Branded

by Neva Bell

  I’m about to tell him that’s ridiculous, but I pause. He’s right. The wolves will go after my loved ones.

  “What about my parents? Are they in danger?”

  Frank softens when he sees I’ve put two and two together. “We’ll have someone watching them at all times. They’ll be okay.”

  I sigh. “This is so messed up.”

  Chelsea consoles me as we walk upstairs. “It will be okay. It seems hard now, but it will get easier.”

  That’s my sister. Always thinking positively.

  Chapter Four

  Chloe

  I listen half-heartedly as Frank fills my parents in on our new house guest and the plan to send me to Leviston. My parents are wearing brave faces, but the stray glances between them, and the way my mom gently clears her throat before she asks Frank questions, lets me know they are scared.

  “I should move out. Stay somewhere else,” I suggest.

  “Absolutely not,” my dad says at the same time Frank says, “No.”

  “Come on you guys. It’s the safest way.”

  “No,” Dad says again firmly. “You’re staying here.” I am all too familiar with this tone. It’s the same tone that denied me a belly button ring and a date with a guy in college when I was sixteen.

  I glance around the room. I can see there is no winning over this crowd. I sigh and walk away. I’m tired of listening to safety plans. I wander off to see if Elliott is still around. Despite Frank’s warning, I hope Elliott hasn’t left without saying good-bye.

  To my relief, I find him packing his equipment in our front room.

  “Hey, how’d it go?” he asks with a smile.

  I shrug. “Okay I guess.”

  Elliott starts folding his table. “Things are going to be weird for a while, but they’ll level out.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.”

  He chuckles. “It will. I promise.”

  He’s so damn cute. It’s too bad I can’t pursue this any further. I break the bad news to him. “I’m not supposed to talk to you anymore.”

  Elliott finishes folding the table and leans it against the wall. He walks over to me. “I figured Frank would say that. But I’m a step ahead of him.”

  I raise my eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What’s the plan?”

  “I’ll call you on Frank’s phone.”

  “Huh?”

  “Frank’s my brother. What’s weird about me calling my brother?”

  “True. There’s one problem though. You think Frank’s going to hand over his phone so we can chat? Plus, he’ll have to track me down every time you call.”

  “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Frank is going to be on you like white on rice.”

  I groan. “Great.”

  Elliott wraps his arms around me and holds me tight to his chest. “He’s not so bad once you get to know him.”

  “He hates me,” I mumble against his shirt.

  Elliott squeezes me tighter. “He doesn’t hate you. Give it some time.”

  I close my eyes and lean into him. He smells amazing.

  “You know,” Elliott says after a moment, “there’s nothing wrong with a brother visiting a brother either, right?”

  I’m beaming now. I look up at him. “You’re a genius.”

  “I wouldn’t say that, I just know I want to see you again.”

  His eyes twinkle, a smile on his face. Elliott is about to lower his mouth to mine when I hear a deep voice clear his throat.

  “Time for you to go little brother. You’ve been here too long already. Could look suspicious.”

  Elliott laughs as he pulls away. “I tattooed twins today Frank. Of course it will take longer than normal. Especially when one of them is very needy,” he says, winking at me.

  “Whatever,” I tease back.

  Elliott grabs his equipment and heads for our front door. I’m bummed when it sinks in that I won’t see him again for a long time, if ever.

  As he’s about to leave, Elliott turns back to Frank. “I’ll call you soon.”

  Elliott and I exchange a glance, then laugh.

  Frank looks back and forth between us like we’re crazy. “What’s so funny?”

  Elliott shakes his head. “Nothing.” He gives me a warm smile before stepping out the door. “Later Chloe.”

  Frank shuts the door before I can respond.

  “Hey! That was rude,” I protest.

  “Get used to it,” Frank says, walking by me. “I’m not known for my charm.”

  I snort. “Me neither.”

  Frank pauses for a moment and turns to me. He looks me dead in the eyes. “I want what’s best for you. Sometimes, you won’t like it.”

  He walks away, leaving me to process his honesty.

  ---

  Chelsea

  “Rory, I can’t go to Long Island without my sister. I’m sorry.”

  Rory is over at our house, begging me for the tenth time to go on our trip.

  “She wants us to go,” he argues.

  He’s right. Chloe has told me over and over again I should go on the beach trip, but I can’t do that to her. She’s disappointed enough as it is. She doesn’t need me coming home with a tan, full of stories about the fun I had.

  I sit down next to Rory on our couch in the basement. “I wouldn’t have a good time. I’d feel too guilty.”

  Rory sighs. He’s disappointed. “Fine.”

  This is awful. No matter what I do, I’m hurting someone’s feelings.

  I run my hand through his red hair. “I’m sorry. It’s just weird right now.”

  Frank ran his silly background check on Rory and gave me the go ahead to spill the beans. Rory was as shocked as we all were when I told him Chloe is the next Verhena.

  “Chloe? Are you sure?” he asked me more than once.

  Rory pulls me in for a hug. “I was really looking forward to some alone time with you.”

  “I have a backup plan.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “How do you feel about a few days away? Just the two of us in New York City?”

  His eyes light up. “Seriously?”

  I nod. “It’s not the beach, but it can still be a romantic getaway.”

  “Absolutely!” He leans in and gives me a sweet kiss. “I love you Chelse.”

  My heart warms. “I love you too.”

  We snuggle together and turn on a movie. I’m glad I came up with the idea of going to New York City. Not only will I get some quality time with my boyfriend, we’ll get out of the house for a little while. Poor Rory has been stuck in the house with me for the last two weeks.

  Rory chuckles at something in the movie, but I missed the funny scene. I’m too busy worrying about Chloe. She’ll be okay here by herself, right?

  Chloe’s been a basket case and I’m doing all I can to cheer her up. Her future doesn’t look anything like she thought it would. She’s still going to Leviston, but it will be a completely different experience than she anticipated.

  “No parties. No boys. No fun,” she whined the other day.

  “It can still be fun,” I told her. “There will be plenty of chances for you to let loose.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Yeah right. I’ll be training all day, every day. And worse, I’ll have the Guard watching every move I make.”

  I couldn’t argue with that. The Guard is already watching every move she makes. Mine too. It’s unnerving. A member of the Guard is not only living in my house, but trailing me wherever I go.

  “Creepy,” Rory said the first time we noticed a Guard member at the same restaurant as us.

  Now Rory makes it a game. He times how long it takes to spot the Guard member watching us behind the scenes. He’ll even go so far as to yell, “gotcha!” when he spots the Guard.

  Rory’s been amazing through all of this. Making me laugh at what would otherwise be a dreadful experience.

  I surprise him with a kiss on the cheek.

  He smiles. “What was that for?”

/>   “For being awesome.”

  He squeezes my shoulder. “I can’t wait until our trip. I’ll have you all to myself.”

  I giggle. “Aren’t you sick of me yet?”

  Rory leans down and kisses my lips. “Never.”

  ---

  Chloe

  The last three weeks have been the most boring weeks of my life. I’ve only left the house a handful of times. It’s weird being followed. I don’t always see Frank, but I know he’s there. I keep waiting for him to jump out and yell “boo!” when I’m not expecting it.

  My cousin, aka green shirt guy, aka Matthew, has blended in well with my family. In fact, my mom likes him way more than she should. I can’t help but think she’s picturing his shirt tearing open over and over again.

  I hide away in my room most of the time reading books, watching TV, even drawing occasionally. It’s just so damn boring.

  I’d love to talk with Elliott, but Frank and I don’t interact as often as I thought we would. He’s always lurking around somewhere, but he and I can’t be seen together in public until we’re at Leviston.

  As much as I didn’t want to go to Leviston before, I’m chomping at the bit to go now. I need out of this house. I have everything packed and ready to go. I had to buy myself new clothes because my brand has to be covered at all times, including workouts. It sucks not being able to wear a tank top, but I guess that’s better than being dead. Although I’m not living much of a life lately.

  Samantha, our coven leader, has come over to the house a few times to visit me. She is helping me with new spells, things the coven hasn’t taught us yet. Each witch has his or her own specialty and Samantha’s is her “green thumb.” With her help, I’ve learned cultivation spells. I can now grow a tomato in three minutes. What I will do with that skill, I have no idea.

  Samantha also showed me a basic combustion spell. When I’m powerful enough, I’ll be able to shoot fire from my fingertips. Right now though, I can’t do much more than warm up a bowl of soup.

  I want to learn more magic, but Frank insists I wait until I get to Leviston. If I could, I would teach myself spells behind his back. But I don’t have much to work with. It’s not like I can go on YouTube and watch witch videos. Trust me, I’ve tried. Everything online is hokey, fake witches pretending they know magic.

  The videos make me laugh because normal people believe all the movie clichés about witches, which are all wrong. The biggest mistake I see is a magic wand. Witches don’t need magic wands. Once you know your stuff, the spells aren’t required either. All you have to do is mentally envision what you want to happen.

  It’s exactly one week before we head to Leviston and Chelsea skipped town to go to New York City with Rory. Not having Chelsea around sucks, but I can’t blame her for bailing out. I would if I could.

  I emerge from my bedroom around noon. I find my “cousin” watching ESPN in the family room.

  “What’s up?” I ask Matthew as I flop onto the couch.

  “Same old, same old,” he answers with a grin.

  I like Matthew, he’s more laid back than Frank.

  “Are we going anywhere today?” he asks.

  “Bored like me, huh?”

  “I hate to say it, but yes. I’m not used to being inside this much. I’m usually out on patrol,” he explains. “I suppose it beats the alternative.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Getting attacked by wolves could be interesting.”

  He chuckles, then returns his attention to the television.

  I’m sure Matthew would give the werewolves a run for their money. He’s built like a ton of bricks and from what I hear, is one of the best fighters in the Guard. Poor guy is probably as desperate to get out of here as I am.

  When Sports Center cuts to commercial, I tell Matthew something I should have said a long time ago. “Hey, thanks for doing this. It’s not flashy or exciting, but it means a lot to me.”

  Matthew blushes, not used to getting praise. “No problem. This has been my easiest job yet.” He pats his stomach. “I’ve gained ten pounds. Your mom is awesome.”

  I smile. “Yeah, she is.”

  I’d love to add, “She’s nice to you because you’re so damn hot,” but I keep my comments to myself.

  I stand up. “I’ll leave you to your ESPN.”

  “Chloe…wait.”

  I turn around and Matthew hands me a cellphone. When I give him a questioning look, he explains, “Elliott’s number is in there.”

  I’m shocked. “Are you serious? I can call him?”

  Matthew nods. “Just for a few minutes. And don’t worry about Frank. Frank’s the one who got this burner phone for you.”

  “A burner phone?” I examine the phone. Looks like any other cellphone to me.

  “It’s a disposable phone. It can’t be linked to you because it’s registered in a fake name. Frank said this is the only way you are allowed to call Elliott.”

  I roll my eyes. “Well at least I have Daddy’s permission.”

  Matthew chuckles. “Indeed. He sees how bored you are. You need some cheering up.”

  I give Matthew a quick hug. “Thank you for this! I’ll bring the phone back in a few.”

  I run up the stairs like a kid with a new toy. I get to call Elliott!

  Matthew already typed Elliott’s number into the phone, so all I have to do is hit the dial button. I pace around my room as I wait for the call to go through. I feel like I’m going to bust as I listen to the ringing.

  And then he answers. “Hello?”

  “Elliott?” I can barely get his name out.

  “Chloe?” he whispers. “Is that you?”

  “Yes! Can you talk?” I hope he isn’t in the middle of branding someone.

  “How are you calling me right now?” he asks.

  “I’m on a burner phone.”

  “Does Frank know about this?”

  Really? He’s worried about Frank?

  “Yes, he knows.”

  Elliott hears my disapproval and laughs. “Sorry. I had to make sure you won’t get in any trouble.”

  “Ha ha,” I say dryly. “You don’t know what I’ve been dealing with here.”

  “Hey, I grew up with the guy, remember? Seriously though, is he being good to you?”

  I throw myself on my bed and lay on my back. “Actually, I haven’t seen him at all. Just Matthew.”

  “You and Matthew aren’t getting too close are you?”

  I snicker. “Please. And compete with my mother? I don’t think so.”

  “Ugh. There’s an image I didn’t need in my head.”

  “Yeah, it’s kinda gross.” I change the subject. No one needs to think about Matthew and my mom getting busy. “Where are you today?”

  “Home. I have the day off.”

  “Where is home?”

  “Burlington, Vermont.”

  I roll onto my stomach and prop myself up on my elbows. “Oh, you’re close to Leviston then.”

  He laughs. “Yes ma’am. Not far at all.”

  “That’s good. Really good.” I’m practically drooling.

  What the hell is wrong with me? I meet a man once, kiss him a couple times, and I’m acting like a total goober. This is not me at all.

  “I’ve thought about you a lot since I left,” Elliott says into the phone.

  My heart flutters. “You haven’t been busy rubbing on other girls?”

  “Well, maybe a little. But just for branding purposes.”

  I chuckle. It feels good to laugh. “Sure, sure. I bet you say that to all the girls.”

  “Been keeping yourself busy?”

  I sigh. “I’m bored out of my mind.”

  “I wish I was there to entertain you.” He’s flirting now and I love it.

  “Me too. I’m sure we could find all kinds of fun ways to pass the time.”

  “Maybe I’ll hop in my car and drive down there.”

  I smile. “That would be amazing. You’d have to get past a few men i
n Under Armour first.”

  Elliott laughs. “What is up with those shirts anyway? Don’t they realize they look ridiculous?”

  “Careful now. Your brother could be listening.”

  “True. He’ll probably kick my ass the next time I see him.”

  “Nah, I think you can take him,” I tease.

  “Seriously? Have you seen the guy? He’d pick me up and throw me through a wall.”

  Now I’m laughing too. “No worries. I’ll be your personal nurse.”

  “Hmm…I think I’d like playing doctor with you.”

  “Yes, you would.”

  There is a knock on my door and Matthew peeks in. “Time’s up Chloe.”

  I nod my head. “Okay Matthew, I’ll be out in a second.”

  Matthew closes the door to give me some privacy.

  “I have to go Elliott.”

  “I heard.” He sounds disappointed. “Are you really okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m just bored. And a little scared. At least I’m safe here. Who knows what will happen when I get to Leviston.”

  “My brother is super smart. He’ll make sure you’re safe.”

  “I know,” I say halfheartedly.

  “You know what’s weird?” Elliott asks before we hang up.

  “My whole life?”

  Elliott chuckles. “Well sure. But I’m talking about me. I hardly know you Chloe, and I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  I know exactly how he feels.

  Chapter Five

  Chelsea

  Rory whistles. “This place is great Chelse! One of the perks of being the Verhena’s twin, huh?”

  I wish I shared his enthusiasm.

  Chloe and I moved into our new apartment at Leviston three days ago. Rory and I are unpacking the remaining boxes.

  “It’s alright.”

  “Alright? Alright? This place is fantastic.”

  Rory, like most first year students, moved into his dorm room today. It’s barely big enough for his bed and desk. There is a communal bathroom down the hall with old showers and stall toilets. The walls are paper thin and music is playing at all hours. I don’t know why, but I’m jealous.

  I should love the apartment Chloe and I are in. It’s on the top floor of a four-story brick building near the northwest corner of campus. We each have our own bedroom and bathroom, and there’s a full kitchen and living room. The problem is, the rest of the building is filled with Guard members, not students.