by P. C. Cast
“What if Neferet says no?”
“She won’t. She can threaten and bully me, but she knows she can only push me so far. And she’ll see this shopping trip as typical for me. She won’t even question it. She will question you driving me, though. But I’ll handle that.”
“Aphrodite, are you really sure about this? I can go to my sister and come back quickly. You don’t need to be involved in this at all.”
“Kev, I’ve been involved since I didn’t tell Stark about Dragon or turn you in for being a weird red vamp. It’s too late for me to turn back now, and I don’t want to. I’m done hiding behind my visions.” She stared into the fireplace. “I can’t stand being the cause of death anymore.”
He sat beside her on the couch. “Hey, you didn’t cause any deaths. Neferet and her armies did.”
Her gaze met his, and Kevin could see such misery within her eyes that it made his breath catch.
“But I didn’t do anything to stop them, and I could have.”
“You did last night. You saved Dragon and all those other people.”
She shook her head. “I was the reason the Red Army was out there in the first place. Kevin, was I a selfish, egotistical waste of space in Zoey’s world?”
“No! Of course not!”
“Well, I am here. And I don’t want to be anymore. You don’t have to help me be better. I have to do that myself. But please don’t get in my way.”
Slowly, Kevin took her hand. “I’ll help you. I’ll always help you.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it softly.
One perfect blond brow lifted, but she didn’t pull away from him—which Kevin definitely thought of as a victory.
“Now, go smear some of that disgusting blood crap on yourself, but not too much of it. I’m going to try to cover the smell.”
“Huh?”
She sighed. “Kevin, Neferet would never believe I’d let a stinky red vamp drive me all the way to Dallas and back, even in the town car with the glass partition. So, I’m going to attempt to cover the stink.”
“Town car? Glass partition?”
“Were you raised by wolves?”
“No. An elder of the Children of Faith,” he said.
She shuddered delicately. “Worse. No wonder you’re such a barbarian. Goddess, you have so much to learn. But, first things first. Sparingly put on your disgusting blood perfume and grab my overnight bag. It’s just inside the bathroom door.”
He did as she asked, grimacing and holding his breath as he unscrewed the top of the jar that held the gelatinous, disgusting mixture and smearing it—sparingly—under his clothes. When he was done he grabbed Aphrodite’s suitcase, which was decidedly more than an overnight bag, and his own satchel, and rejoined her in the sitting room.
“This isn’t an overnight bag.”
“Oh, you know nothing, Kevin Snow.”
“Hey! I got that reference!”
“Well, there’s hope for you yet.” Then she grimaced. “Eww! I can smell you! Goddess, that’s disgusting.”
“I know. I hate it.”
“Okay, come here.”
Kevin walked over to her. She lifted a pretty purple crystal bottle that had a weird-looking rubber bulb thing attached to it, and she squeezed the bulb, which sprayed a fine mist of lavender-scented water on him. He breathed deeply and then sneezed.
“You don’t like it,” she asked, eyebrow raised again.
“Yeah, I do. It smells lots better than that blood gunk.”
“Boy, cat shit smells better than that blood gunk.” She tucked the bottle into her giant Louis Vuitton purse. “Is it time yet?”
“Yes. The sun set forty-nine seconds ago.”
“That’s a real weird talent.” She stood by the door waiting for him to open it.
“But a handy one,” he replied.
“True. All right—remember to—”
“Walk behind you. Carry your stuff. Look subservient and stupid.”
Her smile had the blood rushing through his veins hot and hard. “You can learn! Well done, you. And let’s go.”
She twitched away and he followed her, trying not to grin at the view.
“I can feel you looking at my ass,” she said without even glancing over her shoulder. “Stop it. You’re supposed to be subservient. Plus, that’s a little pervy.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.”
She’d come to the outside door and stopped, waiting for Kevin to rush past her and open it. As he did so he asked, “So, just for the record, is there ever a nonpervy time for me to look at your ass?”
This time she raised both of her perfect brows. “If there is, I’ll be the first to let you know.”
“Thanks.” He grinned at her.
“Don’t thank me until it happens. If it happens.” She patted his cheek as she breezed past him.
“Oh, it’ll happen,” he muttered under his breath.
“Heard you!” she said.
He stifled his smile and let her get several paces ahead of him, then he bowed his shoulders and put a blank but hopefully stupid expression on his face and followed her.
The campus was starting to stir, as professors and upperclassmen hurried about, preparing for a new school day. They looked at Aphrodite. Of course they did. She was striding across campus with her head high and her thick, blond hair flowing behind her like a cloak. Kevin thought she was magnificent.
She was also pulling all eyes away from him.
When she stopped before the door that led to the school’s administrative offices, Kevin hurried past her again and opened it for her. Aphrodite marched inside and turned to the left. Just off the main hallway were Neferet’s luxurious offices. Aphrodite didn’t hesitate. She raised her hand to knock on the thick door and glanced back at Kevin.
Ready? she mouthed.
He drew a deep breath and nodded, hoping he was a good actor.
Aphrodite knocked twice.
“Enter!”
Kevin had, of course, never been in Neferet’s office suite until then, and it definitely wasn’t an act that had him stopping just inside the door and gawking around like a brainless tourist.
Everything inside the suite of rooms was beautiful. Had he ever imagined how Neferet would decorate her offices, which he hadn’t, Kevin would’ve guessed that she’d have drenched everything in gaudy gold and marble and crystal. He would’ve been wrong.
The main room, which held Neferet’s desk, was almost completely decorated in white. On the walls hung beautiful black and white photographs of Neferet—in each of them she looked like a version of Nyx come to earth. In one she’d even mocked up a headdress of diamonds to look like the Goddess’ headdress of stars.
It was super unsettling.
The desk was a piece of art. Made entirely of green onyx—the exact color of Neferet’s eyes—and lit from within, it was the perfect frame for the preternaturally beautiful High Priestess, who sat elegantly behind her desk in a throne-like chair. In front of her desk were two velvet chairs the same color as the desk.
James Stark was sitting in one of the chairs. As they entered the office, Stark turned, his eyes widening in surprise when he recognized Kevin. Kevin saluted him quickly and then stood at parade rest, his gaze on nothing in particular.
“Aphrodite! Your ears must have been burning. General Stark and I were just talking about you.”
Aphrodite didn’t miss a beat. She took the chair next to Stark, crossed her long legs, and flipped back her hair.
“Really? That’s a coincidence. I was just thinking about talking to you about Stark.”
“Do tell!” Neferet gushed and leaned forward as if she and Aphrodite were besties.
Kevin knew better.
“Did General Bow Boy tell you I broke the heel of my Louis Vuitton’s last night tromping around
in the wilderness?”
“I don’t remember him mentioning that. Did you, Stark?”
Stark frowned at Aphrodite and then returned his attention to Neferet. “I didn’t mention it because it isn’t important. The fact that we caught no members of the Resistance last night is important.”
“Not my fault the Red Army is so loud and stinky that they can’t manage to set a trap. Ugh, speaking of.” Aphrodite’s hand disappeared into her purse to reappear with the purple perfume bottle, which she squirted absently over her shoulder in Kevin’s general direction. “Next time you assign a soldier to me could you please choose one who doesn’t reek?”
Stark just stared at her. Aphrodite shrugged and ignored him. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I’m going to Dallas for some retail therapy. And to replace my boots, which I really should charge to Bow Boy here, but I’m a giver so I’ll take care of the cost myself.”
“Wait, so somehow she’s blaming me for her stupid broken boot and the fact that her vision was bullshit?” Stark barked.
“My vision wasn’t bullshit. It was real. It was true. They all are.”
“Then, my dear, why did Stark not kill one Resistance member last night or capture one single blue vampyre traitor trying to flee?” Neferet asked in a winter-cold voice.
Aphrodite didn’t seem ruffled at all. “Simple. Changing the outcome of a vision is easy. All it takes is one person to do one small thing different than they potentially would have and, voila! Vision changed. Example—if just one member of the Resistance had a decent nose they would’ve smelled the Red Army and warned the others. Not my fault he was too early.”
“You didn’t give me a time!” Stark said, thoroughly exasperated.
“I gave you a place and a very bloody outcome. Must I do everything for you?”
“Enough!” Neferet raised her hand. Kevin felt the room change, become thick, heavy, oppressive. He couldn’t help himself. He looked directly at the High Priestess.
From behind and beneath her, Kevin saw the shadows begin to pulse and move. One of the shadows detached from the others, slithering across Neferet’s arm to wrap around her waist and disappear out of view.
Neferet’s green eyes found his.
Kevin lowered his gaze instantly, tasting the bile of complete terror in the back of his throat.
“I am not a child, Aphrodite. I do not need an explanation about how prophetic visions work. I am Nyx’s chosen one on earth. Do not forget that.”
Aphrodite bowed her head slightly. “I never forget that, High Priestess.”
“Good. General Stark, perhaps next time you should be sure all red vampyres remain inside closed vehicles until after the Resistance members are trapped.”
“Yes, High Priestess,” Stark said expressionlessly.
“Now, Aphrodite, you may go to Dallas, but be quite sure you return in time for the football game tomorrow night. General Stark and I are planning a little New Year’s surprise, and I would hate for you to miss it.” She fluttered her well-manicured hand dismissively at Aphrodite. “You are excused.”
“Thank you, High Priestess,” Aphrodite said formally. She stood, and began a traditional bow, fisting her hand over her heart, but suddenly Aphrodite stumbled and would’ve fallen had Kevin not moved quickly forward and caught her elbow. She instantly jerked her arm away from him and tossed back her hair. “Eww! Didn’t I tell you never to touch me?”
“Yes, Prophetess.” Kevin rounded his shoulders and backed away from her.
“Aphrodite, are you quite well?”
Neferet’s sharp eyes were dissecting the Prophetess.
Aphrodite tossed back her hair and sighed heavily. “I’m fine. It’s probably his stench that’s making my stomach feel so sick. Stinky!” She glared over her shoulder at him. “Did you get those bottles of blood-laced wine I ordered from the kitchen?”
“Uh, n-no. I, I didn’t know you—”
“Oh, please. Just don’t speak.” Aphrodite narrowed her eyes at Stark. “Thanks so much for shackling me with that one.”
“But I—”
“Come on, Stinky! Must I always do everything? Now I have to wait for you to go to the kitchen. Goddess! As my mother says, good help is impossible to find.”
“Your mother is wise for a human,” said Neferet. “Aphrodite, you will take special care, won’t you? I’d hate for anything untoward to happen to you—especially before my surprise tomorrow night.”
“Oh, I’m fine. And I have Stinky here to protect me if we run into any Resistance members shopping at Nordstrom.” Aphrodite turned and met Kevin’s eyes—and he had to stop himself from gasping.
Her blue eyes were bloodshot. He was sure they hadn’t been when she entered the office.
Aphrodite went to the door, which Kevin opened quickly for her, and followed her out.
The instant the door closed behind them Aphrodite stumbled back, falling against Kevin.
“What is it?” he whispered urgently, putting his arm around her.
“Kev, get me to the town car. Now. It’s in the front row of the parking lot. Here’re the keys.” With trembling hands, she took them from a side pocket of her purse and handed them to Kevin.
Kevin grabbed her elbow, steadying her again, and they hurried down the hall away from Neferet’s office.
“This isn’t like any vision I’ve had before. There’s something wrong with my eyes!” Aphrodite tripped and almost fell.
“Here, hold onto me.” Kevin wrapped her arm through his. “Oh, shit! Your eyes. They look like they’re filling with blood!”
“Goddess! If I collapse—if Neferet realizes I’m having some kind of strange vision, there is no way she’ll let me leave. And I don’t want to tell her whatever I’m going to see—I don’t want to tell her ever again! Help me. Please.”
“I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay. Do you have sunglasses in that purse?”
“I—uh—yes. In the big middle pocket.”
Kevin took the purse from her and grabbed the Chanel box, opening it and putting the dark glasses on her face. “Now hang onto me. Don’t let go. I won’t let you fall.”
“P-people will see me holding onto you. They’ll talk.”
“It’ll be fine. It’ll be like I’m escorting you. You can make up something hateful to say about how I failed miserably at it because of how bad I smelled.” As he spoke he kept them moving forward, practically carrying her now.
“Kevin! Oh, Goddess! It’s bad. Everything is turning red! I can’t see anything!” she sobbed softly.
“Close your eyes. I’ve got you. We’re almost there.” Kevin propelled them forward as quickly as possible. “Turn your head to the right, like you’re looking out of the window. Now!” he whispered urgently. She did and he breathed a small sigh of relief as a group of curious fledglings approached them on his left. Kevin stood tall, squared his shoulders, and skewered each of the young House of Night students with his best terrifying red vampyre glare.
They hastily looked away, barely noticing Aphrodite.
Then they were outside, and he slid his arm around Aphrodite’s waist as her knees crumbled. He punched the red button and a black town car just in front of them bleeped. Half carrying, half dragging, he got her to the car, threw open the door, and gently helped Aphrodite lay inside across the luxurious black leather seat. He tossed the suitcase in the trunk, got behind the wheel, put the car in gear, and drove as quickly as he could without throwing gravel all over the school.
“Aphrodite? Are you okay back there? What can I do?”
“Get me to the Resistance.” She spoke between great, wrenching sobs. “I—I just saw what Neferet’s planning at the football game tomorrow!”
27
Zoey
“When is he going to get here? Should we meet him halfway? Why can’t we call him?” I felt l
ike I was going to crawl out of my skin as I stood just inside the mouth of the cave and watched night descend on the ridge.
“The note Tatsuwa carried from your brother said he would leave the House of Night at sundown. That should put him here at any moment,” said Anastasia.
“If he didn’t run into any trouble,” Dragon added.
“Do not fret, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. Your brother is a capable young man. He will be here soon,” said Grandma Redbird.
“What did we miss? Is Kev here yet?” Stevie Rae rushed up with Rephaim, they were both holding mugs of steaming coffee and looking a lot happier and better rested than me. I tried not to be envious. It had, after all, been my choice to leave Stark behind.
“Not yet,” I said, trying not to sound as stressed and bitchy as I felt. “I wish he’d hurry.”
“I’m sure he is doing his best. Just be a little patient and—” Grandma began.
There was a series of owl hoots that carried from somewhere in the distance, answered by another series of similar hoots, closer.
“There,” Anastasia smiled. “That must be him now. That is the Warriors’ call for an incoming friend.”
She was right. It was only a few more (unbelievably long) minutes, and then Kevin rounded the corner that led to the cave.
“Ohmygoodness! Is he carrying—”
“Aphrodite!” I cried and rushed out to meet my brother and the woman he carried in his arms.
“Zo! It’s really good to see you!”
“Are we there yet?” Aphrodite said weakly.
“Kevin, what do you mean bringing her here?” Dragon pushed his way in front of me, reminding me of what a judgmental ass he’d become after Anastasia had died.
So I shoved right back. Hard. I moved around him and got a good look at Aphrodite. My brother cradled her in his arms and moved slowly and carefully. She had a folded T-shirt covering her eyes and I could see dark splotches on it, as well as bloody tear tracks on her pale cheeks.
“She’s had a vision,” I told Dragon with a hard look. I touched her arm gently. “How are you feeling, Aphrodite?”
“Worse than I look. Assuming I still look as gorgeous as usual. Who are you?”