Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist: Angel Academy

by Thomas, Kiesha

  “What makes her different from the millions of girls in this city?” He rolled his eyes but paused before approaching the last door.

  “She turns into a dragon.” Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through my photos until I came across Trinity’s picture with Fred.

  A huge burly man walked out of the door. The music was blasting inside. It also reminded me of how I wish I could have a day to chill and relax. If I survive past tonight, I can work on getting me a life.

  “Who is the pretty boy with you?” The man flexed his peck muscles and looked me up and down.

  “He’s Maximus’s friend. Don’t worry the pretty boy just wants to meet some girls tonight so I brought him.”

  “You know the rules, Orion. You can come in but he can’t.”

  “Mick, I’m not explaining that to Maximus. Don’t be a jerk. He only wants to meet some girls.”

  “Not happening. If Maximus was here I could do it but he isn’t. You know the rules. It’s nothing personal.”

  “I understand. Here you’ll be the one explaining it to Maximus. He’s on a date with Arianna and I’m not ruining it.” Orion handed Mick his phone and waited.

  Mick looked at the phone like he had never seen one before.

  “Just this once. Don’t make it a habit,” said Mick. He shoved Orion’s phone back in his hand and opened the door.

  Once Mick closed the door behind us, I felt like a fish that had been thrown out of the water and I was flapping my fins against the carpet. The multicolored strobe lights made my head hurt. Heavy metal music blasted through the speakers. There was a slick bar in the back, which was hard to notice with the black granite countertops. Silver industrial lights hung low over the bar giving the place a chic rustic feel.

  A flashy hot pink halter-top caught my eye. Bethanny Hollander was in here wearing that flashy top and barely a skirt over her tall legs. If a slight breeze was blowing, we would see what she ate nine years ago. Her whole ensemble screamed look at me coated with desperation. I almost didn’t recognize her with the two pounds of makeup coating her face. Who was she here with?

  Moving through the sea of people, I navigated behind the cylinder pillar on the right side of the dance floor. This place was big, but it wasn’t big enough to guarantee someone didn’t see you. Orion followed my lead and moved to stand near a group of taller men, where he wouldn’t be seen. Bethanny sat at the bar placing her purse down on the seat next to her. After she had smiled at every man that passed her, she freshened her lipstick and glanced at her watch. She must be waiting for someone. Ten minutes later, a tall guy took the seat next to Bethanny. The passionate kiss that she gave him, says she was waiting on him.

  He was taller than every guy in here. He had a blondish Mohawk with his hair cleanly shaved on the sides. His skin was very pale and he wore tight skinny jeans. Guys here just did not wear the nut huggers. Who was he? Several guys frowned as they looked him up and down. The other guys looked at him with appreciation and the girls that caught them doing it looked pissed.

  Most of the people in here were wearing dark clothes and jumping up and down on the dance floor like they had ants in their pants. Everyone seemed to be moving to some mysterious musical beat, but it wasn’t the beat that was playing. A group of rowdy guys hit the floor pushing people out of their way and Orion moved near me.

  Orion nudged my right shoulder. “Give me your phone.”

  I handed him my phone. He punched in his number and added himself to my contacts. I had nothing against him but I didn’t see us becoming best friends anytime soon.

  “Do you see that girl at the bar with the hot pink shirt on?” I didn’t point to her but I allowed my eyes to linger on her a few seconds before averting my gaze.

  “Everyone sees her. That short skirt is meant for a man to dream about lifting it up while you dance on the dance floor.”

  “Bethanny is a student and we weren’t aware that she sneaks off this far from school or that she had such eccentric friends.” Peeping around the pillar I saw another guy join them. It didn’t look out of the ordinary, but it looked like a meeting was happening.

  “I’ll see what I can find out about the dude. She doesn’t come here often. I’m a regular and they are not regulars at this club. I’ll see what I can find out while we’re here.” Orion handed me my phone and I slipped it in my pocket, after turning it on vibrate, there was no way I would hear my phone ring in this place.

  “If you see the package call me and if I see it, I’ll call you. If we do this smart and together, we will have a better chance of seeing tomorrow,” said Orion. He walked away disappearing into the crowd toward the stage.

  Trevor

  It has been a week. One week since I met Celeste Love and she promised that she’d have a vial of the vampire virus and that the angel infected would be dead. I haven’t seen any evidence that the vampire died. My plan is progressing but not at the speed that it needs too. I want to see the fruits of my labor. I made a snap judgment on not killing her and allowing her to prove herself. I will not make that same mistake again.

  I’m restless. It hasn’t rained lately, therefore, Valcrum isn’t crying. His eyes need to open and the flood gates need to spill over so that every living thing on earth is submerged in his tears. He will pay for sending me here as a punishment. I will destroy everything he loves until he faces me or destroys me.

  “Why didn’t you finish the boy yourself? Do you know what you’re upset about,” asked Dylan? He chugged his beer and reclined in the Lay-Z-Boy sofa.

  “I was giving Celeste a chance to prove her loyalty. What was the boy’s name again?” Why didn’t I just do it myself? That would be one angel dead and gone. I ran my hands through my hair. Lately, I’m more frustrated than usual and I don’t want to admit it.

  “His name was Leonardo Romano. You don’t trust anyone, so you should’ve done it yourself and saved yourself from worrying.”

  “Do you trust her?”

  Dylan smiled and walked over to the window. “I sure do. She has more reason than you to hate the angels. You hate the angels indirectly to get at Valcrum and she hates them directly for what they’ve done to her.”

  “Let’s go and see if the boy’s dead body is laying outside the academy.”

  “I think you’re a bit on edge because of Kyra,” said Ted. He smiled and shook his head. “It’s no secret that ever since she stormed off and refused to see you, you have been grouchy. Call her, apologize and keep it moving,” said Ted.

  “I’m just questioning Celeste’s loyalty that’s all. Have you forgotten why we are here?”

  “No, but I know you want to kill everyone, even us when you get in this kind of mood. Just kiss and make up with her,” said Jake.

  “I didn’t do anything wrong. What guy doesn’t want sex when you’ve been doing it nonstop like rabbits. I don’t call you one day and now you think that’s all I want. Rubbish.”

  “Your pride will be the death of you one day. Just call the girl. I’m sure she’s waiting by the phone,” said Ted.

  “Kyra isn’t the wait by the phone type. You wait too long and she may be sleeping with someone else. She’s that type,” said Winston.

  “Do I look like I care if that happens?” If another man touches what’s mine. I’ll kill him.

  “Yes, you do. I’ll call Bethanny and she’ll bring Kyra if I ask her to. You’re welcome,” said Jake.

  “Tell her we’ll meet them outside the gates in…. It’s crazy out there and it’s for their safety.”

  “They will meet us there,” said Jake. He slid the phone in his pocket.

  “Let’s see if the boy’s body is outside of the school. He should have left trying to find a cure.”

  “Does a cure exist,” asked Winston?

  “If it does it won’t for long.” I need to get my hands-on Claire Sands. She can make enough of the vampire virus to kill them all, then I’ll kill her.

  Baby, I can help you. I know where Claire Sands
is and I don’t mind helping you.

  Victoria, what kind of games are you playing?

  If you break up with Kyra, I’ll tell you where to find Claire Sands.

  Let me get back to you. You have betrayed me one too many times for me to trust you.”

  I promise you this, when you go to the academy you will not find the boy’s body because he still lives.

  I will see if the boy lives and then we will speak. Walking to my bedroom, I sprayed the new musk scent all over me. They say girls go crazy for a guy that smells good, so I’ll see what Kyra thinks. The scent will make Kyra wonder what I have been up too.

  Five minutes later, we arrived on the back path near the wall of the academy. There was no dead body. Celeste has not proven crap to me. I am disappointed. Pulling out my phone, I text her demanding that she meets me here.

  I checked my messages so many times that I started tapping on the screen more than I needed to. This is the second phone I have had to replace. When Kyra cut me off sexually, I threw my phone against the wall. I’m trying not to destroy the simple means of communication I have here, but Earth is wearing on my patience.

  “Celeste didn’t text me back, but she should be here. Stay alert.”

  “Do you think inviting another girl here was smart,” asked Dylan.

  “Why not? This doesn’t concern her.”

  “How would you feel if she showed up tonight with another guy you didn’t know?” asked Dylan.

  I narrowed my eyes at Jake who burst out laughing. “I invited her. Not some man.”

  “He’s a glutton for punishment, and unfortunately for us, we’ll be the ones who have to deal with his nasty attitude later,” said Winston.

  I bit my lip, the metallic copper taste flooding my mouth. I guess I shouldn’t bust my lips if I want Kyra sucking on them. That isn’t all I would like her to suck. I have plans for that smart mouth of hers.

  “Boys, here comes Celeste.” I saw her before she got close. She was strolling down the path swinging her arms cracking her knuckles. Her hair is another flamboyant color, lime green, but she still looks the same.

  “You wanted to see me.” She stopped in front of me with her hands inside her pockets.

  “Do you see something wrong here?” Pointing around us I looked around then back at her.

  “Nope. What’s wrong?” She shrugged.

  “Leonardo is not dead. You failed to prove your loyalty to me.”

  “You’ve called me out here to kill me. Did it occur to you that I’m immortal? Beyond that, did it cross your mind that I could help you?”

  “I’m supposed to take your word for it.” She cannot be immortal. Valcrum will pay for stripping my immortality from me like a blanket snatched from a newborn.

  Trevor, she isn’t lying. I sense massive power flowing through her body. I’m not sure I could kill her. There might be a way but I am not sure. You cannot kill her so play nice.

  “I came here expecting to find Leonardo’s body and instead I find out that he still lives.”

  “The vampire virus takes a month before it kills its host. It is a very slow and painful death. If you wanted him to die quick, then you should’ve said something.”

  “Bethanny and Kyra are coming now,” said Jake. He slid his phone in his pocket and smoothed out the wrinkles in his shirt.

  “Ok.” I do not know why I bother being on time, these girls, have no concept of time when it comes to getting ready for a date.

  “Here. I’ve done what I said I would do and now it’s your turn. Put up or shut up.” She handed me a vial of crimson substance.

  “What is this? What can I do with a tiny sample? I need all of it.” I held it up and examined the liquid swirling around in the test tube.

  “You can kill a whole city if you spike their blood supply with it. That is what they did to the vampires in Buckhead. Did you find Claire Sands?”

  “Working on it.” This small sample would kill a city full of vampires. I think I am loving modern science. We will try this out on the city of Alphaville to see what destruction I can cause there.

  Leonardo is not dead. I can deliver Claire Sands to you, and your revenge will be in motion. Do you want my help or not? It’s up to you, but you have five minutes to choose, and I will not offer you this choice again.

  In my pocket, I had the power to kill a city full of vampires. What could I do with Claire Sands making me an unlimited amount of the vampire virus? This was a no brainer. I’m here to destroy Valcrum’s most precious gift and get my revenge.

  Victoria, we have a deal. Tell me where I can find Claire.

  Ha. You must forget I know you. I will hold up my part of the bargain once I make sure you have done the same.

  Bethanny, Chasity, and Kyra headed toward us. The heels on their feet made so much noise we could hear them a mile away. Who was the other girl with them? She was as attractive as a tattered used dishrag. I’m sure Bethanny found the ugliest girl in the academy to bring tonight. Shame on Bethanny. She looked like she might faint if I talked to her. Oh well, I only have eyes for one. My spitfire. Kyra was a joy even when she was not trying to be.

  Kyra’s mouth was set in a thin line. I bet her jaw ached from keeping it so tightly closed. She was still pissed off at me. That tight white-collar shirt that hugged her breast was scandalous. The fact that she only button one button was deliberate. Her charcoal plaid skirt had a purple pinstripe in it and she had on purple eight-inch heels. She would not be able to run in those shoes because they just were not practical.

  I’ll break up with Kyra after I bring her home. There is no time limit on breaking up with her.

  You must break up with her now, not later tonight. Why sleep with her again when you are done with her? You need to let her move on and find a guy that will put her first.

  Victoria guys don’t put women first. Any girl that expects a man to do that is crazy.

  “Who’s the girl?” asked Bethanny. She pointed to Celeste who flipped her lime green hair out of her face.

  “You got a problem baby doll? We can settle it here and now?” Celeste stepped closer to Bethanny, but Jake grabbed Bethanny.

  “Touch her and you die,” said Jake. He smiled waiting for Celeste.

  “Bethanny control yourself. Are you so scared of competition that you would rather Jake see you get the snot beat out of you?”

  “That hussy doesn’t want a piece of me. If she doesn’t touch my meat, then we’re good,” said Bethanny.

  Celeste frowned and hocked up a wad of spit and shot it on the sidewalk. She hunched her shoulders.

  “Who’s your friend, Bethanny?” I rolled my eyes. Bethanny was like a venereal disease that would not go away. I would not mind if Celeste killed her, but Jake had a tender spot for her. I can’t imagine why.

  “That’s just Ivy. She was curious about leaving school grounds so this is her first time,” said Chasity.

  “How are you?” said Ivy. She elbowed Chasity in the gut. “They don’t need to know I’ve never left school grounds,” she whispered.

  “Excuse us,” said Kyra. She elbowed her way in between Celeste and me.

  I closed my eyes savoring her scent. Kyra had bathed with that coconut bar, and she had that Brazilian Moni in her curly hair. She smelled like an exotic desert, and my mouth watered to taste her. My fingers twitched to caress her skin.

  “You’re excused,” said Celeste. “Who do you think you are? A princess? You want to talk then talk, or better yet scram,” said Celeste. She pushed Kyra down and she toppled in the dirt. “If you had any smarts you’d stay down,” said Celeste. She faced Kyra daring her to get up off the ground.

  “Come on Celeste.” I put my arm around her neck and walked away.

  “I don’t usually mix business with pleasure but I’m willing to make an exception with you.” Celeste leaned into me and placed a small kiss on my neck.

  Closing my eyes, I forced myself not to flinch.

  Kyra unsnapped her high
heels.

  “You tramp. There won’t be anything left of you when I’m done with you.” Kyra swung her shoe and hit Celeste over the head with the spiked heel. She swung the heel again, but Celeste grabbed it and broke it in half. Celeste ran her finger down her bloody chin and tasted her own blood.

  Celeste raised her fist, but I grabbed her arm. “Allow me to do my job.” I stepped in front of Kyra shielding her from Celeste’s wrath. The girl shook with her anger and I didn’t want her to kill Kyra. “Kyra, why are you acting this way? You wanted to break up, so we broke up.”

  “We did not break up. One argument is hardly a reason to break up.”

  “You did not want to please me so don’t be mad when another woman is dying to do it.”

  Kyra lunged around me to get to Celeste, but I grabbed her arms as she tried to swing and kick Celeste. When she could not hit her, she scratched her throat and spit at Celeste. I turned Kyra’s face away before she could spit on her.

  “Kyra. Don’t you have some pride left? I don’t want you.”

  “Why did you invite me if you didn’t want to see me?”

  “Winston wanted to talk to you. I didn’t ask for you to come. Why would I?” I looked back at Celeste then at Kyra.

  Wow. You told her you were going to pass her to your friends. I said break up with her, not ruin her life. Kyra will never recover from that. I almost feel sorry for...

  Victoria, shut up.

  Pow. Kyra backhanded me. “You know we were not broken up. You use that as an excuse to sleep around with this circus free animal? I hope she burns your junk off.” Kyra wiped her tears from her face and headed down the dark path toward town.

  “Trevor, you don’t get to tell me who to sleep with. That decision belongs to me. You can have your fun because I will.” Kyra turned and walked away until she veered off the path.

  “Dylan go make sure she gets home.”

  “If she’s bold enough to fight me she can fend for herself. Some horny man will take pity on her if she proves herself worthy of saving,” said Celeste.