“Don’t worry, once this mess is over, everything will go back to normal and you can go back to being our famous actress,” she gushed.
I hoped she was right because right now, everything seemed to be spiraling out of control.
“Speaking of normal, is that COVID-19 illness still spreading among humans?” I asked. I wasn't sure why that stuck out in my mind, but it did. It was one of the many reasons we got caught when we followed Zane into town one night. Everyone was quarantined in their homes, not out on the town as he had hoped.
“Yes. Apparently, it’s getting really bad for humans. It reminds me of the Black Plague,” Eden said, shuddering.
That didn’t sit well with me. We were dealing with enough death and disaster right now.
***
By lunch, I was desperate for a break. In Biology, one of the Witches taught us how to create the scent of a skunk. The entire room reeked and I felt sick to my stomach.
Eden and I sat down at our table and I spotted Donovan making his way over. Just the sight of him had me feeling a little bit better.
When he reached our table, he leaned over and gave me a kiss. My chest heaved with happiness. I would never get used to how Donovan could change my attitude so easily.
“I tried texting you earlier, but you didn’t reply,” he said.
“Yeah, sorry. Classes have been...interesting,” I replied.
When I close my eyes, I feel like I can barely remember a time when fear didn’t engulf my life. With Donovan and Eden by my side, I know that I will be able to overcome all the changes that I’m faced with, but still, I feel like the universe is playing a cruel trick on me.
“Hey, is everything ok?” Donovan asks, noticing my strange behavior.
I mean, it isn’t exactly normal for a girl to just close her eyes in the middle of lunch.
“Yeah, I guess everything that has happened is finally starting to really hit me. I am trying not to think about Zane too much, but with Sabrina and the Witches here, it’s hard not to,” I admitted.
Wrapping a protective arm around my shoulder, Donovan leaned into me. “My dad and the rest of the school will stop Zane before he even thinks about stepping onto our property. He will never hurt you again,” he snarled.
I wanted to believe that was true, but none of us knew what was going to happen. Look at my current situation. There was no way to predict I would become a Vampire. But, I could see that Donovan needed to know that I wasn’t going to worry about Zane.
“You are right. Maybe we just need another date night,” I said, winking.
His face softened at my suggestion. “That sounds perfect,” he sighed.
“What sounds perfect?” a voice asked from behind us.
From the look of disdain on Eden’s face, I had two guesses which awful brat was behind us. But, it was the gnarly growl that escaped from Donovan, that told me exactly who was interrupting our lunch.
Turning, I saw Sabrina standing behind us, a smug grin on her face.
“A date with my girlfriend,” Donovan said, squeezing my shoulder.
“Oh yes, the snack that became a Vampire,” she said, laughing a high pitched chuckle.
I cringed at hearing her voice, it was like nails down a chalkboard to me.
“Watch it,” Donovan warned. “You need to control your powers and your attitude, or we will reevaluate your being here,” he finished.
Sabrina seemed upset for only a minute, before she turned back into the raging witch she was. She let out an exaggerated sigh as she rolled her eyes at us.
“Do you need something?” I asked, clearly annoyed by her presence and I wanted her to know that.
Placing a hand on her hip, she shifted her weight in an attempt to intimidate me. Sorry, but her games weren’t going to scare me. Annoy me? Yes, but scare, no way.
“Well, yes. You see, I am supposed to be training with you during our gym class later this afternoon, but I don’t see the point. Could you just pretend like I’m your partner or something?” she asked, glancing at her newly painted fingernails.
Is this chick serious?
“Sure, anything so I don’t have to actually deal with you,” I answered.
Sabrina scoffed, but then realizing I was going along with her plan, she smiled before sauntering away again.
“She is going to drive us all insane,” Eden sneered, watching Sabrina walk away.
“That’s her plan,” Donovan said. “She is evil, but sadly, we need her help. She’s powerful,” he sighed.
I just hoped that we could all find a way to protect The House of Shadows from Zane before Sabrina did, in fact, drive us all insane.
***
Running into the workout facility, we barely escaped the torrential rainfall that was unleashed. Just as the doors closed, I heard the heavy pounding of the rain drops hitting the metal roof of the building. After lunch, I had noticed the gray, angry storm clouds rolling in, but now wind and rain howled outside.
Walking through the workout area, I saw several students running at lightning speeds on the treadmills.
Eden and I made our way to the indoor track and I spotted Sabrina already waiting on us. As we approached, she looked at us like she was bored to tears.
“Glad you could make it,” she stated sarcastically.
I checked the time on my watch and realized we were five minutes early to class. This girl was just trying to mess with me.
“Sabrina, we are early,” I stated.
“Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Anyway, I will talk you through the magical portion of our assignment and then you can just go with it,” she began.
However, I was tired of Sabrina acting as though she ran this place. Putting my hand up, I stopped her from continuing.
“How do you even know we are going to be partners?” I asked, watching her carefully.
Laughing, she looked over at Eden like I was kidding. “First, I overheard the professors discussing assigning Vampires and Witches together for class projects. Something about uniting us and building trust. Then, I saw our names linked together. Looks like we will be partners from now on,” she deadpanned.
I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I was going to have to work with Sabrina? I don’t know how that could possibly be a good idea. We barely knew one another, but we did both know that we didn’t like each other.
“Maybe you can request a new partner,” Eden added. I could tell she was nervous about me and Sabrina being paired up.
I honestly contemplated the idea at first; but then, I realized that would be exactly what Sabrina would want me to do. For some reason, she was dead set on making me miserable. I couldn’t let her know that she was getting under my skin.
“No, I don’t think that will be necessary,” I said.
“What?” Eden and Sabrina said in unison.
It was clear I caught them off-guard, but that was what I had wanted.
“Yes, I think it would be good for Sabrina and me to get to know one another. I mean, we are going to have to learn how to work together,” I finished.
Eden just stared at me while Sabrina’s mouth hung open in shock.
The professor came onto the track and blew his whistle. We all crowded around and awaited our assignments today. Obviously, it came as to no surprise when Sabrina and I were called to be partners.
We were all instructed to pair up and complete a running spell. From what we were told, the Witches would cast a spell that would cloak us during the night since Vampires ran fast. This would give us an advantage against our enemies in a fight or when trying to seek safety.
Turning to me, Sabrina placed her hands on her hips. “So, how do you want to do this?” she asked.
“I don’t really know,” I replied. “Maybe I could start running and you could cast the spell,” I finished.
Sabrina thought this over. Finally, she nodded.
We went to get in place when I saw Donovan enter the area. My dead heart began to flut
ter at the sight of him. Seeing my giddy smile, Sabrina pretended to gag.
“You two are way too lovey dovey,” she sneered.
“Jealous?” I asked.
“”Not even a little bit. Sure, I dated him, but it was never because I liked him,” she said, then I saw her eyes go big. It was clear, she hadn’t meant to say that last part.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Nothing. Forget it,” she said.
“No, you need to tell me,” I pushed. I didn’t like how nervous she was becoming and something told me that Sabrina had other reasons to use Donovan.
“Man, I wish it wasn’t against the rules for me to cast my magic on you,” she sighed.
“I won’t forget about that. You know I will bug you until you tell me,” I said.
“Tell you what?” Donovan asked, as he stood beside me.
“Nothing,” I said, eyeing Sabrina.
“Sorry I’m late. Dad was going over some of the new safety protocols that are being put in place,” Donovan said.
My guards were off to the side of the track and I realized I barely noticed them anymore. They weren’t like my old, traitorous ones. These guys just loomed in the background and I liked it that way.
“It’s ok. I’m just glad we have this class together,” I swooned.
Donovan smiled at me while Sabrina made fake gagging noises.
“Can we just get started?” she asked, clearly annoyed by our behavior.
Sabrina was right; we needed to practice and I could use this as part of my training.
“I guess I will just sit back and watch you in action. Oh, and I have a perfect date night for us planned,” Donovan said, kissing me on my cheek.
My cheeks blushed as I moved onto the starting line on the track. One thing I did notice was that Sabrina didn’t act like your typical ex-girlfriend. Sure, she seemed to be frustrated with our flirting, but it wasn’t as though she were longing for Donovan.
“Alright, on three start running and I will begin working on my spell. It is an easy spell that we learned last year,” Sabrina says.
For once, she doesn’t sound snarky.
I steady my body and focus my mind on running. Donovan stares at me and I try to keep my eyes ahead, but it is so difficult when his adorable face is looking at me.
“And, three!” Sabrina shouts.
I begin to run, my legs hitting the track so fast, I swear I can see smoke coming from my sneakers. My adrenaline kicks into high-fear, and I am focused on nothing more than running as fast as I can. A slight spark ignites inside of me, but I try not to pay it any mind. When I finally reach the finish line, I hear Donovan clapping as he speeds over to me.
“Wow, Audrey. You beat your last time. You were flying around the track,” he whistles.
Pride washes over me and I feel a sense of accomplishment.
“Sure, she was great. But did anyone notice that my spell worked?” Sabrina asked.
She was running at full speed-- for a part human-- and she had to yell to be heard.
Donovan and I waited for her to reach us before we responded.
“It worked?” I asked. Maybe that was the spark I felt, her spell being cast.
“Yeah, it was crazy. One second you were a blur running around the track, then poof. You were gone,” Donovan said, using wild hand gestures.
It made me feel incredible to know that he was impressed with my skill, but I did owe Sabrina some credit, too.
“Thanks, but I’m glad Sabrina’s spell worked,” I said.
“Thank you,” Sabrina stated, seemingly shocked that I gave her credit.
The rest of the class was still immersed in their assignments when the unthinkable happened.
Alarms began to wail all around us and as I went to cover my ears, I saw red flashing lights. Fear filled me as I saw a look of pure horror flash across Donovan’s face.
Chapter 14
______________________________________________________________________
“What is happening?” I scream out.
My eyes scan the area around me and all I see is chaos. Donovan pulls out his phone and I can see that he is yelling something into the phone, but all I hear is the wailing of the alarms.
“This is bad!” Eden cries out.
I wish someone would tell me what is going on, but everyone seems to be focused on themselves. I see fangs protruding from the Vampire’s mouths and the Witches are running around, trying to use their magic to stop the annoying sound.
“What is bad? Someone tell me what is happening right now,” I demand, as I face Eden and Donovan.
I see them share a look, their twin abilities in full effect as they share an unspoken conversation. I don’t like it; and if I don’t get answers soon, I may just blow up. I feel my own fangs pierce through my gums, and the strong urge to fight takes control over me.
Grabbing my hand, Eden turns me so that I am now facing her.
“Audrey, you need to calm down,” she says, her eyes laser focused on mine.
Something about the calming nature of her tone and the mesmerizing effect her gaze has on me, causes me to slow my nerves. I feel this is part of her Vampire abilities, but I don’t have time to ask about that now.
“Eden,” I say, my voice loud as I attempt to be heard over the noise. “Please,” I plead.
Donovan rushes us and he grabs me, holding me next to his hard body. “Audrey, you must stay with me. Don’t leave my side,” he yells.
“Donovan, we have to tell her,” Eden cries out.
“Yes, Donovan. Tell her because if you don’t, I will,” Sabrina states, as she lands next to me.
Oh great. Everyone knows what is going on around here but me.
“That alarm means there is an intruder at The House of Shadows,” Donovan states.
And, just like that, things went from bad to worse.
***
Standing outside of the auditorium, my mind is racing as fear threatens to paralyze me. After Donovan told me that the alarm was to let everyone know an intruder was trying to get into the school, our professor began leading everyone out of the track area and back to the school. My security guards were closer than normal, and Donovan still hadn’t let go of my hand.
Images of Zane kidnapping me flashed through my mind. His face still haunted me. I had to hope that this was a false alarm, or even a drill to prepare us for danger, but something told me that wasn’t the case here.
Our professors were lined up inside the auditorium while security flanked the walls, windows, and exits. I saw guns and what appeared to be grenades in their hands. I gulped down my worries as I saw the Witches huddled up together. This was all happening so fast and I barely had any time to register anything.
“Donovan, I’m scared,” I whispered to him.
Turning to me, Donovan’s face softened. “I know. My dad is about to explain everything. Just please, trust me and trust us,” he said.
I didn’t like how nervous he sounded. Just then, the Dean walked into the auditorium and all of the students were asked to make our way inside.
Once we were all seated, the doors were closed and locked-- a noise that sent chills down my spine.
“Students and faculty.Today at around one thirty in the afternoon, one of our alarms indicated that someone was trying to breach the gate on the North side of the property. Upon reviewing our new security cameras, we noticed a Vampire attempting to climb the gate. He is in custody right now and we are trying to determine who or what brought him to The House of Shadows,” the Dean stated.
Several of the Witches joined the Dean on the stage. Gloria Landry stood tall as she gazed out over the crowd. She wore her red crescent that indicated the Fire Coven.
“From what we have learned through our investigation, this is a newly turned Vampire,” Gloria began.
I felt a few eyes in the room turn on me and Brie scowled from across the room. I tried to stay focused on the front of the room, but it was hard whe
n I felt them all judging me.
As she continued, a heavy wave of tension filled the room. “This rogue Vampire was sent by Zane. I know this is alarming, but we have been preparing for this. Our joining forces-- bringing the Vampires and Witches together, was because we knew that this was a threat. Zane and his army of newly turned Vampires, will attempt to destroy the academy soon.”
The room erupted in chaos as students began talking and shouting questions.
The Dean stood and raised his hands. Everyone quieted down again.
“Tonight, we will all stay together in the main building of the academy. Witches will work on their spells while Vampires gather all stored blood for fuel. I promise that we will win this war,” The Dean announced.
Donovan squeezed my hand as his eyes ignited with rage. I heard him growl out and others around us turned and stared at his outburst.
“I should have killed Zane when I had the chance,” Donovan seethed.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“When we found you, I attacked Zane. I was going to snap his neck and plunge a stake in his heart. Dad stopped me, telling me I had worked too hard to maintain my humanity to ruin it over Zane. I shouldn’t have listened,” he said, shaking his head.
“Donovan, I’m glad you didn’t. You are too good for that. We will all fix this mess. But, I can’t help but feel responsible for all of this,” I cried.
“You should feel responsible,” Brie stated.
I swear, she could just come out of nowhere.
“Back off, Brie,” Eden sneered. “You know as well as I do, that Zane has been wreaking havoc at this school for years. If it wasn’t Audrey, it would have been another unsuspecting human. I swear, I am so sick and tired of hearing your vile and nasty voice. If you continue bullying Audrey or anyone else here, I will ensure that you are kicked out of The House of Shadows...permanently.”
Donovan stood up, shocked and in awe of Eden’s well-versed outburst. I was proud of Eden for standing up to Brie.
Brie opened her mouth to say something, but Sabrina interjected. “Brie, don’t you get tired of fighting to be on top? You will never be the one anyone wants.”
Renewed: House of Shadows Book 3 Page 6