Blackwood: The Dynasty Series Book One

by Marian Gray

  “It was interesting.” My stomach fluttered from memory. I hadn’t seen Elijah since our time together in the bath, but he never left my mind.

  “How so?” Our feet stomped through the snow with little crunches.

  I shrugged my shoulders. I wasn’t sure how much I should tell him. “It’s just, well—” I stuck my hand out and brushed the snow off the pine branches. “I have a boyfriend.”

  “What?” Eddie spat as his foot flew from beneath him. The heel lodged into the snow, saving him from a fall on the flagstone sidewalk. "I'm fine," he said before I had a chance to ask. His gloved fingers straightened his rustled coat. "Now, did you just say you have a boyfriend?"

  “I wasn’t expecting it either.”

  “Who?” He repositioned the beanie on his head. “I didn’t even know you liked anyone enough to be their girlfriend.”

  I ducked my head to avoid a low hanging root as we entered the tunnel. “Can I trust that you’ll keep it to yourself?”

  “Of course. When have I ever gossiped?”

  “You make a strong argument.” Between Eddie and Sara, he was by far the most trustworthy.

  “So, who is it?”

  “Elijah Harlow.” I wanted to scream the name but I kept my voice low to avoid any eavesdropping.

  “I don’t think I heard you right.”

  “You did.”

  He shook his head. “No, no. No! That’s ridiculous.”

  “It’s true.”

  “Elijah Harlow. Are you insane?” We came to a halt on the platform.

  “Shhhh. Lower your voice.”

  “What happened to Kinsey McGowen? I thought we thought he liked Kinsey McGowen,” he hissed.

  I shrugged. “He doesn’t. It’s me.” Joy burst through each of my limbs. It had been two weeks since it became official, and I was still experiencing the warm tingle of success and celebration at having landed Elijah Harlow as my boyfriend.

  “I don’t mean to insult you, but I am just in absolute shock. He never acted like he had feelings for you, and you mentioned his name once over the summer. How did this happen?”

  “I’ve always had a small crush on him, and I guess the private lessons just allowed us time to escape and get to know one another.”

  “Oh, so that’s what you were doing during those private lessons.” He nudged me with his elbow. “I bet you learned how to wave more than one wand around.”

  I clamped my hand to my mouth to keep from busting with laughter. “You’re vicious, and for your information—we never did or said anything inappropriate during any of those private lessons.”

  He shook his head as he hooked his thumbs into his backpack straps. “Sounds like a bunch of lost time if you ask me.”

  “Too bad nobody did.”

  A lighthearted snicker slipped from his lips. “Jokes aside, I’m happy for you. I hope this doesn’t end in heartbreak, and if you ever need a third—let me know.”

  “Do you need a ride home?” I asked Eddie as we rode the airport elevator up to the ground floor. “My aunt and uncle are already here.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “My parents should be here any minute now. Thanks for the offer though.”

  We stepped out of the car and onto the white tile. “All right. Don’t forget to message me about the viewing party. I’m going to go crazy if I spend every day with my family.”

  He rolled his eyes. “At least you have your uncle and aunt’s to run to. I’m stuck with my parents.”

  “Good. It’ll make you message me then.”

  “Text or Chamber note?”

  “Do you know how to operate a cell phone?” I was only half joking.

  “Kind of.”

  “Use a note then. I think my service has been canceled anyway, and I doubt my mother will restart it for a few weeks over break.”

  “Makes sense.” We trudged outside, back into winter’s snowy grip. Virginia was almost as white as Ivory.

  “That’s them.” I pointed to my uncle and aunt’s car.

  “Stay out of trouble.” Eddie gave me a hug before we parted ways.

  I trudged over to the station wagon, dragging my suitcase through the snow. A small hill gathered around the wheels once I had reached the car. They both popped out to greet me with hugs, and someone else did too.

  “James?” The expected rush of excitement from seeing my best friend didn’t come.

  He threw his thin arms around me and hugged me tight. An acrid odor hung around him. “I missed you so much.” The scent held hints of old sweat, oily hair, and unwashed armpits.

  “I missed you too.” I stepped away from him and took in a breath of fresh air. “What are you doing here?”

  He shrugged his bony shoulders. “Your mother called and asked if I wanted to go and pick you up from the airport.”

  “My mother?” I hadn’t spoken to her since she dropped me off for the summer semester.

  “All right. Everyone in the car.” Aunt Margot herded us. “My giblets are freezing.”

  I slid into the backseat with James. My hand latched onto the window crank and rotated the metal lever. The window rolled down an inch, just enough to suck out James’ rotten smell.

  “Kim, it’s freezing. Why is the window down?” Aunt Margot eyed me in the side mirror.

  “The air outside is so fresh and clean. You know? Fresh and clean.” My eyes barreled into her reflection. “I miss it so much.”

  Uncle Hank fired up the car. It coughed its protest as it revved to life. “Just let her leave it down some. The crisp, clear air will do us all some good.” His foot lowered on the gas pedal, and the car hiccuped out of the parking lot.

  “How does it feel to be back, Kim?” Aunt Margot glanced at me over her shoulder.

  “Weird.” Roanoke was an old home where the memory of mundi me still roamed. I didn’t belong here. But I feigned my excitement. “But I’ve missed you all so much! I’m just happy to be back with my family and friends.”

  “I can’t speak for Uncle Hank or Aunt Margot, but I know I’m happy to have you back.” He ran a hand through his hair. The roots stuck in the place, the oil holding it. “You’ve missed out on so much.”

  “Like what?”

  “So much.” He turned to me. His eyes were the size of moons and slightly bloodshot.

  “We’ve missed you too, Kim,” My uncle interjected. “If it’s all right with you, your mother has arranged for you to stay with us during the break.”

  I didn’t expect any less from her. “I’d like that very much. Thank you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  His light brown hair stuck up in every direction. The base was greasy, and the ends dry. His hand rubbed his patchy jawline every few seconds, agitated. Aunt Margot eyed him from across the table. She had forbidden him from visiting until he showered. I thought I had made the condition clear when I invited him over for Sunday brunch, but the messaged wasn't received.

  “We’ve spent the last week hearing from Kim about her semester,” Aunt Margot began, “but you haven’t made a peep about yours. What have you been up to for the last five months?”

  James gripped his cup of black coffee with an iron grasp, holding on for dear life. “It’s been relatively uneventful, Mrs. Blackwood. Classes began in August and carried on in a very dull and monotonous kind of way.”

  Aunt Margot’s face scrunched as though she were in pain. “Well, I’m sorry it hasn't turned out to be what you wanted—has it?”

  “No.” James shook his head. “Not at all. I’m actually more interested in somethin’ like what Kim’s doin’.”

  Uncle Hank tugged at his hair. He had recently received a trim and fidgeted with the strands nonstop. “I’m not sure that’s possible, James. You do understand what kind of college she’s attending, correct?”

  “Absolutely. The family secret hasn’t really been kept secret from me.” He grinned. A yellow tint colored his teeth. “Y’all could maybe put in a word for me?”

&nb
sp; Uncle Hank and Aunt Margot shared a doubtful look. “That’s not how it works, I’m afraid. You’ve got to be a witch or a wizard.”

  “And I am.”

  My jaw fell into my lap, while Aunt Margot stirred in her chair like a kettle about to shout. “What do you mean?” She asked.

  “Tell ‘em, Kim.” James rubbed his jaw, scratching at a red patch of skin.

  “Tell us what?” Uncle Hank’s gaze bounced between me and James.

  I wasn’t sure what he was, but I knew it wasn't a wizard. “I have no idea.”

  “Why don’t you tell us, James?” Aunt Margot suggested.

  My chest whirled with horror. We had kept his abilities secret out of fear. Time had not liberated that veil. As my mouth opened to misdirect the conversation, an ivy green envelope floated down onto the place mat before me.

  “Where did that come from?” James spat. His eyes popped out of his head.

  “Looks like it’s from the school.” Aunt Margot leaned back in her chair.

  The three of them sat in silence, waiting for me to open the letter. “We don’t have individual mailboxes, unless specifically requested—but then they’re more like P.O. Boxes,” I explained as I plied the wax seal from the paper and pulled out an official school letter. “So, our mail is sent to us with the help of magic. It just kind of appears wherever we happen to be. See—“ I held up the envelope showing him the address. It had me listed at my Uncle’s home in the kitchen breakfast area.

  “Elijah Harlow,” My uncle muttered, reading from the top corner. “Why is it from Elijah Harlow? Why is he sending you letters?” His voice lowered, darkening. “His father works at the Chamber. Don’t you remember what I said about associating with people who have family in the Chamber? Mother of Merlin, I wrote it down so you wouldn’t forget—"

  “Uncle Hank.” I raised my voice to overpower his tirade. “It’s a letter informing me about the holmgang team. You know—the one I’m a part of and that he captains?”

  He receded in his chair, and hard pink swelled in his cheeks. Aunt Margot eyed him, disapproving.

  “What does the letter say?” James leaned over my shoulder, attempting to read.

  But I tilted away from him. “It’s announcing which players will participate in the singles and which are in the triple.”

  “And?” Aunt Margot ushered me onward.

  “Maggie Nguyen, Andres Castillo, and Ryan Rosewall have all been selected for singles. While Beth Anderson, Elijah Harlow, and I will be the team to represent the school in triples.”

  Uncle Hank's mouth spread wide in a grin. “I may think it’s all garbage, but my mother would be proud.”

  Aunt Margot patted his arm and gave it a gentle rub. “She certainly would have been.” A small smirk crept on her face as she turned to look at me. “And what a lucky girl—on a team with Elijah Harlow. You and Beth will be the envy of the school.”

  “Who’s Elijah Harlow?” James’ voice sounded with urgency.

  “Kim, why don’t you and James go up to your room? You two haven’t had a chance to catch up at.” Aunt Margot nodded with a smile as she made a little sweep of her hand under her nose.

  She wanted us upstairs because he stank.

  “Do you miss bein’ at home at all?” James jumped onto the guest bed. It groaned beneath his minuscule weight. The cast iron joints were centuries old. “You still haven’t unpacked?”

  “At home with my mother or at home here in Roanoke?” I pulled dirty clothes from my trunk and stuffed them in the hamper. “I can’t say I really miss either. It’s refreshing being out on my own.”

  “What’s it like?” His hand rubbed his jaw with a jerky rhythm, finding that red patch once again.

  I shrugged. “I don’t have anything to compare it to, you know? I assume it’s like any other college experience. We have dorms, classes, finals, and our futures to constantly evaluate. The students are everyday people like us. The professors aren’t as suffocating as high school teachers, but I’ve heard that from everyone after they’ve gone onto college.”

  “Is your magic any better? Have you learned anythin’ cool you can teach me?” He asked, snapping his fingers. The tip of his thumb held a small flame. He flicked the small sprout of fire several times with his other hand before blowing it out.

  A giggle jumped from me. “Considering I didn’t know anything when I packed my trunk and left, I’d say it’s greatly improved.”

  “Teach me somethin’.”

  I scratched the back of my head. “I can’t—you’re not a wizard. And what were thinking trying to claim that you are in front of my aunt and uncle? Are you insane?”

  “Can’t or won’t?” James scoffed, throwing himself back onto her bed and disregarding anything else I had said.

  “Can’t.” Frustration built inside of me. “You don’t use a wand to do magic. I do. What am I supposed to teach you?”

  He grinned. “So I’m better than you ‘cause I don’t need a wand to use my powers.”

  “I prefer to say we’re just different.” I shook my head, finished with the subject. “How are your classes going? Have you selected a major?”

  “They’re fine.” James snapped his fingers, birthing the small flame atop his thumb once more.

  I sighed. “Give me a little more than that.”

  He shot me a glare out of the corner of his eyes. “Why? Are you my momma now?”

  “No. I’m your friend.” The last word popped out of my mouth.

  He sighed, and his fingers combed through his long hair multiple times. “I’m just not interested in school right now. I’m failin’ a few classes. But it’s no big deal. I want to pursue magic. I don’t need school for that.” His eyes opened wide and ears perked. “Do you know of any universities that accept people like me?”

  “I haven’t heard of any, and I can’t believe you’re failing your classes.” I closed the hamper, but the lid popped back open with a blast of a burp. A sock flew across the room and landed on the oceanic comforter.

  James hopped to his feet atop the bed. Every muscle in his body tensed. “That was so cool!”

  I grabbed the sock off the bed and tossed it back in the hamper. “Yeah, it’s pretty fun at first.” I placed the lid back on. “Which classes are you failing?”

  “Is it fixin’ to do it again?” His eyes locked onto the hamper.

  “I doubt it.” The troublesome basket usually took a long nap after it was full. “So which classes are you failing? Maybe I can help?”

  His back crashed into the bed, forcing out another squeak. “Nah, I don’t need any help. Hey, can I ask you somethin’ personal?”

  I drew my lips into my mouth, afraid to give him an answer. “Sure, if you want.”

  “Are you—” His palm scoured the crimson color on his chin. “Are you still a virgin?”

  My jaw dropped. “Why do you want to know?”

  “‘Cause when you left, we were both virgins.” Both hands plowed his hair. “At least I think we were. And, I don’t know.” James shrugged. “I thought it was kind of somethin’ we bonded over.” A half smirk slid across his flaky lips. “The only virgin seniors in high school.”

  “I doubt we were the only virgins in high school.” I yanked a dress out of my suitcase and poked a hanger through its neck.

  “Well, thank baby Jesus, ‘cause that’s not the point.” His fingers wrung together. “Just tell me.”

  I blew out a long breath of air. “Yes, I am.” Guilt crawled onto my shoulders. I had never lied to him before, but my intuition guided the decision. The truth wouldn’t sit well with him. A screw had come loose, and once it was tightened, I’d answer his question with the truth.

  Hot relief settled on his face in a vibrant splash of pink. “I’m both happy and sad for us.”

  “Sure.” I pushed the idea aside. “Do you know if your mom has a lot planned for Christmas?”

  “No clue.” His stare searched the antique bedroom. “Is anything else
in here enchanted?”

  “I was wondering if you would be up for meeting one of my friends from Ivory? There’s a big game—"

  “Another witch?” His voice rose in pitch.

  “Well, wizard—yes. He lives here in Roanoke and wants to get together to watch the game.”

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  “I was thinking we could do it at your house, since you have the basement.”

  “Yeah, sure.” James cupped his hands, creating a closed sphere. Through a small hole he blew a soft breath. When he opened his fingers, a full rose blossom sat in his palm. He held it before him and pinched the half-inch stem. James pulled the thin green stock downward. The stem elongated before my eyes, bright green. Leaves sprouted and enlarged to a healthy size.

  “Wow, James.” I hadn’t forgotten the first rose he conjured in the garden. The petals withered and flopped to the ground. The scant bud collapsed, too heavy for its own neck.

  “It's for you.” He extended the deep scarlet flower to me. “Also, you never did tell me. Who’s Elijah Harlow?”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “Now, you know Kim through school, right? You two met at college?” Mrs. Peterson asked with a wide grin.

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Eddie answered in a cordial tone.

  “Well, how funny is that? I’m just tickled by it.” Her hands rested on her hips. “Would you like some lemonade? I just fixed up a batch. Or maybe somethin’ to eat. Have you had lunch yet?”

  “Momma,” James rubbed a hand down his face. “He’s just here to hang out and watch a game.”

  “That doesn’t mean his stomach stops wantin’ food. He’s a guest, James. You know how I expect guests to be treated under my roof.” Her face switched from severe to Southern charm. “And Kim, honey, if you want anythin’ you only need to holler.”

  “Yes, thank you, Mrs. Peterson.”

  “My pleasure. I hope you three enjoy whatever it is you’re watchin’.” She nodded, then froze. “It’s nothin’ inappropriate is it? I heard on the news the other day that it’s becomin’ popular for y'all to watch that porno together.”