“Fuck you,” I spit out.
Ada sighs and slams Marisol’s forehead into the hardwood floors. My own head slams forward, hitting the floor. A sickening crunch causes pain in my nose as blood gushes from it. My eyes water. Gasping for breath, I try not to panic.
Then everything around me blurs, and the air crackles with magic. The hold Ada had on my hair is gone, freeing me. I fall to my knees before looking around. Roman is mumbling words in Serbian. Immobile from whatever Roman is doing to her, Ada drops the dagger on the ground, and I scramble to retrieve it. At the same time, Everett rushes forward, catching Marisol’s unconscious, limp body before she collapses onto the floor.
With the dagger in my hand, something dark comes over me. A memory of my sister and me playing as small children hits me hard, and without blinking, I lunge forward and jab the dagger into Ada’s side. She doesn’t scream or move. Roman has some type of petrifaction spell on her. As her body becomes limp, he places her gently onto the ground, continuing to chant in Serbian.
Instantly, Everett’s arms are wrapped around me, his breath at my ear. “Let go of it, Graysin.”
My hand tightens around the knife. “I can’t. She killed my sister.”
“I know. But this isn’t you. Let go of the dagger,” Everett implores.
At the sound of his voice, I snap out of it and release the knife, falling into Everett’s embrace.
“Heal her,” Roman orders, and Everett spins me around.
He runs his hands over my face and head, and with a slight tingling sensation, the pain subsides and the bleeding stops. Everett lifts the bottom of his shirt and wipes away the trail of crimson liquid from my face and neck, cleaning me, before I twist back to Roman. “I . . . stabbed her?” I blurt out, horror-struck.
Roman dips his chin, clearly pissed off. “And she’s not going to be too happy about it when she wakes up, so I’d suggest you both get out of here.” He glances over at us, raising an eyebrow. “Sooner rather than later. The petrifaction spell will wear off any minute, and I still have to heal her and come up with a plausible reason why she is lying here, and you two are gone.”
Everett takes my hand and backs us away.
“She killed my sister,” I add, breathing heavily.
Roman watches me for a long moment, considering me. A brief expression of regret flickers across his features. “I protect family. And you, Graysin, are family. I promise that Ada will pay for what she did to Jennifer. And you today. Now is not the time for her punishment.”
“Promise me, Roman! She can’t get away with this.”
“On my honor as a member of the Luna Coven.”
Something passes between us, and I have no choice but to trust him. “And the dagger?”
Roman gazes at me, unflinching. “I’ll hold onto it. We wouldn’t want it in the wrong hands.”
My eyes hold his. “You really loved and protected Jenni?”
“As I do with all my family.”
Chapter 10
Reason to Stay
I tighten my grip on the thick steering wheel, trying to work through everything that has happened and I’ve learned tonight. All the lies and deceit. Roman is right about one thing—the Jenni I knew and the Jennifer who lived in Havenwood Falls were two totally different people.
My heart sinks as my mind races. All the words spoken and unspoken linger between us.
I miss her, and yet, I didn’t even know her.
Not really.
The headlight of Everett’s motorcycle reflects in my rearview mirror, and suddenly, at the sight of it—of him—anger runs through me. Over the past few months, he’s known all of this. All the secrets he’s kept about my sister—about me—about Havenwood Falls and the residents here.
And for what? Protection of a knife that opens a portal to murderous hunters?
And Roman. While he claims to have loved and protected my sister, he and Ada are up to something. I feel it in the core of my body. Personally, I think he and Ada manipulated this entire situation. I find it strange that thousands of hunters are imprisoned, yet a handful mysteriously have been living outside the prison. A group the Luna Coven knows about. A coven of which he sits on the High Council. Regardless of what he says, my sister was a pawn in whatever game they’re playing. I’m sure of it. It doesn’t matter, though. None of it does. Jennifer is gone.
Outside, downtown Havenwood Falls surrounds me in all its charming beauty. Frowning, I take in the small town that once enchanted me. Seeing it now, all I feel is pain and emptiness. The trees in the town square are lit up. Everything in the darkness glistens in the wet weather. Drops of rain pelt my windshield, turning into tiny streams of rain running down the car windows, blurring the view as I wait for the light to turn green. With every second that ticks by, something inside me starts to break. When the light turns, I don’t move. The car just sits there.
My heartbeat pounds in my ears, and all around me, my own breath echoes. I take in the nearly vacant roads, at this late evening hour. With a finality that knots in my stomach, I reach for the door, pushing it open, and slowly step out and stand in the downpour.
When I turn, Everett is watching me, his bike rumbling, as I look him in the eyes. His eyes narrow slightly as he stares at me. Without a word, he shuts off his Harley and slides off it. I admire his grace, even feeling all the anger I do right now. I can’t help but appreciate how muscular he is in just the right way, and how attracted to him I am. He’s as close to perfection as anyone could be.
Even so, it’s all a lie. He’s a lie.
He’s halfway to my car by the time I focus and come to my senses.
“Stop,” I demand.
At my word, he stills, silently brooding. The rain drips through his hair, which is now hanging over his face and around his eyes. My breath quickens at the sight.
“What are you doing, city girl?” The question seems full of double meanings.
“I hate you,” I whisper into the rain.
Everett opens his mouth and then shuts it again.
“I hate this town. I hate the secrets and falsehood I’ve been living under for the past two months. I hate that my sister is dead. I hate that Roman and Ada are walking around, knowing they’re the reason for her death.” I take in a shaky breath. “But most of all, Everett Weston, I hate that you’ve lied to me. That you continue to do so. You used me, Everett. As part of your supernatural assignment to protect the dagger and portal.” I stare at him. “Even so, I hate that I like you. And I hate that I hate you. I just . . . hate you,” I finish.
He remains quiet. His silence causes my anger to boil over.
“Fuck this,” I spit out, and turn to get back in my car, out of the rain.
Everett catches up with me and grabs my arm to stop me, turning me toward him. “What did you say?”
“I said FUCK. THIS,” I scream, knocking his hand away angrily.
He cocks his head and runs his fingers through his now soaking wet hair.
“I can’t do this anymore.” My voice cracks, because I am so damn tired.
Everett looks up at the sky for a moment before locking his eyes onto mine. “Can’t do what—stay?”
I shake my head. “I can’t stay here, in Havenwood Falls. I’m leaving.”
The tears that threatened before are now in my eyes full force as his insanely green eyes follow me everywhere. We stare at each other, our faces close as beads of water drip off us.
Whatever is going on in his head, it’s hurting him.
I’m hurting him.
He hurt me.
We need to stay away from each other.
“Why are you running?” he asks.
“Because . . .”
“That isn’t an answer, Graysin.”
“Because when it comes to love, some secrets can’t be forgiven.”
His focus is intense as it pins me, his gaze searching my face, taking in everything, leaving me no room to hide. Everett watches the tears coursing down
my cheeks like he’s trying to solve a problem that he doesn’t understand. He swallows hard and then exhales slowly.
“Are you saying you love me?”
I blink in disbelief. “What?” I screech. Did I?
“You just said, when it comes to love . . .”
“I— That’s— Wait, no. That’s not . . .” My voice sounds all high and panicky.
He steps closer to me and stands in my space, looking down at me, his wet clothes brushing mine. “Then what?”
I’m so angry at him for the lies, for my sister, for Roman, for everything he makes me feel, and in this moment, for simply existing at all. At the same time, I’ve never wanted anyone more.
“You deceived me. This entire town is designed around untruths and mystery. I can’t live like that . . . I mean, I stabbed someone tonight.”
“Don’t do this. Whatever this is you’re scared about, let me fix it.”
I shake my head and retreat a half step. “You can’t. Don’t you see, Everett? You’re the reason.”
I listen to the rain pound around us, splashing on the metal roof of my car.
“Just stay,” he whispers, and I take another step back.
“I have no reason to stay.”
“I’m your reason to stay.”
“I’m sorry. Right now, you’re not enough of a reason.” The words sound feeble and wrong.
“Graysin.”
I bend my body and slide into the seat just as he grabs the door, holding it open.
“Please,” I beg. “I have to go. I’ll arrange to have my things sent to me.”
“Grasyin!” His face is torn as he stares down at me.
“Let me go.”
He steps back, allowing me to close the door. After a moment, the light turns green again, and I drive off. When I look in the rearview mirror, he’s watching me, standing in the rain. The light from his motorcycle forms a glow around him, and my heart pinches, because I don’t hate him—it’s the exact opposite. My tears mix with the rain sliding down my chilled skin.
No matter how much my heart pleads with my mind, he isn’t a reason to stay.
Chapter 11
I Found You
My feet dangle over the water as I stretch out across the wooden planks and surrender to the comforting sounds of the wind whispering through the trees and the water lapping at the bottom of the dock. My eyes close, allowing the sunlight to kiss my lids. It’s nice to feel my tanned skin warm under the sun’s delicate September rays. The gentle heat fills me with a deep sense of peace.
A soft breeze caresses my skin, stirring the leaves on the trees as they chase each other, speaking in hushed rustles. I breathe in deeply. Basking in the warm sunlight, half asleep, I’m hit with a memory of Jenni and me when we were younger. Running on the docks at our home in Newport, far away from where I am now, toward our parents’ yacht that we sailed each summer.
A small smile crosses my lips at the recollection. Over the past few months that I’ve spent away from Havenwood Falls, I’ve learned that knowing how my sister died doesn’t take away the pain, but remembering how she lived helps me heal.
The night I left, I accepted that Roman was right—as much as it angers me, it is best for the town and its residents to keep the mystery of her death a secret. According to Callie, Ada and the Green Coven have been quiet all summer. Roman vowed to me that Ada will be held accountable for her actions at some point. I know in my heart that he will keep that promise. In the meantime, panic will ensue if the residents of Havenwood Falls learn of the Blue Dragon Dagger or the portal. And if it’s ever opened, war will be triggered between the Hungarian hunters and the town.
Here is what I’ve learned about Havenwood Falls: It is a town full of secrets. One where bloodlines and legacies run deep, and ancient legends are buried in the deepest, darkest corners. A town where truth and knowledge are power, and no one is what you think. A town where those who visit don’t ask about the past and don’t expect a future. A town where you become part of the fibers that make it up, which means, you are also charged with protecting its secrets, which is why I decided to return. And why I am currently basking in the Colorado sunshine.
Beneath my lids, the world suddenly becomes dark.
I blink my eyes open and take in the shadow standing over me, between me and the sunshine.
“You turned off the sun,” I whine.
“Consider it payback for the abandonment issues you caused me when you left.”
Callie takes a seat next to me. She slides off her sandals and pushes her peasant skirt up to her knees, dangling her feet in the water. With her face to the sky, she leans back on her palms and joins me in basking in the warm sunlight.
“You’re back.” It’s not a question.
After I left Havenwood Falls, I returned to Newport. When I got home, neither of my parents had any memory of Jenni. Her presence was wiped clean in our home, as if she never existed. Conveniently, my mother also had no clue what I was referring to when I inquired who my biological father was, or why she never told Jenni or me about him. It soon became clear to me that the Luna Coven and Roman Bishop had something to do with their sudden memory loss.
In June, the leader of the gargoyle race, Asher St. Michael, invited me to England to meet with him and the London clan of gargoyles. He was particularly interested in my half-human, half-gargoyle DNA because his mate, Eve, is human. My blood was tested, and after confirmation, I was dubbed a miracle among the protector race and invited to study in Ireland at the Royal Protector Academy, to learn about the history of the gargoyle race and physically train to fight with the best-of-the-best protectors, which I did. While there, I learned Everett would be staying in Havenwood Falls as his permanent protector assignment.
It turns out he was right. Mages can’t spell gargoyles. And since the amnesia spell didn’t work on me, Havenwood Falls was always in the back of my mind, as was Callie. And Everett. I finished the library project from Ireland, emailing Miss Mary Beth my designs and having her manage the deliveries and interior work. Approving it all from a distance. Not ready to return, until now.
“Founders Day is tomorrow. And it turns out I like towns with festivals.”
A smile crosses her pink lips. “Once you’ve Plate Painted in the Park, the real world sucks.”
I sigh. “I’m still ticked off my plate wasn’t chosen.”
“You missed float building for the Parade of the Perseids.”
“Damn. I love floats.”
“Well, at least you’re back for Founders Day. I need a partner for the three-legged race.”
I groan.
“Don’t lie and say you won’t be there. I know you will, since it’s the library ribbon cutting.”
At the mention of the library, my heart squeezes, and I fall silent, because the library is and will forever be inextricably tied to him. Everett.
“He misses you.”
“He deceived me.”
Callie splashes her feet in the water. “Sometimes the people we love betray our trust.”
“I never said I loved him, Callie.”
She snatches up her shoes and stands. “That is true. You never said it.”
My eyes lift to hers. I told Callie everything that happened the night I left and over the summer. “I agreed to return to protect the dagger. It doesn’t mean I came back for him.”
She smiles knowingly. “See you tomorrow. And wear sneakers. This shit gets competitive.”
“Fine. But I need a twenty-five percent friend discount so I can decorate my new apartment.”
Laughing, she starts to walk away. Once she’s far enough, I hear her yell. “Twenty-two.”
Smiling, I return to sunbathing. It’s good to be home.
Miss Mary Beth and I stare at the second floor, and with a deep sense of pride, I do one final walkthrough. Everything turned out perfectly in the new library, despite my disappearance. It’s modern and elegant, but still has the feel and touches of Victorian des
ign. It’s perfect.
“All right, Graysin. The bag with your sneakers is waiting for you at Callie’s. You and Everett will stand to the right of Barbara. She’ll make a quick speech and cut the ribbon, then we’ll open the doors to the library and off everyone will go for Founders Day,” Miss Mary Beth explains.
“Who is Barbara?”
“The mayor.”
“Right.”
A pretty girl with lavender hair and blue eyes that match Miss Mary Beth’s approaches us.
“Julianna, what are you doing here?” Miss Mary Beth asks. “Graysin, this is my granddaughter, Julianna Fairchild. Juls is staying with me while she finishes out her senior year at Havenwood Falls High School.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I smile at the teen.
“You, too.” She bites her bottom lip. “I’m heading over to Founders Day, but wanted to donate this to the library.” She hands her grandmother a leather-bound edition of Romeo and Juliet.
Miss Mary Beth frowns at the first edition. “That’s quite a donation, Juls.”
“Rowan . . .” Julianna begins, and her eyes widen as she stops herself. “It was a gift.”
“One which you can’t accept.” Miss Mary Beth’s voice is firm.
“That’s why I’m donating it, gran,” her granddaughter sighs.
“Smart decision.”
Sensing the tension building between the two, I offer a quick smile. “Thank you, Julianna.”
“No problem,” she mumbles, and turns to leave.
Once she’s out of sight, Miss Mary Beth heaves a sigh. “Those Bishop boys are nothing but trouble.”
I catch her stern gaze before she shakes off whatever was annoying her. “See you out there.”
I nod and lift the book as she huffs out of the library.
“What greater punishment is there than life when you’ve lost everything that made it worth living?” Everett quotes William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
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