by Kristie Cook
I shove my hair out of my face. “I’m pretty confused right now, Cora.”
“Why confused?” she asks, genuinely puzzled herself. “Because, from my point of view, you’re in a pretty good position right now. You’ve got a gorgeous guy, a Magical no less, madly in love with you.”
She knows this, how?
“Okay,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I got that from the surge, too. The point I’m trying to make, though, is I don’t see a downside. You. Jonah. In love. Have been for a long time. What’s the problem?”
“Are you serious? Haven’t you been listening?”
She considers this. “Are you talking about his brother? Because that’s no problem at all. Admit it was a mistake and move on. Jonah will understand. Tell him you were confused because they look alike.”
I don’t know why I bother talking to her about anything like this in the first place.
“Excuse me—are you Chloe Lilywhite?” I whirl around and stare up at an exceedingly tall and well-built man who appears to be in his early twenties. He says, clearly amused as I gape up at him, “Cat got your tongue?”
“Who’s asking?”
A hand is stuck out for me to shake. I fear bones are being crushed as he pumps mine up and down. “My name is Karl Graystone. I’m the Guard who’s been assigned to watch over you until you Ascend later in the summer.” He mercifully lets go of my aching hand.
Cora leans forward and introduces herself. Once that’s out of the way, she asks him, “A Guard? Like a bodyguard?”
His hazel eyes peer down at her in suspicion. “You don’t know what the Guard is?”
“Obviously. If I did, I wouldn’t have asked.”
“The Guard is a branch of the Council, comprised of about seventy members of all the different species,” he says, frowning. “In addition to maintaining law and order within our society, it’s both an offensive and defensive team used to protect Magicals and our way of life.”
This gets both of our attentions. I ask, “You mean, you guys do things like fighting? Like the military?”
“I suppose you could see it that way,” Karl says, scratching at his short brown hair. “I guess the military comparison is fair.”
“Why is some military guy assigned to my Cousin?” Cora demands.
He addresses me. “Didn’t your parents tell you of the arrangements the Council has made for me to come to stay with you?”
I nod. “She said you’re to be a babysitter of sorts.”
The word babysitter obviously doesn’t sit well with Karl, because both his eyebrows raise high into his forehead before snapping down in irritation. “I’m nobody’s babysitter,” he practically growls. “I’ll be there to protect you, and will be expecting your full cooperation.”
Cora turns to me. “Protection from what?”
Ugh. I so don’t want to get into this at a party. “Um … I guess there have been some Magicals hurt over the last few years …”
“Killed,” Karl points out flatly. “There have been injuries, yes, but also a fair number of murders.”
Okay, that sends Cora over the edge. “Whaaaat? Why am I just now hearing about this?”
I become defensive. “Well, my mind has sort of been on some other things.”
She stares at me like I’m an idiot. And I guess I can see why—worrying about boys should not take precedence over worrying about whether or not I’ll be killed.
“As of now, I hope your focus will be on what’s important, Chloe.” Karl’s voice is deep and rumbly, making me wonder if he ever laughs. “Anyhow, I wanted to come over and introduce myself tonight and let you know I’ll be by your parents’ apartment late tomorrow morning to discuss with you a few things before we head back to the Human plane.”
A very tall, handsome gentleman in an elegant suit approaches Karl. I do a double take, because other than silvery-blonde hair, he looks like an older version of Jonah. “Karl, if it’s possible, a few of us need to talk to you before you leave tonight,” the man says.
“Of course,” Karl replies. Then he turns towards me and Cora. “Ewan, this is Chloe Lilywhite and Cora Carregreen. Ladies, this is Ewan Whitecomb, one of the senior Faiths on the Council.”
And … that’s why. The reason he looks like Jonah is because he’s his dad.
“Ah yes, the Creator,” Ewan says, smiling faintly. His voice is cultured with the smallest hint of an accent I can’t place. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. The Council is anticipating your arrival.”
Does he know about me and Jonah?
Ewan Whitecomb turns backs to Karl, his polite interest in me obviously over, which leads me to believe the answer is no.
Karl arrives at exactly eleven the next day, suitcase in hand. My parents have gone out for the morning, leaving a note behind for me and Cora. We’re to go back home with Karl since they’ll be staying in Annar.
This is nothing new or even surprising. They’ve been leaving me alone with Caleb as a babysitter since I was seven. Sometimes I prefer it this way. The silence in the house is less painful.
I’ve decided to at least try to be pleasant to Karl, considering he’ll be living with me for who knows how many months. So I greet him cheerfully at the door, only to be met with a curt, “Good morning.”
I lead him into the apartment to where Cora’s already sitting on a couch. “I’m glad you’re both here,” he says as I plop down next to Cora. He remains standing in front of us, arms laced behind his back. “Let’s go through the rules.”
Should I get something to write them down with? “Rules?”
This guy is dead serious. “All good missions follow pre-determined rules.”
“Mission?” Cora cuts in.
He motions at me. “This is a Guard mission. Protecting the Creator is a mission.”
“Her name’s Chloe.”
“It’s okay,” I assure her. “Let’s let him finish.”
“Are you the only person on this mission?” Cora asks, ignoring me.
He blinks. “No.”
“Who else, then?” she asks before I can say anything.
It’s obvious he’s annoyed with her questions. “There are a number of people assigned to the Creator—”
“Chloe,” Cora says fiercely. “She’s more than just a Creator. She’s a seventeen-year-old girl named Chloe.”
“Cora,” I say quietly, but she waves me off.
“He’s making it sound like you’re a vase in a museum instead of a person with thoughts and feelings. He’d do well to remember it.”
His cheeks flush dark red. “Now, listen here—”
“You may continue,” Cora says, waving a hand.
His mouth clamps shut; the veins in his neck bulge. “First off—”
“Why rules?” Cora interrupts. “I thought you were merely coming to watch over Chloe.”
“Do you want me to do this or not?” he grinds out.
Cora smiles like a beauty pageant queen. “Of course. Continue.”
He sighs loudly through his nose. “These rules, in case you’re wondering, are to ensure that the Creat— uh, Chloe stays safe. Please understand that we are not trying to be punitive—”
“We?” Cora asks.
“Oh, for gods’ sakes!” he explodes. “Will you let me talk here or what?”
“How old are you?” Cora asks, undeterred.
I legitimately worry he’s going to strangle her. “Nearly twenty-one.”
“Damn.” She whistles. “You’re like a baby Guard. They’re sending a kid out to protect my Cousin?”
“Age is irrelevant when it comes to the Guard.”
“He’s also on the Council,” I tell her.
She eyes him with a new interest. “You can be both on the Guard and Council?”
“Yes,” he says, his neck flushing, “it’s not common, but there are about ten of us who do double duty. But that’s not the point here—”
“You were in the process of telling me who is on Chloe’s
team.”
“Gods almighty,” he barks. “Are you serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? Chloe’s my Cousin. I have a vested interest in her, other than how she’s a Creator. I actually care about her life and safety, as opposed to what she can do for the Council. I just want to know she’s in good hands.”
He presses his palms against his eyes. “She’s in excellent hands, Carregreen. There is a Guard team set up to oversee her case.”
“Case?”
Okay, now he’s had enough. He holds out a hand and when she tries to speak. “Shut up and listen, will you? I need to get these rules out so we can get back to California.”
Cora doesn’t need him to strangle her. She’s doing a pretty good job of looking like she’s being strangled herself.
“As I was saying, the first rule will be that you, Chloe, will no longer be allowed to drive yourself anywhere without me present.”
I stare up at him, agog.
“The majority of the attacks have occurred while a Magical was alone. A car does not offer protection. I’ll be taking you to and from school. You will be no longer allowed to participate in after-school activities. I’m told you’re involved in cheerleading—sorry, that’s no longer allowed.”
Rainbows explode around me. “Are you saying I’m off the cheer team?”
“I’m sorry,” he says, but I stand up and scream as loud as I can.
“Is this not the BEST DAY EVER?”
“I guess there’s a perk to death threats after all,” Cora muses.
Karl’s righteousness deflates some. “You’re not upset?”
“Hell no.” I happily drop back on the couch. “This is awesome.”
“Okaaay,” he drawls slowly. “Um, well … you’ll be expected to meet me within a reasonable time after the last school bell on a daily basis. I’ll need you to keep your cell phone on at all times in order for me to reach you and vice versa.”
Still focused on how I no longer have to cheer, I cheerfully accept this as Karl turns to Cora.
“Carregreen, we’re still working out whether or not I’ll be taking you to and from school.”
“Whatever for?” she demands.
“Because it was ordered, that’s why. And because you’re under my watch, too—albeit in a much-reduced capacity.”
“Why?” she asks, jerking her back straight. “I get Chloe needing the cover and all, but I’m small fish, not even Council bound!”
“Because it was ordered,” he repeats through clenched teeth. And then, before she can argue, he adds, “Many extracurricular activities will no longer be allowed. This includes parties I cannot get into—”
Wait—
“Going out to restaurants without me—”
Wait a—
“Dates I can’t follow along on—”
“You’d go on a date with her?” Cora asks. “What are you, a voyeur?”
His mouth snaps shut as his eyes begin to bug out.
“It’s creepy,” she continues, unperturbed. “How’d you like to go out on a date with some beefy bodyguard watching you?”
As if he didn’t know which part to be insulted by, he manages to say, “I’m … I’m married.”
“Even creepier,” she points out.
“Cora, stop,” I hiss when Karl turns a really ugly shade of red.
“I’m just saying,” she whispers back, as if Karl can’t hear her easily, “how are you going to get things resolved with—”
“AHEM.” Karl’s fists clench at his sides. “May I finish?” When we nod, he says, “If you need to go somewhere after school, it’ll be with me. I’ll drive you wherever you need to go and stay with you. This includes shopping, eating, going to the beach … If anyone non asks you who I am, you’re to tell them that I’m a relative who’s staying with you. Under no circumstances are you to tell people that I’m there to watch you.”
“This shouldn’t be a problem, considering she won’t ever be allowed to see anyone again,” Cora mutters.
“Cora, please!” I yell. “This isn’t helping!” They both stare at me. “I get the situation sucks,” I continue. “And it does. I’m not looking forward to being babysat. I can take care of myself, despite what most people think. But I’m also not keen on dying.”
“I know you can take care of yourself,” Cora says softly. “Even if this jackass doesn’t.”
“Hey now,” Karl says, but I hold out a hand.
“I get why the Council is worried, so I want to work with you. I just I can’t let you smother me, though.”
He sighs. “If it’s any consolation, I’m not overly thrilled about being away from my wife for so long, either.”
“She a cougar?” Cora asks.
Karl stares at her, mouth open.
“I’m just saying,” she says defensively. “He looks like the sort to snag a cougar.”
She did not just say that. “Cora!”
“My wife is off limits to you.” He shakes a finger at her. And then, after a moment, “She’s not a cougar.”
Cora cackles brightly.
His focus returns to me. “I know this seems unfair in many ways. But, you need to understand the seriousness of the situation. The Council feels very … certain, if you will, that you could be a target.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I murmur. “Creator. Council bound. Got it.”
“And Cora, as for why you’ll be watched,” he continues, “sometimes the people closest to the targets have become victims. You won’t be as guarded nearly as closely as Chloe, but anytime you’re with her, you’ll be expected to follow all the aforementioned rules. Is that clear?”
“Fine,” she grumbles.
“What about my other Cousins?” I ask.
“Cousins? You mean … the other Magicals you associate with?” I nod, and he continues, “No one sees them as questionable targets.” Karl digs a piece of paper out of his pocket. “You have … three additional Magical friends in the area?”
“You are well-informed, sir,” Cora answers.
A thin band of gold on his left hand catches my eye. “Do you need to go say goodbye to your wife?”
“No,” he says quietly. “We already did that this morning.”
“Can’t they get someone else?”
“I’m more than capable of ensuring your safety, Chloe.”
“That’s not what I’m saying,” I quickly correct. “It’s just … my mother mentioned your wife is pregnant. I can’t imagine it’ll be fun for you to be watching me on another plane when she’s expecting your baby.”
“Dude,” Cora says, whistling. “Daddy Karl? Bust out the shotguns and white wife-beater already, why don’t you?”
He ignores her. “I was chosen for this mission, and the Guard always follow through with their orders. My wife is on the Guard, too. She understands the mission and accepts it. It won’t be a problem. Don’t worry yourself over it.”
I tell him I won’t, but can’t help but feel sympathetic toward him, even while I figure I ought to be resentful.
chapter 15
Over the last day and a half, I haven’t yet come to any real conclusions over what to do about Jonah and Kellan Whitecomb. For one, I haven’t talked to Jonah yet, but ache to. Need to. But on the other hand, I’d connected with Kellan in a way that, despite Cora’s beliefs, can’t easily be dismissed.
Speaking of, Kellan texted me yesterday, while I was in Annar: So. Today, I didn’t see you at school. In class. In History, even.
I’d been amazed to discover that apparently my cell phone coverage included Annar.
I hadn’t written back because I didn’t know what to say. There’d been no message today from either of them. Not that I’d expected Jonah to text me, but I suppose it’d be fair to say I’d had some hope he would. That because I now know he’s a Magical, it makes a difference. That maybe he knows it, too.
I don’t know his phone number or where he lives, so it’s not like I can go over and talk to him myself.
<
br /> So, maybe that’s the answer then. I go to the one I can talk to first. Meet me early tomorrow morning? Parking lot?
It takes twenty seconds to get a response. You okay?
A warm, fuzzy feeling blooms over the fact that he cares. Yeah. You?
It expands with Kellan’s next text: Better now. See you @ 7.
Karl is in the guest bedroom, watching something on a food channel. I sort of hover in the doorway until he notices me. He clicks off the TV and says, “Is there something I can help you with?”
I clear my throat and glance around the room. In the four hours he’s been here, I happen to know he’s made five phone calls and received seven, including, if I’m not mistaken, several with his wife. He’d checked the perimeter of the house, conferred with Caleb over logistics, and has pretty much left me alone, which I’m thinking was purposeful after my small speech on how I’m used to fending for myself.
But now I find myself wanting to maybe give Astrid’s suggestion a try. “You all settled?”
“Yep, thanks for asking.”
“Um … where are you from?”
He motions for me to sit down, but I remain standing. “I’ve split the bulk of my life split between Annar and the East Coast.”
“Oh.” It’s weird that he hasn’t put any pictures or personal items up yet. “Do you like it like that?”
He’s confused. “Meaning?”
“Living in Annar. Do you like it there?”
“Sure,” he says. And then, “I live full-time there, now, though. Most Guard do.”
I lean against the dresser. “It’s interesting you’re on both the Council and the Guard. I didn’t know people could do that.”
He gives me a questioning look, like he’s trying to determine if I’m teasing him or not.
I clear my throat. “Do you like one more than the other?”
“I prefer the Guard, to tell you the truth. I have a bit more Guard mentality than a Council one.”
I wipe a finger across the top of the dresser. It’s spotless. My mother can’t bother to take care of me, but damn if she doesn’t ensure there isn’t one speck of dust in the house. “Did you grow up, always knowing about … this sort of stuff?”
“Stuff?”
I wave my hand between us. “You know.”