by Lana Melyan
Connie gaped at me. “Wow, I’ve never seen this before,” she whispered.
“Yeah, that’s how he healed my injuries when I was a kid. But the mind control . . . I’ve seen him do it only once, long time ago. He said it’s a power that can’t be abused.”
“Take care of this,” pointing at the bodies Dad said to Nathan. He headed toward our cars. “Let’s go, girls.”
I picked up my phone, glowing with notification from Mom, and Connie and I hurried after my Dad.
“Oh, sure. I don’t need help,” Nathan threw after us with sarcasm. “I can bury two vampires all by myself.”
7
The porch light went on, and Mom rushed out the front door. “What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said, slamming my car door shut as dad drove past us into garage.
“You didn’t hurt someone, did you?”
“No, Mom. Someone was trying to hurt me, and I was only protecting myself.”
“What?” She ran her eyes up and down my body, making sure I wasn’t injured. “Who?” Her eyes darted to my father as he came out of the garage.
“Let’s go inside,” he said, heading to the front door.
“What happened?” Mom asked again as soon as she closed the front door.
“Vampires,” Dad said.
“Probably the same ones that killed the man on the road,” I said. Mom and Dad stared at me. “What?” I shrugged. “It was in the paper. Blood loss, wound on the neck. The article didn’t say what kind of wound, and I had some doubts at first. It could be a deep cut. But it’s obvious now, isn’t it?”
I stopped before the hallway mirror and pulled my long hair back to look at my burning neck. It was covered in dark red spots.
“Tomorrow it’ll look even worse,” I murmured. “Dad, I can’t go to school like this.”
“Like what?” He drew closer. “Let me see.” He held his palm over my neck.
“Oh my God,” gasped Mom. “What’s that?”
“The vampires grabbed me and Connie. I stopped them when they attacked us the first time. But then my magic stopped working and he nearly ate me.”
Mom and dad exchanged a quick sideways glance.
“Nathan saved them,” said Dad quietly, removing his hand.
“Nathan is here?” Mom frowned.
“Okay, that’s it.” I marched into the living room. “Can someone tell me what’s going on? The guy saved my life, but instead of being happy, crying Thank God he showed up at the right moment, all you can say is ‘Nathan is here?’” I pulled together my eyebrows, mimicking Mom’s facial expression.
“Of course I’m happy,” Mom said. “It’s just . . . Nathan . . . He isn’t a good man.”
“He’s good in my book. Thanks to him, I won’t be in the morning newspaper as another dead body found in a park with neck trauma.”
Mom froze, a startled look on her face.
“Honey, I’m very grateful for what he did,” Dad started.
I cut him off. “Then maybe you should’ve said, ‘Thank you for saving my daughter’s life and keeping an eye on her while I was away’ instead of shouting at him.”
“What do you mean, keeping an eye?” Dad asked. He and mom looked at me, expressions alarmed.
“He’s been around for several days. He never spoke to me or came near me, but I think he was there even when I couldn’t see him. He saw me burn that brunch in the school yard even though Connie and I were sure there was no one around.”
“I can’t believe this,” muttered Dad. “That son of a bitch.” He began pacing, then he stopped and looked at mom.
“It was him,” she said.
Dad replied with a meaningful nod.
“Peeeooople.” I spread my hands. “You’re doing it again. What’s going on? Talk to me.”
“Listen to me carefully,” said Dad. “You have to stay away from him. He’s a very powerful warlock, and he’s dangerous.”
“Dad, I don’t think he would hurt me. He had that opportunity all this time, but instead he kept me safe.” I narrowed my eyes. “When you say powerful, do you mean he’s stronger than you? Because he seemed very confident. And why did you let a guy who’s only a few years older than me talk to you like that?”
Dad and Mom exchanged another suspicious look.
“He’s not stronger, but he’s almost as powerful. And his behavior . . . that’s just how he talks.”
This conversation was going nowhere. Judging by my parents mysterious looks, there was much more to the story, but they didn’t seem eager to share it with me. Thinking that maybe later I could pry some answers from Gran, I proceeded to more important question.
“Dad, what happened to my magic? I easily knocked both vampires down, and I was taking care of myself. But when they came around a few minutes later and I tried to stun them, there was no magic left.”
Dad looked at the floor and raised his eyebrows.
“It can happen.” He pushed his hands into his pockets. “You were scared. The fear can block—”
“No.” I shook my head. “I was scared at first, yes, when I saw them. But when my magic worked, it encouraged me, and I wasn’t afraid at all. I wanted to fight them.”
“Maybe your first spell was too strong and it drained you?” Dad didn’t look at me.
“I was drained after one spell? Really?”
“It’s . . . it’s possible,” mumbled Dad. But then his tone changed. “The important thing is that you have powers. And I’m sure they’ll come back,” he said firmly. “Right now you need to rest. It’s late.”
Wishing that his explanations were clearer and more comforting, I went upstairs to my room. After a warm shower, I dived into my bed hoping for a dreamless sleep, but every time I closed my eyes, I felt the vampire’s cold breath on my neck, and the images of his fangs and hungry red eyes flashed in front of me.
8
I awoke the next morning with a heavy head from lack of sleep. I pulled myself up and sat with my eyes closed for a moment before heading to the bathroom.
Staring at the toothbrush, I tried to make it fly into my hand. But who was I kidding? My magic wasn’t back. There was no vibe of energy, no tingle in my fingers. Nothing.
My morning routine took a bit longer than usual. I rushed down to the kitchen hoping there would be coffee.
“Morning,” said Mom. She was still in her pajamas, her long, dirty-blond hair gathered into an untidy ponytail.
“Morning, Mom.” The coffee maker was on and still crackling, but the pot was nearly full. I opened the cupboard, looking for my travel mug.
“I’m making toast,” said Mom. “Would you like some?”
“Thanks, but I don’t have time.”
“How are you, honey?” she asked with concern. “You look a bit off.”
“Didn’t sleep well,” I said, filling up my cup. “Don’t worry. It’s nothing coffee can’t fix.” I kissed her on the cheek, grabbed my car keys, and dashed out the front door.
Nathan was nowhere around the school parking lot. I knew that after Dad’s warning I shouldn’t be looking for him and should keep my distance if he showed up. But while I’d blamed my parents for not being grateful to him for saving my life, I remembered I hadn’t thanked him either.
I walked into the classroom right after the teacher. Connie and I exchanged a glance, then she pulled out her phone and held it under the desk as she typed a message.
I dug my phone out of my bag, and as it lit up with the notification, I unlocked it and read the short text.
Is your magic back?
I looked at Connie and shook my head.
During the lunch break at the cafeteria, I recounted to Connie last night’s conversation with my parents.
“I told you he looked dangerous,” said Connie.
“He’s arrogant, and he’s impudent, but I don’t know, Connie. He doesn’t look dangerous. And if he is, I wish my parents would explain why.”
After c
lasses, I felt the wave of aftershock from my restless night, and we went to the Grill for a cup of coffee. Jess, Dave, and Leia were already there. To my surprise, when Jess and Leia said hi to me and Connie, Dave nodded as well.
“It seems Jess had a word with him,” said Connie as we sat at the table.
“Yeah, but I’m afraid our friendship will never be the same.”
“Jess just got back, and it’s all still too fresh. Give it time. Right now we have more important things to worry about. Nicky, we have vampires in town.”
“Shh,” I said as the waitress approached our table.
I took a sip from my cup after she left.“Nathan killed them. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. They’re like cockroaches. First one, then two, then you have to call the terminators.”
“You think there are more?”
“There are always more,” said a familiar male voice.
We both looked up.
“Hello, witches.” Nathan grinned down at us.
“Are you crazy?” I frowned at him. “Why would you say it so loud?”
He slid into the seat next to Connie.
“Don’t worry, gorgeous. No one can hear us. I put a spell on this table the moment Connie said the word vampire.” He looked at her, slightly tilting his head. “You have to be careful, honey. I heard you from the door.”
“What do you mean, you put a spell? So now we look like fish, opening and closing out mouths with no sound?”
“It’s not like that,” chuckled Nathan. “They can hear the voices.” He glanced around. “But they won’t be able to make out the words. It’ll sound like gibberish.”
“If there are more vampires,” said Connie, “do you know where they are?”
“Nope. So you better get a stake. I won’t always be around to save your beautiful necks.”
“About that,” I said in a gentler voice, “thank you. Sorry we didn’t say it yesterday. We were shocked. We’ve never seen a vampire before.”
“Yeah. We were lucky you showed up,” said Connie. “Or we would be dead.”
“Don’t sweat it, ladies,” said Nathan with a smug smile across his face. “It was my pleasure.”
Connie’s phone vibrated next to her cup. She picked it up, and as she read the message, she threw her phone in the bag and got up.
“I gotta go,” she said with a thin smile. “I’ve just been reminded that it’s mine turn to make dinner.” Nathan got up to let her out. “See you tomorrow,” she said, heading toward the entrance.
I looked after her and saw Jess eyeing Nathan from head to toe.
“Now.” Nathan dropped back into the seat. “Let’s talk about you. Are your powers back yet?”
“No. Dad said it might take some time, but I’ll get them back, sooner or later.”
Nathan sniffed. “Did he?”
Thinking that if I provoked him he might give me some answers, I said, “And by the way, he told me to stay away from you.”
Nathan’s face darkened, and he pierced me with his gaze. “And did he tell you why?”
“Yes. But after I heard his reasons, I decided it would be nice to hear your side of the story and compare notes.”
He released a short laugh. “Nice try, love.” He put his arms on the table and leaned forward. “I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until your father finally cracks.”
Our eyes met, and in that moment I sensed the danger Connie and my dad were talking about. But it didn’t scare me. Somehow I knew I wasn’t the one who had to flee from his fury when it broke out.
“You look like a vampire yourself,” I chuckled. “Your black eyes are . . . Well, they’re kinda red now. Is it a hangover or something?”
“You’re joking, right? I’d like to see you after you spend the whole night in the woods, digging holes in the ground to bury two bodies.”
I bit my lip. “Sorry, I forgot.” Then I smiled. “You should go to Hogwarts. They’ll teach you how to dig a hole by a single wave of your wand.” My cheeks burned before I even finished the words. “Did I just say that aloud?” I muttered under my breath.
With a crooked smile, Nathan said, “Believe me, I know all about wand magic. And I think I’m making your ex-boyfriend jealous. He keeps staring at us.”
“How do you know he’s my ex?” My anger returned at once. “How long have you been watching me?”
“A little then, a little now.”
“Why?”
He sneered. “I’ll answer that question right after your father tells you what happened to your magic.”
“Fine.” I got up. “I’ll wait until one of you loses this who can keep his mouth shut the longest competition.” I threw my bag over my shoulder and stormed out.
9
I was still pissed off when I came home. I didn’t want to talk to anybody, and I was glad to find the hallway and kitchen people-free. Mom and Dad’s voices came from the backyard, and I snuck into my room before they could notice I was back.
But as I threw my bag on the chair and collapsed on my bed, I heard footsteps nearing my door.
“Witches,” I muttered with annoyance.
There was a light knock on the door, and Mom’s voice said, “Honey?”
“What?” I tried not to yell, but it came out loud anyway.
The door opened. “You didn’t come to say hi.” She stepped inside. “Is everything okay?”
“Yep. Everything is fine.” I wished the tone of my voice had said the same.
“Nicky.” Mom sat down on the bed. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Well, duh. I almost got killed, my magic is gone, you and Dad are keeping secrets from me. And now Nathan? He had been spying on me for god knew how long, and none of us had a clue.
But I had no desire to talk about any of that with Mom right now. And I didn’t want her to know that, despite Dad’s warning, I had talked to Nathan again.
“Honey, is it about Jess?”
I stared at her. Nice save, Mom.
“Yes,” I said, pulling myself up and leaning against the headboard. “He just came back from Europe, and I was a bit nervous meeting him after what happened.”
“So? How did it go?”
“Actually, it went much better than I expected. I think we could still be friends.”
Mom looked puzzled. “Really? Then what are you upset about?”
Damn.
“It’s just . . . Dave. He’s refused to talk to me since the accident.”
“Oh, don’t worry, honey,” she said softly, taking my hand. “He’ll come around.”
“Yeah.” I jumped off the bed. “Is there dinner? I’m hungry.”
Nathan said he’d answer my question after my Dad told me what happened to my magic. Did he mean that he’d wait until Dad figured it out, or that Dad already knew what was going on and didn’t want to tell me?
Even though I was eager to get the right answer, I didn’t ask any questions, thinking maybe I should give it a rest for a couple of days.
I tried to act normal the whole evening, and it seemed that I was much better at it than my dad. I could tell something bothered him. When I headed to my bedroom at the end of the day, he stopped me.
“Did you see Nathan today?”
Could he smell him on me or something?
“Dad, it’s late. I’ve got school tomorrow.”
He sat on the couch. “This won’t take long.”
I sat on the armchair across from him, and so did Mom.
“Nicky,” she said, “you’re a beautiful young woman. And Nathan . . . he’s a handsome man.”
“Mom.” I rolled my eyes. “Really?”
“Honey.” Dad took over. “What we’re trying to say is that it would be absolutely normal if you found him interesting. But he’s not who you think he is. You’re young, and it’s very easy to get confused.”
“You know what?” I shouted, gazing from one to another. “Yes. He’s a hell of a g
uy. But every time I see him, I wanna punch him in the face because he’s an arrogant, smug, lying son of a bitch. And what pisses me off even more is that he knows more about me than I do. How come, Dad?”
Dad nodded. “Yes. He does. And not just about you. He knows a lot about our family and its history. I’m not saying you should be afraid of him. He’s not going to hurt you, or any of us.”
“How do you know? Yesterday you said he’s dangerous.”
“He is. He’s used dark magic too many times, and he’s done many bad things in his life.”
“You talk about him like . . . isn’t he too young for all those crimes? What about his family? His parents? Are they dark witches too?”
“He doesn’t have family. The point is, he’ll try to get very close to you, and I want you to be careful.”
“Why me?”
“He needs something from us. From Callahan. And he’ll do anything to get it.”
“Needs what?”
“I can’t tell you yet. It’s not the time. Right now, as I told you before, the less you know, the safer you are.”
“Great,” I snorted. “Is that it, then?” I got up.
“Yes.” Dad nodded. “For now.”
Mom and Dad’s anxious looks followed me as I went upstairs, and my insides turned. They were my parents. They loved me, and they worried about me, and all they were trying to do was protect me. I had no idea what was going on or what they were going through, but their plates were already pretty full. Instead of adding to that, I could cut them some slack and be more understanding. Maybe when my magic was back they’d fill me in, and instead of being a pain in the ass, I would finally be able to help them.
But in the meantime, I had to somehow satisfy my curiosity. Dad said Nathan would try to use me to get what he wanted but would never hurt me. Now that I knew that, I had to be cautious, but there was no need to stay away from him. Maybe if I played smart, I could use him to get some answers.