“It, it! Do you know something, I don’t! You’re not even in contact with the clan,” I argued. She hung her coat back up and threw her keys down on the table. They slide across it, then hit the wall.
“Go! Just go,” she cried.
I left, shutting the door behind me. This wasn’t good. I’d thought, I’d been making strides with Tri. I hoped they knew, what they had just done. I’d told Cavin several times, contact me. Never for any reason contact Tri. Unless it had to do with Starla, being in danger.
Chapter 11
(Starla)
Once we'd arrived at the Ranger's station Owl and I took our seats at the big conference table. Mike sat across from us. This time, there were no donuts.
“Call your mom,” the ranger ordered me.
“What about, the clan?”
“They’ll be here, don’t fret. I’m worried your mom is going to freak out over what Nayla did,” he said eyeing her.
“What, I thought she’d want to be here,” Nayla mused. “I simply sent out the signal. She can either choose to ignore it or join us,” she purred.
“Chances are my mom's having a heart attack,” I retaliated.
“I like your mother. She needs to get back in the game.”
I ignored her for the moment, reaching into my dress to retrieve my phone. I pulled it out, flipped it open, then dialed. I listened to it ring till she picked up.
“Hey, are you OK? Has your dad contacted you yet?” asked my mom.
“For now, I’m fine. It seems there’s been a problem with the bandits. They tried to escape, and Minder was injured. Is dad still there?”
“No, he left a while ago, after my tattoo vibrated. It made me furious. I was not expecting contact. I’d been getting ready to leave when I realized someone had to stay here with Megan. Your dad said he’d go.”
“Are you going to be OK? I know your upset Mom.”
She sighed. “Yes. I’m OK, only disappointed. I wanted you to have one amazing night with friends before the trial. The commotion appears to be starting all over again,” she complained.
“Mom, it’s alright. It was fun for the half hour I was there,” I gushed, laying it on thick. “I’ll get through this, Owls here. We’re meeting Jenson back at the dance before midnight.”
“Do you think the conference will be over by then?” she asked.
I saw my dad; Minder, Cavin, and Kaya enter the Ranger’s station. They quietly took seats around the table. Kaya sat next to me and laid a hand on my shoulder. I smiled at her. Then looked away as I answered my mom, “I hope so, if not I can always demand it.”
My mom laughed nervously on the other end of the phone. “I suggest you do that, Hun. What then?”
“We’ll get a bite to eat somewhere. Afterward, I’ll have Jenson drop me off at home. I can crash til tomorrow. If the breakfast meeting is still on the agenda,” I hinted, drumming my fingers on the table.
“Make sure you give Nayla the evil eye for me.”
“I’ve already made sure she knows you’re not happy with her. I have to go... everyone is here now.”
“Be careful, if you need anything call me,” she advised.
“I will.” I closed my phone, then slipped it into the hidden pocket in my dress. Cavin began to clear his throat. He looked over at me. Then nodded to Kaya. She stood up to address us.
“First, I want to apologize to you, Starla Araina for having to interrupt your dance tonight. Where’s Jenson?” she asked, looking around the room.
“Back at the dance, he’s waiting for me. He’d been hesitant about leaving. I knew, if I wanted to get here in human form, I couldn’t wait for him. He sent Owl after me, seeing as I had no coat. That’s why he’s here and not Jenson,” I answered.
Kaya nodded, then motioned for Minder to take the floor.
“I should have known better than to assume I could get an answer out of Sika. Wanting to avoid the trial I went to Kaya. Then suggested I take the food to the prisoners. Once I was there, Gavin and Gladiator appeared handcuffed. Sika sat in the back corner of the cell. He seemed coy and ready to rumble. I slid into the chamber. Afterward, I began to interrogate him. At first, he played dumb saying that Martin Du-Vance wasn’t part of the plan. They had only intended to lure us in, using Nuria and Cal after their capture. The plan was to attack us on our way to save our friends from the entity they’d hired. Only then would they take us down, and destroy us. Sika claimed he didn’t know anything about a peace treaty Martin had arranged. During this explanation, he’d managed to fit his hands through the cuffs. He must have been avoiding meals. It couldn’t have been a spell, given that, we have the place charmed. Jones made sure of that,” she chirped.
What Jones? I knew he was a protector, of some sort, but this!
“Your arm, black eye, he did that to you!” I blurted.
“Yes, I’m humiliated,” she groaned, placing her furry hand on her forehead. “I didn’t heed the warnings Cavin gave me earlier in the week. He told me to take it easy in training. If I, didn’t I’d drain my powers. So when I went to trip Sika, I missed. Then attempted to grab his hands pushing them behind him to bring him to the ground. He moved fast maneuvering away from me. I didn’t see him slide his hand underneath me and grab my leg. He pulled me to the ground, shoving his elbow in my face,” she grimaced.
“Definitely a nasty shiner,” Owl commented.
“I’m not the helpless female type. I like to be in control myself. This time, though I don’t know what I would have done if Shellena and Lance hadn’t shown up. They were beginning a hunt when they saw me. Sika was holding me down.
Lance busted the lock and stunned him with his venom. During that time Shellena kept the others from escaping,” she confessed.
“When you were confined did you get any new information out of him?” I wondered out loud.
“He claimed the entity he hired to keep Cal and Nuria trapped killed Martin. I don’t believe him. One thing I do know is we are not going to conjure that thing back up!” exclaimed Minder.
We all nodded in agreement.
“The difficulty is attempting to prove which of the bandits, killed Rascal’s boy,” added Minder.
“If they won’t talk, we’ll simply have to exile them,” suggested Cavin.
“If it comes to that then the case will be over before it starts,” argued my father.
Nayla hopped onto the table and began her usual pacing. She looked as if she were about to have a fit. “NO, if they claim the entity killed Martin then we get them to help us locate the scientists. Cavin something had to create that demon! It didn’t just arise out of the sky and appear out of nowhere. It may have been conjured yet the question remaining is who created it?”
“Let’s not assume the entity was developed by the same scientists the bandits were twisted by,” scolded Cavin.
“It sounds far-fetched, but maybe it’s possible,” Owl intercepted.
I laughed. “Anything is possible. No matter what happens, we have to decide how to handle the prisoners we have in custody,” I spoke up. “Also, do not forget the bandits hired it!”
“OK, Starla Araina,” my father answered.
“Sika is the dilemma. He holds the most power. He’s also still in love with me,” admitted Minder.
“It's not so much that he’s in love with you, but the idea of controlling you. Gavin and Gladiator hang on to his every word. Every leader has his or her puppets. They are his. Sika makes them promises of who knows what, and they follow his lead. Maybe we should offer them a deal,” purposed Kaya.
Cavin’s face contorted into an angry glare. He raised his hand to silence us. “I do not look at you as my servants, but as my people. I do recognize your evaluation of what Sika is doing. Living creatures have the ability to manipulate and control others. Authority can go to one's head, making an individual evil. It’s a choice. I’ve chosen to lead this clan. I admire those who stand by not only me but beside each other. The trial will take pl
ace in a week’s time. We’ll find out if Sika is telling the truth. In the meantime, Starla Araina, you and Cal will start your training. I’ll ask the clan next to us to guard the chamber after sunset. Dan, I’d like you to contact Rascal. Let’s see if his tribe can offer any suggestions or protection.”
“What about my classes, my job at Denny’s?”
“We’ll work around that. Starla Araina, tell your mother I’m sorry. We do want her back. It wasn’t right for us to intrude,” Cavin admitted. He jumped down from the chair he sat on.
“Is that it for tonight?” asked Mike.
“There’s nothing more to add,” Kaya announced.
Nayla hopped down from the spot she’d inhabited on the table top. She walked over and nudged my hand. I gave her a few pats on the head, stood up and knelt down beside her. She coyly smiled, revealing her teeth. I inched back a bit unsure of what she was about to do. Then she let out a loud laugh.
“What’s wrong with you Nayla,” demanded Kaya, as she strolled over to us. Owl and everyone else seemed to be getting ready to depart. The ranger was closely watching us.
“Nothing, I just wanted to see her jump. I’m in a mischievous mood.
“Now, Starla Araina, I will contact you for training, be ready,” she commanded. Then disappeared in a mist before us.
“Something’s up,” observed Mike. “She’s been a lot more sassier and spiteful recently.”
“We’re all worked up,” pointed out Cavin. “Let’s not jump to any conclusions,” he responded. I nodded and got up from where I was kneeling. Owl took my coat off the back of my chair.
“Let’s go,” he suggested.
I glimpsed over at my father, “Dad?”
“It’s alright, you, and Owl head back to the dance. Enjoy as much of the night as possible. I have a hunch it’s only going to escalate from here.”
Kaya floated in her beautiful human form over to the lodge door. She opened it for Owl and I. “Don’t let Nayla get to you. If anything’s wrong, I’ll detect it,” she reassured me.
“OK, she might just be mad at my mom. I get the gist they were close at one time?” I inquired.
“Perhaps,” she said as the door shut behind us.
Chapter 12
(Dan)
“What was that Kaya? Why is Nayla so on edge? It can’t be that Tri isn’t here right now. She’s segregated herself from the clan for years! Why would it irritate her now?”
Kaya shut the door behind Owl and Starla shaking her head. Then looked back at the group of us. “I’m as confused as you are, regarding her actions. Nayla has not been the same since our return from Thunderhead Bay. It wasn’t too noticeable at first. It just appeared as if something had gotten under her skin. She isn’t possessed. Star performed a spell to confirm it.”
“Well, we should keep an eye on her. Everyone is on red alert now. Tri has a strong backbone. Nayla desires her here because she would be valuable. We shouldn’t pressure her. The more we do, the less likely she’ll be joining us. You have to give her time to recognize that with Starla Araina being her daughter; she’ll forever be connected to this life,” I stated.
“She’ll come around,” assured Cavin. He sat down beside Kaya gently stroking her furry back.
“How come Shellena and Lance weren’t here tonight?” I asked.
Minder stood up from her seat. “They stayed behind to keep the bandits in check. They don’t trust Sika. He’s the biggest threat. Gladiator might have some intelligence, but Gavin is just a moron.” Minder rolled her eyes and drummed her fingers on the table. “The minions merely follow orders,” she confirmed.
“You don’t think they’d ever go against Sika?” I asked.
Minder shrugged her shoulders. “It could happen, but they sure didn’t struggle to help me when he held me down. They laughed right along with him,” she commented.
“Cavin, should I help Minder back to the cabin now?” interrupted Kaya. She started to stand up.
“No, Minder should stay with us til she’s healed. Nuria’s with Cal. She’ll be fine for one night.”
“Alright,” she confirmed, sitting back down.
Minder smirked, “I guess. If it reassures you of my safety.”
“In the morning, I’ll relieve Shellena and Lance. Kaya is there anything else to discuss before we call it a night?” asked Cavin.
Kaya exhaled, “Mike you’ve been quiet concerning these matters. Do you have any other suggestions besides the idea’s mentioned?”
He cleared his throat. “Throughout the trial, we need to be leery of attempted escapes. I suggest armed guards not only guarding our buildings when inhabited, but also surrounding the prisoner’s chamber at all times. Jones will be necessary for our security. If the entity did kill Du-vance and it was created by the scientists. It would mean the bandits know of their location. Gavin and the Gladiator are the weakest links. Sika could have killed Minder. He’s warning us that getting further information will not come effortlessly. Ultimately, my job is to protect Hunters Park and its visitors. Other than that, if you need my assistance, I’m always here. I always have been,” Mike affirmed.
Cavin trotted away from Kaya proceeding to the door. Before he opened it, he turned around. “Let’s all meet Monday. I’ll have Nayla contact Starla Ariana about training. Dan, I may have to have you interrogate Sika. Shellena and Lance should be present to keep an eye on any funny business. This meetings adjourned. I wish you the best as you leave. Be careful, out there,” he advised.
Chapter 13
(Starla)
Owl propped open the gymnasium door. A soft melody drifted out into the hall. The dance was winding down for the evening. Thank goodness I'd had time to relax on the walk back. Owl took my mind off of things by talking to me about the work he'd been doing for his native tribe.
“You ready? We only have an hour left,” he said.
“Oh, yes. Of course! I’d like one more slow dance with Jenson. Who do you have eyes for these days?”
“No one in particular. Ladies first, “ he said, motioning for me to enter.
The disco lights danced against the walls. I felt the music vibrating the entire gym. My gaze fell on Maine and Molly sitting at a table with Jenson. We made our way over to where they sat sipping tropical punch. A smile formed on my lips. Jenson had set a place for Owl and me.
“Jenson said something came up. Is everything alright?” Molly asked.
“Yes, it’s taken care of for now.”
Jenson stood up and pulled out the seat for me. I sat down next to him. Owl sat beside Maine.
“I was disappointed there weren’t any doughnuts this time.”
“Donuts?” asked Maine.
“Mike at Hunters Park. He usually has them when I meet with him. Oops...”
“Starla helps the ranger, who runs the park. She keeps an eye out for loiters and punks,” Molly joked.
“No. Really, it was a situation where someone was hurt. We had to find out if there was a way to prevent it from happening again,” Owl explained.
“I was worried about you. Why didn’t you call?” Jenson asked.
“Sorry, I assumed you knew, I was safe. If I wasn’t, I would have contacted you,” I answered.
“Everything’s, OK, though,” Jenson asked.
“For now,” I replied. “Let’s just enjoy the rest of our evening,” I said, resting my head on his shoulder. He put his arm around me giving me a little squeeze, then gently kissed my cheek.
“Are you ready to dance?” He offered me his hand, and we stood up.
“See you guys later?” Molly asked.
I nodded to my friends at the table. Then turned to Jenson. He lifted his hand up to my face and brushed the hair out of my eyes. We lingered there in awe of one another for a moment. The butterflies in my stomach would not cease their fluttering. I leaned into him and with my friends watching, I planted one right on his lips. Then pulling him away from the table I led him out onto the dance floor. I f
ound us a nice open spot where the only person’s feet I would have to worry about tripping over would be mine or his.
“I was the one who asked you to dance, and you took the lead,” he admitted.
“Hmm, you know you’ve got yourself involved with a tough, independent woman,” I replied, letting my hands drape over his back.
“I did, didn’t I,” he mused.
We swayed back and forth to “Time After Time” an old school classic. I did adore Cyndi Lauper. I pulled him closer worried that the clock would strike midnight.
“What do you want to do after this,” he murmured in my ear.
“A picnic under the stars would be nice. Do you know of any place besides Hunters Park?”
“Not around here. There is the school near the Seven-Eleven. Do you know it?” he asked.
“Yes, I can never get enough of their Slurpees. I also worship the hot dogs and nachos,” I confided.
“Well then, do you want to go?”
“We should go check on Molly and Maine. They’ll need us to take them to the lodge,” I reminded him.
“Sorry I was lost in our moment,” he admitted.
“Good pick-up line,” I teased him, playfully punching him in the arm. We separated. He took my hand. I spotted Molly and Maine, heading over to the punch bowl. Off to the side, Owl danced with a pretty brunette I hadn’t noticed before. Huh, maybe she was a transfer student? Jenson gently tugged my arm.
“They do look pretty cozy, don’t they?”
“Yeah, I wonder who she is.”
“I’m sure if it’s serious, we’ll find out,” he replied, batting his eyes at me.
“Now you’re being silly,” I responded, amused at his remark.
Molly and Maine walked up to us with drinks in their hands.
“So how much longer do you two... want to stay?” asked Maine.
“Ah, we were thinking of taking off. Starla and I talked about going to get some food at Seven-Eleven. Then heading out to star gaze at the school nearby.”
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 5