by R. Getsee
“You suffered a severe concussion, a small fracture to your cranium, and several bruised ribs, along with other small scrapes and bruises from the fall. Luckily, your accelerated healing is impressive, even for a vampire, and it kicked in before any permanent damage was done. Obviously, you’re stuck here for a few more hours as it is afternoon, but you should be able to go home as soon as the sun sets.”
“Thank you,” I said politely. “I appreciate all you’ve done.”
The doctor nodded and told me to get some rest before he left the room once again. I was truly grateful that I hadn’t been taken by those psychos. I had no idea what they wanted me for or what they planned if they succeeded in their attempt to kidnap me. I was thanking God, or whatever being created the Ancients, that I was blessed with the ability to heal quickly.
Now that I’d had time to process the whole attack and whatever the vision meant, I was oddly tired. The others left after my umpteenth jaw-breaking yawn, insisting that I get some rest before we headed home and I sank into the comfy pillows, finally surrendering to my heavy, drooping eyelids.
Thoughts swirled in my head and I succumbed to the tiredness that was making my body heavy. I wondered what information the scrolls held if we were able to finally translate them, the thick leather-bound book that had seemed to call to me, the meaning behind all my visions, and for some reason, that day I’d seen Torah and Athena in Professor Carlisle’s office.
The last thing that passed through my mind was one of the Ancients, and more importantly, the leader, Lucian. His face stood out in my mind, clearer than the others, his achingly familiar emerald green eyes bore into mine as if he was trying to speak to me.
I felt a sharp sting on the back of my neck, and I tried to rub the spot, but sleep had already claimed me. The last thing I heard as I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep was his voice, whispering as if on the wind, “The Ruby has awoken.”
15
Alex
I was lucky that no weird dreams plagued me as I slept for the rest of the day and partly into the next night. After I woke, I was officially discharged. Jared had forced Emi to go home and get some rest as soon as the sun went down, but Roman stayed as we’d all traveled to the hospital in his Jeep, the guys refusing to let me collect my car from the mall after we left the hospital.
As soon as I’d gotten home, I showered as quickly as possible, my orange and lotus flower body wash cleaning away the grime of the attack and the hospital stay. Once I was dressed in my favorite pair of black ripped skinny jeans, a deep red sweater that dipped off one shoulder, and my black heeled biker boots, I grabbed my keys and headed over to Jared’s room.
“Just so you know, you don’t have me fooled.”
I turned toward the familiar voice, my shoulders tensing in anticipation as I found Torah leaning against her doorframe.
“Can I help you?” I asked, arching my brow as I met her eyes.
She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. “You think that this vulnerable bad girl act will work but it won’t.”
“Vulnerable bad girl?” I snorted. “What the hell are you talking about?”
It was Torah’s turn to snicker, her eyes narrowing to slits. “You can change your hair, wear semi-decent clothes, act like you have an attitude and wrap it all up in a couple dramatic accidents that make people want to protect you, but underneath it all, I know exactly who you really are.”
“And who would that be?”
“You will always be the same weak, pathetic, powerless Void you were before your powers awakened. The same girl who held back the family because we were ashamed of you. The same loser who Roman sees when he looks at you, who he feels bad for so pretends to be your friend.”
“Take a long walk off a short cliff, sis,” I said, trying to rein in the fire that pulsed in my veins. “You think that just because you have money and act like the queen bitch that you can get whatever you want.”
I let loose a little gust of air, pushing her back into her room and she stumbled backward with a grunt. “I don’t have to put up with your shit any longer, and I won’t let you bully me into acting like someone I’m not. We’re done here.”
I flicked my wrist, and the door slammed shut in front of her snarling face. I held it there until the doorknob stopped jiggling, allowing myself to cool off before relaxing and continuing on my way towards Jared’s room.
Rapping lightly on the door, I jumped back in shock as a shirtless Roman answered instantly. I gulped as I took in his wet hair that was still dripping, little water droplets sliding down his chest. My eyes slid down his abdomen to the toned V that dipped into the jeans slung low on his hips.
“You’re supposed to be getting some rest.”
I jerked my eyes up, my face heating as I met his vibrant eyes. I cleared my throat, the heat in his gaze making me feel like I was underdressed as I fiddled with the strap of my black lacy bra that peeped out from under my sweater.
“I need a favor,” I said as soon as I was able to think coherently, averting my gaze as it tried to travel down south once again. “Can you give me a ride back to the mall?”
He gave me a look as if he was questioning my sanity. “You just spent the day in the hospital after getting your head smashed in by a couple of psychopaths, and you want to go back to where you were attacked in the first place?”
“Please?” I asked. “It’s important.”
“What could be more important than your safety?”
I gave him a pleading look. “I need a book.”
“A book? You want to risk yourself for a book? Alex, the Elementals got away, they could be anywhere, waiting for another shot at you.” Now he really thought I was crazy.
“It’s a very important book,” I said, suppressing a shudder at the thought of one of those creeps finding me again. “And I need to pick up my Jeep.”
Roman gave me a frustrated look. “I’m sure Jared can pick it up after school on Monday.”
I shook my head. “I need my car. If you don’t take me, I’ll just go on my own.”
“Why are you so stubborn?” he asked.
“It’s a gift I was born with,” I said, my voice sugary-sweet. “By the way, why are you half-naked?”
“Why? You wanna join me?” He smirked and my cheeks reddened.
“Nope, I was just wondering if Jared was included in it,” I wiggled my eyebrows, “if you know what I mean.”
He glared at me as he leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest, making his muscles bulge. I tried to subtly wipe the corner of my mouth, checking for drool. Don’t go there, Alex, I warned myself.
“So are you giving me a ride or what?” I asked.
Roman sighed in frustration and ran a hand over his face before he closed the door on me. I stared at the door, my surprise quickly turning into annoyance at his rudeness. I was just about to turn on my heel or risk putting my fist through the wood when Roman re-emerged from the room, now sporting a dark blue Henley.
“So are you coming or not?” he asked reluctantly.
I smiled in triumph as we drove. We entered the underground parking lot and managed to find an open spot near my Jeep. I jumped out and ran around the large vehicle, surveying it in search of any dings and scratches. I was glad that my baby appeared to be in perfect condition. I don’t think the Elementals would have been safe anywhere if they had ruined her sleek paint job.
“Okay, we’re here, get into your car and drive home.” Roman looked extremely peeved as he stood over me, his arms welded to his chest.
“I’ll leave as soon as I get what I need,” I said, getting annoyed at his sour mood. “You don’t have to stay, you know.”
“You are so stubborn,” he muttered, but followed me as I walked toward the elevator.
“You’re one to talk,” I huffed, mirroring his stance as the metal box rose.
He harrumphed, a little smile playing on his lips as he leaned back against the wall. We stood in b
rooding silence as the annoying, cheery elevator music played quietly in the background and I had to stifle a giggle. He was kind of adorable.
The doors finally opened, and I half-ran toward the bookstore, excitement thrumming through my veins as I drew closer to the book. It was standing in the same position in the display case, the faded brown leather catching the artificial light of the store.
This was it. This book—whatever it was—held the answers I needed. I absently rubbed the back of my neck where it ached, stopping when I heard my name being called.
Roman shifted protectively, shielding me from the perceived threat as Shane came into view around his broad shoulders. I elbowed him away, waving at the cute human who stopped before me, grinning like it was Christmas.
“Hey, Alex. I’m glad you came back,” he said. “I told Marty that he might have a new customer, and he was beyond excited that he might finally get rid of that old thing.”
“Thanks, Shane,” I smiled at the boy, “I appreciate it.”
His smile faltered slightly when he noticed Roman’s hulking figure standing behind me protectively, looking like an overcautious bodyguard.
“Hey, dude,” he said uncertainly, offering his hand in greeting, “I’m Shane.”
Roman looked at the hand as if it was a snake about to bite him and I rolled my eyes. “Shane, this is my friend Roman. Roman, this is Shane. He was nice enough to let the owner know I wanted the book, so he didn’t sell it before I came back.”
I elbowed him in the stomach and he grunted in reply.
“So,” Shane said awkwardly, “you guys together or…?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, just friends, he was just giving me a ride.”
The poor human looked so relieved, I immediately felt bad. He seemed really nice, and I didn’t want to lead him on.
“Anyway, we’re kind of in a rush, we have to get home soon,” Roman finally spoke, his tone harsh.
“Fine,” I huffed. “Thanks again for your help.”
Shane grabbed my arm as we turned to leave. “Hey, I was wondering, can I get your number? I’d like to call you sometime.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but Roman got there first. “She’s not interested,” he growled, looking down at the hand on my arm with a furious glare.
Shane immediately snatched his hand back, holding them both up in surrender. “Sorry, dude, she said you guys were only friends…”
He said an awkward goodbye and walked away, leaving me to stare dumbfounded. Once I got my wits together, I tried to elbow Roman again, though he was ready for it and twisted away.
“What was that for?” he asked.
I glared at him. “What the hell was that? Why were you so rude?”
“I wasn’t rude. I just don’t make it a habit of getting too chummy with humans.”
“Chummy?” I had to keep myself from laughing or punching his perfect face. That was pretty much my every reaction to the infuriating vamp.
“Yes, Alex,” he took on a condescending tone, “we’re not allowed to get close to humans. You know the rules we live by.”
I flinched at his cold tone. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I just don’t want you getting hurt because a human flashes you a smile and shows you attention.”
I gaped at him. Was he serious? I couldn’t believe that this was the guy I was crushing on. Did he really think that little of me? I had to take a breath to calm myself before I did something I would regret, like find something sharp and pointy and inflict some serious damage on this idiot.
“Nice to know what you really think of me,” I said coldly.
He flinched. “You know that’s not what I meant. I just don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all.”
“Whatever.”
I refused to look at him, balling my hands into fists, my nails cutting into my palms with the force as I entered the store. It was an old-fashioned-looking store, the smell of dust and mothballs clogged my senses from the moment I walked through the door.
The man behind the counter, presumably Marty, was a human in his late forties. He looked like the stereotypical middle-aged hippie—long graying hair tied back in a low ponytail and a brightly colored tie-dye T-shirt.
He grinned at the two of us as we walked in, oblivious to the tension that was thick between us.
“Welcome, welcome,” he said like a typical surfer dude and leaned casually against the counter.
This guy was so not the type one would associate with the owner of a bookstore, let alone one dedicated to antiques.
“Hey,” I said. “We’re looking for Marty.”
His grin deepened, showing us every one of his pearly white teeth. “Then look no farther.” He gestured to himself. “What can I do you for?”
“I’m Alex, Shane said he told you I was coming.”
He stood up a little straighter, his casual persona fading away to one of seriousness that fit the atmosphere of the store better.
“So you’re the girl that had little Shaney star struck.” He smiled. “You’re interested in the history of prophecies?”
Roman’s face twisted into a weird expression and I frowned at him. Was that a hint of fear glinting in his eyes? I shook off my concern. I was still hella mad at him and I wasn’t going to let myself get worried about him, especially with the whiplash I was getting from his mood swings.
“Yep, that’s me,” I said.
Marty nodded his head at the glass case that held the book and my heart skipped in excitement. “Can I …?” I trailed off, looking toward the case.
Marty stepped forward, bringing a key which hung from a chain around his neck out from under his shirt. He made quick work of unlocking the case, before he gently lifted the book out and placed it almost reverently into my hands.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, stroking the cover softly, trying to hide my surprise as energy jumped from under my fingers. “How much do you want for it?”
He waved me away as I reached for my credit card. “Free of charge,” he said.
I shook my head at him. “I couldn’t. It must be worth a small fortune.”
“That book has been catching dust just sitting on the shelf for over three years waiting to go to a good home. I’ve never seen another person other than myself look at a book with that much respect and love. It belongs to you.”
I couldn’t help the sense of rightness as his words rang true—the book definitely felt like it was mine. After another few minutes of me trying to pay him, and him warding off every offer I made, even the most generous, I finally exited the store with the book wrapped in a protective cloth and nestled safely in a bag that read Marty’s Books in elegant script.
“Hey, Alex, about before…” Roman started, but I held up my hand to stop him.
I knew he hadn’t really meant for me to take his words the way I had, but it still stung, and I definitely wasn’t done being pissed at him. I was about to tell him exactly that when a store window caught my eye. I told him to wait there, a little glad that I’d lost my shopping bag in the attack as I zoomed in and grabbed the perfect dress.
16
Alex
“Holy crap.” Jared was sitting on my bed with Emi’s legs in his lap as she lounged across my comforter. I had just finished explaining my latest vision to him now that Roman had blessedly left the house.
I wasn’t quite as mad at him anymore, but I didn’t want him to know about any of this quite yet. I trusted him, but I couldn’t help the feeling that he was keeping something from me, and with that and my mixed-up feelings toward him, I was only ready for three out of the four of us to share in this secret.
“So, I’ve been thinking…” Emi pitched in. “From what the Ancients said about the three people who would be the ones to stop the Jet thing, and from what he said about you not being able to gather the other two before he got out and, you know, murdered you, you must be one of the three.”
“We don’t know that,” J
ared said. “I mean, no offense, Alex… you’re super powerful, but there could be multiple reasons as to why you’re seeing these things. You could be one of the Watcher guys they created.”
Emi laughed. “I can’t believe this is our life,” she said. “It sounds like we’re in an episode of Buffy.”
I snorted. Though the show was filled with inaccuracies and a little insensitive—portraying vampires as soulless creatures who killed without remorse—I’d found out that Emi and I both shared a love for the old 90s show. Call it what you may, but the whole ‘monsters run from the girl’, instead of the ‘girl runs from the monsters’ was an ageless classic.
My gaze returned to the pile of scrolls and papers that once again littered the bed. “Mr. C also said that the Elementals wouldn’t like us prying in their business, so you think that’s why they attacked us?”
Jared shot me a thoughtful expression. “Could be. Either the Elementals know that we’ve been looking into them, or they just want you because of your affinity. I think it’s probably the latter since it’s common knowledge what you can do now.”
“Either way, we have to be more careful from now on,” Emi said.
I nodded in agreement. I walked over to my closet and pulled out the bag with the book carefully. After I’d texted Emi and Jared about it, they’d made me promise to wait for them before opening it. It was another reason I was thankful for Roman’s absence—he’d been acting weird since we had gotten it.
Of course, I told Emi about the debacle with Shane and Roman, and though she had vividly offered to replace his family jewels with pinecones because of how he had treated me, she firmly believed that he was jealous over the competition and was still on team Ralex.
I ran my hands over the cover, shivering slightly at the spark of energy that once again coursed through me as I studied the weird symbol on the cover. Upon closer inspection, I had discovered that it had not in fact been a pentagram, but a strange rendering of a triquetra, which, after a little trusty Googling, I’d found out was a form of Celtic knot.