by E.J. Stevens
“Is it really you?” Cal asked. “Am I still dreaming?”
“It’s me,” I said.
I leaned into his hand and his thumb brushed my lips filling me with need. I suddenly had to be closer to him and moved in for a kiss. Cal pushed up to meet me halfway and our lips met, first gently then with the hunger of our recent separation.
“God, I missed you,” Cal said, pulling away to look into my eyes.
“I missed you more,” I said, grinning.
“Not possible,” Cal said, his words brushing our lips together.
Feeling tears roll down my cheeks, I pulled him closer and tasted the salt of tears and sweat mixing with our kiss.
“Ahem,” Simon said, interrupting.
I moved apart from Cal reluctantly, but held onto his hand as I shifted to the chair beside the bed.
“Our esteemed doctor thought you might be hungry for something other than kisses after your long nap,” Simon said, gesturing to Emma.
Emma stood, blushing furiously, holding a steaming bowl of venison stew. “You need to build your strength, but eat slowly,” Emma said. “You’ve been unconscious for three days. If you eat too fast, you’ll be sick.”
Cal pushed himself into a sitting position without help, but he sank heavily against the pillows and his hand shook as he reached out to take the bowl from Emma.
“Thanks,” Cal said. “I’m starving.”
I watched Cal, fascinated with his every movement. Just moments ago he had lain here unconscious, on the brink of death. And we brought him back. My heart swelled at the thought, but before I could jump up and give my friends the hugs they deserved I felt someone wrapping a blanket around me.
“You were shivering,” Simon said simply.
I nodded my head in reply, suddenly too overwhelmed with emotion to say thank you. I pulled the blanket more tightly over my bare arms and leaned back against the chair. I closed my eyes as the tears streamed down my face with pure unadulterated joy. Cal was back. He was safe, healthy, and awake. My friends had helped make that happen and I wouldn’t forget it. I held on to the warm glow in my chest for a moment longer and allowed myself to be the happiest girl in the world. The storm may be coming, but I wouldn’t have to face it alone. At the end of the day that was all that mattered.
*****
It was amazing how much had happened since the incident in the cave. Cal had been unconscious for three days and, as alpha, needed to be brought up to speed on recent events.
“So this guy Nathan, who killed Gavin and hunted werewolves, hated us because of his own fear and self loathing?” Cal asked.
We had suspected that the werewolf killer was one of the Old Blood, but it still came as a shock to Cal. I think deep down it would have been easier to deal with if the murderer was a confused human with no knowledge of true werewolves. Though in Nathan’s defense, nobody had been kind enough to inform him about werewolves, not even his own mother. Everything he knew was gleaned from his own painful experience which became tainted by encroaching madness. Nathan may have been a twisted killer determined to hunt down and murder werewolves, but he was also a victim.
“No one was there to explain to him what was happening to him when his spirit wolf awakened,” I said. “It must have been terrifying.”
Simon shrugged, but then he would have a different perspective. He was the one pack member who was born fully aware of his wolf spirit. Of all the werewolves, he was the one least likely to relate to what Nathan had gone through.
“What kind of parent abandons their child and doesn’t even warn them about the wolf dormant in their blood?” Cal asked.
“A very, very bad parent,” Emma answered.
“Why did the pack let this happen?” I asked. “Wouldn’t the old alpha have known about a single mom just up and leaving her teenage son? I mean, I know the pack is really large, but someone must be responsible for keeping tabs on members, right?”
“No,” Simon said, looking thoughtful. “No, we didn’t have someone like Cal, someone born to be our alpha, when this happened. Whoever was powerful enough could take the position as our interim pack leader until a true alpha had reached the age of maturity, but that meant a lot of fighting and power plays within the pack. We haven’t had stable leadership for years. That’s why Cal is so important to us.”
“I noticed when we were trying to get the word out to the pack about a potential killer that we didn’t have any kind of central database for members,” Cal said. “I had some information, but there were many people we couldn’t reach.”
Simon nodded. “It’s true,” he said. “In the past we were all so worried about remaining hidden and protecting our secret that we never kept accurate records of our members. I think, over time, the active alpha would come to know their pack, but there were no lists of names, nor any way to contact the entire pack in the event of an emergency. Not without going to the alpha for help.”
“They used the information for leverage,” Emma said. “If the alpha was relied on for that information, then he could maintain his power.”
“Yes,” Simon said.
“But all that is going to change,” I said. Emma and Simon both turned to me with eyebrows raised. “Cal’s not like that. I get that there were some power hungry alphas in the past, but Cal would never use his power for himself. He would use his position within the pack to help others.”
“Have I mentioned how much I love you?” Cal asked, looking at me. “Yuki’s right. Even before the attacks I was trying to make plans for a pack democracy. I have a responsibility to protect the pack and that is exactly what I intend to do.”
“No more abandoned teens?” Emma asked.
“Not if I can help it,” Cal said. “Simon, let’s start working on a central database of pack members.”
Simon sighed and rolled his eyes. “No rest for the wicked,” he said.
“Emma, I’d like to add our medical records to the database as well,” Cal said. “We could use your input.”
“Heck yeah,” Emma said, eyes lighting up.
Emma was in organizational Heaven, Simon was in slacker Hell, and Cal just glowed. For the first time since taking on the responsibility of pack alpha, the weight of leadership didn’t seem so heavy on his shoulders. Being alpha was going to have its challenges, but right now he seemed ready to face his destiny. Cal shined like my very own sun, holding the approaching storm clouds at bay.
Chapter 22
October 27th
I woke from a dream to the sound of thunder roaring overhead. Well, dream is putting it nicely. It was really more of a nightmare, complete with storm clouds of creepy fluttering moths carrying spirits of the dead directly to my doorstep. In my dream though, I lived in a tomb, so my doorstep was this huge, gothic, stone edifice. The last thing I saw as I pushed the tomb doors shut was the icy stare of an angel, carved from marble, glaring at me from atop a nearby mausoleum. As the tomb doors shut with a bang everything went black and I was left alone in the darkness with only the sound of beating wings for company. Yeah, definitely a nightmare.
I shook off the left over feeling of horror and slid out of bed. Rain lashed the window and I eyed my warm blankets with regret. Unfortunately I had missed school recently to attend Gavin’s funeral and didn’t have a good enough reason to crawl back into bed. I guess I would just have to face another day of high school. I’d rather return to my nightmare crypt. With a sigh I hurried for the shower hoping any lightning would wait until I was done.
Emerging clean and unzapped I grabbed my favorite red plaid mini skirt, black skull leggings, and baby doll tee. I reached for my black, buckle coat, but the array of straps reminded me of a straightjacket. I decided I wasn’t quite secure enough in my sanity to wear that one today. Maybe after Samhain. Instead I pulled on a black zip up hoodie and shiny red boots.
Looking in my vanity mirror I scowled and was reminded of the flyer the J-team had distributed around school. Visit the House of Horror to see Wak
efield High School’s very own resident witch. I’m sure Jay and Jared thought they were totally clever with that prank, but I wasn’t impressed. Was that the best they could do? Because, seriously, I was getting used to dealing with giant talking dung beetles, werewolf murderers, and stinky spirits of the dead. These things retained a certain fright factor, but the J-team? Not so much.
I thought about the bottles of Dr. Hoppenjumper’s Virility Tonic Emma was probably filling right now and smiled. The image in the mirror smiled back. A rictus grin leered out from beneath the hooded face. Spooky.
I grinned wider, slung my backpack over one shoulder, and took the stairs two at a time. Lifting a huge umbrella from the stand beside the door I flung myself out into the rain to wait for Emma. There is something liberating about splashing around in puddles and Emma later found me doing my best frog impersonation jumping from puddle to puddle.
“Getting in touch with your inner child?” Emma asked, rolling down the driver side window.
“Heck yeah,” I answered. “Want to give it a try? We still have time before school.” I splashed a booted foot to tempt her out of the car.
“No thanks,” Emma said, looking down at her meticulous white dress and vintage cardigan. “White isn’t the best color for playing in the rain.”
“I’m sure Gordy would disagree,” I said, teasing. Wait. Gordy and Emma just broke up. “Oh no, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. That just kind of slipped out.”
“It’s cool,” Emma said. “It’s been a crazy few days. You’re allowed a momentary lapse of reason.”
“Forgive me?” I asked.
“Forgiven,” Emma said. “We shall never speak of it again.”
“Are you okay though…about the break up thing?” I asked. Things were going so well with Cal that it was nearly impossible to put myself in Emma’s shoes, but I knew she must be hurting.
“I’m good,” Emma said. “No worries.”
“You sure?” I asked. “I realize things have been crazy, but you know I’m always here for you, right?”
“I’m fine,” Emma said, rolling her eyes. “Now will you get your drippy self in the car so we can get to school?”
“I guess so,” I said. I splashed in one more puddle, with both feet, collapsed my umbrella and scooted into the car. I turned a manic grin on Emma as she backed out of the driveway. “You really should try it. I’ll even let you borrow my boots.”
“No thanks,” Emma said, smiling. “But I know something else that will cheer us up. Take a look in the back seat.”
I turned around to see a six pack of Dr. Hoppenjumper’s Virility Tonic sitting there innocently; the Holy Grail of payback. I bounced in my seat, for once impatient to get to school. I couldn’t wait for gym class. Was that a winged pig flying in the sky?
*****
Cal wasn’t in school, but that wasn’t a surprise. Emma had suggested he stay home and take it easy for a day or two. We both knew that would mean he’d be working obsessively on his project to organize a pack database, but at least he would be away from humans while he continued to recover. The full moon was fast approaching and the combined force of the moon’s pull and Cal’s weakened physical state could force him to transform against his will. He still had a head injury to heal from, and a nasty headache to go with it, and I was guessing that could greatly interfere with the intense focus he needed to retain control over his wolf spirit. Better to be safe than sorry.
Simon would also be at his side which made me surprisingly confident that Cal was in good hands. I still felt odd relying on Simon, but he had proven himself to be reliable, especially where Cal and the pack were concerned. Cal had even confided in me last night that he planned to ask Simon to be his second in command. Vice alpha? Whatever the official title Cal planned to present Simon with the offer today and make a later formal announcement to the pack. That was one ceremony I’d like to see.
I also had business with Simon and needed to talk to him after school. We were now only three days away from Samhain and I didn’t have the replacement amulet yet. Simon had offered to secure a replica from one of his underground contacts and pay the hefty fee, something I planned to pay him back over time, but we didn’t have much time left. I was hoping that I hadn’t placed my chances of surviving Samhain in the wrong hands. Simon may have proven himself reliable, but his underground jeweler was another story. I prayed this wasn’t the king of bad ideas.
Our plan to swap out a replica for the original fairy crafted amulet, what the occult shop was calling the Gallows Amulet, had made so much sense at the time. Now that Samhain was only a few days away I was losing my faith in the plan. First things first, worry about acquiring the fake amulet. Worry about the logistics of breaking into a shop owned by practicing witches later. Preferably way later…like never.
Cal’s empty chair in physics class seemed less ominous today. I managed to walk past it, all the way to my own desk in the back corner, without getting weak in the knees. The past few days had been a waking nightmare, but Cal was awake and recovering. All was right with the world, right up until my teacher walked in and started handing out a surprise quiz. Note to self, next time a scary killer is out hunting werewolves and your boyfriend ends up in a coma, don’t slack on your homework. If nothing else, make sure to do the reading. No teacher is going to accept a supernatural excuse. A werewolf ate my homework?
Now why couldn’t I date a paranormal guy with mind control powers? I bet vampires could talk their way out of homework and pop quizzes. I tried to picture Cal with pale skin, fangs, a cape, slicked back hair, and glowing red eyes. No way, totally lame. I laughed and snorted out my nose, causing a few giggles and an angry frown from my teacher. Oh and self? Try not to conjure up silly images of Cal during class. The last thing I need is detention.
*****
I tried to put my gloomy game face on as I headed into gym class. It was hard not to smile while picturing Jay and Jared chugging their just desserts, but if I walked in looking happy they would know something was up. I sat on the bench and set the six pack of Dr. Hoppenjumper’s Virility Tonic beside my backpack at my feet. Emma walked in and winked.
Gym class hadn’t officially started yet and everyone was used to Emma and me hanging out by the bench. It was where I spent most of my class time. Jay and Jared were horsing around, making fun of our fellow classmates, as usual. When they came closer Emma started talking loud enough for them to hear.
“So, you get your hands on that special tonic?” Emma asked. “I heard it makes girls go crazy.”
“Yeah, I can’t believe how expensive it was, but if it makes Cal a total stud then it was worth every cent,” I said. It was all I could do not to laugh, or roll my eyes, but I kept a straight face.
“It’s supposed to make a guy totally irresistible to women, right?” Emma asked.
“That’s what they say and it has a money back guarantee,” I said. I glanced around pretending to look nervous, and acting like I didn’t see Jay and Jared nearly salivating for the tonic. “It was really expensive though, so I need to get it to my locker right after class.”
Right then Coach blew his whistle as if on cue. “Today we’re running laps inside,” he said. “Everyone up.”
I hesitated at the bench, trying to look as though I couldn’t decide if I should leave my precious tonic unattended.
“Stennings!” Coach yelled. “You’ve already sat out your quota of classes. If you want to pass this class, which I remind you is a graduation requirement, then I suggest you hit the track.”
I groaned, rolling my eyes at Emma who waved in sympathy, and started running. After the first lap Jay and Jared hung back enough to end up behind me, which was totally against jock behavior. I had always been one of the slowest runners in our class. By the second lap I could hear gagging noises and watched as the J-team fled through the locker room doors. I laughed all the way to the finish line. Who knew gym class could be so much fun?
*****
&nbs
p; “I kind of threw up a little,” I said. Emma looked back at me with eyebrow raised. “Just a little, but it was totally worth it. They were gagging so loud it was echoing out from the boy’s locker room.”
Emma raised her fist and we bumped knuckles. “Gagging,” she said, “with a side of humiliation. Now that is what I call success.”
“Or one really funky meal,” I said. “Speaking of which, any scoop on today’s lunch menu?”
“Unless you want meat with a side of meat covered in meat sauce I recommend purchasing a juice from the vending machine,” Emma said.
“Just when I thought the day was starting to go my way,” I said, and sighed.
I clomped off to the juice machine without enthusiasm. Metallic tasting apple juice, in a can sized for a Barbie doll, was not my idea of lunch. My coins rolled down into the juice beast’s belly with a clang, I hit the button for apple, and voila! Lunch was served. I stomped back to our table ready to vent about the injustice of school cafeterias when I saw a fabulous soy pudding sitting next to my bag.
“For me?” I asked, breaking out my manic smile.
Emma rolled her eyes. “Of course for you, but only because you light up like a Christmas tree,” she said.
“Well yeah, it’s c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e,” I said.
“It’s f-o-o-d,” Emma said, smiling. “You get excited about anything you can eat, though I do think chocolate tops your list.”
I pictured Cal’s warm moist lips and for a moment forgot how to speak. Well maybe chocolate wasn’t at the very top of the list.
I spooned in creamy chocolate pudding enjoying every bite.
“You’re the best,” I said.
“All good?” Emma asked.
“All good,” I answered. It was all good. The school day was nearly over, we pulled off our evil payback scheme, I’d soon be visiting with Cal, and Emma had proven her friendship again with chocolate. Things were very, very good.