced. Melissa sneered and crossed her arms over her chest. "Just go, then." "No problem,” I said and continued on my way. After checking under the stalls to make sure I was alone, I turned to the mirrors, marked with several lipstick prints and placed my fingertips on the glass. "Elliot? Elliot, you there?” I asked. “Elliot, I really need to talk to you. I have to spend the weekend with Quillan's pack and I'm freaking out! I could really use your help—even just, just for a second to make sure you're okay. To see you." Pressing the mirror with my palms I prayed to see the familiar sight of ripples that let me know I could reach past the mirror and into Elliot's realm. "Damn it, Elliot. Answer me! I'm going crazy here!” When no sound came, I rested my head on the glass, feeling tears well up in my eyes. “I miss you so much, please ... I...” The sounds of muted laughter turned my attention to the door where Melissa Grove stood with two of her peons. "Nice mental state, Rafferty,” Melissa said. I was so caught off guard, I just looked at her and sniffled, wiping at my eyes with the back of my hand. “This is what was so important that you had to miss the last of the meeting? What—talking to your imaginary friend and making out with the mirror?” I felt my palms grow hot and quickly tucked them hands behind my back. “You should be grateful you even get to go to the meetings.” I could see a cloud of smoke rising around me. “Face it, Rafferty. The only reason you're even a Freshman class representative is because we needed seven spots filled and only seven people ran.” I clenched my fists, to keep the fireballs from exploding out, but it was too late. Rushing for the door, I pushed roughly past Melissa just as the sprinkler system turned on inside the bathroom. I made it out, none the wetter, pulling the door closed behind me. The metal of the knob melted the lock, leaving the terrible-trio banging on the door. Standing across the door for a matter of moments, I thought long and hard about getting the janitor or a teacher to help them. I thought long and hard and then I hiked my purse over my shoulder and turned to meet Gemma in the parking lot of the school. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Four THE PANTHER, THE WITCH AND MY WARDROBE Chalcedony had been sprung early from her magic-grounding and released back into the teenage wild. She'd never been to a dance either and since she was coming with us, her mother had suggested she tag along on our shopping trip. I was hopeful that Nana Bruer would be there so I could discuss Daray's potion with her, but she was visiting a sick friend and wouldn't be back until Sunday. Even though Cyd was only fourteen, she was a cool kid. Her big heart and kindness were tempered with a dangerous streak, though. I still couldn't believe she'd gone to the Equinox. Going to a place overrun by warlocks was a very unwitch-like thing to do. Gemma was ten feet in front of us, talking on the phone, again. I turned to Cyd and poked her in the arm. "So who went with you when you snuck out to Equinox?" "Oh, my friends Holly and Raven. We were supposed to meet ... someone." "Someone?" "A boy." "What guys are you dating that would be hanging there?" "The cute kind,” she said, pointedly. “I've been on a couple of dates with him. He's great. And everything was going fine until Anise saw us there. I guess she was doing a sweep of Equinox to keep an eye out for Daray after that little thing at Twilight the other day." "You mean when someone hurled a power ball at me?” I shook my head, kids. “Why couldn't you two just hang at Twilight?" "Uh-uh. He isn't welcome there. The rest of the witches won't allow it. It's ... politics." "So, is it serious?” Cyd smiled and shrugged. "Not really. I mean, it never could be. It's not like we're allowed to get married or anything." "Why not?” Cyd shook her head. "I keep forgetting you weren't raised a witch. It's just not allowed. Besides, I'm second-in-line to become Maiden of the Coven so this is, like, a major no-no. Anyways, mom said if she ever found out that I was still seeing him or hanging out with any warlocks—present company excluded—she'd bind my powers until I turned eighteen." "Is he really that bad of a guy?" "He's a warlock, Ascher,” Cyd said. “That's reason enough for my mom to want me to stay away from him.” Cyd's lilac-colored eyes looked misty and she looked away from me. “Let's talk about something else." "Okay.” We remained in an awkward silence for a matter of minutes until we passed an occult shop. “This is new.” Cyd groaned. "Looks like ‘Poseurs-r-us’ to me. Check it out if you want, I've got to check in with Nan again." "'Kay.” I stepped passed the threshold to the store, hearing a faint chime sound. The air smelled of incense, burning candles and something I couldn't identify. Spotting a display of candleholders, I stooped to pick up something that looked vaguely like a small person, with what looked to be more than two legs. "I see you've found the fertility statues,” a male voice said. Oh God! I jumped, dropping the ceramic statue on the hard-tiled floor where the supposed third appendage broke snapped off with a click. "I'm, um. Gosh, I am so sorry. I...” The man was already picking the pieces up off the floor. "It's no problem, Ascher,” he said, before I could ask how he knew me, his face lifted, revealing strange purple eyes under dark brows, oddly complimenting his white-blonde spikes. "Chase! Hi, do you work here?” I felt dumber by the second. "You're going to have to pay for that!” A bearded old man, resembling the anti-Santa said. “That's sixty-five dollars and ninety-five cents!" "It was an accident,” Chase said. The old man opened his mouth as if to argue, but stopped with one look from Chase who circled his finger in the air. “It's no problem. Accidents will happen." "It's no problem. Accidents will happen,” the old man said, tottering off in an unsteady gate. "What did you do to him?" "It's just a small persuasive spell, kids’ stuff." "Well, thanks, you saved my dress budget." "A school dance?" "Yep, my sister's nominated for Homecoming Queen, so she's forcing me to witness her reign. We're going with a few ... friends." "Ascher, are you okay?” We both turned to see Cyd standing in the entryway; she was holding a small dark vial in her palm, aiming it at us. “Get away from her." "Cyd, chill. This is Chase, the guy who saved me from being blasted at Equinox." "Greetings, Chalcedony. How Athena-like you look, ready to strike down a poor soul such as myself", Chase said. “Alas, sweet Ascher, I'm afraid we'll have to continue our conversation some other night.” He grabbed my arms, holding me close before pressing a hard kiss against my lips, and then he was gone. "What the frick!" "He's a freaking Doppelganger!” Cyd shouted. "Like, a shadow-self?" "Ugh! You are clueless. Doppelgangers are the servants of very, very powerful beings. They are minor daemons, molded after their masters. You just met Prince Valerian's doppelganger." "He saved me. I mean, he didn't try to hurt me, or anything. He was at Twilight-remember?” I asked. Cyd gritted her teeth. "I knew there was something wrong with that guy! He must've pulled veil." "For once will you just tell me what the heck that means?" "It disguises dark beings. Come on, Gemma wants you." "Ohmigod! She's going to freak!" "She doesn't need to know. He's probably just watching you ... probably.” Ignoring the words she'd left unsaid, I let her drag me past a dozen stores, until we reached a formalwear shop. Gemma was crooning at display of party dresses. "About Chase..." "Later,” Cyd said. "This one Ascher-the silver one,” Gemma said. "Quillan will just love you in that,” Cyd said. "For the record, I'm not going with Quillan, he's, sort of, my guard—or something. Anyway, I've been seeing Elliot Ambrose..." "You've been seeing Savian Radbourne's servant!" "How do you know who he is?" "Witch-school. In the “identification of super naturals” course. He's cute.” I raised an eyebrow. “Mom made flashcards out of Polaroid's.” I nodded and lifted the sleeveless silver dress Cyd had mentioned. The skirt was long and full enough so it looked pretty, but not all crazy-poufy like a ball-gown. "Try it on,” Gemma said. I turned to see my big sister smiling at me. “It'll really offset the silver in Quillan's eyes." "How's Matt?” I asked, trying to change the subject. "Oh, good. He just asked me what kind of flowers I want in my corsage. Isn't he the sweetest?" "Sickeningly,” I said, forgetting my sis had enhanced hearing. She gave me a menacing look just as my cell phone began to play the newest Muse single. I took a few steps away and left Gemma to help Cyd pick out a dress. The caller ID was blank. "Hello?" "Ascher, hey. It's Quillan." "Uh-huh..." "Don't sound so happy to hear from me." "Sorry. I mean, can I help you?" "Yes, in fact. Now, I realize we're just going as friends, but I'm sending someone out to pick up your corsage and I just wanted to know what you'd like it to have." "Wolfsbane,” I said. Quillan laughed a loud barking noise on the line. "Niceee. No, really. I mean, what color is your dress?" "I'm pretty sure it's going to be silver." "Aww, baby. Did you pick it to match the color of my eyes?" "More like the color of a bullet,” I said. Quillan was in hysterics now. "I'll pick you up tonight at five." "Okay." "And Ascher?” I puffed my breath out through my cheeks. "Yes!" "Wear something ... tasty, tonight." "Excuse me?" "You know sexy, tasty, and spicy." "How's a face full of mace for spicy?” Snapping the phone shut on his barking laughter, I steadied myself with a breath. Tonight was going to suck. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Five WEREWOLF TO THE RESCUE "All I'm saying is that it's better to be safe than sorry,” Gemma said. She had a blue paw-print painted on her left cheek. "Thank you, oh mighty Queen of the Clichι,” I said. Gemma shoved her slippers into an overnight bag and reached for her toothbrush, aiming it at me like a weapon. "I'm going to be on the field for most of the game and for the half-time performance,” she said, her curled ponytail bouncing madly at the top of her head. "And for the homecoming court parade,” I added. Gemma bit her lip. "Right. So, I think it's a good idea if you stick close with Cyd, Ruby and, especially Quillan.” She turned to grab something from her bureau, sending her blue and white pom-pom uniform skirt to flounce around her. "Why ‘especially Quillan'?" "Because he's got this whole ‘werewolf to the rescue’ thing going with you.” Gemma shoved at the over-sized sleeves of Matt's varsity jacket. “I don't want to have a panic-fit in the middle of the game from worrying about you and turn into a panther, okay?" "Got it. Can I finish getting dressed now?” Gemma flicked her fingers at me in a gesture of dismissal and I headed back to my bedroom to change my clothes for the umpteenth time. Ever since Quillan had made the little joke about my dressing sexy for tonight, everything I tried on looked too revealing. I pulled a t-shirt over my head and grabbed a black dark blue v-neck to go over my black corduroys. I'd decided not to make the effort with my hair after I'd showered, so it had dried in tousled blonde curls down my shoulders. The garage door clanked open below me, telling me mom was home. Nervous that she might see Cyd who was busy redrawing protective runes around the house, I ran for the stairs. I had a sudden, strange need to hug my mom. As soon as she opened the door that led to the front hall, I wrapped her in a bear hug, startling her so that she dropped her briefcase. "Ascher, oh. Is everything okay?" "Yes, Mommy,” I said, not letting go of her. “Did you, um, see my friend, Cyd, outside?” Gemma came bounding down the stairs, her overnight bag over one arm, and pom-poms in the other. "Is she the girl with the bright-red hair? Ohhh!” Mom said. “My beautiful big girl. You look so great, sweetheart. I'm just sorry I have to miss tonight, but you'll call me as soon as the game ends, right?" "Yeah, sure,” Gemma said, smiling. "You two have all of the stuff you need to stay with your friends this weekend?" The doorbell sounded and I jumped, running up the stairs to get my bags. The idea was to leave as soon as possible to keep mom from spending any time with Quillan. I'd introduce mom to Cyd some other time. After pulling on my knee-high black boots under my jeans, I snatched up my bag and purse and hurried down the stairs, but when I reached the bottom steps, I could see Quillan was already seated on the couch looking around with interest. Cyd poked her head through the railing, my sisters gray tabby-cat Angel purring in her arms. Gemma stood with her arms crossed, an annoyed look on her face. Quillan sniffed the air and then his eyes turned to me, flashing like a blade catching light. "Here's your-oh!” Mom came around the corner from the kitchen and handed Quillan a glass of water. “There you are, Ascher.” A car horn sounded outside, making me jump. Quillan rose to his feet and my heart started pounding double-time. He looked ... well, he looked gorgeous. His silvery-blue eyes flashed at me as he smiled. He was wearing a black leather coat, a gray sweater, and jeans and he looked ... he looked... "Great. Thanks, Mrs. Rafferty. You're very ... sweet,” Quillan said. I glared at him as he licked his lips before turning his smiling eyes my way. "Ascher, honey? Aren't you going to say hello?" "I ... hi,” I mumbled, averting my gaze from Quillan's and tossing my duffel and garment bags to the floor. I felt guilty for even thinking he looked cute. I thought of Elliot and felt a strange pressure on my chest. He'd said he'd contact me. Why hadn't I heard from him? "Ascher, you look wonderful,” Quillan said, his dimples winking at me from the corners of his mouth. I glared at him, an uncomfortably long silence passing between us, broken only by the sound of another car horn. "Ascher, what do you say?” My mom asked me, as if I was five years old. "Uh ... thanks. Where's Ruby?” Quillan smiled. "Oh, she's running late." "I think we should get going,” I said, jaw clenched. Where the hell was Ruby? "That's Matt honking,” Gemma said. "He's driving with us?" "No, we're following the three of you in Matt's car." "Great, just great,” I moved to pick up my bags, but Quillan was in front of me in seconds, lifting the bags and slinging them over his shoulders. “I can get my own bags.” Quillan smiled, flashing four extra-sharp canines. "Please. It's my pleasure.” With one last angry look at Gemma, I was out the door, a werewolf at my heels and a sister on my crap-list. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Six NATURE OF THE BEAST Quillan opened the passenger door, sliding the seat forward. I tried to jump in back, but Cyd beat me to it, smirking at the expression on my face. "Have fun,” she mouthed, making a show of putting in the earphones of her IPOD. Quillan jerked the seat backwards and patted the cushion. "Careful when you sit, there's something for you on the floor,” he said, swinging my bags over his shoulder and heading to the trunk of his car. I don't know much about cars, but this one was very expensive and super-shiny. Pretty, too if you were into that sort of thing. "Is your other car in the shop?” I asked. I was referring to the car that was now missing a door after Elliot had torn it off in an attempt to save me from being bitten by Quillan. Peering into the front seat, I saw that there was a bouquet of purplish blue flowers on long green stems. Picking up the flowers so I could take a seat, I placed them on my lap, annoyed with how my day was going. Trying not to watch Quillan's muscles bunch under his dark sweater, I switched on the CD player. "Ah-woo, werewolves of London. Ah-woo!” The CD player blared. Quillan climbed in the front seat and I gave him the evil eye for his choice in music. Cyd was nearly peeing herself from laughter. "It's called a joke, Ascher. Lighten up.” I chewed on my lip as we drove to the school mostly in silence except for the bass from Cyd's earphones and the basic directions I gave. When we got to the school, the parking lot was full, so we drove about a block away to park on a side street. Quillan put the car in park and unbuckled his belt, giving me a sheepish look. "This sucks." "What does?” I asked. He took a deep breath and slouched back against the seat. "I really like you, Ascher and I really messed things up. God!” He slammed his hands against the wheel, and I jumped in fright. “I'm so ... mad about this whole thing. I wish we could have met under different circumstances." "Like outside of a kidnapping?” Quillan snorted. "Yeah, about that. I, uh. I'm really sorry for..." "Kidnapping my boyfriend and locking him in a trunk? For forcing, me to go to a scary rave with you, and letting me be attacked by your psycho ex? For biting me?” “How about all of the above? I just hope you can accept my apology or, at least, learn to not hate me." "I don't hate you.” Quillan smiled at me, showing a mouthful of sharp teeth. "Really!” He sounded like a little kid; his voice was so hopeful and happy. I found myself smiling. "Really,” I said. “Just do me a favor..." "Anything." "No more Mr. Tough-guy, ‘I'm a big, bad werewolf,’ stuff with me, agreed?" "Agreed. Do you like the flowers?" "Yeah, they're pretty. I don't think I've ever seen this kind before." "They're wolfsbane,” Cyd said, her voice echoing inside the car. I just stared at Quillan. "Well, you asked for wolfsbane,” he said. "Where the heck do you pick up a bouquet of wolfsbane? And, anyway, isn't this stuff supposed to, like, hurt you?" "Not anymore than the next guy, though it is considered poisonous." "I should have asked for stargazer lilies." Quillan unlocked his door and got out with a smile. I slid the seat up to let Cyd out, placing the bouquet carefully in the backseat. When I straightened, Quillan was right next to me, making me let out a squeak. "I thought you said no more ‘big, bad werewolf’ stuff." "It's the nature of the beast. Super-speed, super-brains, super-looks..." "Super full-of-yourself?” Cyd asked. I snorted, but noticed Quillan wasn't paying any attention. Quillan was concentrating on something. I followed the line of his eyes and saw him looking at a large crow that was perched on a tree. "Did you miss lunch?" "He's been following us,” Quillan said. "The crow?” Cyd asked. "I saw the same one at your house and now it's here." "Crows don't exactly come in a variety of colors, Quillan. I'm sure it's..." "No!” Quillan yelled. I jumped and Quillan reached out to steady me. “Sorry. It's just, I can smell that it's the same bird. It doesn't ... smell quite right. It smells like ... a witch." Caw Caw Caw The Crow dove down from the tree and landed at my feet just as Quillan spun me in a circle, placing me behind him. The crow stretched, its wings curling outwards. A flash of light appeared in front of it and then a boy was suddenly standing in its place. A tall boy. A tall boy with dark hair, glittering eyes, and a ceremonial dagger raised over his head. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Seven THE COUNCIL OF MAGICAL BEINGS The boy rushed Quillan, flipping him over his shoulder before turning to face me with wild eyes. "It's okay,” the boy said. “He won't hurt you. I'll take care of ... oomph!” Cyd high-kicked the boy, drawing back for another kick, but he caught her ankle, causing her to spin with her own momentum and knocking her back. She began moving her fingers in an artful dance of defensive spell casting. The boy made a grab for me, but Quillan caught him, yanking him back. My heel caught on something as I scrambled backwards, forcing me to land hard on my butt. Quillan shoved the stranger, causing him to fall next to me. I crab-crawled away from him, shrieking. Quillan growled, pinning our attacker to the ground with his foot. Climbing to my feet, I stumbled over my discarded purse, feeling my knee scrape until the skin stung. "Who are you?” Quillan asked. The boy struggled and gave Quillan a look of disgust. Cyd was next to me, pulling me to my feet when the boy reached for his athame. I shot a fireball towards him before I had time to think. He cringed away from the fire, causing the fireball to miss him and sizzle into a nearby runoff of storm water. "Tell the Council of Magical Beings that I fought bravely,” the boy said. "The CMB sent you?” Cyd asked. "What's the CMB,” I asked. Everyone ignored me as the boy continued to struggle under the weight of Quillan's boot. “Why'd you attack us?" The boy gaped at me like I'd just said something very stupid. "Because the werewolf was holding you against your will and I am to protect you at all costs.” Grimacing at the rip on my knee that was bleeding, I brushed dirt off my butt. Both boys stopped struggling to watch the progress of my hands. "He wasn't holding anyone against their will,” I said. “I mean, not this time, anyway." "I thought the CMB disbanded,” Cyd said. The boy sneered at her, his eyes flicking back at me. "But I read your thoughts and they were full of images of him attacking you!” The stranger said. "That was so last week. And, anyways, he did it to save my life. If he hadn't bitten me..." "The creature bit you? Oh, Goddess! You'll be one of them." "So I'm told." "Your magic, it's been polluted. You're impure.” Quillan ground his boot into the boy's chest, growling again. "Who the hell do you think you are?” Quillan asked. I was wondering the same thing. "I don't have to answer your questions.” Quillan was on top of him in seconds. "Oh? I think I of have ways of making you talk. And you wouldn't want to find out, especially not this close to the full moon.” I reached for Quillan, pulling him away. "I, Chalcedony Bergamot, daughter of Jacinth Bruer, daughter of Rose Coltsfoot, ask you as the second maiden of the Bruer Coven why you have been sent here.” I gaped at Cyd, who looked very regal all-of-the-sudden. The boy seemed to bow, which was quite a trick considering he was pinned to the ground. "I'm Merle Pinewood. And, as I said before, I'm here on orders from the Council of Magical Beings to protect Ascher Rafferty." "Well, where the have you been the last two months?” I asked. "You're a hard girl to track. Our source in the Master Vampire's circle wouldn't help us locate you and you haven't gone to one of the meetings,” Merle said. It was such a ridiculous thing to say, I began to laugh. "Meetings?” Merle pushed on Quillan's foot and this time Quillan let him sit up, removing his foot from Merle's chest. "He smells like he's telling the truth,” Quillan said. "Of course I am." "Oh, sorry to be all doubtful, knife boy, but you don't exactly make the best first impression,” I said. Merle got up, wincing and rubbing his shoulder. "You girls should be more careful with the company you keep,” Merle said. I opened my mouth to tell him where he could keep any number of things when he disappeared. Cyd picked up the discarded athame, tucking it into her messenger bag. "What the heck was that?” I asked. Quillan slung a heavy arm around my shoulders. “And where did that guy go?” As if to answer my question, Merle reappeared, wrapped his arms around Cyd, and disappeared into gaping portal in the ground. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Eight VISIT FROM AN OLD FIEND "What the...” Quillan placed his hands on my hips, and pulled me backwards, just as Cyd materialized in mid-air and landed with an oomph right where I'd been standing. Cyd groaned, reaching inside her purple and black down coat and pulling out a phone. I offered her my hand, which she took with a grunt, flipping open her thin portable. "Neese, we just had a run in with someone who said they were from the Council of Magical Beings.” She paused, rolling her eyes at us. “Well, that's what he said, anyway. He attacked Quillan with an athame, and then tried to pull me through a wormhole. Duh, I'm talking to you ... I just thought I'd let you know, but I gotta go, or we'll be late. ‘Kay, ‘bye." "A wormhole?” Quillan asked. Cyd put her phone away. "No, big. I've known how to cast my way out of those since I was five. Do you think they have snacks at the game, I'm starving.” Cyd started towards the sounds of cheering and band music, leaving Quillan and I to stare dumbly at each other. "I'm as confused as you,” he said. * * * * Cyd shooed me away with a flick of her fingers eerily like the gestures she made when casting a spell. "I got it guys. You two go have fun!” Cyd beamed at me and I made a mental note to throttle the kid as soon as I got a chance to explain to her why it was so not a good time for me to be schmoozing with wolf boy. "What's with the eat-a-thon?” I asked, referring to Quillan's order and subsequent annihilation of six slices of double-meat pizza. "Super-fast metabolism. It's a werewolf thing. You can have some if you want,” he offered me his second helping of chili cheese fries. "I'm a vegetarian,” I said. Quillan nearly choked on the handful of fries he'd sweet-talked away from the concessions girl. "Classic! A vegetarian werewolf!" "Hey!” I punched him in the arm. “I'm not a werewolf ... at least, not right now.” I glanced at the bonfire that was raging at the corner-quad adjacent from the football field, feeling my magic prickle my palms as it yearned to join the fun. Watching the flames dance and skip, I became entranced. Quillan took my hand, squeezing it tightly. "Looking good, little sister!” I paled at the site of two of Matt's team members jostling each other and waving at me. “Mini-Gemma's looking hot!” A low growl vibrated through Quillan's chest and down his arm, tickling at our linked hands. I was giving very serious thought to the possibility of dying from embarrassment when Cyd came to the rescue, laden with plates of greasy pizza. "Get over it Quillan,” Cyd said. She winked at me and looped her arm through mine, pulling me towards the stands. Finding a good place to keep an eye on Gemma was no problem. Quillan was still fuming and giving off some creepy werewolf vibes, I guess because people started finding excuses to leave the bleachers as soon as we arrived. I waved to Gemma as we took our seats in the stands, and she blew a kiss, her pompon bouncing in her grip. Cyd pulled out her cell, flipping it open and rolling her eyes. "Yes, mom. Still alive,” she said, covering her ear to block out the loud screams that followed a touchdown by Gemma's boyfriend. I realized that Quillan was still holding my hand and I had to stifle an impulse to smile. It was a small comfort, yes, but a comfort nonetheless and I needed something to soothe me right now. "You're hands are really sweaty,” Quillan said. I gaped at him, slowly untangling my fingers from his. “I didn't mean it as an insult or anything. I was just wondering if you were feeling okay." "Peachy,” I said, watching Gemma back flip and land it perfectly. "Why aren't you out there with her?” I nearly choked on my laughter. "Oh, lots of reasons. One, you need to be voted in and I just don't see that happening. Two, I'd be way too freaked to have that many people looking at me." "Don't tell me you're not used to that by now." "Used to what?" "Come on. You know you're gorgeous." "Huh?" "You, Ascher are gorgeous,” he said speaking carefully like I was slow. “Don't tell me you don't think so." "It's just really a weird situation." "Being pretty. Right..." "I've never been beautiful...” Quillan opened his mouth to say something, but I put my hand up to stop him. “Let me finish. I've never been beautiful like Gemma. I was always, kind of, awkward. Geeky, I guess." "Says who?" "Oh, the popular kids who tortured me through most of junior high. It got bad after Gemma went on to high school, and wasn't there to protect me. Anyways, to make a long story short this past summer, I grew four inches and, suddenly boys started paying attention to me. Even the ones who made fun of me." "And that's a bad thing?" "It's not, like, a good kind of attention, you know? It's for how I look, not who I am. I'm like, ‘hello, remember you used to make fun of me?'” Caught in my own memories, I realized what I was saying and snapped my mouth closed. "I'm sure they were just mean because they liked you and didn't know how to show it." "Yeah, I guess,” I said, though I didn't believe it. "When I was seven, I bit a pack-mate who I had a crush on.” I swallowed, feeling weird to be having this conversation. The loudspeaker for the stadium crackled, alerting us to the fact that it was half-time. Quillan was squirming in his seat. "What?" "It's nothing. I guess I shouldn't have had three Big Gulps before picking you up." "Oh, the school leaves the east wing open. You can use the bathrooms there.” Quillan frowned at me. "What?" "I'm not leaving you alone." "Oh, please. Cyd will be back any second. I'm surrounded by people and I can roast and toast with my hands. I'll be fine.” Quillan shook his head. “You know, I should probably tell you, being toilet-trained is way up there on my list of qualities I look for in a date." "I'll be two minutes." "Show off.” I smiled as Quillan grumbled under his breath, leaping off the bleachers in one motion that made the people around me gasp. The speakers warbled for out attention, announcing Melissa Grove and Billy Brader as the freshman class nominees for Homecoming Queen and King. There was a polite break of applause before Gemma and Matt were introduced to a near thunderous amount of cheering. "Woo, Gemma!” I cheered, hopping up and down like an over-caffeinated Energizer bunny. The announcer moved on to the junior class nominees, and I sat back down, and directly into someone's lap. "Sorry, I...” Savian Radbourne, Master Vampire of Chicago gave me a pointy smile. "Your sister looks very beautiful,” he said, as if we were old friends having a normal conversation. I lifted my hand to blast him before remembering where I was, trapped. I couldn't use my power here, and Savian knew it. “Gemma's so vibrant, so youthful, and full of life." "And you're so full of..." "I need for you to come with me, Ascher.” I snorted back a laugh. "That's likely." "You'll come with me now or, I'll turn that fickle friend of yours,” Savian said, pointing his finger at my ex best friend Denise who was watching us with badly veiled curiosity. Her boyfriend Dax, slung his arm around Denise's shoulders, whispering something in her ear that made her giggle. I very much wanted to set fire to his shoes. Dax was the reason Gemma and I had met Savian in the first place. The little brown-noser was Savian's human servant. "You could do that,” I said, swallowing on the hard lump that had formed in my throat. “But then I'd find where you keep your coffin and set it on fire." "You're in danger, Ascher." "Some newsflash there..." "Clive is becoming harder to control since the disappearance of Lady Dionysia. I believe he sees you as the reason for her having gone missing. I fear what he may do to you in an attempt to find her.” I felt the beginnings of nausea. Swallowing hard, I tried to look anything but what I felt, which was scared out of my mind. “Just be watchful, Ascher." "What do you care?” Savian wrinkled his nose like he smelled something distasteful. "I don't particularly care what he plans to do with you one way or another, but Gemma would be upset if something were to happen to you.” I felt a rush of wind on my cheek, but when I turned to respond, Savian was already gone. I pushed myself away from the bleachers, propelling my body towards the figures of Cyd and Quillan who were heading towards the stands. "What's wrong?” Quillan asked, jerking me to the side and sweeping me behind his back. Cyd's eyes grew wide at something she saw in my face. "Oh, nothing,” I mumbled. “Savian Radbourne just threatened to turn my best friend and Clive blames me for what happened to Elliot and Dionysia." "Holy crap!” Cyd said. "Exactly!" "Behind you!” Quillan spun, pushing me towards Cyd just as Merle grabbed him from behind and sunk an athame into his shoulder. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Nine DAMN PRIVACY SPELLS Everything seemed to move in slow motion then. I was so numbed with shock, all I could do was scream for help. As I looked around me, I noticed that no one was looking our way. Damn privacy spells! Before I knew what I was doing, I fixed my eyes on the bonfire and it hurdled outwards, curling around Merle like a snake. Quillan elbowed Merle and flipped him over his injured shoulder. Merle screamed as the flames engulfed him, and the privacy spell must've broken because people began running towards the field, screams for help echoing all around us. I sank to my knees besides Quillan whose eyes were now completely wolf-like and watched Merle shape shift into a crow before flying away with an angry call. "What should I do?” I asked, pressing my hands to the wound that was bleeding through his sweater. Quillan climbed to his feet without using his hands, which looked freaky, and then reached into his inner pocket. "Don't worry. It's not a big deal. It's not that deep, but I should call for my dad's limo to come get us." "Whatever you need to do.” His blood was thick and warm on my hands. "You guys go ahead,” Cyd said. “I'll stay and keep an eye on Gemma. Anise should be here soon." * * * * "I'm fine, Ascher, okay? Just sit back and relax,” Quillan said. We were inside his father's limo and I was getting twitchy. I wanted to tell him it was tough to relax with an injured werewolf sitting across from you, but decided to keep quiet. I'd called Anise's cell with no answer and Bruer's Bookstore, but it went to voicemail. I was totally stressed out. What I needed was to think and I needed to... "Crap. I didn't leave a message or anything for Gemma, she's going to freak." "The witch said she'd stay behind to tell Gemma what happened. I'll send the limo back to them,” Quillan said. The witch? Sifting through my purse, past the compact full of communion wafers, holy water, make-up, and stakes, I found the small silver phone and flipped it open. Gemma didn't answer which meant she was still on the field. "Uh, hi, Gemma. It's me. Wolf-boy and I decided to grab some dinner and then head back to his house to watch a movie or something. He'll send back the limo for you and the witches.” Snapping the phone shut, I gave him a pointed look, but he didn't notice. “Not to, um, whine at you or anything while you're bleeding, but what's with referring to Cyd as the witch?” Quillan lifted the corner of his shirt that was soaked through with blood, showing me that there was no visible mark left where he'd been stabbed. "That's what they are, aren't they?” Rolling my eyes, I pretended to search for something in my purse. "You know, just when I think I can relate to you, you turn all anti-witch on me." "Oh, I am not anti-witch. In fact, I'm very pro...” he glided over to my side of the limo, slipping his arm around my waist, and pulling me towards him. “...witch.” I panicked, singeing the sleeve of his sweater. "Aw ... I really liked that sweater." "You're a riot." "Just waiting to happen.” My traitor of a lip curled at his joke. "Is that a smile? Is that a smile I see?” I tried not to smile, but failed miserably which put me in a sour mood. "You knew you'd heal quickly so why'd you bother to get the limo?" "Two reasons. One, that psycho ravenshifter may still be around and two, I wanted to get some time alone with you to talk about the transformation. I think it would be good if you came with me tonight to Crave. The younger pack members meet every other Friday there to talk about pack business et cetera..." "I don't know. Won't I be intruding or something?" "No. You're with me,” Quillan said and I was surprised that some part of me felt calmed by this. "Well, yeah. My sister can come with, right?" "If you want her to, then yes, but in the mean time we need to see Dr. Amoux, he'll be just coming out of a meeting with my father.” I glanced out the window and saw that we were in Carrington, a ritzy place where many wealthy people lived. The limo pulled through a set of gates about seven feet high with spikes at the top, and turned around the driveway, stopping at the front entrance. Mouth open like a bass, I tripped over my feet, following Quillan out of the limo. The blur of something moving fast caught my attention and I felt something slam into my back. Before I could right myself, I was falling to the ground, a wolf snarling at my neck. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Ten PEANUT THE KILLER PUP "Peanut, no! Bad dog!” A mystery guy had put himself in between the rabid-looking wolf and me. “This is a friend, friend." "Peanut?” I managed to say. The boy turned to me and smiled. He had hair the color of wheat, streaked with black and bottomless black eyes. "She looked a lot more like a peanut when she was a pup. I'm Liekos Amoux, Ruby's mate.” Quillan patted Peanut on the head and she whined with pleasure. “You can pet her if you want." "Uh, no ... I need my hands intact." "Peanut, are you very sorry?” Liekos asked. On cue, the wolf placed her head on the ground and covered her nose with her paw like she was ashamed. I couldn't help but smile. “That's a good girl." "Where are we?" "My house,” Quillan said simply, as if the monstrous stone building in front of me could be called something so common. I followed him to the front door, which he unlocked with a high-tech thumbprint device followed by a key-code. The door opened to reveal three linebacker-sized men with shaved heads wearing matching suits. They parted to let use through and I tried to smile, but my heart was beating so fast, I probably managed a grimace at best. "I smell blood,” a woman's voice said. “Quillan! There you are. Miles tells me you ordered him and the rest of your security detail to wait here for you and that you locked Ruby in the cellar. Is this true?” A beautiful woman with dark brown hair and flashing orange eyes appeared from behind the men. "You locked Ruby in the cellar?” I asked. Quillan grinned. "She totally had it coming..." "I can't believe you would do such a thing! Are you hurt? What happened?" "Would you believe a bird did it?” Quillan asked. His mother frowned and lifted his sweater. "At least you're all right, but you're sister is furious!” She turned to face me and smiled to reveal perfect teeth. "My dear, you must be Ascher. I see now why my son was trying so hard to impress you. I'm Mrs. Wolcott, but you can call me Angela. Tell me, dear ... what happened?” I glanced at Quillan who shook his head slightly. "A big bird ... got him.” Her forehead creased with her frown. "Hmm. You are telling the truth, but I can tell you're leaving something out,” she said. "It was nothing, mother. The Council of Magical Beings sent some nut job after Ascher, and he freaked when he saw her with me and pulled out an athame." "This is why you need your guards, son. Or at the very least another pack member with you." "You!” Ruby rushed towards Quillan in a blur, but Liekos caught her around the waist, smoothing her hair back from her face in a familiar gesture. She balked for a moment at being restrained, but seemed to see the blood on his sweater because she stopped, her eyes growing wide. “What the hell happened to you?" "Ruby!” Angela said, shock clear in her voice. “You know how I feel about that language!" "Sorry, mom. What happ..." "A ravenshifter sent by the CMB saw me with Ascher and stabbed me." "Miles, deliver a message about the attack to Mr. Wolcott,” Angela said. One of the linebackers inclined his thick neck and left the kitchen. “You two missed dinner, but there's food in the pantry. You should have something to eat before the meeting tonight." "Thanks, but my stomach's sort of upset,” I said. "Cramps?” Angela asked. "Geez, mother. You don't just ask someone that!” Ruby said. "You were too young to remember, but the first time you shift, you have bad stomach cramps,” Angela said. "No, I just think I ate too much.” The truth was that Merle's attacks had upset me more that I'd thought and I was getting antsy about Gemma being without any back-up. “Can we head back to the school if you're okay? I don't want to leave Gemma alone." "Your sister is fine, the witches are with her,” Angela said. Again with 'the witches.' “Aren't you two going to be late?" "Maybe we'll head back, mom. If Ascher wants to wait for her sister..." "Nonsense. Dr. Amoux is upstairs with your father. Let him take a look at you and then you can go to the meeting. I'll send Ascher's sister and the witches along as soon as they arrive.” I wanted to argue, but didn't know how I'd do that without seeming like I was afraid of Quillan. “Is there a problem, dear?” My head shook like it was bobbled. "I guess not,” I said, which goes to show you, how wrong I can be. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Eleven WEREWOLF 101 Liekos helped Quillan out of the room, his mother flocking them, all the while letting out a volume of threats about what she'd do if he ever ditched his security again. The overgrown men in suits shuffled after them, jumping to react as Angela ordered them around the house. "He seems nice,” I said, struggling with a topic of conversation. Ruby ran her fingers through her hair, frowning at the ends a bit before meeting my eyes. She nodded. “How long have you been dating?" "Oh, since before I was born.” She smiled at my reaction. "When my parents found out that they were having a boy and a girl, they promised me to the two-year-old son of the Amoux family.” My face must have given away the horror I felt at her being auctioned away like it was the Dark Ages. "It's not that bad. He's nice, if a little over-protective, but all wolves are, I suppose.” She looked thoughtful. “It will probably be the same way between Quillan and you." "Whoa! We are not promised, or whatever. I'm just getting over my annoyance at being in the same room as him." "Things are not the same in our world as they are for humans, or witches,” she amended. “Some things are just the way they are, and it's best to make peace with them. Pretending like things can be different just makes it harder when its not.” Laughter sounded from the stairs, bringing Quillan and Liekos running into the room, throwing playful punches at one another and ducking out of the way just as one was about to land. "Are you ladies ready?” Liekos asked, grinning from ear to ear. Ruby and I shared a very meaningful look before she donned a smile, taking Liekos’ hand in hers. "Let's go." * * * * "There are five things you need to remember when it comes to werewolves,” Quillan said. He'd been lecturing me on the dos and don'ts of meeting werewolves for at least twenty-five minutes. Studying the interior of the limo, I chewed on my lip and frowned. His “lessons” had taken all the fun out of riding in a limo. “...number three is...” I snapped back to the present. "Whoa, whoa. I didn't hear numbers one and two.” The limo lurched to a stop and I felt the pizza I'd eaten earlier do a back-flip in my belly. Quillan gave me a patronizing look before the door popped open and he stepped outside. Reaching in to help me out, he pulled me close. “Just stay close to me and you'll be fine.” Liekos steered Ruby away from us, jerking his head to the side to communicate something with Quillan who nodded. We moved past a waiting crowd and some hoots and hollers aimed, no doubt, at Quillan who was wearing only his torn and bloodied undershirt shirt, revealing more than a glimpse of his toned stomach. I opened my mouth to ask him why he hadn't changed when he curled his arm around my waist, resting his open palm on my hip. My knee-jerk reaction kicked in and I slapped at his hands which earned more hoots and hollers before we were inside. "Hey what was that for?" "Sorry, I just ... don't be so, like, grabby." "This is a werewolf club, Ascher. If everyone thinks your not here with me then you're fair game. We should probably act like a couple.” I blinked at him, and then, I blinked again. "Did Merle knock you on your head?" "It would be safest if everyone thinks I'm protecting you." "Then tell them we're friends." "Either I play the possessive boyfriend or you'll be fending of guys all night.” “Then get used to the smell of burning fur because if anyone touches me, it's roast now—ask questions later.” Quillan grinned at me. My, what big teeth you have. "Just try not to fry my friends,” Quillan said. "I'll play nice if they...” A shorter girl with chin-length blonde hair was suddenly hanging from Quillan's neck. "Quilly!” She crooned. "Quilly?” Quillan's face turned red and he wrestled to get the girl's arms to unwrap themselves from his neck. "Laurel, this is Ascher Rafferty,” Quillan said. Laurel turned her pinched face toward me. Her height was equal to my own and she took the opportunity to look me up and down, assessing a possible threat. "Oh,” Laurel said, bored. “I didn't even see you there. I saved you a seat, Quilly.” Quillan jerked her arm roughly and I frowned at him. Granted the girl was obviously, well, a female dog, but that didn't mean he could handle her like that. He whispered something in Laurel's ear and she visibly shook, her eyes slanting over my body and a look of hate on her face. She moved towards me and I had just enough time to ready a fireball before she reached me. I let go of the fire and heard her yelp of pain before she slunk to the floor, her right arm clutching her left shoulder where smoke was wafting from a sizzling wound the size of a softball. "Bitch!" "It was self-defense, Laurel. Go home and clean yourself up and if you attack a pack member again, your out,” Quillan said. "That half-breed is no pack member.” Quillan growled and she used her uninjured arm to brush her short hair away from her face, baring her throat to him. “Forgive me, but I do not understand how..." "Her position in the pack is not for you to understand. Now, go!” Laurel lifted herself up, sneering at me on her way towards the door. "Should I expect an attack every time I meet one of your exes?” Quillan shrugged. "Things never end well with were-women. They're ... territorial. Our booth is over there.” Quillan indicated a booth shaped like a squared “u” where several people were looking our way. I tried my best to act like I hadn't just set flame to one of their friends, but found it hard to make eye contact with a boy who looked very much like Laurel. Was he her brother? “Hey, guys. This is Ascher Rafferty, new to the Mooncoven, under my will and by my hand." "Under your will?” I asked. A few people at the table snickered, but grew silent at a look from Quillan. "Yes, Ascher. It means you were invited by me." "And bitten by you,” the boy who looked like Laurel said. “I'm Travis Maccon. You've already met my sister.” He inclined his head towards the exit. "Oh, I..." "I like the way you handle ... yourself,” Travis said, his voice soft as silk. “And you're welcome despite your flare-up.” Trying very hard not to roll my eyes, I bit the inside of my cheek, glancing at three black-haired girls, with eyes like amber and skin the color of cocoa. "The Tunstall triplets, Kelley, Kim and Cate. And finally, Zach and David Milfore,” Quillan said by way of introduction. I'd noticed he completely ignored Travis, but wasn't sure what their beef was and I had enough of my own stuff to deal with so I let it go. "Your first full moon, huh?” The triplet named Kelley asked. "How excited you must be." "She looks like a scared little cub to me,” Cate said. Quillan growled, and I felt like I should say something to smooth over the tension that was now pouring from the table. Nana Bruer had said that werewolves respected dominance so I mustered everything I'd ever learned from being in school plays and slammed my hands on the table, startling myself as much as anyone else. "I just found out I can conjure fire, my sister can shapeshift into a panther, and I might be sprouting a tail this Sunday so save your hostility kick for someone who gives a crap.” I felt Quillan rest his hands on my shoulder and Cate curled into herself, lifting her hair off her throat. "Is she your mate?” Travis asked. My mouth dropped open and I gaped at Travis in horror. Quillan shifted his posture until he was standing upright and rolled his shoulders back. "What do you think?" "I ... no! God, I haven't even kissed him!" "We're taking things slow,” Quillan said, his neck flushing red. Travis sneered. "So are we hunting tonight?" "Not tonight.” Everyone at the table groaned just as Ruby walked up, Liekos nuzzling her neck. "But it's been a month!” Liekos said. Ruby elbowed him and gestured at me. "Oh,” he said. I gazed at the faces around me. If I had to be part of their pack, I'd at least like to be on friendly terms with them. "It's okay if you guys want to ... hunt,” I cleared my throat struggling with the word. “I mean, as long as I don't have to join in, or anything.” I was rewarded with seven pairs of eyes flashing at me in anticipation. "Fine,” Quillan said. The werewolves started to gather their belongings, cheering and razzing each other as they hurried outside. Quillan caught my waist, his eyes troubled. "You have no idea what you've just done." [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twelve HUNTING PARTY "What the heck is that supposed to mean?” I asked. We were in back of Crave, where a large forest of trees seemed to pop out of nowhere, like some enchanted woods from a fairy tale. "It's nothing. I'll just stay with you. I don't have to hunt." "But the Pack Leader always fronts the hunting party,” I recognized the whiny lilt of Travis’ voice. “Unless, of course, you're willing to concede your position, it's a duty you'll have to fulfill.” Quillan growled, pushing me behind him as though expecting an attack. "My brother knows his place,” Ruby said. “I often wonder, however, if you do. I can stay with Ascher.” The sight of the Tunstall triplets shinnying out of their tops, made me sway with the heat of embarrassment, fed as it was, by my own brand of fire power. Twin brothers, Zach and David, were teasing them, but not about being undressed, as I would have expected from human boys. They were betting the girls that they would catch prey first. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I tuned back into the conversation between the Wolcotts and Travis Maccon. "It's not a problem, Quill. Liekos and I went hunting with his parents last week,” Ruby said. Quillan looked torn between his almost-stalkerish need to be around me and his craving for the hunt. Quillan and Travis had both removed their shirts while I'd been watching the others, and Travis starred at me as he undid his belt buckle. "Come on,” I felt the oddly cool touch of Ruby's hand and then found myself rushing through the air, before landing on the stout branch of an oak tree. "Holy crap!" "Sorry for the lack of warning, but this is the best vantage point to see the hunt." "Huh.” I said, not sure how to respond to that. She made it seem like we had really good seats for the Chicago Cubs or something equally normal. We watched the others, discard layers of clothing before rushing into the brush, Liekos stopping for a moment to wink at Ruby. When Quillan didn't turn to say goodbye, I felt strangely sad, which, of course made me feel like a weirdo. What did I care if he said goodbye? I'd been spending a good chunk of my day trying to avoid him. There was a deep-resonating howl, followed up by the answering calls of what sounded like a dozen other wolves. Ruby joined in, her head thrown back, and lips pursed like she was whistling. Feeling my eyes on her, Ruby blinked her own mercury-laced eyes at me. "Thanks for staying with me. I'm okay though. I mean, strange as it sounds, I made it through fifteen years of my life without your brother's protection. You can join them if you want.” Ruby bit her lip. "No, Quillan would freak, and I don't mind, really." "But I do,” I said, feeling on-edge. “I need a moment to just think, if that's okay." "Well, you are pretty high-up in the tree.” Ruby lifted her chin to indicate the ground which was fifteen feet below us. “And everyone's in wolf form, it's not like they could climb trees.” I knew that by “they” she meant Travis. What was with their paranoia about him? Sure he was a jerk who was way up their on the creep-o-meter, but so were most of the boys in my freshman class. "And he did lock you in the cellar.” Ruby growled before leaping out of the tree, her eyes reflective as she howled to the hunting party. She raced into the woods, kicking up dirt, and dropping layers of clothing in her wake. Smiling to myself, I decided that I might make a good lawyer in the future, what with my powers of persuasion. My mind wandered for awhile, sleep tugging at my consciousness. A twig snapped below, causing me to shudder like something straight out of a horror reel. Glad that I was not dressed in a negligee, or sporting a broken heel, I braced myself. I began to gently call my power until it sizzled on my palm with cold confidence, awaiting my demands. The tree limbs began to sway, moving with the ferocity of someone hurrying towards me. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from crying out, seriously pissed that I was being so jumpy. "Hey, sweetie.” Travis grinned at me, crouched in his unbuttoned pants, his bare feet revealing strangely curling toes with sharp nails gripping the branch. He was preternaturally well-balanced—on the tree limb, not mentally—which made my heart all but beeyatch-slap the inside of my ribs. I pulled on the magic at my disposal until my fingertips licked with flames. “Neat trick.” I sneered at him, earning a fang-filled smile. “I don't have a pack mate, you know." "I don't know why. You have such a winning personality.” Smirking at my words, he flicked his fingers down, revealing the sharp points of claws. "I'm going to challenge Quillan for you." "For the millionth time, I have a boyfriend!" "You mean Quillan, right?" "No, it's none of your business." "You can't mean Ambrose...” Travis laughed, the sound grating at me and leaving me cold. “Get real, Ascher. What you have is a loyal vampire servant who ditched you and left you to fend for yourself." "How is everyone hearing about this?" "I can be there for you, Ascher, but you need to let me challenge Quillan. Then he will back down and we can be together." "Look, Travis. You seem like a nice guy,” I lied, trying for the diplomatic approach. "Don't brush me off, okay? I don't even know why you care about him so much. Everyone knows he's obsessed over that undead chick. I was so shocked I sputtered the words that I was about to say. How did he even know about Elizabeth? “It's all people can talk about. In fact it's kind of a joke.” I wanted to slap him, scream, and cry all at once. Instead, I hurled several fireballs at him before he lunged at me, knocking both of us out of the tree. I've never had a problem, per se, with gravity until that moment, when the impact of my wrist slamming into the ground to break my fall coincided with a sound very much like someone snapping a stalk of celery. Bracing myself for the pain, I watched Travis beat at the small flames twirling around him, his screams coating my wounded pride like a salve. After a moment, I realized that the snapping sound was coming from him and repeating. His mouth began stretching forward. Pissing off a werewolf when you were alone with him is not always the best idea. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Thirteen PACK MENTALITY A large, dark shape barreled into Travis as he shifted, knocking him back to the moist earth. I turned and ran towards the club, pushing past the thick branches, even as their needles scratched paths along my skin. I didn't know what I was doing or where I was going, I just wanted to get the hell away from Travis, from Quillan, from everyone before I started crying. Running as fast as I could, I heard footsteps behind me and knew it was Quillan and that he was coming after me. It made me pump my legs harder as I gasped for air. He wouldn't have an easy time catching me. I would make it hard for him. My boots sunk into the dewy grass, now frosted with the coming breath of winter. I made my way into a little plot of land, an island of greenery across a vast ocean of concrete. The crisp air made my lungs burn, but I didn't care. I felt free for the first time since all this craziness happened. He caught me by the waist and I slapped at his hands, causing little blisters to rise on his skin. His fingertips pressed into my sides as he used my momentum to turn me towards him. I punched him in the chest, crying out all the pain and frustration Elliot had left me with and he just stood there, his face stoic and his eyes filled with some unknown emotion. Quillan gently pressed my back into the trunk of a tree and twined his fingers with mine, raising my hands over my head and lowering his lips to mine. I was ready for a deep, passionate kiss filled with the raw emotion and hunger I'd seen in his eyes, but he lowered his face over mine, pressing his lips into my forehead before kissing away the salty trails my tears had forged. "Is it true?” I asked, not really wanting him to answer, but I knew he had heard what Travis said and I wanted to know just how many people knew how pathetic I had been, how trusting and naοve. Quillan nodded once, his eyes reflecting the brightness of the moon, making them look almost wet. "Some are saying that you look very much like his first love, but that doesn't mean he didn't care about..." "Great!” I cut off Quillan's words, fuming with anger. “The first guy who saw something...” my voice cracked, and I started to sob, that deep, hyperventilating cry that made me feel even more childish. "Who saw something?” Quillan whispered against my hair, trying to give me the sounding board it was obvious I needed. "It's pathetic!” I said. I loved him so much ... and he ... he only saw her!" "That's not true, Ascher. I don't see how he could have spent that time with you and not cared about you.” I rolled my eyes, causing Quillan to grab my chin with two fingers, controlling the movement of my head until I met his eyes. “He didn't know how lucky he was. He didn't...” I felt my lips against his before I knew I'd decided to kiss him. After a moment, he found my neck, kissing the nape, his teeth grazing my skin and causing me to make a small noise very much like a whimper. Before I could take another breath, his lips met mine and I was lost to his touch. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Fourteen UNDEAD EX-GIRLFIRENDS "He's okay. I mean, that guy Merle stabbed him, but he healed super-fast. Werewolf thing, I guess,” I said. Anise, Cyd, Gemma, and me were in one of the many Wolcott guest bedrooms. The cousins curled up on the floor together in a twist of blankets and pillows. I was ready for bed after a long night, already snuggled under the covers comfy and warm from my body heat. What I wanted was to sleep. What I wanted to do was dream. My big sister wanted to scratch something's eyes out of their sockets. "And what happened to this guy that attacked you?” Gemma asked, pacing the room in a slow, predatory stance. "Well, after Quillan was pinned, I freaked out a little and made the flames from the bonfire grab him. He flew away after that.” The three others all looked at me like, well, like I'd just said that I made flames from a bonfire grab someone, but you'd think the cousins would be used to that by now. "I'm going to call Aunt Jacinth and see how she wants to handle this. We'll probably have to set up a conference with the CMB. Cyd, you should come with me and get some rest. We'll have a long day tomorrow.” Cyd made an annoyed face, scrunching her cheeks like she'd tasted something sour. "What am I? Two?” Cyd asked, but she followed Anise as she made her way over to their guest bedroom adjoining ours. “Before I forget, here Gemma.” Cyd handed Gemma the charm Savian had given to me to help curb Gemma's urge to shapeshift. "Mom said it's okay. No curses or bane-breathings and she scryed for hexes and jinxes." Gemma took the charm, now tied to a black cord, and put it around her neck. "Uh, thanks, I think,” Gemma said. As soon as the door closed behind the cousins, Gemma pounced onto my bed, and began hitting me with a pillow. “You are so dead, Ascher. Why didn't you tell me about the attack earlier? Huh? Why?" "I wanted you to be able to enjoy the game. You know, at least one of us should have a good time." "Like you didn't have a good time kissing Quillan.” It felt like my head was suddenly on fire. Pressing my palms against my temples, I tried to breath deeply. “Easy, easy, Asch! I was just kidding." "But we did kiss! We did!” Gemma rolled her eyes and hit me with her slipper. "Not a surprise, Asch. I could tell. You can smell him all over you.” Ugh! "Well, that is just ... gross." "Hey, you're the one making out with a werewolf, not me. So you've finally given up on Elliot, then?" "You can't give up on someone who never believed in you in the first place." "Easy on the emo-talk. What are you getting at?” I pushed the covers back from my bed and clambered over the pillows and blankets on the floor to my overnight bag. Fishing through the pockets, I found Elizabeth's Diary and turned to the back cover where an aged pictograph of her was tucked. Handing it to Gemma, I flopped back on the bed, gauging her reaction. "Did you go to one of those carnival things and take and old-timey picture?” “Guess again." "This isn't you?” I shook my head. “Who is it?" "Elliot's undead ex-girlfriend Elizabeth." "She looks just like you, Asch." "All that time ... he never really liked me. He was just reliving his past." "You don't know that." "Then why did he leave just when things started getting serious between us?” I dug my nails into my palms, dreading where the conversation would go now that Gemma was playing shrink. "You said he had to stay behind and trap Dionysia." "For two weeks? He hasn't even tried to tell me he's okay. Travis and Quillan say this whole Elliot thing is a joke. People are laughing at the clueless little girl following Elliot around like some loser." "Quillan said that?" "Not in those exact words. Look, I'm really tired and I just want to go to sleep, okay?" "Of course, Asch.” Her sisterly words made me want to cry, but I was sick-and-tired of tears. I waited awhile until I heard the gentle rhythm of Gemma's breath before I got up and tip-toed to the door. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until I talked with Quillan, again. * * * * After three near heart-attacks from werewolf guards leaping out and demanding where I was going, I found Quillan in the back stables. A small, sweet-faced old woman directed me from the landing where she was visibly exhausted from making the banister gleam with polish. Poking my head around the corner, I realized I was holding my breath. Inside the stable, Quillan was murmuring something to a dark brown horse, his body hunched over as he examined her hoof. Her calf rested on his knee as he rolled stretchy gauze around her ankle. "Know anything about horses?” I froze, before rolling my eyes. "Of course you heard that, you're a werewolf.” Quillan craned his neck to look at me, a sly smile making my heart feel like it was being squeezed. “Gem and I took riding lessons when were kids, but that's it. Is she okay?" "She got spooked last month. We've got to sedate them when the full moon nears, or they panic. They can sense it, you know. They can tell the beast is near. She tried to break from the stables and pulled a ligament.” Quillan placed the horse's hoof on the ground, turning to face me, his eyes lidded with sleepiness. I watched him shake out a sleeping bag onto a heaping pile of hay. “What did the wit ... Bruer girls have to say about the ravenshifter?" "They're calling Cyd's mom to see what she wants them to do.” Quillan sat on the pile of hay, yanking the sleeping bag behind him while kicking off his boots. “Are you sleeping out here?" "I figured it'd be better if she got used to the beast being so close. I've been crashing in here a few nights a week. So she wouldn't run again.” I stood there, wanting very much to stay and talk. I felt safer with him than I had with anyone since that first night at the Crimson. "Do you mind if I stay for awhile?” The hopeful lilt in my voice made me clench my jaw as he weighed me with his eyes. "It's not a good idea.” The heat of embarrassment was overwhelming. "I know. I'm sorry to bother you. I should go.” I had taken no more than two steps when he was appeared in front of me, the silver in his eyes melting brightly. He reached for me, but dropped his hands, shaking and panting. The fact that he was loosing control should have scared me, but part of me relished the idea that I could be so wanted. "It's not a good idea.” He caught me in his arms, the press of his hands on the small of my back, tentative, unsure. "It's really not.” His lips met mine. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Fifteen BITE YOUR TONGUE Quillan and I were running through the woods, the scent of green things growing on the wind. The soil was moist under my feet with the cool breath of night brushing over my skin. There was a small stream ahead where a deer was lapped water, the picture of innocence and beauty. Stopping for a moment to catch my breath, I looked at the animal sweetly spotted hide and smiled. Quillan motioned to follow him, pressing a finger to his lips. Laughing as I struggled to keep pace with him, I took a shaky breath to watch Quillan stop not near the deer. His face was dark as he lowered himself in a crouch. "What is it?” I asked. Quillan turned to me, his eyes iridescent under the moon. The tips his sharp canines glinted from a coating of saliva. "I'm hungry, Ascher.” He turned back to the deer, readying himself for the attack. "No!” Quillan was already in mid-air. Magic poured over me as fire tore from my hands, swelling to twist around Quillan. Before I could see if he was hurt, someone seized me by the arms, jerking me in a half-circle until I faced them. "Ascher,” Elliot said. “I'm sorry I...” A clawed hand punched through his chest, clutching his beating heart like an apple. Elliot stumbled forward and fell to his knees. Elizabeth stood behind him, the shadows around her eyes making look like a haunted doll. "I'll always have his heart.” Her long, dark hair suddenly caught fire, making a halo of flames. “Well, bye now.” She licked at her fingers before grabbing Elliot by the ankle, dragging him away. "I find Gemma's dreams far more interesting.” I groaned at the, now familiar, voice taking a peek at Savian Radbourne. "It just happened. I didn't do it on purpose." "Perhaps your powers are growing. How lovely for you. Now, onto more important matters. Namely, your sister. I hate to trouble you..." "You love to trouble us.” Savian inclined his head, his blonde hair falling forward to shade his eyes. "I have a message of some importance to share with Gemma, but whenever I visit her dreams, she runs from me." "I don't know why that would be. I mean, you only follow her around all the time like some buck-toothed stalker and..." "Bite your tongue, girl." "Kiss my butt, batboy. Now, are you going to move or do I have to grill you?” Savian stepped to one side, his arms sweeping in a bow. "It's just as well you're to busy to chat. After all, Gemma is close by.” Savian melted into the shadows. Ignoring Savian's last words, I looked around me to see where Quillan had gone. It was darker outside, the inky dark of night spilling over the sky to blot out the stars and shade the moon. Jogging ten or so feet to the riverbank where I'd last seen Quillan, I found the deer alone, shivering. Whether it was from fright or because of the cool night breeze, I couldn't tell. "Hey fuzzy. It's okay.” Reaching towards it, I wiggled my fingers to encourage it to come to me. “No one is going to hurt you.” The deer turned and ran towards the woods, his breath coming out in gray puffs. “Quillan? Quillan, where are you?” No one answered. I sat down by the side of the lake, dipping my fingers in the water while waiting for Quillan to come back. "He won't come back,” a voice whispered. I climbed to my feet, readying a fireball and braced myself for the owner of the mystery-voice to appear. "What do you want?" "Quillan's lost to you, now." "Quillan?” I called. No one answered and laughter filled the night. The cackling noise rose through the wind, carrying the sounds of madness to my ears. "He'll never return." "Quillan? Quillan? Quillan!” Arms appeared, borne from the night, tearing me away. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Sixteen BARN HAIR "Wake up!” I barely had time to reign in my fire when I saw it was Quillan holding me. "Ascher, you were having a nightmare.” I shoved him away from me and saw that he was sans shirt. "What are you doing in here?” I yanked the covers up, stopping when I felt the scratch of hay. "We fell asleep. You were calling my name.” That did it, the heat that I'd barely contained in my hands now rushed up to my head, making me feel faint, and forcing me to sink back onto the straw. As if not noticing how close I was to passing out, Quillan lifted his lip at me. “So what was this dream ... about?" "It was really weird. You were lost and I couldn't find you.” In one quick motion, Quillan was lying next to me on the stack of hay. His eyes were molten like the moonlit vision from my dream. "Are you sure...” Quillan drew a finger over the blanket, tracing small circles over the material. “The dream wasn't more...” he hooked his finger under my chin and tilted my head up until his lips were brushing mine. “Like this?" "Quillan!” He laughed and leapt from the pile, flipping in the air before landing on his toes. "Show off." "Since you're awake, I should tell you that Travis challenged me formally for you.” I blinked at him. "I want that guy's phone number!” Quillan frowned. "Why?" "Ish, Quillan. Please. So I can call him and tell him where he can stake it..." "It doesn't work that way, Ascher. Because I am in charge of..." "Careful,” I said, squishing a yawn. "Because I am in charge of guarding you, any challenges made must be dealt with by me. You should have just let me handle this last night." "Can't this guy just take no for an answer?" "It doesn't work that way in the pack." "This is some seriously out-of-date, caveman stuff." "Ruby calls it misogynistic male elitism.” Quillan smirked. "That too." "Even she has a mate, though. Everyone fifteen or over does or else every other week there would be challenges." "Why does this guy want me so much?” I kicked at the sleeping bag, my back cracking as I stretched. Quillan chuckled and took a step closer. Brushing a lock of hair out of my eyes, he sighed. Feeling very weird, I blinked at him like an idiot with nothing to say. "That's exactly why,” Quillan said. "Huh?” The barn door banged open, Cyd rushing in, dripping syrup from the pancake she held onto the dirt. "Mom's totally freaked. Since Nana's out-of-town, she has to handle all coven duties so she's super-busy. Anise is in charge of the CMB meeting this afternoon." "What meeting?” Quillan asked. "Whuh?” I squeaked. Geez, did I need a cup of coffee. "The Council,” Cyd said. "What do they have to say? Sorry for stabbing you. We promise it won't happen again?” I asked. Cyd shrugged, shoving half of a pancake into her mouth. "My mom arranged a meeting with them to see why they're following you around and stuff. You guys better get ready ‘cause the meeting is at noon and it takes an hour to drive there." "Where?” Quillan said. "Lena Forest Preserve. Now, hurry up!” Cyd scurried away like a hyper mouse. "I guess I should get dressed,” I said. Quillan grinned, giving two thumbs up. "Go for it.” I groaned, reached over my head and lobbed something bristly at him. I zombie-shuffled to the kitchen where his mother was reading a newspaper, a blue mug steaming in her hands. "Morning, kids." "Hi.” Mrs. Wolcott regarded me, a strange expression on her face. "You have some hay in your hair, dear,” she said. * * * * "You could have said something!” I snarled at Quillan, using my fingers to comb pieces of hay from my tousled hair. Quillan reclined on the pile of pillows and blankets the Bruer cousins had heaped on the floor. I was waiting for Gemma to get out of the shower so I could wash up properly. I felt all yucky and smelled like a barn. A pillow hit me, knocking me forward. Quillan raised his eyebrows at me, his arm pulled back to launch another down-filled missile. Snatching the nearest pillow I hurled it towards him. Ducking left, Quillan hit me in the face with another pillow. I parried by grabbing a blanket and tossing it on his head. Soon we were embroiled in a pillow war of epic proportions. One that I was losing badly. I was struck with an idea. Feigning an injury, I fell to the floor. "Ow!” Quillan was next to me in seconds, concern curving his lips down, a dashed indent knitting his brow. I slammed a pillow into his face, but his arms curled around me, forcing us both to our knees. Knocking him down with another pillow, I shoved him against the carpet, my smile making my cheeks ache."Ha! I got you!” The door opened and Gemma appeared, her eyes narrowed. "Did he ... do something?” Gemma asked. Only a big sister could think you were the one in danger when you had a guy pinned to the floor. Holy crap, I had a guy pinned to the floor! Righting myself with more grace than I knew I possessed, I ran my fingers through my hair. A rainstorm of feathers billowed around us. Quillan's mother poked her head in the door. "Anyone bleeding?” She asked. I bit my lip, my face flushing. Quillan ruffled his hair, sending feathers flying while spitting one away from his lips. "I'm sorry, mother. Ascher just can't contain her passions." "What!” Quillan chuckled and went for the door, his mother shaking her head at him. "You see? This is why we can't have people over,” Mrs. Wolcott was saying. Gemma shut the door, looking at me with half-turned eyes. "You need to stop flirting with him before this goes any further." "Whoa! What are you talking about?" "I hear fighting and run to see if you're okay, and instead I find you on top of straddling a werewolf. In case you haven't noticed, we're in some serious stuff here. We don't have time to play games. You need to stop this, Ascher." "Stop what? Did you get up on the wrong side of the cat-box?” I said, trying for a lighter mood. The expression Gemma gave me chilled my blood. "All I'm saying is that it's hard enough dealing with all this crap without continually having to rescue my little sister from doing something stupid. Just get dressed." "No, what the hell is this all about? For, like, two seconds I was having fun and didn't have to worry about any of this and then you go all Mr. Hyde on me. What's your problem?" "It's nothing. He's a liar.” Gemma's eyes grew distant and unfocused. "Who is a liar?" "No one. It's just Savian. He just, he said something when he came into my dream last night and it upset me, okay?" "What did he say?" "I don't want to talk about it." "Gem..." "Just get dressed.” Gemma took a step towards the door, reaching for the knob, but her hands were shifting into claws. "I can get it,” I said. Gemma growled, grabbed for the knob and yanked a huge piece of the wood door off, knob and all. With one last angry look, Gemma pulled the door closed. I sat down on the bed, beginning to wonder if felineshifters could get rabies. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Seventeen TO SKEWER AND ATTACK When we arrived at Lena Forest Reserve, I expected a rarely-traveled woodland area with overgrown plants and the occasional darting of forest creatures. A deserted place for our secret meeting. Instead, the preserve was crawling with kid scouts, tour groups and picnickers. We picked our way past a group of college boys battling with the elements of wet earth and wood, their BBQ looking more futile by the moment. Reaching my fingers outward, I called my magic. A spark lit my fingertips and felt a sharp slap on my wrist. "No,” Anise said as if reprimanding a dog. Quillan growled softly behind me and I rolled my eyes. “Since my Aunt is busy with the coven, I'm the representative for the witches. And I say, no magic use unless absolutely necessary." "Aye, aye, Sarge,” Cyd said, winking at me from her place next to her cousin. "I still think we shouldn't be doing this alone,” I said. Gemma put her arm around me, leaving Quillan to my right and Ruby pulling up the rear. The twins had ordered his bodyguards to remain with the car. It's funny what a huge, man-shaped dent in a door will do. "Now, we just listen what they have to say. Nobody should show aggression,” Anise said, her eyes on Quillan. “The last thing we need is for the CMB to decide we are a danger. If they view us as a threat, they'll deal harshly with us." "Like getting knife-happy?” Ruby asked. "Exactly,” Anise said. “Of course, we have the potions mom mixed up, and Cyd and I can cast some protective spells, but we need to be careful. There is a reason most witches disbanded from the council." "Dark magic,” Cyd said. I reached into the pockets on my pea coat to make sure I had the potions and was rewarded with the clinking of glass bottles. "What'll the potions do?” Gemma asked. Anise looked thoughtful. "Give us time to run,” Cyd said, stopping next to a group of children playing freeze-tag. “This is it,” she said. I spotted the crow first, sitting atop an empty picnic table, a snake winding back and forth beside him. A Frisbee shot towards the picnic table and made it within ten feet of it before disappearing. "They used a veil spell,” Anise said. “It masks their location from everyone except those that know to look for it." "So no one will see us using magic,” Cyd said. Or hear us scream. "Super,” I said. We followed Anise to the veil which opened up to enclose her and Cyd like a hungry mouth. Ruby went next, but I hesitated, glancing behind me to Gemma. "It'll be okay.” Gemma held my hand as we stepped through the veil, Quillan right behind me. Merle cawed before spreading his wings to shift into his human form. Ignoring us, he picked up the snake, letting it curl around his arm before setting it down again. He was trying hard at the whole villain thing. "All he needs is the scary music,” Gemma whispered. “And maybe a cape." "You'll forgive my associates for their lateness. Councilwoman Nessa Kottington will be astral projecting herself and two others so it may take longer than expected.” I nodded as if I knew what the heck he was talking about. “Please, have a seat." "Metaphysical traffic can be a bee-yatch,” Gemma said. Anise sat on the bench and made a show of setting her potions bottles on the table. Cyd did the same on the other end of the bench. Gemma and I followed, still clinging to each other. "I'll stand,” Quillan said, resting his hands on my shoulders. Ruby crossed her arms over her chest and stood at the head of the table. She reached towards the snake. "She bites,” Merle said. Ruby cocked her head. "So do I." "Um, question,” Gemma said. Merle startled as if noticing Gemma for the first time. “How is it that you can change from a crow to a person and not ... uh, be missing your clothes?" "It's a sorcerer's binding incantation,” Merle said, taking a seat opposite Gemma. "Which means?” Merle laughed. "The clothes are spelled to transform shape with me. When I am a raven, they meld with my feathers. Perhaps I could share it with you sometime." "Hey, Stabby, you won't be sharing anything with anyone,” I said. Gemma kicked me. "Ow!" "I'd like to learn it,” Gemma said. "What part of stabbing with an athame did you not get?” I asked. "That was a mistake,” Merle said. “I was told to guard you at all turns and when I saw you with ... him, I may have overreacted." "Why are you guarding me?" "Councilwoman Kottington will explain.” On cue, the ghostly image of a middle-aged woman flickered into sight, her shape moving to rest next to Merle. Another image of a girl with light hair and almond eyes was followed by that of a super-tall boy with light brown hair and cornflower blue eyes. "Hello, I am Vanessa Kottington and these are my apprentices, Ian Sarke and Brighid McDonaugh.” The image of the councilwoman waved transparent fingers through the form of the girl. "Hi,” I offered. "You must think poorly of the Council. Merle has a tendency to overreact, but I promise our only goal is to..." "Skewer and attack?” Quillan said. Vanessa batted her eyelashes. "And whom might I ask are you?” She asked. "First-born son of Mooncoven." "A werewolf! They have no place at this table." "Why not?” I asked. "They are filthy, foul beasts,” Brighid said. Ruby slammed her hands down on the table, punching through the wood with ease. Quillan bristled, gripping my shoulders more tightly while his fingers toyed with my hair. "Well then so am I,” I said, reaching up to pat Quillan's hand as a show of trust. “Because, tomorrow night, I might grow a tail.” Vanessa made a chortling sound, her image disappearing for a few moments before flickering back like a TV picture with bad reception. "What on Mother Earth are you talking about?" "A werewolf scratched me and Quillan had to bite me to save my life." "How do you know this is what happened?” Brighid asked. "I was there." Both Brighid and the councilwoman's images flickered out again and I noticed Ian Sarke was smiling at me. I returned his smile with a frown and narrowed eyes. Vanessa came back in a rush of wind. "What I mean to say is, how do you know the werewolf didn't manufacture this attack on you just so you could be turned.” My skin broke out in Goosebumps, my magical heat bathing my skin. "Why would he do that?" "Yes, Miss Rafferty. Why indeed, would an Alpha's son want to gain one of the most powerful witches in decades as an ally? His father's pack is nearing war." "What are you talking about? I'm not that powerful. I can hardly even..." "Call your fire,” Ian said. “The last to possess such a power was an elemental witch by the name of Cadence, a wind-shifter. I believe you two have met.” I swallowed, unsure if it was a good idea to tell them that Cadence, though made into a vampire, had saved Gemma and me from becoming vamp snacks more than once. "I'm not involved in this stuff." "We have learned that the vampire servant known as Elliot Ambrose is involved works as a sort-of magic scout for Savian Radbourne. It also seems that the Prince of the Warlocks considers you an important person in this struggle. It would be unwise of us to ignore the fact that you are unsworn and in possession of such potent magic." "Listen, I've only met him a few times, and..." "Are you not wearing his mark on a chain about your neck?” I reached up and touched the tiger's eye stone Daray had given me. Everyone looked worried or shocked, but not Gemma ... she looked pissed. "I'm only wearing this because he promised to give me the potion to return my grandma's memories so we can find out why she bound our family's magic." "And?” Ian asked. "And ... the only way I could get him to give me the potion was if I promised to ... go out with him.” I had never felt more deeply stupid in my life. "I see. We will contact you shortly with further information,” councilwoman Kottington said. She disappeared, Brighid's milky form fading with her. An ear-splitting pop sounded and Ian appeared, having materialized on the bench. "Teleportation incantation,” Ian said. “Tell me, Miss Rafferty, do you exchange dates often for favors? If so, I know a great asphyxiation spell I'd be willing to trade." "It just seemed like the lesser of two evils,” I said. "I'll bet,” Ian said. I looked away from him and at the candles, causing the wicks to catch fire and the wax to bubble. The snake hissed and slithered away from them, landing clumsily. A flash of magic glared and a girl stood, in a tight, snakeskin bodysuit, her eyes slanted like a snake. "That was wicked,” she said. “Ian, stop being such a brat. Savannah Sarke,” she said, shaking my hand with a peppy smile. "Is that it? We drove all the way out here for a two-minute scolding?” I asked. "No, you also had to retrieve your new bodyguards,” Ian said. “This should be fun.” The candles exploded and the picnic table caught fire. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Eighteen PROPHECY SCHMOPHECY Two hours later, we were lounging in the grass of the Wolcott's vast back yard, plates of barbeque and picnic food balanced on our laps. Merle had stormed off after I'd accidentally set fire to the picnic table, but had left Ian and Savannah Sarke to “guard” me. Gemma shoved a handful of potato chips into her mouth, making the piggish gesture look cute, somehow. Anise was shrieking into the phone with her Aunt Jacinth, swatting at Cyd who was begging to talk to her mother. Ruby lay under a weeping willow, her little sisters Luna and Diana curled next to her like a pack of puppies. This left Quillan and I facing each other awkwardly while trying to think of something to say to each other. He broke the silence first. "So, does that happen to you a lot? Stuff setting on fire, explosions?” I shrugged. "Sometimes.” I stuffed a bite of macaroni salad into my mouth, chewing slowly to give myself time to think. “I guess I don't have the best control over it, yet.” I noticed that Ian was still watching us. He had been for a long time, the look on his making me shiver. "How long did Anise say the lizard-people had to be here?" "Until such time as it has been determined that there is no threat,” Quillan quoted “I guess it's standard stuff with this, witch-treaty thing." "Well, isn't it a bad thing if your bodyguard is giving you the creeps?" "Do you want to go for a walk or something?” Quillan asked. Then, glancing at Gemma who was giving him the evil eye, “Alone, I mean." "Sure,” I glared right back at Gemma, still not sure why she was being so overprotective and nasty. I placed my plate on the edge of the plaid blanket we were arranged over, reaching for Quillan's hand to help me up. My pea coat and scarf hardly kept the bite of cold away, but I felt heat rush through me as my hand grasped Quillan's. We walked for awhile without talking, both of us looking around the woods like we'd never seen a tree before in our lives. I guess we both had plenty to think about. I sure as heck did; especially about the things Vanessa said. "What was Vanessa talking about when she said that your father was going to war?" "It's nothing. Just a lot of political posturing. We've always had problems with other packs fighting for dominance. I mean, my dad has been challenged at least twenty times since I was six. It's inevitable." "Like with Travis challenging you?" "No, that's different. It's more personal. A werewolf will fight for his territory, his life, his pack and especially...” Quillan stopped walking and spun me to face him, his fingertips light on my chin, “for his mate." "Quillan, I..." "Shhh. I know this is all brand new to you so I don't expect you to feel comfortable with it right away. I'm just asking for you to be open-minded enough to allow yourself to consider the possibilities. Okay?” Not trusting my voice, I nodded, lowering my eyes to the floor, embarrassed. "You have to watch that." "Watch what?" "You lower your eyes a lot when you feel shy. Werewolves take that as a sign of submission and that doesn't suit your status in the pack." "What's my status, official fire starter?" "It's at my side,” Quillan said, curling his arms around my waist. He leaned forward, but when he was about to kiss me, I pushed him away. "I think I should go back,” I said. Not waiting for his response, I started back but he pulled me into his arms again. He had an intense, hungry look about him that was starting to freak me out. "The others will be getting ready for the dance soon. You should join them,” he said as though it were his idea. “If Ruby asks where I am, tell her I went to the stables to take Lucy for some exercise." "Lucy?" "The injured mare. You should ride with us later, Nix and Etoile need to run, too. Maybe we could go for a ride before the pack gathers." "I don't know...” Quillan leaned in to kiss me, but I tilted my head away so that he could only kiss my cheek. "We'll work our way up to the big kisses,” he said, smiling. I swallowed, taking off for the path back my arms and legs pumping as fast as my heart. I felt so confused. Elliot was my first love and this whole thing with Quillan was just too weird. I'd gone from seriously disliking him to wanting to kiss him in less than a week. Part of me wanted to talk to someone about it, but Denise was MIA and Gemma wasn't an option since she'd gone all wonky on me. A twig snapped behind making me freeze. Breathing deeply, I groaned. I did not want to look behind me and see the horror that was sure to be there. Forcing my body to turn, I saw a snake with red, black and white stripes slicing through the fallen leaves. "Savannah?” I asked, not sure if it was stupid or not to suspect it was the snakeshifter. The snake rose upwards, striking towards me. I put my hands up to block it from making contact and found myself holding hands with Ian Sarke. "Not quite who you were expecting?" "Oh, no. I've gotten pretty used to being stalked by supernatural creepy-crawlies." "Enjoy your walk with Quillan?” He asked, stepping to block my path. "Were you watching us?" "Maybe a little." "Great, just great." "It's my job,” he said. "Goody for you,” I redirected my feet and stomped away from him. I don't know how to ask this other than just to ask this, so?" "What!" "Will you go out with me?” I nearly choked on a hysterical shriek, gaping at him. "You've got to be kidding me!" "You're not serious with Quillan and Prince Daray isn't a thing, you said so yourself. Not to mention the fact that Elliot isn't an issue. So what's the problem?" "I'm not interested in someone who only likes me because of what I am." "Whoa! Who says I want to date you because of what you are?" "Well, it certainly isn't because of who I am because you just met me." "And it's definitely not your happy-go-lucky personality,” he said. I sneered at him and crossed my arms over my chest. "Then why are you bothering?" "Maybe I see something in you that the others don't." "And what's that?" "You're funny, you're smart, beautiful..." "And this is based on four minutes you've spent with me." "I've been watching you for a while." "Oh? How long exactly?" "Several months." "Another stalker! Yay for me." "You're so ... what's the word?" "If you call me a spitfire, I'm going to set you on fire.” He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners of his soft blue eyes. "Look, I've got Quillan fighting some crazed werewolf over me, a warlock prince who thinks we're engaged, and a boyfriend lost in another dimension. I'm going to have to pass." "What if I have a secret I could share with you?” I started back towards the house. "Tell someone who cares." "I'm serious. What if I told you the Council has an ancient scroll that prophesizes that a girl with mixed-blood and power over fire will decide all of our fate?" "I'd say the guy in the prophecy department sniffed too many old scrolls or needs to lay off the Harry Potter. I have powers, yeah. So does everyone else I've met lately." "In innocence, she'll light the fire and set ablaze the fun'ral pyre. And one shall rise and one shall fall, by hand of she who'll lead them all. Marked twice by beast in time of rage, and born again as the Wolfsmage. A house of magic be undone by she who can remake the sun." "You should work for Hallmark." "You owe me a date, now. How about Italian?” In answer, I blasted him with a fireball, but he shifted back into his snake form and slithered away, leaving me even more confused. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Nineteen DANCES WITH WEREWOLVES "You're being pursued by the proverbial forces of darkness and you've decided to take time out for a school dance?” Ian Sarke was on the opposite side of a dressing screen set to a corner of the room I was sharing with Gemma. "A girl's got to have a life,” Ruby said, winking at me. She zipped up the back of the dress and pinned back a loose curl from my forehead. "No one asked you what you thought, Opinion Boy,” I said, sliding the back of a metallic sandal strap over my heel. Ruby looked stunning in a tight, black halter dress with a full skirt that went to just above her knees. “Is everybody else ready?" "Mmm ... hmm,” Ruby said, bobby pins pressed between her lips. “Cyd has the coolest purple dress with a ruched waist and cap sleeves and Anise has on a light pink shell with a matching skirt.” I knew Gemma was wearing a dark blue empire-waisted dress she'd bought that summer. “You're never going to believe what Savannah is wearing,” Ruby whispered. “A green snake-print dress." "At least she has a sense of humor." "If that's what you want to call it." * * * * Spinning in a circle, I had just enough time to take a step to balance myself before Quillan spun me back into his arms. "You okay?” I think he asked because I let out a little squeak at the impact of my back against his chest. Either that or the fact that I was panting. "Yeah ... it's just ... I don't ... usually ... dance ... like this,” I panted. "Well, we need to improve your cardio.” I slapped him with the back of my hand and turned to see Cyd and Savannah dancing with some random guys. Anise, Ruby and Ian circled around Quillan and me, not letting anyone get too close, their eyes scanning the faces in the crowd. It felt claustrophobic. Someone waving caught my attention and I was surprised to see Denise gesturing for me to come over, her tan looking pretty in a silk dress the color of butter cream. "Excuse me,” I said, smiling up at Quillan. Denise was coming towards us. "Ascher, you look ... busy,” Denise eyed Quillan warily. “I won't keep you long. I just wanted to let you know that I Dax told me what happened with you guys." "What did he tell you?" "I forgive you, Ascher. I know it's been hard for you that I've started dating and I know you're just lonely for attention, or whatever, because of your Dad." "What are you saying?” I shook my head as though that would help me think more clearly. Dax was approaching, and I felt the vibrations of Quillan's growl at my back. "You know, that you need the attention of guys because your Dad was never around and..." "I told her about you trying to kiss me,” Dax said, by way of greeting. "I tried to ... what? You son of a...” I had one hand on the sleeve of his jacket when I felt my fire begin to flow. I knew he was the emperor of asshats, but to lie and say I'd tried to kiss him was beyond awful “You liar! I'd rather die than...” The familiar heat oozed through me. I started to losing control. Someone grabbed my hands, pulling them down, and I saw Gemma standing across from me. Quillan caught me to keep me upright before I realized I'd been falling. "You can control this,” Gemma said, there was a strange, echo-like quality to her voice. “Breathe, Asch. Don't let it go.” I saw a look of pain cross Gemma's face and I realized I was burning her. "No!” The fire eased, just like that. It just went away. As soon as I saw it was hurting Gemma it just sort of pulled back. "Is she okay?” Ian peered at us over Quillan's shoulder. "Gem?" Gemma stared at her hands. They were bright red, like she had a bad sunburn. Spreading her fingers, she watched me with growing horror. For the first time since I'd come into my powers, I felt their true nature. They were dangerous, freakish. I was a freak. Anise grabbed Gemma by the shoulders, aiming her in the opposite direction. Savannah and Cyd following with hushed voices. "Ohmigod, Gemma!” Students stopped to stare, making me flush. Quillan moved to block their view, pushing me against Ruby. "Whoa,” Ian said, taking me from Ruby and starting towards the emergency exit. Quillan growled at him and Ian's pupils constricted until they looked like those of a snake. “You can let me take her outside where we can direct the power elsewhere or she can blow up her classmates. "Then I'll take her,” Quillan said. "I see. And you have the ability to direct her magic because she still doesn't." "Whatever, you're not taking her alone.” I felt Quillan's hand on the back of my head as our trio hurried past curious looks. "Excuse me, young man!” I recognized Mr. Allard's voice before he stepped to block our departure. My tiny Honors Biology teacher looked scared. “Is everything alright, Miss Rafferty?” My head felt like it was being pressed between two giant hands. “Miss Rafferty?” I took a shaky breath, trying not to burst into tears. I tried to tell him that I was fine, but my words came out thickly, slurred by the fever that had overtaken me. "She's okay, just a little fever,” Ruby said. I hadn't even realized that she had followed us until she spoke. Mr. Allard reached out and touched my forehead with the back of his hand. "Dear God! I'm calling an ambulance." "You are going to have a seat and forget you ever saw us,” Ian said. Mr. Allard shook his head, rubbing his temples and making tiny pained noises. “Now!” Mr. Allard slumped to the floor, but I had only a second of worry as a cold rush of night air poured over my skin. It felt like heaven. "What just happened?” Ian took off his jacket and laid it on the ground, crunching under his steps, the frost splintering almost hypnotically. Quillan took his cue, placing me on the coat before taking off his own to drape over my bare legs. “What did you do to him?” Ian smiled at me, his eyes two black orbs. "Call it the power of suggestion.” Quillan said something, but my ears were popping, my temples full of pressure. “Okay, Ascher ... we're ... release ... power.” It was hard to concentrate on his words as my hearing returned and left. Ian reached for my hands as he began to chant. Something inside me stirred, but before I could let out a warning, a red flame leapt upwards, rushing out to knock Ruby off her fee, and send Ian and Quillan hurtling. "Oh, frick! Frick, frick...” Climbing to my unsteady feet, I ran over to check on Ruby who was moaning, a gash bleeding from her forehead. Quillan and Ian were collapsed together in a heap, arms encircling each other in a manner that would have been funny, if not for the fact that I'd caused an explosion. "Oh, fri..." "Such the foul moth.” Screaming, I spun, my palms outward, but only smoke poured from them, embers sparking out like the dying fire from a campsite. Daray was leaning against the building, one foot against the bricks, arms crossed and lips pursed. “A pretty mouth, but a foul one. You took off the present I gave you." "More important things happening!” I said, jaw clenched to keep from saying something to anger the nut-job. “In case you haven't realized, I just knocked three people unconscious!" "What, the werewolves? They'll recover. And that little snake-boy shouldn't have been messing with your powers. They're too strong ... for him.” Ignoring his implications, I gave him my best f-off look. "What are you even doing here?" "Lily foresaw an explosion involving you, so I came." "Great. You have your four-year-old sister spying on me." "Lily is five and, as for her vision, she had a nightmare and had me paged at Equinox. But since I'm in the area, I intend to cash in on our little arrangement. "I'm a little busy." "You will, of course, have to change into something else. While what you have on is beautiful,” Daray crooked his finger at me and I found myself floating forward, like I was being drawn by a magnet. I felt Daray's lips press against my temple as he inhaled. Great. He was sniffing me. Rigel will have to do some conjuring, though so that you look the part.” His fingers brushed over my arms and I shivered before I could stop myself. “Tell me, Ascher. Would you like to see Elliot?" "You know where he is?” I asked, pivoting so that I was face to face with Daray. His amethyst eyes burned with anger and I knew why. My voice sounded pained and desperate, even to me. "I can take you to see him, if you'd like." "Why?" "Because I love you, Ascher. I want to see you happy.” I didn't believe Daray's words for a minute, but if he could take me to Elliot, maybe I could help him. "I want your vow that you'll take me to see Elliot and that you won't try to keep me against my will.” Daray's brows drew together and he looked sideways, his jaw clenching. "You have my vow.” He produced a clear vial from his pocket and threw it onto the ground. A black void yawned open over the grass, the sound of powerful wind whipping through the darkness. I tried to step back, but Daray lifted me by the waist and hurled us into the blackness. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty MASQUERADE I felt myself slam into something solid, something warm, and something ... laughing? Daray's arms still wrapped possessively around my waist, with Rigel's hands at my elbows, easing me to an uneven ground. Rigel released me, only to scoop me up when I began to fall, my legs wobbly from whatever Daray had just done. "If you wanted a hug, all you had to do was ask,” Rigel said. He cradled me in his arms like an overgrown baby. “So how are things?” I ignored him, my eyes taking in my surroundings. Daray was talking with a man in some sort of costume, the two standing next to a horse-drawn carriage, of all things. "Where are we?” I asked. "I don't quite know. The Blackthorne coven keeps the whereabouts of their home very well hidden. Here...” Rigel snapped his fingers, and I gazed down the length of my body, where a gorgeous white dress materialized with gold embroidery all and a full skirt. There was something around my chest and waist, making it hard to breathe. A corset? The shoulders of the gown were bare, leaving loops of fabric to serve as sleeves. Swallowing, I touched my throat where I'd felt a silky strip of fabric looped around my neck. Thick curls brushed my shoulders, tickling me. "I'm not a Barbie, Rigel." "The vampires all dress like this, we're just trying to mesh.” He snapped his fingers and my vision was shaded by a soft mask. "We're going to a masquerade, cutie." "And Elliot is there, at this masquerade thing?” Rigel considered me for a long, moment, biting his lip. Daray cleared his throat, watching us. "In a manner of speaking." "Well, where is he?" "That's what the carriage is for, he's in a house just a few streets from here.” Rigel snapped his fingers, and his jeans and torn t-shirt disappeared, a pair of short pants, with the socks going to the knees, covering his legs. A red mask covered most of his face, the cartoon nose too long and misshapen to be anything but obnoxious. "The mask suits you,” I said. He grinned as a black jacket and a frilly shirt materialized to complete the picture. "Shall we?” Rigel crooked his arm, his body tilting in a dorky pose, and reached out to loop my arm through his. "Quit it,” I said. In response, Rigel grabbed my arm, kissing from the back of my hand up to my elbow, all the while taking my slaps and punches. The sound of Daray clearing his throat, made us both jump, as I fought to overcome the urge to laugh at Rigel's craziness. "Whimbrel?” Daray's face was hard, his eyes full of menace and anger. "I apologize. It's just that I like making her squirm. She's like a bratty kid sister, you know? You just want to tease her.” Rigel's eyes were glittering with glee, he winked at me once before bowing low in front of Daray. “The carriage is ready your highness." * * * * In the twenty minutes or so it took to reach our destination, Daray told me that we were to act as ambassadors from a high-up family of warlocks who were paying tribute to the vampires who helped us win a disagreement with a neighboring coven. He told me that I would need to pretend we were newly married, in order to get access to the Lord of Blackthorne who rarely spoke with non-vampires unless required. Why our supposed marriage warranted an intro to the vampire, I didn't know. Blackthorne was the order of vampires Dionysia belonged to, and I was seriously hoping that I wouldn't run into friends of hers. "And this guy has Elliot?” I asked. Daray's right eye twitched. "Yes.” Daray and I tilted forward as the carriage abruptly stopped, his arms pulling me close so that I didn't fall. He was staring at me through a blue mask that covered half of his face, phantom-style. The way he looked at me made me feel very big and very small all at once. Rigel shot out of the carriage, coughing. He had grown more and more sick as the ride wore on, until I thought he might get sick right there in the upholstered, cushioned satin. A man in a white powdered wig helped me step down from the carriage before turning his attentions to Daray who said something to him in a language I didn't understand. "Your beauty enchants all in your path, Countess Grimoire,” the man in the wig smiled, flashing fangs at me. I shrank back, my fingers grasping for Rigel who steadied me with both hands. “Forgive me, Lady. I am Jacques. Your young husband tells us you are familiar with our kind, but I see I have frightened you." "My Lady?” Rigel's voice held warning, reminding me that I was supposed to be playing the part of magical royalty. Daray's arm curved behind my back, his other hand reaching to clasp my gloved fingers, and steer me up the staircase. "Perhaps you could use a drink to calm down?” Daray asked, as he steadied me step-by-step, up what looked like marble stairs. Dozens of hungry eyes gazed at our approach, Rigel's breath strangely soothing as it ruffled the wisps of hair on my neck. A man dressed in white, with a half-mask covering his eyes and cheeks laughed as we approached. There was very obvious, very red stain on the lapel of his jacket. The man grinned at me, his teeth tinged pink. He pulled me away from Daray, cupping my face in his hands when Jacques stopped him. Jacques pressed a hand to the man's throat, squeezing with enough pressure to make his eyes bug like a frog's. "They are guests of the Lord of Blackthorne,” Jacques said. The man in white licked his lips. "Perhaps he will allow a taste. I usually prefer vintage, but will make an exception for something less ... ripe.” My cheeks were hot, I could feel the blush going up to my ears. Jacques lifted the man over his head and tossed him over the banister. "You'll have to excuse Lord Blackthorne's cousin. Petrel can be a bit ... brash with the young ladies." "Petrel?” As far as I knew, there was only one vampire named Petrel. He was the psycho who had bitten me, and been killed by Dionysia to “make amends." "Coincidence,” Daray said. By the time we were in line to be received by Lord Blackthorne, Jacques had interfered with four other vamps trying to grab me. I was starting to get very twitchy when Jacques excused himself. "Presenting Master and Mistress Gustavo,” a haughty woman announced, a pair of equally lace-clad and velvety people stepped up and bowed in the direction of a room divider, draped in dark silk. "Who is this guy, the Wizard of Oz?” I whispered. Rigel hugged me, shaking with laughter. "We get to keep her, right?” Daray and I both ignored him. The crowd began to murmur more loudly than before and I saw Petrel closing in on us, fangs bared. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty One LORD OF BLACKTHORNE In a blur of movement, Petrel closed his hands around my elbows, yanking me into his arms. Using his white-gloved hand to lift the mask from his face, he smiled at me. I felt bile at the back of my throat. It was the same Petrel that had bitten me. Alive. Well, undead at least. Petrel dropped the mask, stepping on it as he tightened his grip on me. Rigel's arms tightened around my waist until I couldn't breath, but Petrel flung him over the stairs in a repeat of earlier, before shoving Daray, headfirst, against the far wall. Dozens of colorful potions splattered from Daray's hands, landing against the railing and over the floor. I swayed from the effects of the potions, one of which was some kind of rapid-sleep mixture. Daray slumped to the ground, blood clotting around his hairline from the impact of the wall. "Presenting Master Culpepper and the Widow Gale,” the announcer droned. "You're dead,” I whispered as Petrel pulled me against him, as though in a dance. My right eye twitched from the stress of the night. Petrel made a hushing noise, pressing his thumb and forefinger into the back of my neck. I was screaming, had been for some time, but the noise of it was dampened by something Petrel was doing to my neck. "I assure you, sweet Lady, that I am very much alive." The announcer continued, though her words sounded filtered and far away. "Presenting the Lady Anastasia Quigley du Monte." "That's it, lovely. Go to sleep,” Petrel's lips were soft on my throat and I struggled to stay awake as my torso fell in a mockery of a dip in a dance. Through the banister, I could see that a crowd was watching us from the large room at the bottom of the staircase. "Presenting Lord and Lady Grimoire." Rigel was yelling something in that weird language to the masked announcer near the partition. She shrugged, saying something to two large servants who were holding Rigel back against the wall. I frowned at the assorted vamps, flipping them all the bird with my eyes, which only made them smile and whisper more. I felt Petrel's lips on my neck, kissing me. "Petrel,” his name was suddenly at my lips, making him pause. "How do you know me, girl?” He asked, his voice caked with venom. There was movement from the curtains and the throng of vamps seemed to cry out as one, in a sound of pure surprise. My head turned towards the figure of a young man. He looked like an angel, dressed in white and gold, but whether that was because he caused Petrel to stop or the flickering candlelight from the sconces above us, I couldn't say. "I am not accustomed to being made to wait,” the angel said. I craned my neck to get another look at him, and felt some inner warning go off inside my mind. Something was screaming for me to run; was telling me that I was in serious danger. Petrel jerked my arm, his fangs glinting in front of my eyes. "How do you know me!” Petrel growled, tightening his hold on me until I couldn't breathe. He was pulling me up the staircase now, and I heard shouts to “stop” and to “leave the girl.” My feet stopped moving as my oxygen grew more and more limited, causing Petrel to drag me up the last few steps. The crowd's whispers grew louder until all I could hear were words pounding in my ears. Terror took over, but I knew, oddly enough, that Petrel wasn't the cause of it. I had a moment where I thought that I must be confused; of course Petrel was the reason for my panic—he was trying to kidnap me! A moment later, I saw the reason for my panic. The angel stood just feet from me, his eyes the calm color of a sea before the storm. His skin was a shade lighter than mine, the green tracery of veins etching the surface. He was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen and I knew, in that moment, as he watched me with those beautiful eyes that he was going to kill me. There was only a moment of worry before Petrel's grip on my neck turned everything black and quiet. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty Two MEDIEVAL ELVIS OUTFIT "Ascher, you have to wake up!” I snuggled closer to the warm person next to me, my mouth dry from sleep and my eyes blinking open to adjust to the pale light in the room. Rigel leaned over me, his eyes huge and afraid. "What happened?" "Before or after that freak tossed me like a beanbag?” Rigel asked. "After." "Lord Blackthorne smacked him up. I thought he was going to break his neck." "Lord Blackthorne?" "The dude in the gold and white medieval Elvis outfit. He's in there with Prince Valerian now, we need to get out of here.” I sat up, wide awake. “He made me tell him everything." "Ohmigod! Did he torture you?” Rigel raised an eyebrow. "Uh-no. He just kind of asked me and I felt-compelled—to tell him the truth.” It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. Rigel helped me stand, from the pile of cushions. “We need to hurry. We have be outside for the time-loop to open or the spell could backfire." "Yeah, because it had been going so great, Dickweed!" "Hey. What's with the extreme language?" "This is all your and Daray's fault. I'm going to get killed because you two can't get a life and leave me alone! How can you work for someone like him?” I shoved Rigel as he tried to help me through the dark corridor. "It's complicated." "And clichιd, come on, Rigel. What could he possibly do for you that you'd be willing to be his servant?" "I was born to be at his side. My family has worked for his for just over a century.” He lifted a candelabra from the wall, and reached for my hand. I puffed a breath out and crossed my arms over my chest. "It's mandatory?” Rigel nodded, motioning for me to follow him through a small room that looked like some oversized gown-closet. "Until such a time as we prove ourselves trustworthy enough to work for him in outside capacities." "What does that mean?” Rigel sighed. "Not important, love.” I decided to change topics, my specialty when in the middle of an awkward moment. "This house is so weird. Where is this place?" "I think a better question would be when is this?". "What do you mean?" "It's just a guess, but based on the clothes, and the fact that Prince Valerian needed cohosh root to open the time loop, I'd say sometime in the seventeen-hundreds." "The seventeen hundreds!” Rigel hushed me, glancing around at the dark corners, all potential hidey-holes for bloodsuckers. "It seems that way." "You knew he was taking me back in time and you didn't warn me?" "Forgive me?” Rigel asked, doing his best to seem sorry. "Oh, no! You and Daray are such jerks. You are ... you're..." "Spit it out..." "You're, like, the emperor of asshats!" "You seem upset, Ascher.” I gripped my hands to keep from slapping him silly. "He said I was going to get to see Elliot,” I said. "And so you will ... look.” I followed the direction of Rigel's hand where I spotted Elliot walking behind a fabric screen. "This is some trick or something,” I said, even as I hurried after him. I shook off Rigel's grip, making my way towards Elliot. Stopping for a moment to kick off my shoes, I caught up to Elliot, and was about to say his name when Rigel covered my mouth with his hand. I bit Rigel just as Elliot turned a corner, making him tighten his hold. "Let go of me!" "He won't know who you are, Ascher." "But why would Daray take me back here if I can't ... I don't...” The sound of feminine laughter filtered past the corner and I shoved. Weaving my way towards the sounds of laughter, I peeked around a corner and saw that Elliot was entwined with a woman with dark, waist-length hair. I stopped breathing, and the woman turned to me, her eyes flashing from the light sconces on the wall. It was Elizabeth. Elliot's Elizabeth, kissed his cheek, frowning at me, like a vision straight from my nightmares. "She's not important. Just a witch,” Elizabeth said. She caught Elliot's hair between her fingers, leaning down to press another kiss into his lips. Rigel had been telling the truth, which meant that Daray brought me here, knowing it would hurt me. "You are taking me home, now!” Turning the same corner from which I'd come, I slammed into a bookcase, and saw that I was alone. The bookcase was heavy and immovable. It served nicely to block my exit point. “Beautiful, just beautiful." "You flatter me, child.” Lord Blackthorne, lifted me into his arms, and all but threw me through an opening in the wall. Landing on something soft, I clawed at the dark, trying to scratch the eyes out of something, anything that came near. The sound of something heavy being scraped along the wall blocked out the tiny bit of light from the hall, leaving me alone, in the dark, in a castle hundreds of years from my life. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty Three KISS THE BRIDE "You really shouldn't have come,” Lord Blackthorne said, his hand slipping across my face to cup my jaw, fingers brushing my cheek. I shrieked, shrinking back and kicking at my captor with stocking-covered feet. “Such a pretty child, in such an ugly place. Tell me, do you think your dear husband would mind if I stole a kiss from the bride?" Kicking him in the shin, I spun, making him release me. I climbed off whatever I'd landed on, aiming my palms out and wishing that I could see what the heck was happening. Flames from dozens of candles blinked at me as they lit with the power of my mind. Lord Blackthorne touched my shoulder, his other hand curving around the bodice of my gown, toying with the beading along the neckline. "A fireshifter. How fortuitous.” Straining my brain to recall the word from my Honors English vocabulary, I frowned. "Fortuitous, how?" "Now, I'm going to ask you some things,” he said, ignoring me, “and you are going to tell me the truth because it is my call to draw the truth from lesser beings and I have already spoken with your supposed husband and his servant.” I swallowed, confused, but not willing to ask questions and possibly anger the vampire. My neck hardly moved to nod my agreement. "How did you know my cousin's birth name?" "I met him at The Crimson in Chicago when he bit me and...” I shuddered, terrified that I was telling the vampire so much. It was like there was no filter from my brain to my mouth. If he asked something, I told him the truth—that was it. “Oh my God!” He let me go, sitting on the small sofa and motioning for me to take a seat across from him. “What are you?” He smiled at me, like I'd just said something very cute or very stupid. I sat on the foot of a large, four-posted bed, my fingers running over the lace coverlet. "I am Lord Blackthorne of the Blood Coven.” He watched me, eyes narrowing. "What?” I asked. "You surprise me, yet again. I have never, in my numerous years, met someone who did not know me by name. Why did you come here tonight?" "Daray told me I could see Elliot.” Something dark flashed behind his eyes as I said Elliot's name. "Your husband?" "He's not my husband, though he thinks he will be. He's Prince Daray Valerian and he's a complete nut-job, I..." "What is your name?" "Ascher Rafferty." "And you are a fireshifter? You must come from a very powerful lineage." "I don't know. I'm new to this witch-stuff. I just found out about being a witchlock when..." "A witchlock?" "Well, my father was a warlock and my mother was a witch." "Tell me more...” The words began to tumble from my mouth. I could feel a very real, very strong urge to confess everything to him, all my secrets, my fears, everything I'd ever kept private. "My grandma bound my mom's powers so she never knew what she was, and Gemma and me just found out what we were. Anyways, Petrel bit me and Savian bit Gemma and made her shift into a panther. I got dumped on the Bruer Coven, then Daray helped me learn to use my powers. We got Gemma away from the vampires, everything went nuts, and I got scratched by a werewolf. "Tell me more about Elliot.” I bit my cheek, struggling not to answer his question. Lord Blackthorne leaned forward, gently pressing his hand on the back of my wrist. The words tumbled out, uncensored. "He was my boyfriend, sort of, and I was totally in love with him, but he disappeared after trapping Dionysia in a time warp." "That magic is forbidden except for those chosen to guard it." "He's the Prince of Warlocks. I guess he does what he wants." "You loved Elliot?” Lord Blackthorne's eyes reflected the light, glasslike and unsettling. "I did. I thought he loved me or liked me, at least. Everyone says he only likes me because I look like this girl named Elizabeth that some guy named Linsey turned ... ahh!" Lord Blackthorne yanked the mask from my face, his long nail scratching the corner of my mouth. I tasted blood. "Ascher.” He gazed at me for such a long time, I started to shake. “What is the time you come from?” I must have looked confused because he heaved a sigh of impatience. “We are currently in the year 1567 of the calendar. The others tell me you are from a number of years in the future.” I started laughing, first just a nervous giggle, but then I couldn't stop. "What do you find so humorous? What time do you come from.” I told him, my answer seeming to answer both of his questions. "So it appears Petrel lives longer than one lifetime. I would have been certain someone had killed him within years.” Lord Blackthorne sat on a small, reclining sofa, pulling me onto his lap. I resented the fact that he was holding me like a pet, but thought it wasn't a good time to tell him off. A goblet appeared in his hand and he took a sip from it, watching me from behind the rim. His other hand toyed with my hair, coiling and uncoiling it around his fingers. "You resemble her a greatly, but you're eyes are kinder and your face more innocent. Tell me, why did you agree to come all this way with someone you hardly seem to trust, for a boy you hardly know?" "Because I love him, or I did, I...” I was starting to get choked up, like I was going to cry, but I didn't understand why I felt so ... sad, suddenly. "Why, Ascher. Why did you love this ... Elliot so much?” He lifted the goblet to my lips and I swallowed from it automatically, to keep from choking on the contents. "Because I thought he loved me.” I licked the corner of my mouth, where my blood beaded from his scratch. “I didn't think anyone would ... could..." "You thought no one would love you, child? And why is that, Ascher?" "I guess I've always known, always thought..." "What, Ascher?" "I've always known that there was something different about me. Something wrong." "And you believe this still?" "I don't know. I...” Images from the past few days of Gemma's worries, of the Council's mistrust and Anise's suspicious eyes. “They all knew ... they know." "That you hide behind things so that you won't be seen. Friendships, young men, you keep them all at a distance so that they cannot touch you or get close. Why?” A hot tear slid down my cheek. "Because I've always known that I couldn't lose them. I knew ... it would hurt too much. If...” my voice cracked. "If, what, my sweet?” He touched my face with cold fingers, his lips so close to mine that I could smell the heady mixture of wine on his breath. "If it wasn't forever." "And you want it to last forever. The friendships, the love? "Yes, I...” A rush of wind pulled me away from Lord Blackthorne, yanking me backwards, and through a howling tunnel of wind. I could hear his angry shouts from the swirling, deafening mists that whipped my hair to sting my cheeks. Too shocked to do anything, but cover my head from the force of the tunnel, I closed my eyes. My arms hit the hard-packed earth with a vengeance and the air left me. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty Four THE WITCH IS BACK I wanted very much to lie where I was for awhile and just ache, but several pairs of hands guided me to my feet. A chorus of worried questions sounded, as I rubbed the heels of my palms against my eyes. "Are you okay?” Savannah, Anise and Cyd stood in a circle around me, casting nervous looks at one another. Where Ruby, Quillan, and snake-boy were, I had no idea. I was betting some kind of supernatural emergency room. "The Wolcott's private doctor came and took them all. We wanted to stay, to try to get you back. We could tell you'd gone through a portal. What happened, Asher. Why is your lip bleeding." "I'm done,” I said. "What are you talking about?” Gemma asked. "I'm just done,” I said, taking in the sparkly tiara that sat on her head. "We know what happened or I wouldn't have had to open a forced portal,” Savannah said. Anise was glaring at her. "Those magics are forbidden. You shouldn't have done that. We would have found her,” she said. Savannah brushed some dirt from her knees. "Eventually. Anyway, no harm no...” I fell onto my back, with the weight of something pinning my legs down. Just as I registered that I was looking at Dionysia, an heavy weight filled the air, and pink light began to grow in a circle around the others. The only ones left out of it were me, what appeared to be, a sleeping Dionysia, and Clive who smiled at me, his teeth oddly even and un-pointed. "My regards, ladies,” Clive said, his normally drool-worthy Australian accent doing nothing to calm me. “I appreciate your bringing back my trouble and strife. Well...” Clive curled the prone form of Dionysia into his arms. “I'm sure we'll be in touch.” Momentarily clear-headed, I reached for Clive. "What about Elliot?” I asked. "Oh, him? There's a fair go he's dead." "What!” The wind blew past me as Clive shadowshifted, using the dark layers of night to shield Dionysia from the ring of fire that blew through the field. I watched, sleep pulling at me, as my magic struck the pink protective layer surrounding my sister, my possible friend, and my bodyguard. The pink film shimmered, but held, forcing the fire to coil back, into me. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty Five WOLFFIGHT "Ascher! Ascher, you have to wake up!" "Rigel?" "It's me, Asch.” Gemma rolled her eyes. "You need to get up. Quillan's been trying to talk to you all day about that challenge thing. He's out there right now. He and some pissy guy are beating the crap out of each other.” I leapt out of bed and registered the fact that I was wearing Gemma's “I Bring the Cheer” tee and someone's boxers. "Where are they?” Gemma reached out to grab my hand, but stopped, her face wary. I could see that her hands were red and raw, with some sort of shiny medicine on them. “Ohmigod, Gemma!" "Manhandling first, apologies later. They're in the back yard, by the stables.” Breaking into a jog, I dug my nails into my palms, muttering to myself. I was getting extremely tired of having to break up weird territory stuff from boys I barely knew. As I slid the screen door aside, I heard shouting and a pounding noise, like someone was punching a leather bench. "You're not going to win this, Wolcott.” Forcing myself past the corner of the stable, I slid to a halt, gravel cutting my feet. “Give up the girl." "Stop it!" "She's mine!” Quillan growled, pouncing on Travis. "Stop it, Quillan! Travis...” the boys ignored me, each of them too into fighting over me to listen to me. They struggled on the ground, Quillan on top one moment, and Travis the next. Werewolves stood around, watching the chaos, but doing nothing. I recognized the Atwater triplets and Quillan's ex who looked as though she would kill me if she could. "There still at it?” Cyd wrinkled her nose, gazing up at me. “Why didn't you stop them?" "I'm trying, they won't...” I took a deep breath as Quillan smashed Travis’ head against the ground. “I ... said ... stop it!” Suddenly airborne, I looked below me where twin geysers of fire appeared to be shooting from my palms. A huge round cloud of orange smoke began to grow, spilling out like a fiery mushroom cloud. I watched, awed, as it centered between Travis and Quillan, separating them, throwing them far away from one another, before pulling back to me, leaving only wisps of yellow smoke curling around their feet. "Uh, Ascher?" "It's okay, Gemma, I pulled it back. I..." "Ascher.” Anise was very far below me. "Oh God!” As suddenly as I realized I was suspended in the air, I was rushing down to Earth, where I was met by the ground and the freaked-out faces of my sister and the Bruer cousins. My body was glowing like a fluorescent light "She is the Wolfsmage,” Ian stood over me, beaming like I'd done something wonderful. "Um, Neese? Should we call Nana?” Cyd asked. "It's fine you guys. See, I pulled it back, and...” I followed the direction of Cyd's arm, which was pointing at large part of Quillan's forested backyard, a large part that was surging with flames. “Ohmigod!” I was airborne again, flapping my arms like a demented, day-glow bird. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty Six MEMORY POTION Three days later, I received a small gift box containing the vial of restorative memory potion Daray had promised: — The potion I agreed to give you. Pour the contents into a drink and serve. My apologies for the events this past weekend. — "Yeah, that's sufficient, you di..." "Did you say something, sweetie?” Grandma poked her head around the second entry to the kitchen, making me have a mini-coronary. I poured the vial into her mug, stirring it and facing her with a smile. "Uh, no. Your tea's almost done Grandma. Isn't Gemma keeping you company?" "She got a phone call on that cute little phone. You know, those things look just like little toys now.” Gemma rounded the corner at a run, and mouthed “sorry." "It's fine. Tea's done.” I handed Grandma the mug. She smiled and lifted it to her lips. Gemma and I held our breath. "You know I think it's so sweet you girls went to all this trouble, to..." "It'll get cold,” I said, probably a little to loudly. Gemma made her patented “shut it” face. "Oooh. So exciting. My girls cooking for me.” She blew on the tea, lifted it to her lips, and took a large sip of it, her eyes closing. Mmmm, I...” Her eyes snapped open, her hand reaching towards me, eyes frantic. “You!” I'd never heard my Grandma like this, she sounded so angry, so ... scared. “You should never have been born!" * * * * Three hours and two boxes of Kleenex later, I was still lying on my bedroom floor, frowning at my glass of water until it boiled and then closing my eyes and picturing ice cubes. It seemed to work. At least, I hadn't set anything on fire yet. Between setting a forest on fire, being told Elliot was dead, and my Grandma saying I should have never been born, I was struck with the thought that my new powers really bit the big one. Although I hadn't turned wolfy with the full moon, I now had to deal with the fact that my power was increased to dangerous levels when the moon was full; there was also the levitating/glowy thing. Closing my eyes, I cradled my mom's squishy down pillow under my face. Would mom feel the same way about me when Grandma told her whatever it was she was yelling at Gemma downstairs? "Nice grand parenting,” I whispered. “Like this all doesn't suck enough.” I rubbed my eyes and felt something scratch against my cheek. I guess I had fallen asleep at some point during my “life bites” tirade because there was a small white rosebud in my hand, stained red from the thorn puncturing my palm. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter Twenty Seven GEMMA The doorman to the Crimson reached out a long-nailed hand to block my entry. "There's a line, cutie. Unless you'd like to convince...” He said the last part through only partial use of his jaw. Impressive, really. Several more vampires intervened as I made my way to Savian's booth. I let the last two drag me there—half because I was tired, and half because I knew Savian would do worse when he saw them lugging me. His cobalt eyes lit up, his long, thin fingers running through his mane of white-blonde hair. "How lovely to see you. Of course, I knew as soon as you arrived. I would've met you, but...” he gestured for me to take a seat. "You like limping doormen?” I asked, smoothing my skirt under me before sitting. Savian closed his eyes, breathing deeply before opening them to gaze at me in half-lidded grossness. We stared at each other, his face more and more serious as the moments grew longer. "Tell me why you've come, my angel." "I need your help." Visit www.synergebooks.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.