Paranormal After Dark

by Rebecca Hamilton

  An obvious absence in the shape of his father made Cade that much angrier. Surely he knew. Surely Grace had told him.

  Had his mother deduced what Rémy’s absence meant?

  Cade slept through the night, and when he was awakened just after seven by a woman checking his vitals, he felt better. The cute, auburn-haired nurse remarked on how good he looked and then left the room.

  After she was gone, Cade eyed his mom. “What’d you do to me while I was sleeping?”

  Grace gave him a benign smile. “Nothing you wouldn’t have done for me, sweetheart.”

  Cade’s mom wasn’t one to use her powers often. When she did, it depleted her energy so much she needed more time to recuperate than most blood witches.

  “You didn’t need to do that,” he told her sternly.

  “Oh, because you had energy enough to do it yourself?”

  Cade rolled his eyes. “I just needed a good night’s sleep.”

  “Well, now you’ve had a good night’s sleep and a healing.” Grace smiled as she adjusted his blankets. “And maybe now you’ll tell me what happened. Was it Ever?”

  “No! Damn, Mom. Of course it wasn’t Ever. She wouldn’t even hurt a spider.” Cade groaned, grabbing a pillow and crushing it to his face. “I’m going to take a nap.”

  “You can’t keep it from me forever, Cade.”

  He didn’t respond.

  Chapter 23

  EVER

  BY NOON MONDAY, when she hadn’t heard from Cade, and he didn’t show up at school, Ever was worried.

  “You haven’t heard from him at all since Saturday night?” Ollie whispered.

  They were in the girls’ bathroom on the third floor. Ever had needed to voice her concerns to a sympathetic ear. She couldn’t very well share her angst with Meagan, not with the grudge that girl still held against the BlackMags — and by association, against Cade. So after Ever and Ollie shoveled down lunch, they’d sought out some privacy. Students from the cafeteria overran the larger, first floor bathroom. But the science and math classes on the third floor were still hard at work, so the bathroom up there was empty.

  “Nothing. I texted him a couple times yesterday, and now he’s not here today.” Ever shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. Her sweater wasn’t keeping her warm. “What if something happened to him?”

  “Why would something happen to him?” Ollie asked, confused.

  Ever still hadn’t told her about Gilles Robidoux and the events that happened late Saturday night. A niggling fear kept her from mentioning it. Ollie might worry too much, or tell the wrong people, or judge Ever for having such an evil father.

  “I don’t know,” Ever lied. “Just sometimes people get hurt, I guess.”

  “Do you think he would call you if something happened?”

  Ever shrugged. “I thought we hit it off. He said he would call me.”

  Ollie wrinkled her nose. “Most guys say that.”

  “I don’t think Cade is most guys.”

  “Most girls say that.”

  “Don’t make me punch you.”

  “Maybe he’s feeling under the weather,” Ollie conceded. “I know when I’m sick, I don’t want to do anything but sleep. He’ll call soon.”

  Ever nodded, hoping Ollie was right. As hard as Cade had fought to convince her to go out with him, she would be crushed if he’d been dishonest about his intentions. She always wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt, never more so than now.

  * * *

  IN THE TEN-MINUTE break before sixth period, Allie accosted Ever in the hallway.

  Ever had never really spoken to the girl. Even before Allie joined the BlackMags, she had run with a different crowd. Their semi-hostile exchange at the party Saturday night was the sum total of their interaction with one another.

  Allie was all arms, legs, and bare skin in her black skinny jeans and tank top. The ripped piece of fabric that functioned as a long-sleeved shirt over the tank wasn’t much protection against the cold outside. It was a night-and-day difference next to Ever’s rainbow sweater dress and cream-colored leggings. Not for the first time, Ever wondered how on earth Cade had gone from that girl to her.

  Allie jabbed a finger into Ever’s chest. “Stupid bitch. It’s your fault Cade’s in the hospital!”

  Ever’s entire body went cold. “What did you say?”

  “I don’t know what you did, but Mitch says it’s your fault. And you’re gonna pay.” Allie moved closer, hovering over Ever.

  Ever was short, and Allie was tall, so the girl loomed over her by more than a head. There wasn’t much substance to her, but she was intimidating anyway.

  Ever took a step back, irritated that her knees were so wobbly. Don’t let her bully you, she reprimanded herself.

  “I didn’t do anything,” Ever said, even though it wouldn’t sway Allie’s ire.

  “Yes, you did!” Allie shoved her with both hands.

  Ever stumbled backwards, her magick bubbling up inside. It did that sometimes in tense situations, as if it had a mind of its own and wanted to protect her. She tamped it down.

  “Hey!” A yell came from down the hall.

  Crap. Ever whipped around.

  Meagan sprinted towards them. She looked like an undercover superhero, racing to the rescue in blue jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. She jumped between Ever and Allie, snarling at the latter. “What are you doing?”

  Allie crossed her arms over her chest and stood her ground. “It’s Ever’s fault Cade’s in the hospital.”

  “Somehow, I doubt that.” Meagan squared up against the girl, who cowered against her bigger bulk. “Walk away.”

  “Fuck off, Stauble. This isn’t your fight.”

  Meagan gripped Allie’s shirt in one hand. “If it has to do with my coven, then it’s my fight.”

  Over Meagan’s shoulder, Ever could see the fear on Allie’s face. But the BlackMag must have been a glutton for punishment, because she jerked from Meagan’s grasp and let loose with a punch.

  Even Ever could tell the punch was mistimed and misaimed. Allie’s fist connected with Meagan’s lower jawbone, and Meagan barely flinched as she returned the favor with much more force and skill.

  Allie hit the ground, blood spurting from her nose.

  This is getting out of hand, Ever thought, grabbing Meagan’s arms before she could leap on top of Allie and do more damage.

  It was no use. Allie was on her feet and coming at Meagan before Ever could even speak. At that point, Ever stepped back, threw up her hands, and remarked, “Dig your own grave.”

  The fight was unevenly matched. Ever stayed long enough to enjoy Meagan’s technique and Allie’s screeches; then she turned her back and left.

  * * *

  EVER BROKE EVERY speed limit on the highway between her school and the hospital one county over. She’d have some serious explaining to do with Nah when her sixth period teacher reported her absent, but she had to get to Cade.

  It was completely irrational. She knew it was. What was Cade to her? A dinner date and a Halloween party did not make them a couple. There had been an earth-shattering kiss, and a brief conversation about Cade being her boyfriend. Lord and Lady knew Ever was smitten. But that didn’t mean Cade wanted her to intrude.

  When she reached the hospital, she pulled into an empty spot so quickly her tires squealed. She rushed across the asphalt, oblivious to the cold, and skidded to a stop at the nurse’s station. She spilled Cade’s name so fast the nurse simply blinked at her.

  “Cade Bourdain,” Ever repeated, her heart pounding.

  The nurse tapped slowly on her keyboard. Ever had to force herself to stay planted on the linoleum when all she wanted was to jump the counter and do it herself. He was in this hospital; he was so close she imagined she could feel him.

  “He’s in 412,” the nurse finally said.

  Ever hurried down the hall and jabbed the button to the elevator. She cursed it for moving so slowly as it carried her to the fourth
floor. She had no idea what to expect.

  The door to his room was open. She jerked to a stop just inside, her heart clenching in her chest as her gaze landed on Cade.

  He was asleep on the hospital bed, one hand connected to an IV stand and the other resting over his stomach. His shaggy hair was splayed across the pillow like an arc of sunlight. There were dark circles beneath his eyes, and his normally sun-kissed skin seemed sallow beneath the fluorescent lights.

  “Hello, Ever.”

  Ever glanced at the chair beside the bed, finally noticing Grace Bourdain. The elegant woman held a book in one hand, her legs crossed with one black pump dangling from her toes.

  “Mrs. Bourdain. I’m sorry to impose,” Ever said quietly.

  “Don’t be sorry, dear. They gave him a pain shot a couple hours ago, so he’s a bit woozy right now. You can come closer.”

  Ever didn’t need to be told twice. She crossed the room in three strides and gripped the bed rail, staring down at Cade.

  Even sick in a hospital bed, he was so beautiful he made her heart break.

  “Is he…?” Ever couldn’t bring herself to finish the question.

  Grace smiled. “He’s going to be fine.”

  Relief filled every corner of her being. Ever reached out to touch his face, sliding her fingers through his silky hair. “Thank you, Goddess,” she murmured, placing a palm over his heart and closing her eyes.

  “Do you love my son?”

  Ever blinked, her hand frozen to Cade’s chest.

  There was no judgment in Grace’s question. On the contrary, there was something sweet and almost wishful there. “I’m sorry for being so forward, but it’s all over your face, sweetheart.”

  Ever looked at Cade, roaming the planes of his face: broad forehead, prominent cheekbones, wide, large eyes, even when closed. And those lips… Ever wanted to lean over and capture his lips with her own as if he were some kind of masculine Sleeping Beauty.

  How was she supposed to respond to Grace’s question? It was loaded.

  “I shouldn’t yet,” Ever murmured, moving to take Cade’s hand. “Before I knew him, I liked him. I thought he was gorgeous. And then I got to know him…” Ever sighed, lifting his hand to put his palm against her cheek. She closed her eyes again, reveling in his touch. “I love his smile. I love the innocence inside him. I love his kindness and compassion. He feels right. We feel right.”

  Against her cheek, Cade’s hand twitched. She opened her eyes to find his emerald stare on her.

  “Ever,” he whispered with a smile. He cupped her face and drew her in.

  Ever forgot all about Grace’s question — and her presence — in Cade’s kiss. It was sweet, almost timid, but the heat that built between them was far from chaste.

  She pulled back enough to put her forehead against his. “What happened?”

  Cade shook his head, his eyes closing again. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

  Grace laughed. “He tells me the same thing.”

  “So you don’t know either?”

  “No. Our boy is stubborn.”

  Ever glowed at the mention of “our boy.”

  She stayed a while longer, chatting with Grace while Cade snoozed. When it was obvious he wasn’t going to fully wake up anytime soon, she said goodbye and promised to come back tomorrow.

  As Ever crossed the lobby, the front doors swished open to admit entrance to Mitch.

  “I heard you’re blaming me for this.” The words were out before she realized she’d thought them.

  Mitch stopped in front of her, his brow crinkled. She’d always thought he looked a little like a gorilla, and the confused look on his face did him no favors.

  “I haven’t blamed you for anything.”

  “Then why did Allie come after me this afternoon like some kind of deranged witch-hunter?” Ever snapped.

  Mitch’s eyes widened. “So that’s why Stauble beat the shit out of her?”

  Ever nodded.

  “I never blamed you,” Mitch said irritably. “Allie’s a stupid bitch. Cade’s dad punished him because of what happened Saturday night. When you guys put that Gilles guy behind bars. I guess she twisted what I said.”

  Ever gasped. “Are you serious? His dad did this?”

  “He’s always had this thing about using magick to punish. He’s done it before for stupid stuff, but this time…” Mitch shook his head. “This time he took it too far. And now Cade’s here. Something really riled the old man up. Cade told me his dad said he was supposed to hand you over to Gilles.”

  Ever sank to a chair against the wall, her legs too weak to hold her up. “So it is my fault.”

  “It’s not your fault. I never said that.”

  Ever let her head rest in her hands, too ashamed to look Mitch in the eye. “I knew this was a bad idea. Me and Cade.”

  The chair beside her creaked as Mitch sat down. He patted her awkwardly on the arm. “I don’t think you guys are a bad idea.”

  “Really?” Ever looked up, her hands falling to her lap.

  Mitch shrugged. “I’ve known Cade a long time, dude. I’ve seen him go through girls.”

  Ever made a face. “I don’t want to know that.”

  “Sorry. I just mean no girl has ever affected him the way you do. Even before you started — ” Mitch waved a hand, “ — whatever you guys are now. Even before, he was toast when it came to you.”

  Ever lay her head against the cold wall and sighed. “So was I.”

  They sat next to each other in silence for a moment before Mitch spoke again. “Principal Joyner called the cops on your friend.”

  Ever groaned. “Dear gods. Really?”

  Mitch gave her a half-smile. “Yeah. But Stauble was really badass. I’ve never seen a chick fight so dirty.”

  “You almost sound impressed.”

  Mitch shrugged. “Maybe I am.”

  “Thank you for taking care of Cade,” Ever said quietly. “If not for you, he…”

  “Hey, fuck the what-ifs,” Mitch said gruffly. “He’s gonna survive, and you guys are gonna find a way to make it work.”

  Ever shared a shy smile with Mitch and thought maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

  Chapter 24

  CADE

  TUESDAY AFTERNOON, THE doctor released Cade. Grace followed the physician from the room to sign paperwork, and a moment later, Ever walked in the door.

  “You’re awake!” she said happily, coming to Cade’s bedside. where he was fully clothed and sitting up. He was grateful Mitch had brought his duffel bag; otherwise he’d be greeting Ever with his bare ass hanging out the back of a hospital gown.

  Cade’s heart skipped a beat. He wrapped his arms around her and yanked her onto the bed with him, kissing her soundly. She smelled like peppermint and felt like she’d been molded to fit his arms.

  As he ended the kiss, Ever smiled and snuggled closer to his side. “Are you feeling better?”

  “I was feeling pretty good. Now, I’m feeling pretty great.” He kissed her again, enjoying the feel of her curves against him.

  He didn’t mean for it to be more than a simple kiss, but Ever made him mindless with need. He rolled her beneath him, their legs intertwining as the kiss deepened. Cade felt alive with her there, her power like a battery recharging him. He trailed kisses down her neck, one hand snaking to her hip. The sound of her breathing told him she was just as turned on as he was.

  “Should I leave?” an amused voice asked from the doorway.

  Ever gasped, jerking away from Cade.

  Embarrassed his mother had caught them making out, Cade face-planted into the bed, hiding what his sweatpants could not.

  “Mrs. Bourdain. I’m so sorry.” Ever slipped out of the bed, straightening her sweater.

  “Don’t apologize, dear. If Cade is anything like his father, it won’t be the last time he’s caught with his hand up your shirt.” Grace winked as she skirted around the bed to where her purse waited on the chair.

&n
bsp; Cade buried his face in the pillow with a laugh.

  “Cade, you’re free to go home,” Grace said. “Are you ready?”

  Cade sat up on his elbows. “I’m not going home.”

  Grace stared at him. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m going to Mitch’s. If you can’t take me there, Ever can,” Cade told his mother evenly, sitting up and putting his back to her as he found his shoes on the floor.

  Grace spoke softly. “Sweetheart, you can’t sleep on that tiny couch. You need a bed in a warm, safe environment so you can recuperate.”

  “Home isn’t any more ‘safe’ than Mitch’s trailer,” Cade snapped, glancing up to find Ever staring at him, concerned. They locked eyes.

  You need to tell her. Ever’s voice echoed in his head.

  Startled, Cade shot to his feet. What the hell? Had he just heard her thoughts?

  Ever stepped forward, cupping his face in her hands. She needs to know the truth.

  Holy shit. Cade knew she was right. He had no clue how she was communicating with him, but she was right. He’d never been good at lying to his mom. He kissed Ever’s forehead and turned to face Grace.

  “On Saturday night, Gilles was waiting at Ever’s house when we got there,” Cade said. “He said he was Ever’s dad and that he had come to take her away.”

  “He wants my power,” Ever added. Her small hand slipped into Cade’s, and he squeezed it.

  Grace covered her mouth and shook her head. “Oh, no. Oh, Ever.”

  Cade went on. “Ever managed to knock him out with a MagLite. We called the cops and he was taken into custody. When I got home, Dad was waiting for me.”

  He saw the moment his mother put the puzzle together. Tears pooled in her eyes, and she dropped her purse to the bed before sinking to the chair in disbelief.

  “He punished you?”

  Cade nodded, letting go of Ever to kneel before his mom. “He broke some bones. I healed those, but I didn’t know I had internal injuries. I packed a bag and left, totally pissed. That’s when I went to Mitch’s, and then you know the rest.”