“No.”
“Zoe,” Dad said from my doorway. “Do you need to pack for the weekend? Mom said that you’re going to Kier—”
“Oh crap,” I said. “Yes.” I turned back to Aiden. “I gotta go. See ya.”
“Bye, Zoe,” Aiden said. “For now.”
I waved again, closing my window and feeling more than a little unsettled.
I found a duffle bag from the walk-in closet and started sorting through potential clothes to wear to Vash’s, but I wasn’t sure what to bring. After all I’d never been to a pack’s territory. I dug around the bathroom cabinets and found a small, pink cosmetic bag I’d forgotten about, and I loaded it with soap, shampoo, conditioner, and makeup.
When I stepped back into my room, my heart just about stopped. Sidelle lay sprawled across my bed. I still hadn’t gotten used to her poofing in and out, which she seemed to be doing every chance she got now that her cover was blown, and I knew she was a fairy.
“Hey, Zoe? Whatcha packing?”
I took a deep breath, trying to get my heart rate back to normal. “I thought you said seven. I grabbed some stuff, but I’m not actually sure what to bring for clothes.”
“I know. I’m early.” She played with a strand of her short black hair. “Just bring whatever you wear on weekends.”
“Okay.” I dug out my cell phone and checked the weather: sun, ten percent chance of rain, and seventy-nine degrees for the weekend. Warm for St. Joseph in the spring. I returned to the closet and selected two pairs of Miss Me jeans and a couple of hoodies. I stuffed them and my undergarments into the backpack.
“Uh, no, Zoe. You can’t meet the Alpha of the Spiritus pack in jeans and a hoodie,” Sidelle said.
“You said to bring what I would wear on the weekends. That is what I like to wear.”
She shook her head. “Maybe I should have clarified. Bring what you would wear to church. Like the shirt you have on.”
“So no jeans, then?” I jutted out my lower lip.
“Bring the jeans if you must, but also bring two dresses. Maybe one should be a little more formal, like a little black one.” She waved her arms in the air. “Oh, and bring some heels. And let me see the makeup. And—”
“Sidelle, do you just want to pack for me?”
“Yes. I thought you’d never ask! Now move over.” She pushed me out of the way. “Dump out everything.”
I did as she asked; she grabbed the empty bag and disappeared into my closet. I hadn’t thought she’d actually take me up on the offer, but hangers clanked and drawers opened and shut. Every now and again, she gasped or muttered something unintelligible. I could just imagine what she would pack for me, but it wasn’t like I could complain about it.
A few minutes later, she emerged from the closet and handed me the backpack and a duffle bag. “Now don’t look. I want it to be a surprise.”
“You better have packed me decent clothes to wear, and not just a hodgepodge of stuff.”
“No worries,” she said with a wink. “It’s all good. I would not embarrass you in front of the Alpha. Now Vash, maybe.”
Her eyes took on a familiar glassy look, and I knew she was listening to something. She shook her head as if to clear it. “Kieran says we should leave soon.”
“Okay, I’ll go let my parents know. See you in a bit.”
Then Sidelle disappeared from the room.
I walked in on family time. Mom and Stella were telling Dad all about our new neighbors.
I learned that Sarah had told Mom that Aiden had some problems in the past, and she hoped this move would straighten him out. She didn’t elaborate on what the “issues” were, which made me wonder. Besides his being a little mean by laughing at me, he’d seemed nice enough. Then again, how could a person get to know someone in a day?
Oh, wait. Silly me, I could. It had only taken me four days to fall head over heels for Shay. Only one day after that, I’d declared my love for him. I must’ve been crazy. But can one mess with the powers that be, who’d made us soul mates?
“Uh, Zoe?” Dad asked, lifting one eyebrow.
I sat at the table across from him. “Yes?”
“I know you must’ve noticed it because I sure did.” He crossed his legs, looking proud of himself.
Ah. The elephant in the room. “Yeah, I know.”
“What’s going on?” Mom asked.
“Did you meet Aiden?” he asked her.
“No. He never came downstairs.”
“Mom,” I said. “Aiden looks like Shay. They could be brothers.”
Her eyes widened. “Do you know if Shay has siblings?”
“No—or at least he never said anything. Besides, he only looks similar. Personality-wise, he’s nothing like Shay.” I shrugged. “They say we all have a twin someplace in the world.” I glanced at the clock. “Sidelle will be here any minute, so I’ll see you guys on Sunday.”
“I thought you were going to Kieran’s?” Mom asked.
“I am, but we’re grabbing dinner with Sidelle first.”
“Okay.” Dad nodded.
I picked up my bags and checked the front window. Sidelle arrived exactly at seven in the driveway. I mentally started to check off things I’d packed, and then remembered she’d packed for me. Lord, help us all.
Sidelle’s house was the envy of the block: a cute, little green ranch with a beautifully landscaped front yard. Explosions of flowers in all shades surrounded the house, all of them in full bloom.
Kieran arrived shortly after we pulled into Sidelle’s driveway, followed by Cali’s Honda Civic. Why was she coming with us?
“Um, where should I put my stuff?” Cali asked. “Zoe, are we staying with Kieran’s friends?”
When we went prom-dress shopping yesterday afternoon, everything went well, but when we returned to my house, DKs and Marqs attacked us. During that attack, Cali was strangled to death. Cali was the friend I’d brought back to life last night.
I’d bent over her body, not wanting to leave her side. Devastated and sobbing, I’d brushed her hair out of her face, resting my hand against her still-warm cheek. When I lowered my forehead to her chest, my whole body started to tingle, sending warm energy coursing through my mind and into my hand. It was an incredible feeling. When I raised my head and opened my eyes, my hand glowed purple. Even more amazing was how Cali’s torso suddenly shot up. She inhaled and her brown eyes opened, wide with wonder.
When I didn’t answer, Kieran said, “Yep, and I’m driving.”
“Hi, Cali,” I said, helping her with the bag. “I didn’t know you were coming this weekend. Hey, K, pop the trunk, so we can put everything in there.”
“Sidelle invited me. That’s okay, right?”
“Sure is.” I slung my arm around her shoulder.
“Zoe?” Kieran eyed my two bags, lying like small islands on the ground. “Are you going for a week or two days?”
“You’re such a dork,” I replied. “It’s not like I packed these bags, anyway.”
“I’d hate to see how much you’d pack for a week of travel. We’ll have to hire a trolley just to carry all your stuff.”
“Why hire anyone when I have a strapping young man to do it for me?” I beamed at him.
“I can take the hint.” He bent down, picked up the bags, and tossed them over his shoulder as though they weighed nothing. “Sidelle, are you ready?”
“Have to grab my stuff,” Sidelle told us as she sprinted toward the door. “I’ll be right back; then we can go.”
Cali walked over to Kieran’s car and hopped into the back seat, letting Sidelle ride shotgun. I lingered outside by Kieran’s side.
“Why do you think Sidelle invited Cali this weekend?” I asked.
“She always has a reason for everything she does. We’ll find out soon enough, I’m sure.”
A few minutes later, she sauntered out leading one tiny rolling suitcase. Kieran watched her suspiciously then glanced in my direction. I giggled. I knew what he was thinking.
&
nbsp; “Oh, my gosh. How can she have enough stuff for two nights?” Cali whispered when I crawled into the back seat. “I mean, we’re coming back on Sunday, right?”
“Some people know how to pack.” Kieran snickered. “Good thing you girls are small, because you’d have to share space with Zoe’s luggage in the back seat if she’d brought any more stuff.”
I smacked his head. “Shut it, K. I don’t want to hear anything more from you.”
Kieran and Sidelle chatted quietly in the front while Cali and I talked about school. I also laid out the groundwork for a little scheme I had for Cali.
“So, Cali,” I said. “About last night—”
“That was so much fun, dress shopping,” she said. “Too bad I didn’t find one. Better luck next time, right?”
“Yeah. Next time.” I poked Sidelle in the back of the head, trying to get her attention. She flipped the passenger mirror down and glared at me. I cocked my head, and she shrugged.
“So after we got back to my house, what do you remember?” I asked Cali.
Her forehead creased as she thought back. “You know what? That’s the funny thing. I kinda remember arriving, then you doing my hair, and all of us having a fashion show for your sister.” She turned to face me. “But everything’s a bit fuzzy after that. I must’ve gone home though, because I remember saying ‘hi’ to my parents and then going to bed.”
So someone—Sidelle—had wiped her mind of last night’s events.
“Are you and Vash dating?” I asked.
“I’m not exactly sure. I mean, he’s cute, and I like him, but ...”
She looked confused, so I helped her along. “Maybe I’m reading him totally wrong, but he has a certain look in his eyes when he looks at you, Cali. You should ask him out.” I let her ponder that. “Hey, K, have you met Vash’s dad before?”
“Yes. Don’t worry; he’s nice. You aren’t a threat to him or his family. And let’s face it, Zoe, you can’t hurt a fly.”
I screaked, a little nervous, but then I saw Cali had no idea what he was talking about. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I joked, hoping to ease the tension. “I hurt plenty of mosquitoes!”
We all whooped. It was true, though. Usually, I was a weakling when it came to anything physical. Being on the track team kept me fit, but I hated conflict.
Yet, strangely enough, some prophesy written before I was born marked me as the person destined to lead others into battle to prevent Armageddon.
Chapter Five
Zoe
Twenty minutes later we wound our way down a street that led to a dead end and ended at a massive wrought iron gate. To the left I spotted a guard shack—or a small house. A dozen or so well-built men stood inside, talking with each other, while others worked a control panel and kept an eye on the monitors. When our car approached, one of the burly men stepped out with a clipboard, and Kieran lowered the window.
The guard leaned in to get a better view of everyone in the car. “Name, please.”
“Kieran Auduro. Vash is expecting us.”
He flipped through the pages, tapping his finger on the clipboard. “Yes, I see your name on the list. Have you been here before?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Go ahead to the main house.” He motioned us forward.
“Holy cow, Kieran!” Cali said, glancing out the back window at the guards. “What does Vash’s dad do for a living? I mean, who has a gate like that with so many guards?”
“He owns Bellator Construction Company and Bellator Enterprises. They design and build commercial buildings, and they also dabble in investments. They do pretty well.”
“Pretty well.” Cali ran her hands over her jeans. “I feel underdressed.”
“Don’t worry about it. Whatever you packed will be fine. You probably won’t even see his dad.”
We drove through the massive property, following a road lined by gnarly old oak trees and rolling green hills. Off in the distance, I could make out a lake, and every so often a house would appear. I wondered who else lived in the gated community. The rest of the pack? I knew Vash’s immediate family lived in the main house, where we were headed. The trees eventually gave way and revealed a huge marble mansion. The three-story building, with its five white pillars, reminded me of a southern plantation house in Georgia or the Carolinas. We pulled into the half-moon driveway, and a man stepped out of a booth by the front door.
“Mr. Auduro and company,” the valet said politely, greeting us. “Leave the keys in the vehicle, please, and follow me.”
We all got out, and Kieran popped the trunk so we could grab our bags.
“We’ll bring them in for you,” another man assured us.
We did as we were told, leaving our bags and following the first man toward the house. The wooden doors swung open as we approached the final step, and a doorman stepped aside so he could let us in.
“Welcome to Bellator Estate,” he said. “Please wait here for—”
Running footsteps crashed down the stairs, and muscular legs came into view above us. The body belonging to those legs rode the banister down the last flight of stairs, and Vash landed in front of Kieran. He threw his arm around his shoulder.
“You guys made it!” Grinning, he dropped his hand and turned to look at each of us individually.
This was a whole new side of Vash. When we’d met last week, he had been quiet and reserved. This could be a fun weekend after all. Cali and I looked at each other and smiled. Vash stood a few inches taller than Kieran, had brown hair that hung a bit beneath his earlobes, and light-brown eyes. His body was extremely muscular like an NLF runningback.
He extended his arms. “Where are my manners? Welcome to the Compound.”
“Hey, Vash,” I said.
“Hi,” he said and then picked up Cali’s hand and kissed it.
“Hi.” Her face turned bright red. Vash was mated to Cali, but wasn’t able to save her from death. Once the fighting had started, my protective purple orb had encased my bewildered school friends, my little sister, and myself. I’d watched Kieran fight stoically, and my heart broke when a demon blade sliced Shay’s arm. And that was the first time I’d seen Vash turn into his wolf form. Kieran and Shay had appeared, shining their Angel Lights to diminish some of the Marqs’ darkness. The fairies distracted the Marqs, so Vash could kill them.
When I saw Vash tiring, I knew I had to fight. When I joined the boys’ circle, my purple Angel Light exploded out and knocked everyone off balance, finally giving Vash the upper hand he needed. He’d killed the rest of the Marqs except for one, who high-tailed it out of there. We all assumed he was off to give Sammael a full report.
“And how lovely to see you again, Sidelle,” Vash said, giving her a slight bow. “Come on. Let’s make the most of this visit. We can just hang out until my dad gets home.” He started to head back to the stairs, but then he stopped. “Your bags will probably be brought up to my room,” he said. “We can sort which rooms you want. You’re staying the weekend, right?”
“That’s the plan, as long as your dad is okay with it,” Kieran replied.
Vash smirked. “It’ll be a nice change of pace for him to have civilized folks around here rather than the bunch of animals he’s always hanging around with—myself included.”
We followed him up to the top of the third flight of stairs, and I glanced back down at the foyer. I scanned the whole grand room, letting my eyes linger on the centerpiece. I hoped Vash would take us on a tour of his home, because so far it was gorgeous.
“This is my wing of the house,” Vash told us, turning left down a hallway. “I get this half of the third floor, my parents have the other half, and my younger brother and sister have the second floor.”
“Wow. You have a whole wing to yourself?” Cali asked.
“Yeah, it’s one of the perks of being the—”
Kieran cleared his throat and shook his head.
“—oldest child in the family,” Vash continued.
Nice save. We’d have to pull Vash aside—and soon—so we didn’t have another slip-up. Cali had no idea about the wolves or the real reason why we were here.
Vash showed us into a living room with brown leather couches and chairs. The largest television I’d ever seen spanned the wall opposite the windows. Off in a corner, I spotted a small kitchen with a full-size fridge, a sink, and a microwave. And I thought I had it good when I got grounded and was sent to my room. Cali and I looked around the large area in awe. Her family had a big house, too, but it wasn’t nearly as impressive as this. Sidelle looked out the windows into the backyard and took in the spectacular view. From this high up, I could see the lake, the flower gardens, and a few of the other houses on the property.
Vash pointed at the door on the right. “Through that door is my bedroom, a private bathroom, and a closet. Through that way,” he said, pointing toward the opposite wall, “is another bathroom and a study.”
“This is nice, Vash,” Cali said, walking around the room and admiring the nature paintings hanging on the walls. “I don’t ever want to leave.”
I made my way over to Kieran and leaned in so I could speak quietly. “We need to tell him that Cali doesn’t remember anything, and we’ll have to keep things on the down low.”
He nodded.
“Must be nice to be an Alpha’s son,” I whispered.
Cali completely ignored the rest of us and hung on every word Vash said. Vash followed her around the room, telling her about each painting and artist, and explaining why he liked it.
We were interrupted by a polite knock, and then the butler made his way into the room and set all our bags on the floor. Fortunately, Cali hadn’t noticed that one guy had just carried six bags and a suitcase up three flights of stairs all by himself, and he hadn’t even broken a sweat. He nodded to Vash when he entered and lingered in the doorway for a bit after his task was completed. Vash bobbed his head once; the servant left.
Someone’s cell went off, and we all dug around in our pockets, checking. No one had called or texted me, though. When I looked up, Vash was staring at Kieran. Without a word, he nodded.
“It’s mine,” Vash said, holding up his phone. “My dad’s running late. He said he’ll be by later this evening, and we should have dinner without him.”
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