by Mary Ting
But tonight, she had woken up from the dream into her reality. Not only was her life in danger, but Emily’s as well. This couldn’t happen, ever again. Who knew…the next time it could be her mom, her aunt, or even Kayla. She had to be careful, be more aware, and completely trust that Mason knew what he was doing. Most of all, she had to accept who she really was.
Mason released a relieved sigh and his eyes became soft. “I’ll be right back.” He stood up, looked around, opened cabinets, and came back with some tools—rubber gloves, tweezers, scissors, cotton balls, and a bottle of alcohol. “It’s going to hurt, but afterward, when you start to heal, you’ll feel better. Squeeze any part of me if you need to.”
With a nod from Skylar, Mason put on the rubber gloves, squatted down, and cut Skylar’s soaked bloody sweater and her shirt with the scissors, just enough to be able to clearly see the wound. Then he dipped the cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and dabbed it on the open cut. Skylar squealed in pain.
“Sorry,” Mason said, looking distraught.
Skylar wanted to faint, and the room became dim and blurry. Her whole body burned as if she had been tossed in fire. The intensity of the pain grew, and the rubbing alcohol didn’t help, though she knew why it was needed. She turned her head, trying to think of anything but what Mason needed to do. When he reached in with the tweezers, her breathing became heavy and jagged, and the pain that had started to ease up erupted again, pinching every nerve and muscle. At last, he pulled the bullet out.
“It’s done.” Mason took the towel and cleaned the surrounding area. Then he tore a section of his shirt and wrapped it around the wound. With the gloves still on, he cleaned the mess on the floor and tossed everything in the trashcan.
“Thank you,” Skylar whispered, looking half-asleep. Her eyes felt heavy, fluttering desperately as she tried to keep them open. She gazed at Mason, looking at him with admiration, thinking what an incredible being he was, and thanking him inwardly for being there, for caring enough, though he denied it. The pain had already started to reduce, which was a good sign. It meant she was healing.
“Sky, are you okay?” Mason asked, now sitting in front of her. “Is the pain better?”
“Yes…mmm…tired.” Uncontrollably her eyes shut, and she could hardly get any words out.
“Now you owe me two shirts.”
“O…kay.”
“I’m going to take you home with me. I’ll feel better if you’re with me while you heal.”
“Mmm…don’t…stare.” She let out a small giggle.
“You took my words. And I’m not staring,” he snorted.
“You’re…still…staring.”
Since her body had just been through distress, she lost the fight to stay awake and fell asleep. But just before she did, though she wasn’t absolutely sure, she heard what sounded more like a whisper that tugged her heart. “I’ll always stare at you, Sky.”
Chapter 31
By the time they reached Nick’s house, Skylar was feeling much better. Though the pain still lingered, and the wound had not quite healed all the way, it was bearable. The nap she took in the car gave her a second wind, and she was wide-awake when Mason drove up the driveway.
“I’m feeling much better. I guess I should have asked you to take me back to my dorm,” Skylar said.
Mason turned off the ignition. “It’s close to midnight. I think it’s safer for you to stay here for tonight. Your roommate is fine. She won’t remember a thing when she wakes up in the morning. You’ve been through so much lately; I don’t know how you’ve managed to stay calm.”
“I’m really not calm; I’m actually terrified. I have something that evil beings want.” Then it dawned on her. She hadn’t thought about the night the vultures ransacked Kayla’s house for a while, but now the answer was clear. “Mason…the vultures were looking for me the night they broke into Kayla’s house. They weren’t looking for something tangible…they were looking for me. After they knew I lived there, the robberies stopped.”
“I know. I mean…I didn’t know it at the time, but I realized it later when Alena explained about who you were.”
“Oh….” It was all she could say, and she started to shiver. Having the heater turned off, it became cold in the car.
“Let’s get inside the house. It’s getting colder in here. Plus we’re fogging up the windows. If they see us out here, they’ll think we’re making out.”
“Oh….” Skylar felt her cheeks heat up by his words.
“Nick texted me several times to make sure we were on our way. He must be worried. I didn’t respond.”
“Why didn’t you text him back?”
“I was driving. Remember what I said to you about texting and driving?”
Skylar rolled her eyes. How could she ever forget the hot cop that pulled her over and told her texting while driving was illegal? “Yes.”
“Well…Ms. Rome. Shall we go in?”
With a nod, they got out of the car and walked into the house. Being that the kitchen was dimly lit, Mason led Skylar toward the light. Amanda, Nick, and Everett were sitting at the rectangular oak dining table with mugs in front of them. Seeing steam rising from their mugs, she assumed they were drinking something warm.
“Where the hell were you?” Nick asked, looking annoyed. “Man, you are a demigod. You can still text me back and not crash your stupid car. Next time you don’t answer my text, especially since Alena is something to worry about, I’m going to ace you myself. Got that?”
Mason stuck his hands inside his front jean’s pockets, stood there listening, and let Nick have his say. “Are you done now?”
“No,” Nick snapped, then turned to Skylar. “I’m glad you’re doing better. You look great for someone who got shot. I mean…I’m not used to thinking you’re somewhat like us…kind of…I guess.” He shook his head, thinking he should just keep his mouth shut.
Mason pulled out a chair for Skylar, gesturing for her to sit. He sauntered out of the kitchen and came back after a few minutes with a light blanket. After tossing the blanket around her shoulders, he went to the stove and came back with two mugs of hot tea, placing one in front of Skylar.
“Thank you.” Skylar cupped the mug with both of her hands, taking in the heat, and then took a sip. It was green tea, just what she needed at that moment. Warmth traveled from her head to her toes, soothing and calming her. Gazing upon her friends, she noticed that they were fidgeting, shifting their bodies from side to side. Sometimes their lips parted to speak, but instead, they shut them.
“What are we going to do about Alena?” Everett finally spoke, breaking the silence.
“You said you followed her. Why didn’t you tell us?” Amanda leaned over the table as if she could draw the answer out of him. “Mason…you’ve got to stop taking matters into your own hands. You’re too worried about our lives. Have you thought about how we would feel if we lost you?”
Dead silence.
Mason was just about to take a sip. His mug was to his lips, but he didn’t drink. Instead, he placed it back on the table. “This isn’t about my mother.”
“Oh, the hell it isn’t; and you know it.” Amanda’s tone was angrier. “You can’t blame her death on yourself. You didn’t know who you were. We’ve all lost loved ones. So stop sacrificing your life to wash away that guilt.”
“Amanda is right, Mason. We’ve all lost our parents. I too wished that I could have done something, but I know now that I was overwhelmed with all the weird craziness that was unbelievable. We’ve lived together for many years, but we’re more like roommates. It’s time that we start acting like brothers and work as a team,” Everett urged. “Maybe…if things were better between us…Remus would have been different. I don’t think he was all that bad. I know he had a temper and was crazy at times, but maybe that was his way of coping.”
Guilt wrapped around Skylar’s heart. Hearing about Remus, sorrow consumed her again, especially after hearing Everett’s speech about how i
t might have been Remus’s coping mechanism. She was astounded that those words even came out of Everett’s mouth. Though she disliked him, she was seeing a different side of him; perhaps she had been wrong about him. Knowing how they had lived during the past years, she became sympathetic. Truly, she had no idea what they’d had to endure.
It must have been beyond difficult for them to lose their loved ones and then find out their father was a descendant of Zeus, who’d had numerous affairs just to keep his family line going. Not only did they deal with the loss of their parents at an early age, they were forced to accept who they were and the powers that were bestowed upon them.
While it must have been terrifying, perhaps equally terrifying was having to constantly look over their shoulders for Hades’ creatures. It was certainly not a vision of an ideal life, but they seemed to have adjusted and accepted who they were. Skylar gave them each a lot of credit for their inner strength, for the ability to move forward, and for their courage, but that did not forgive Remus’s actions toward her.
“So, now that we’ve all said our peace, what do we do about Alena?” Nick brought the subject up again as he traced the rim of the mug with his finger tip. Wiggling his fingers, he pointed his index finger into the mug and zapped a light.
Startled by the sudden flash of light, everyone’s eyes zoomed to Nick with alarm.
“Sorry. My tea was cold. Too lazy to get a refill.” Nick shrugged his shoulders.
“Thanks a lot. You just blinded me.” Amanda blinked rapidly, adjusting her vision. “I say we hunt her down and get rid of her once and for all.” A look of fury shot out from her eyes as she got up to pour more tea for herself and sat back down.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea. She did say she takes orders from someone else. We’ve got to find the leader,” Mason suggested.
Everett scooted his chair back, crossing his legs to relax. “She could be anywhere, or show up anytime. How do we find her?”
Mason turned his head to Skylar. “I once followed her near our cabin, but further up. I think she lives around there. I’m not sure. I didn’t actually stick around and hold a conversation with her; however, I did see a cabin.”
“Then do we just show ourselves? ‘Hey…we know where you live. We’re here,’” Amanda snorted.
Still cupping her mug for warmth, Skylar gave a nervous cough. “I can lure her out. I’m the one she wants.”
Skylar felt all eyes on her all at once.
“No. Out of the question.” Mason’s tone was unyielding. “It’s too dangerous. We don’t even know what we’re up against. I won’t risk your life.”
Skylar let out a heavy sigh. Wanting to be part of them and making herself useful was difficult, especially when it seemed as though Mason always had the last word.
“She may have a point there,” Amanda stated. “At least Alena would be the one who was surprised for a change and not us.”
“I know it sounds like a good idea, but it’s not. We’re so tired we’re not thinking straight. Let’s talk about it later.”
Skylar suddenly froze, worried for her mom. If Alena almost killed her roommate, who was to say she wouldn’t harm her mom to get to her? “Maybe I should go home. What if Alena goes after my mom?”
“Your roommate was a means to an end for Alena,” Mason said. “And right now, she’s not interested in your mom. You can keep it that way by keeping your distance from her. Make your phone calls short, and try not to visit her on the weekends for as long as you can. Alena never once went to your mom’s house when I was tracking her.”
“How about Kayla?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got that department handled,” Nick said.
“I’m sure you do,” Amanda grumbled, rolling her eyes.
Nick gave her a “be quiet” look, lighting a fast spark from his fingertips.
“Don’t you dare,” Amanda flared, trying to keep a straight face.
Mason stood up. “I’m taking Skylar back to her dorm tomorrow. We can think of another plan, but we’re not using her as bait.” With that, his words were final.
Amanda, Everett, and Nick had nonchalant expressions on their faces. Either they agreed with Mason’s decision, or they were too tired to argue with him, or they had given up on expressing their opinions knowing Mason would have his way. With the blanket still draped around Skylar, they headed for his room.
Chapter 32
It was almost afternoon, and the ominous clouds got darker and thicker. The wind howled, tossing Skylar’s hair, blocking her view. Holding an umbrella, Mason walked beside her to her dorm. Upon entering, Skylar let out a huge breath, relieved to escape the awful weather. Mason stood by the doorway, looking like he didn’t want to come in and make himself at home. “So…this is your place, huh?”
“Yup. Small and cozy. Nothing fancy like your place.”
Mason looked like he was blushing, but Skylar couldn’t be sure. He glanced down and then up again, meeting Skylar’s eyes.
“Do you want to…umm…come in for a while?” Skylar asked hesitantly. She wasn’t sure what Mason had in mind.
“Actually, I’m not staying.”
“Oh.” The little bit of hope that she could spend some time with him vanished.
“I meant, we’re not staying. I’ve brought you here so you can pack your bags and come back with me.”
“What?” Skylar didn’t know whether to feel elated he wanted her to go with him or feel upset he didn’t ask her. “You didn’t mention this to me before. And what if I refuse?”
“Then—,” Mason started to say, but he was interrupted by a voice.
“Hey, Skylar,” Emily greeted, descending the stairs. She looked well put together, wearing a thick red overcoat. Skylar had on the jeans she’d worn yesterday and Mason’s sweater that was way too big on her.
“Emily.” Skylar beamed a nervous smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Ummm…this is Mason. Mason, this is Emily.” Though Mason had met her informally last night, he pretended that it was their first meeting.
Extending his hand to her, he shook. “Hello. Nice to meet you.”
Emily stared a bit too long, producing a gorgeous smile. “Hi.” Looking at Skylar, she asked, “So, you guys dating?”
Skylar’s face flushed with heat. She couldn’t believe Emily asked such a question right in front of him. “No…we’re…he’s…so where’s your boyfriend?” Skylar asked, directing the attention back to Emily. It was the only way to get out of the awkward moment.
“Oh, Dex. He’s on his way.”
On cue, the doorbell chimed. Emily turned the knob, but just before she pulled the door to open it, she turned to Skylar. “Oh...by the way. Some guy was here to see you. He was tall, cute, with dirty blond hair to his shoulders.”
Looking confused, Skylar asked, “Did he leave a name?”
“Nope. I didn’t know where you were so I told him you would be back today. I’m sure he’ll stop by.” Then she walked out the door.
Mason’s face was blank. Skylar didn’t know why she was worried what Mason would think of her having a guy visitor, but she was concerned by the description, which was too similar to the guy that had been gawking at her at the mall. Did he follow me here? A stalker? It was something to be concerned about.
“So…making friends already?” Mason asked flatly.
Skylar heard a ring of jealousy in his tone. Smiling inwardly, she wondered if she should tell Mason about the incident at the mall, and the shadow of a male she’d seen next door to Kayla’s house. Was she being paranoid? “Am I forbidden to make friends?”
“No, of course not. You can do whatever you like.”
It was not the answer she wanted to hear. She noted they were still standing by the door. “Should I get my stuff?”
“That was the plan.”
“You mean your plan,” Skylar snapped. “Next time, I’d like to be included in your plan.”
“Fine. I’d like for you to hurry.
You just need warm clothes, possibly for a week.”
A week? Skylar went upstairs to her room without a word. She knew deep down that being with Mason would be safer, but not for her heart. The more time she spent with him, the more attached she became to him, and that frightened her more than facing Alena.
Opening up her duffle bag, she shoved in some jeans and sweaters from her dresser. Afterward, she went to the restroom and placed her toiletries into another small bag. Needing to change from Mason’s sweater, she put on her favorite pink sweater and another pair of jeans. Then she slipped into a waterproof gray jacket. She was just about to put Mason’s sweater into her bag, but she thought otherwise and left it inside her closet, then headed down the stairs.
Holding onto Skylar’s bags, Mason opened the door, then opened his umbrella that was big enough for two. Pulling Skylar closer to him, they headed out as the pitter-patter sound of the rain continued to get louder and heavier with each step. Skylar was glad she’d changed into her boots. The raindrops were now pounding on the ground furiously, splashing against her boots. Surely if she had worn her tennis shoes, they would already have been soaked by now.
Mason opened the door for Skylar and put her bags in the trunk, then closed the umbrella and put it in the back seat. Just before he entered, as he always did, he scanned the perimeter. Those seconds he was exposed, his hair was drenched, dripping pearl-like droplets down the side of his cheeks, and water spotted on his gray sweater. He looked so hot and alluring she had to turn away. She focused on the window splattered with water, since it was difficult to see anything else but that.
“Sky, I know you’re not happy with this arrangement, but it’s just until things die down. Then you can go back.”
Disappointed by his words, she didn’t turn when she responded. “Sure. I can get my notes online. It’s a good thing school just started…I guess.”
After a mile, Mason entered the freeway. The heavy rain made it difficult to see, but the windshield wiper temporarily gave a clear path. Mother Nature was unforgiving today, adding a hurricane-like wind along with the roaring thunder. Shortly after, lightning cracked across the puffy black clouds, flashing in and out, striking upon the world with beauty and danger. Silence filled the air in the car until Mason started driving faster, curving in and out of lanes speedily.