Daizlei Academy Omnibus Collection

by Kel Carpenter

  “What are you so scared of?” he asked in disbelief. Hadn’t he looked around?

  I wasn’t a damsel in distress.

  I was the dragon.

  “Everything,” I whispered.

  Without looking at him, I walked straight to the door. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, he came along and sprang this on me.

  How dare he?

  “Don’t walk away from me, Selena. You can’t just ignore me like you do everyone else.” Oh, he was angry. I couldn’t tell if it was at me, or himself. He should’ve actually considered what I might’ve felt before he did this. This was not on me.

  “But I can,” I said, kicking the fragments of wood out of my way as I stepped through the door.

  “Where are you going?” I could hear the hurt in his voice as he tried to come after me. He was scrambling, looking for anything to say to keep me with him.

  “I’m leaving.” Despite myself, I couldn’t walk away without taking one last look at him. I had to stop this. I only knew one way to do that, and he wasn’t going to like it. My gaze was cold, stopping him in his tracks.

  He searched my eyes, looking for any sign of warmth, but all he found was indifference. The only thing worse than hate was never caring at all. He had to believe I’d never cared. More than that, I had to believe it.

  Chapter 58

  “When do you leave?”

  “Lucas told me he’d come get me when it was time to go.” Tori shrugged.

  I hadn’t seen Lucas since we’d kissed. It wasn’t like it was his fault. I was the one avoiding him. Of course, he would come by to get her. I had no time to avoid him now.

  “You have to come visit me in Tennessee this summer,” she insisted.

  “I will,” I agreed, zipping my bag shut. Finally, I had everything packed.

  “You know, if you wanted, you could come in a few weeks and stay all summer. Since Elizabeth’s goin’ to be at your aunt’s and all,” she suggested.

  “I might take you up on that. Is that okay with your parents?”

  “Yeah . . . they won’t mind—I’m sure.” She smiled, and I couldn’t help laughing. “I’m goin’ to miss you, Selena,” she said suddenly, hugging me goodbye.

  “I’m going to miss you too.” I hugged her back.

  I looked over Tori’s shoulder to see the one person I couldn’t stop thinking about. His eyes locked with mine, and I looked away. He sighed, confirming my suspicions. He was here to see me, and getting Tori was just the excuse.

  “Your brother’s here.”

  “My brother . . . you make it sound so formal, Selena. Like you don’t know him.” She laughed, but then, she didn’t know how close to the mark she was.

  “Ready to go?” he asked her, but his eyes were on me.

  “Almost,” she said, running to the bathroom, leaving us alone.

  I crossed my arms, keeping my demeanor cold.

  “Selena . . .” he murmured.

  I shook my head without glancing at him, and walked to the bathroom. “You need any help?” I offered.

  “Nah, I got it.” She walked out of the bathroom with a single toothbrush. If it weren’t for the tension I couldn’t push away, I would’ve laughed.

  “Bye, I’ll text you.”

  “Bye.” I looked up as she left.

  Lucas just stood there, and for second he caught my gaze again before following her. I sat in silence looking over my now empty room for I don’t know how long. Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something to keep my mind off him. Off whatever this was.

  I started walking, intending to let my mind wander over anything but him. When I ended up next to the boxing gym, I knew my mind had plans of its own. I was turning to walk away when voices caught my ear.

  “Are you certain Selena’s the one?” Headmaster Daizlei’s voice drifted to me.

  “Yes. She looks just like him. I’m certain it’s her,” Vonlowsky said.

  “This is one of the biggest secrets in our history, Vonlowsky. I’m going to need more than looks.”

  “I’ve talked to him. We’re certain it’s her. The age is right, the look, her personality . . . if you look at her past, the timeline adds up.”

  What the hell? The demon had said I was the one too. But what does it mean?

  That was the only thing I’d left out in my retelling of what happened—the real reason they’d tortured me.

  My phone buzzed, and I jumped. Alexandra’s name lit up the screen.

  “Hey,” I answered in a hushed tone.

  “The plane’s leaving. Like, where are you?”

  “Coming.” I dropped the call.

  I didn’t have any more time to listen to their conversation. I sprinted out the door without looking back and was at the jet in seconds.

  “Nice of you to make it,” Alexandra said sarcastically.

  I ignored her and took a seat next to the window. As we left the ground behind, I thought about what they could’ve meant. As Daizlei disappeared, and thoughts of Lucas, Elizabeth, and the summer ahead took its place, I decided it could wait. After all, we would have next year, and the year after . . .

  Then again, everything could wait. For once, I was going to enjoy this small peace of mind—because as soon as this plane landed, the reality was going to set in. I would have to sit next to the girl who’d agreed to trade my soul to demons—and try not to kill her.

  Again.

  To be continued…

  There is a novella in between Heir of Shadows and Scion of Midnight. This novella is NOT told from Selena’s point-of-view. It is NOT necessary to read to understand the full story, however it gives greater depth of the series arc as a whole. If you would like to read that novella before continuing to Scion of Midnight, click here.

  If you’d like to skip it, turn the page to start the next book.

  Thank you!

  Part II

  Scion of Midnight

  Prologue

  Pain had always brought me release—specifically, causing someone else’s pain. In the past, it had always brought clarity, but now…I didn’t know what was wrong with me. The killing in the warehouse hadn’t sated my demons for long, nor had almost ending Elizabeth in a fit of rage. It didn’t matter that I’d kept my distance after our altercation on Daizlei’s campus. Nothing would quell the monster that had woken inside me, and I think Mariana saw that when she decided to push me away. She didn’t kick me out, not really. But when she booked Lily’s ticket to Bella, she didn’t hide that she wanted me gone too.

  It wasn’t unexpected given what bad shape Elizabeth was in. Alexandra had caused third-degree burns two days before she’d left for Milan. But I only had to glare in her direction, and the girl went into an all-out panic attack. I wasn’t the one she needed to fear, though. Blair’s icy wrath was far worse than any pain I would inflict on her—and I had bigger problems anyway. People to hunt. Monsters to kill.

  Months had passed, and nothing had changed. No one had come for me, or my sisters. I never forgot, though, the real reason we’d ended up in that warehouse. The reason the demons had even sought Elizabeth out in the first place, despite how easy it was to blame her for everything. Someone was hunting me.

  But in this game of cat and mouse, I’d become the lion. I would find them, and they would pay for the pain they’d caused. For the scars they’d given me.

  It was only a matter of time.

  Chapter 59

  Eyes were watching me as the bus pulled up to my final stop.

  Nashville—home to the man who plagued my dreams, and his unrelenting little sister. Three months had passed, and I had bigger things to worry about, yet it was my green-eyed partner that kept me from peace. After everything that had happened, I should’ve been free. Not being dormant should’ve released me from what had been haunting me for years.

  I wasn’t free.

  I turned to look out my window, swallowing the frustration like a bitter pill. Tori’s crop of b
lond hair and bright green eyes greeted me from the sidewalk.

  This is it.

  I forced a smiled as I moved to get off the bus. The summer had passed, and during that time, Lucas had managed to call me every single day, even though I never answered. Never responded to his texts. I danced around the subject when Tori asked what was wrong with him, because I didn’t know. I could guess, though.

  I cared about him. I could finally admit it to myself. But that didn’t change my decision. He was my friend, and a stolen kiss at the wrong moment didn’t make him more. No matter how attractive he was. I didn’t really know what we were now, and showing up at his house after so long…well, it would be interesting, to say the least.

  I stretched slowly, a stir near the front catching my attention. A man had risen, his features slightly obscured by the hat and trench coat he wore. He moved lithely, but slowly. As if he were waiting for something. For a moment, my mind flashed to the warehouse, and the demons that had hunted me. My pulse slowed, and the beating in my chest brought a sickening panic as the pressure behind my eyes built to a searing heat.

  I needed to think. To act.

  I glanced sideways. Another man was approaching Tori, dressed much the same.

  Fuck.

  This was an ambush.

  My training overrode the panic as I grabbed my bag and swung it over my shoulder, slipping the knife I always kept on me out of my boot. I moved to get off the bus, but the first guy blocked my way.

  Big mistake.

  He reached for me faster than I’d expected, but not fast enough. I clutched the knife, blade pointed up as I yanked it through the air. He hissed, revealing fangs. Black blood splattered, and his hand fell between us. I was moving to get past him when a scream pierced my ears.

  Tori.

  I wanted to go to her, to help her, but my pursuer was relentless, even without his hand. All around me, panic rose as the humans started to recognize the monsters in their midst. I had to end this, and get to her.

  I stepped back and slammed my foot into his chest when he attempted to lunge forward. His eyes widened at the last second, but he couldn’t move fast enough to avoid me in these close quarters—not that there was anywhere to go but out. He flew through the windshield and onto his ass on the street. Face-up on the pavement, where the Tennessee sun would weaken his senses just enough that I had a chance of winning this fight.

  Another scream ripped through the air, and it didn’t take me long to find the source. Scraped and bruised, Tori was on her knees before the damn bloodsucker. He gripped her hair tightly, revealing a tanned patch of flesh he probably found appetizing. Her fear was palpable in the sweat that slicked her skin and trailed down that precious artery pumping blood like a battle drum. Her eyes were glassy.

  “Come with us or the girl dies.” His voice was quiet. No human could’ve heard him. I almost wished I hadn’t, the way that unnatural voice slithered over me. Like a taint I couldn’t cleanse.

  “Who sent you?” I demanded through gritted teeth. The last thing I needed was a showdown in front of humans, but they’d crossed a line, and I would make them pay. The air tasted stale, and dirty blood filled my nostrils with a stench I couldn’t ignore. It was the blood of the something long dead, even though they’d never been alive.

  “You’ll find out soon enough.” He smirked, revealing blood-tipped fangs, and I realized Tori was already bleeding from a bite wound on her arm.

  My blood boiled, matching the tempo of the exposed artery on her neck.

  He had touched her. Defiled her.

  “I’d rather send a message,” I spat. My ability rose like a tidal wave I couldn’t contain. A fire so hot it could’ve scorched the sun.

  He froze, but not out of fear. He was no longer in control of himself—of his own body. He was a puppet now. My puppet.

  “Send another messenger after those I care for, and your masters will lose more than their minions.”

  I felt the Vampire behind me as he tried to move silently and get the drop on me.

  “Freeze,” I commanded, and he became a statue. There was fear in the eyes of the one who’d attacked Tori, and rightfully so. I raised my hand, palm open to reveal one of my many scars.

  “I was attacked by seven demons three months ago. What makes you think you’re any match for me?” I walked toward him, feeling Tori’s eyes on me as she steadily became more aware again. My blood called for vengeance. For death.

  I looked into the Vampire’s black-tinted eyes. “Break.”

  Their screams as every bone in their bodies snapped were music to my ears. I wanted to push harder, grind their bones until there was nothing left but dust. Turn their warbled screams into the most beautiful melody and dance to the lovely music they were making just for me. But Tori wasn’t looking so hot.

  I released my hold on them, and they crumpled to the ground. Not dead. Never alive. Nonetheless, they would heal, and we needed to be long gone when they did.

  I dropped to my knees in front of Tori. We only had one chance at escape.

  “Get us out of here.”

  Chapter 60

  Blackness. I couldn’t escape. It followed me. Hunted me. I could say that the demons hadn’t affected me and the Vampires couldn’t hurt me all I wanted, but Tori could tear me apart. The ground rose under me in an instant, but I still clung to her. Wanting to silence the voices that screamed for me, at me.

  People were shouting. Running. They had followed us. I summoned a wall around us, and squeezed my eyes shut. Trying to escape my nightmare. I needed to wake up.

  “Selena,” Tori whispered.

  I didn’t respond. Couldn’t. Darkness was coming for me.

  “Selena, you have to stop. We’re safe,” she coaxed.

  Just enough for me to look up. Darkness. Purple and black energy encased us in a dome. Impenetrable. Unyielding. This wasn’t her, though. This was me. I had summoned power, and it bent to my will.

  “Selena!”

  The voice shook me to my core.

  My shield shattered.

  Lucas was here.

  We were safe.

  The power withdrew into me as I came back to my senses, taking in the world around me. The wind blew softly, gently kissing my cheeks, calming my thundering heart. And standing before me was the very man I’d avoided for three months.

  His hair was longer and his tan deeper, making his eyes seem brighter. Smoldering. Last time I saw him, we were both closed off and guarded, neither wanting to yield. This time, he was nothing but emotion. And I wanted him.

  He cocked his head to the side, and his eyes flared. Reality hit me, and I slammed down my walls, closing him out once more. I could deal with my traitorous body later. Tori’s blood dripped down my hand, and I turned my attention back to her, vaguely aware of the other Supernaturals surrounding us, who I could only assume were her parents. She shuddered and fell apart in my arms. I breathed in the smell of her hair and exhaled deeply. The scent of blood and fear wafted from her. She succumbed to tears as I rocked her.

  “What happened?” Mrs. Hunter asked.

  “We were attacked by vampires. One of them bit her before we escaped.” Someone was after me, and they were getting desperate. Today’s fight had been sloppy. Maybe they’d hoped I wouldn’t make a scene and just go with them, but sending Vampires after me in broad daylight was unwise.

  “Oh my god.” She stumbled toward us, reaching for her daughter, who I had no intention of releasing. I’d heard enough about this woman from Lucas and Tori that I didn’t trust her as far as I could throw her.

  “She’ll be okay. They didn’t kill her, which means she won’t transition as long as she lives.” I moved to inspect her bite. There were two somewhat large incisions on the inside of her upper arm. They continued to bleed, but it was slowing.

  “We need to get her inside. Tonight will be rough. Her body will begin the transition, but in a few days, she’ll be back to normal.” I stood, pulling her with me.


  Her shuddering was getting worse, though, and she teetered into me.

  “I can take her—” Her dad stepped forward, but I’d already scooped her up in my arms. She weighed almost nothing.

  “I got it. Where’s somewhere quiet with no windows?”

  “My room,” Lucas said instantly.

  His parents followed as he led me into their massive log cabin. I took note of the high-beamed ceilings and skylights as we descended into the darkness of a stairwell. His parents hung back as the light of the sun faded, giving way to dim lighting that was still more than enough for any Supernatural.

  Part of me wanted to see whatever secrets he hid down here—a part I kept shoving down because I wanted to hit her on the head for being a hormonal idiot. My attention needed to be elsewhere. Still, I had to focus on Tori to keep from gaping when the basement opened to a massive library—not of books, but music. Artists from every age lined the wall in front of me, all the way from Beethoven to the Beatles. I turned away to follow Lucas deeper into his room. Boxing equipment littered the floor, a more expected sight, really, given his commitment to the sport, and pride swelled in me. Misplaced pride. He wasn’t mine. I didn’t have a right to be proud of him. I cursed the attraction I was struggling to fight and forced myself forward.

  On the opposite wall from the albums was his bed. It was massive, yet simple. Black wood made up the frame and gray sheets adorned it. I laid Tori down, and my gaze skimmed over his couches for a heavier blanket. He appeared at my side, throwing one over his sister. Her shuddering eased, and she started to drift into sleep. I hoped for her sake that she stayed that way for the next two days. The transition wasn’t kind to the body, and with her being in shock, it was likely to be worse.

  I turned away from her, only to come face-to-face with Lucas. His eyes burned with emotion. I was on edge, though, and this wasn’t the time.