Betrayed: The Chronicles of Luxor Everstone Book Two

by Jacklyn Daher

  Pastor Cooper entered dressed in black slacks and shirt with a clerical collar. “Evie, there’s been a change of plans. Do you think your friends,” he side-eyed Luxor. “Can sleep over another night?”

  “What plans?”

  “Father daughter day.”

  “Since when—”

  “Do not question me,” he said sternly, and unloosened his collar. “Girls, it’s time to go, Eve has a long day tomorrow.”

  Luxor quickly put her backpack on and waited for Ayla to put her shoes on. Pastor Cooper’s nearness had the onslaught of an itch beginning at the base of her neck, the smoky odour of incense wafting off him.

  “Are you okay Luxor? Your eyes are watery.” Pastor Cooper said.

  “Hmm, mmm.”

  Ayla gripped her shoulders and gave a little squeeze. “Evie, we will call you later.”

  “She will call you as her phone will be off.”

  Luxor was relieved the sleepover had been cancelled especially after the unusual demeanour of Pastor Cooper. No doubt was left in Luxor’s mind that he knew what she was, the answer now was what he would do about it? She wondered if he would out her true nature, or do something drastic such as killing her and making it look like an accident.

  She scratched her throat, the smokiness clogging up her nostrils.

  Ayla removed her hand, and calmed the irritation off her neck. “It’s against his moral code.”

  “What if being a pastor is a cover for his true nature? I doubt his family’s predilections to slaughtering demons will end with him.”

  “Then we will cross that road when the time comes. I’m ultimately your guardian despite—”

  “Despite my demonic blood.”

  “I was going to say less than holy.”

  Luxor rubbed her eyes and gathered her pyjamas. She didn’t feel at ease being with Meredith, but since she wasn’t home and she could hear Pandora in the next room it was still better than being at Evie’s.

  “Tomorrow let’s have our own day, call it a guardian and charge day,” Ayla suggested.

  “That’s a horrible name. Let’s hang out, it’s more normal.”

  Ayla nodded and leaped onto the balcony and jumped. She soared through the air, her baby pink angel wings alight with a luminous aura, before she disappeared from sight.

  “Wakey, wakey,” Ayla said. “Time to get dressed.”

  Luxor groaned and stretched out her muscles. She had to admit a day of normalcy was what she needed, but no matter how many times she told Ayla she didn’t like to be woken up, but as usual she didn’t listen.

  She surveyed her limited wardrobe and regretted not buying clothes on the shopping trip with Evie, but on the upside, it didn't take long to pick something out. She decided on a black spring dress sprinkled with silver dots to resemble stars, with spaghetti straps that came above the knee, and teamed it with a light, white cotton cardigan. She picked out black, strappy sandals from the bottom of her closet, bumping into a box.

  The contents of the shoe box that held bits of pieces of Luxor had from her life as Ellie, splayed all across the ground. She retrieved a photo from the top of the pile.

  It was a photo of her when she was six, her first day of primary school. Steven had taken the photo. Ellie's hair was in two braids. She had looked up, and at the same time Meredith looked down on her. A perfect memory frozen in time. Tears had glistened in Meredith's eyes; her baby was growing up. Once the photo was taken Ellie had released her hand, and told her, "Don't cry mumma, I'm a big girl now."

  “I’m surprised you kept all of this,” Meredith said from behind her. She had entered so quietly, she startled her.

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You sometimes give me a look that says you wish I’d disappear,” Meredith said. “I still remember the day as if it was yesterday.” Her eyes glassed over. "You've always been brave, it's like you never needed me. You are your mother's daughter; a spitting image made stronger with your personality, and spirit. When she was in labour, in excruciating pain, you know what she told me? ‘I believe in you Meri.’” A tear trailed down Meredith's cheek, her hands covering her face. "The more you grew up, the more scared I got. I could never compete with her, so I figured I should have my own life. In the end, the result would be the same, even if I was the perfect mother. And I'm right. You craved a mother you've never seen."

  Meredith retrieved a passport sized photo from the pocket of her top. "This is the last photo I have of her where she was happy and healthy. It was taken at the airport before she left for Europe. This box is my go-to place when I'm having a bad day, but I also have my memories." She passed it over. "I want it to be the same for you." She placed a gentle hand on Luxor’s shoulder, and quietly left the room.

  Luxor wasn't going to bring up the fact she already knew what her mother looked like. It would only result her being sent to The Renaissance Centre, only this time Hunter certainly wouldn't bust her out.

  She scooped the contents back, and shoved the box further back in the cupboard. Once upon a time, her life was simple without the complications of her new world, but now she felt as if she was able to experience some normality to be an average teen spending a day with a friend.

  She put the satchel across her chest and made her way downstairs and followed the trail of murmurs until they had become louder. She entered the lounge room expecting to see Ayla and Meredith but not the surprise visitor between them.

  Xavier?

  Meredith turned around at the shuffle of Luxor's shoes. "There she is."

  "Hey." Was all she could muster. It was for everyone, but her eyes were solely on Xavier. Never had she expected him to be in her house, it was too bizarre.

  "Oh my." Ayla’s eyes widened. "You look beautiful. Doesn't she Xavier?" She nudged him.

  "Yes. Very," he answered softly. His lingering gaze warmed her cheeks.

  "So how do you two know each other?" Meredith waved her finger between Ayla and Xavier.

  "Our fathers are brothers," they replied in unison.

  "How sweet, cousins. I should have picked up on it, with the blonde hair, and outstanding blue eyes.”

  His eyes aren’t as mundane as blue, they’re magical.

  "We should get going." Ayla neared the door, glancing at her non-existent watch on her wrist.

  "Umm, yeah," Luxor replied, fixated on Xavier.

  "Have fun you three." Meredith happily waved from the door.

  This is too strange.

  A midnight blue Cadillac was awaiting her, Ayla shot-gunning the front. Xavier slipped behind the driver’s wheel and they made their way away from The Chalet, and into the heart of the Village.

  "Stop!" Ayla yelled.

  Xavier to slam on the brakes, and the car lurched forward. From all directions other vehicles tyres screeched, horns blared, all mixed with curses and obscene gestures.

  "What the heck, Ayla?" Luxor called out from the back seat.

  "I just remembered, I have somewhere to be." She jumped out, opened up Luxor's door and ushered her out.

  “And you remember this now?” she said dubiously, flinging her arm off. “What about our day together?”

  “I’m sorry. Raincheck?” She flitted off without a backward glance.

  Luxor picked her jaw off the floor and with no other option re-entered the car.

  "She's not very subtle," Xavier said wryly.

  "Remind me to give her lessons." She would make sure Ayla paid for this embarrassment.

  "Do you still want to go out, doesn't have to be movies?" he asked, peering over at her.

  Luxor mulled over his question for a couple of minutes. She had no other plans, and Evie was busy most likely becoming an expert to kill her kind. Besides what could go wrong?

  "Sure, I’d like that.”

  The day was over before it had begun, and Luxor didn't know how she felt about it. She couldn't have thought of anything worse than sitting in the dark and not talking. With just the two of them it would
be too date like, and she had already admitted she didn’t want to go on a date.

  Xavier nodded and smiled. "I have a great place." He ventured on the freeway, and past Mount Beauty.

  The rest of the drive was uncomfortable after the stunt Ayla pulled, the air laced with an invisible cloud threatening to choke her. The car pulled before a large building with the name Chill Zone and snowflakes besides the name. Xavier kept the door locked and came around to open it wide, giving her a self-satisfied smile. They walked side by side to the building, the intrigue of what lay beyond the building deepening with each step.

  A chill of air touched her cheeks the moment she stepping into the arena. She wrapped her arms around her chest, her eyes widening at the sight in front of her. White. A long slope blanketed in snow with people on ski's, others pulling toboggans up a hill, and young children building snowmen.

  "What is this place?" Her eyes widened.

  "A Winter Wonderland, follow me."

  Xavier lead her away from the arena and into another one. He opened the door, and inside they entered an indoor ice-skating room. There were a couple of teens but apart from that they were alone.

  "Ready to get your skate on?" he asked, grabbing a pair of skates.

  Luxor's eyes roamed over the shelves of skates, and she hesitated to touch anything. To say she was nervous was an understatement, she was a summer girl by heart and never experienced snow or anything as cold.

  "We don't have to do anything, we can sit by the fire, and grab something to eat." Xavier paused and waited.

  "Nope let's do this." Luxor grabbed her size, and noticing her sandals, bought a pair of socks. She sat on the bench and took her time lacing up her skates, mildly procrastinating. She'd been rollerblading before, it had to be similar. Or so she hoped.

  How hard can it be?

  Luxor's knees wobbled on the ice like a newborn fawn as she held onto the barrier. She had a mixture of fear, afraid she was going to end up flat on the coldness covered in bruises, mixed with excitement at experiencing something new.

  "It's easy, I'll show you." Xavier held out his hand, and she could only look it at. If his proximity had an effect, she shuddered to imagine the contact.

  "You better not let me fall," she warned.

  "Never, I'll catch you." He gave a heart-warming smile, and it was all it took.

  "Sure, sure, you better. I'll be holding you to that mister." She laughed.

  The room encapsulated her in a bubble where it was just the two of them. When her hand fit in his, it was warm and perfectly moulded, and she hated that. Around him there was a quiet peacefulness where her mind wouldn't buzz with her worries. Xavier was a calming ocean, unlike Hunter who was a raging tsunami where the waves threatened to submerge her.

  But Xavier re-emerged from the depths of the waves, and he’d breathe life into her. Her heart would beat out of her chest, leaving her panting for more. The contrast was extreme and it had her wanting to experience more.

  "Nice and slow, don't overthink it." Xavier kept his eyes on her at all times, like a safety net.

  The blades slid on the ice, as she mimicked his action. "This is much harder than I anticipated." All she could think about was keeping her balance.

  Luxor let go of his hand, a bit confident in venturing on her own. She glided with slow steps in a circle. Slow and steady her body moved at a steady rhythm, with each stroke of the sound of the blade being pushed in the ice. Her pace quickened, and a light breeze skimmed against her neck, peaceful and serene eliminating any stress, making her feel freer than she had in a long time.

  "You'll be a pro in no time."

  Luxor turned to the sound of his voice, one leg overlapping the other. She stumbled forward, her legs scissoring, and her hand flailed back and forward. "Argh," she squealed, plummeting down on her butt. "Ouch."

  Xavier skated on forward efficiently, and dropped down to his knees. "Are you okay?" Concern masked his features.

  "I hurt my ass." She held down her dress to prevent it from hitching up high, and rolled on her side, rubbing her backside.

  "Here let me help you up." He leaned forward and extended his hand. Not hesitating this time, Luxor grabbed it with both of hers, and tugged with a bit too much force. Xavier's legs wobbled, except she still held on with a firm grip and he tumbled forward, landing on his knees with an oomph. "Damn this is cold."

  "Oh my god I'm so sorry, I didn—" she muttered.

  "That's fine, I've always wanted to chill on ice." He laughed, and leaned back leisurely.

  A chill ran down her spine, and this time it was for a legitimately reason. She nudged him, and held out her hand. "I'm all wet, seriously people will think I peed myself."

  Xavier laughed. "That's very eloquent, lucky you’re wearing black."

  "Well it's not a date, so I'm not trying to impress," she stated, interested in his response.

  "Touché."

  The restaurant was located in the centre of the arena, open spaced with long, frosted cylinder lights hung from the ceiling, dimly lit creating a homely ambiance. The waitress led them through to a table nearest the open fire place right at the end. It was secluded, with the sounds muted from the other patrons.

  Luxor felt out of place, there was with a selection of couples, families, and groups of friends, and they were of the upper class, and she was no longer belonged in that category.

  Xavier came around to her side and pulled her chair out, removed his jacket and hung it at the back of his.

  "Do you do this for every friend?" She settled into a chair.

  "Only the pretty ones."

  She gave him a small smile, not sure how to respond. Any other girl would have been flattered but she considered it offensive, as he came across as superficial, only paying extra attention to beautiful people. She picked up the menu and scoured the for not only the cheapest item, but one that wouldn't result in a trip to the hospital. She had brought money but not for over the top extravagant food, so she settled on a bowl of fries.

  Xavier must have picked up on her change of attitude. "I'm very old school." Luxor lowered the menu, and laid it flat against the table. "I was brought up to open doors for ladies, pull out chairs, stand up when they leave the table, remove a jacket, and a whole host more. I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable." He poured her a glass of water.

  "No, it's just different. Nobody does it these days, and especially not at my age." She couldn't help observe.

  "You could say I don't fit the mould of an average teen," Xavier mused, his lips quirking to the side.

  “Ahh, you think?” Luxor said, smiling. She took a sip of water, and half missed her mouth, a blotch landing onto her dress. She let out a huff. “I'll be right back; I'm going to go to the bathroom." She pulled back her chair to stand, and Xavier was halfway up when he dropped back down.

  Luxor power walked to the bathroom and had to wait for the dryer became free. A nervousness had her all jittery, and her cheeks felt ablaze. She opened the faucet and smoothed her hair back, and as she peered at her reflection in the large mirror, her eyes had a gleam, and her cheeks were indeed flushed. She couldn't cease the warmth that infused her veins.

  You need to stop it, he's a possible friend, nothing more.

  A trio of girls entered, dressed nearly identical in dark colours and bulky jumpers. One entered a stall while the others leaned against the sink.

  Luxor stuck her thighs under the dryer, and the girls shifted aside, hastily eyeing her movement. “Is something the matter?”

  “We’re admiring your dress,” one of the girls said, and smiled wide showcasing a mouth full of silver braces.

  “And cardigan,” the other chimed in. She scratched her chin, riddled with acne.

  “Ummm, thanks.”

  “Quite apt,” the first girl said. “I’ve been looking for one like it. Where did you buy it?”

  “I forgot, it’s old.” She moved to leave but they blocked the exit.

  The other stall
opened and the third girl walked out. Luxor stepped backwards to create distance and eyed them warily. They had the same look as the couple in the alleyway, a viciousness on their plain features.

  “You’re deal takers?” It came across more as a statement than question.

  “Deal what?” the girl with acne said, and scratched her limp hair, failing in acting confused.

  “It’s best you confess. My reputation for my temper should be making the rounds.” She cocked her head to the side, took a confident step forward, and hoped she was right about them.

  Or maybe it’s best I’m wrong.

  The girls stood their ground and Luxor truly considered again she had made a mistake, and came across as a crazed girl. But why would they accost her?

  She rubbed her fingertips together and neared the hefty girl. Their mild façade of confidence briefly disappeared before returning. But that was all it took to confirm her suspicions.

  “I like your bracelet,” Luxor said, peering at the plastic, neon wrist bands all three girl wore. “Can I see?” She yanked the girls’ wrist up to her nose. The girl tried to wriggle away, but she held on firmer.

  “You can take it,” the girl’s voice quivered.

  “We’re sorry, we didn’t mean to accept the deal,” braces girl said.

  “We just wanted to be pretty,” acne girl said, and attempted to go to her friend. “Like you.”

  Luxor shoved her back and she tumbled onto her friend and they fell on their backs against the wall. Her eye twitched. She could let them go, but no amount of self-talking ceased the temper and the storm which raged within. She had managed to downgrade it, and not have a repeated incident of flaying Scarlett’s wrists, but pin pricks of electric currents thrummed underneath her fingertips. She could feel her empathy slipping away, and a darkness seeping in.

  Lights flickered off and on as an electrical current emitted and sparked out. The girl screamed, and dropped to her knees, her chest heaving. She cradled her arm and rocked, letting out a blubber of cries. A whiff of melted plastic whiffed in the air, as it stuck onto the girl’s wrist.