The Wanderers Beginning: The Wanderers, Reborn, & Unforgiven

by Jessica Miller

  I gazed out the window and glimpsed at the rays of sun that were shining down. “Josie convinced me to join a sorority. Yeah, I know, me in a sorority,” I said, walking over to the window wanting to feel the warmth of the sun. “I’m not the same person I was then.” I pressed my hand to the window pane, needing a moment to steady myself.

  “I met someone. Someone I thought, well I thought he was the biggest ass when I first met him,” I said, smiling at the memory. “Then I fell in love with him, but I never got to tell him.” I looked down at his watch I was wearing and ran my thumb over the heart charm. “On the night of the sorority’s Halloween party, that’s when I lost everything. I found Josie’s body in our closet and Billy knocked unconscious. Then when Billy and I tried to get help Jack attacked. I thought Billy was as good as dead. I ran. I ran as far as I could but he still found me. Jack and his girlfriend, Cadence – who just so happened to be the president of the sorority I joined – threatened to kill more people I loved unless I gave them my powers.”

  Roman got up from the bed and stood next to me by the window. “The funny thing is I didn’t even know anything about this stuff until after Jack attacked me. I had no idea about vampires or that I was one or any of this,” I said, throwing my hands out. “And I’d never thought I’d lose the people I loved most and for what? For some stupid powers?”

  Roman took my hand and squeezed it gently. I looked down at our twined fingers before I looked out the window again. “He saved me. Just before Jack was about to kill me. He gave up his life for mine and for what? What do I have to show him it was worth it? I didn’t even get to tell him I loved him.” This was the first time I admitted to anyone that I loved Tristan. I still couldn’t say his name though. That was too much to say it out loud.

  “I’m sure whoever he was he knew you loved him. And from what it sounds like he loved you too. If I was him I would have done the same thing.”

  “You would risk your life for Mackenzie?” I asked, thinking he was crazy. I mean it was a possibility he saw a side of her no one else did.

  “I wasn’t talking about Mackenzie,” he said, making me flinch.

  “Don’t say that.” I tried to pull my hand away but he held on tight. “Roman, I’m not someone you want to get mixed up with.”

  “Stop trying to tell me what I do and don’t want,” he said, his eyes meeting mine. I got lost in the pull of his dark blue eyes. He slowly and hesitantly lifted his hands. They slid across my cheeks like silk as he lifted my chin closer to him. Before our lips had the chance to collide, Billy walked in, interrupting us. I stepped back blushing.

  “Oh hey, sorry, didn’t know you would be here.” Billy took one look at my face and asked, “You okay?” I nodded, not able to form words yet. After last night Roman was currently not on Billy’s good side. When Billy came in last night he found me drowning in a tear soaked pillow and spent most of the night talking to me. I could only imagine what was going through his mind right now.

  “Good news. There’s an open room in guest housing. One of the guardians got called out for duty somewhere else. Now you won’t have me crowding you anymore or getting in your way,” Billy said.

  “Don’t be silly. You know I love having you here,” I told him while I made some distance between Roman and I.

  He shot me a smile as he packed up his stuff. “I’ll be out of your hair soon.”

  “Don’t rush,” I said, hoping he would take his time. I was a little afraid to be alone with Roman at the moment.

  “You know it’s a shame you stopped your training sessions. I was hoping we could work together. I heard you got a few moves you could teach me,” Billy told Roman, reminding me of how great of a person he was. Despite his current dislike toward Roman he was still always the better man.

  “Yeah, I think I might be coming back,” Roman said, shooting me a look.

  “Great, looking forward to it,” Billy replied, grabbing the rest of his stuff from the bathroom. “Well, I think that’s everything.” He threw his bag over his shoulder and headed to the door. He turned back around before he left. “Not that it’s any of my business but aren’t you supposed to be in class?”

  “Uh, yeah, I kind of fell asleep in class and woke up screaming,” I said embarrassed.

  “Another nightmare?” Billy asked and I nodded. “You okay? I mean do you need to –”

  I shook my head. “Nothing I can’t handle,” I smiled and gave him a hug, letting him know I would be okay.

  “If you want, I don’t have to leave. I can still stay with you?”

  “No. I’ll be fine, besides, you deserve your privacy too.”

  He gave me another big hug before he left. “If you change your mind just let me know.”

  “Nah, you snore,” I teased.

  “Yeah, but not as loud as you.” I scoffed and pushed him out the door. He laughed as he walked down the hall. I shook my head closing the door behind him.

  “So I take it Billy’s not really your guardian.”

  “No,” I said. “Just a really good friend who has been helping me out.”

  He nodded. “What did he mean when he said another nightmare?” Roman asked.

  “After the accident, I started having nightmares about it. They stopped for a little while but then they started up again. Only they’re different now.”

  “Did you ever think maybe they’re premonitions and not dreams?”

  I sat down on the bed. “No. I never really thought of them like that.”

  He came over and had a seat next to me. “You want to tell me about them?” he asked softly.

  I sighed, knowing I should tell him. I’ve already gone this far might as well let it all out. “When I first got here it was me in the maze and my friends kept calling for my help. But I couldn’t find them and then Jack would show up.”

  “And today?”

  “Today was the worst. Today I found Kyle by the fountain in the middle of the maze. He told me he had something important to tell me, but before he had the chance Jack showed up and killed him, again.” I had to look away so I wouldn’t cry.

  “No wonder you were so freaked.” He slipped his hand over mine, giving me a small shock. I had to resist the urge to pull away.

  “You still want to hang out with me?” I joked.

  “You couldn’t get me to leave even if you tried,” he smiled. “Ella,” his face turned serious. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting. I’ve never met anyone like you and well, you kind of threw me for a loop,” he blushed.

  “I tend to have that effect on people,” I laughed. His eyes caught mine and I was afraid he was going to try and kiss me again. I was also scared I might not be able to stop it if he did. I stood up quickly and said, “I think maybe we should at least try to make our other classes.”

  “Why, we’re already here?” he said, lying back on the bed. I rolled my eyes and shoved him. He grabbed me and pulled me down onto the bed, pinning me. “Looks like Gabe shouldn’t have taken away those extra practices just yet. You still need some work,” he teased.

  “Shut up,” I said, trying to push him away, but this time he wouldn’t let me and I no longer had the strength to stop him. He pressed his lips to mine and I felt that spark. It ignited my entire body filling me up with light. Liking the way his lips felt on mine I kissed him back. He flinched slightly. I think he was half expected me to slap him.

  Letting him know that wasn’t the case, I ran my fingers through his soft dark curls, enjoying every minute of the kiss. The last time I felt this way when I kissed a boy was when I kissed Tristan and that scared me. Even though I didn’t want the kiss to end, it had to. I placed my hand on his chest and lightly pushed him away. It took him a moment before he opened his eyes. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. “Ella, I –”

  “Wow, you really get around,” Mackenzie said, startling us as she barged into the room. “First Mr. Callahan, then you shack up with that hottie guardian, and now you’re even desperate enou
gh to take my hand-me-downs.” Roman stood up and from the look on his face I knew he was holding back. “Please, don’t let me interrupt,” she said smirking.

  “Seeing that you moved out, this technically is no longer your room and you cannot just barge in here whenever you feel like it,” I snapped.

  “Whatever, I just came to get the last of my things,” she said, stuffing a few items into a small tote.

  “That hairbrush is mine,” I told her. She just rolled her eyes.

  “Enjoy my sloppy seconds.”

  “I dumped you, remember?” Roman said, biting back his tongue.

  “That’s funny, that’s not the way I remember it,” she said.

  I got up and slammed the door in her face, having enough of her. “I’m so glad she moved out. I just hope she stays out.”

  “I should go,” Roman said. He had one of those looks on his face he normally got right before he was about to switch into his alter ego.

  “Don’t go because Mackenzie’s a bitch,” I said.

  “It’s not that…I think you’re right. We shouldn’t miss the rest of our classes,” he said, making his way to the door.

  “Did I do something wrong?” I asked, worried that maybe I felt more in that kiss then he did.

  “No, no, it’s not you…” he stood there looking uncomfortable.

  “Was it what Mackenzie said…about Mr. Callahan?” He flinched slightly and I knew that was part of it. “It’s not true you know.” I felt too ashamed to admit that Mackenzie put a spell on us that almost resulted in the loss of more than just my virginity. I also didn’t feel it was any of his business.

  “I know…I just…” he looked down and I knew something was bothering him.

  “You can tell me? I won’t judge. I just told you my crazy life story. I’m sure whatever it is it can’t be that bad?”

  “You’re right. Your life is pretty messed up. I don’t think I can hang out with you anymore,” he chuckled lightly, teasing.

  “Shut up,” I said, pushing him playfully. “Why do you hate Mr. Callahan so much anyways?” I asked. I thought maybe if I just said it he would admit it. He got that look on his face and I knew I hit a sore spot. He paced, clearly not wanting to discuss this. “Hey, I told you my back story. I think it’s only fair you tell me yours, so spill.”

  He stopped for a second, clenched and unclenched his fists, and then he took a breath. “He and my sister went to school here together. One night at a party they both got drunk and well, ya know,” he said, turning toward the window. “She ended up pregnant and when she told him he said it wasn’t his, she was lying, and he wanted nothing to do with her. She had to leave the school and raise the baby on her own.”

  “Maybe he was right. Is she sure it was his?” I didn’t know his sister and there was always that possibility she had secrets of her own. As I learned, everyone does.

  “Of course it’s his! She was a virgin until she met him,” he snapped. “That’s what he does Ella. He lures innocent girls and then dumps them when he gets them into bed. He did it with my sister, Mackenzie, and god knows how many others,” he said, looking at me wondering if that was what happened, if I was one of those girls.

  “Roman, I’m sorry. I wish you would have told me this from the beginning.”

  “It’s not something I just go around telling people. It’s not public knowledge,” he grunted.

  “You don’t have to worry about me. I won’t tell anyone. I promise,” I said, joining him by the window.

  “I know,” he said softly. I placed my hands delicately on his chest and he looked down at me. I couldn’t tell what was going on inside his head. He seemed to have a mix of emotions and then as if a switch went off he suddenly backed away from me. “I have to go. I’ll see you at training later.” He left without another word and me standing by the window all alone.

  “What the hell?” I said to myself. I didn’t understand why he got so spooked. Did I have bad breath? I put my hand in front of my mouth to check. Seemed okay to me. I shrugged. Was there something on my face? I checked myself out in the mirror. Besides looking a little paler than normal everything else was fine.

  Why the hell did he run out of here like that?

  Maybe it was the kiss after all. Maybe I was a bad kisser and he didn’t want to experience that disaster again. No, that couldn’t be it. I mean, if I was such a bad kisser I’m sure he wouldn’t have spent all those nights making out with me in secret. He also just admitted he liked me. Did he change his mind? Was it not what he expected? Maybe he realized being friends with me was more than he bargained for. I sighed and locked my door not wanting to be interrupted. Then I dropped down on my bed and took a nap. I didn’t care about missing the rest of my classes and if I got in trouble then oh well. I needed a nap after not sleeping last night and the horrible nightmare I had. Not to mention the disaster that was my so called love life. Just the thought of it gave me a headache.

  I slept for about an hour and when I woke up I noticed there was a note that was passed under my door. Curious, I picked it up, and read it out loud.

  Meet us in the basement at 3.

  I looked over at the clock and it was ten of. The handwriting looked familiar, but I couldn’t place whose it was. I let my curiosity get the best of me and headed to the basement. I know. Who’s that dumb to go to a basement alone to meet someone who left a note? A note you have no idea who wrote? Yep, I was that person. That would be me.

  When I got to the bottom of the steps the door was locked. I scratched my head. Why would they ask me to come to the basement if the door was locked? Out of nowhere, I had a pillowcase thrown over my head and then I was knocked out.

  When I came to, I was in another part of the basement. I could smell the dampness. The dust and rusty old pipes told me I was in the very back of the basement. I heard the door open and looked over my shoulder to see who my capture was.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me?” I said when I saw Mackenzie, Addyson, and Madison walk in. “What the hell could I have possibly done now to piss you off enough to result to kidnapping?” I mean seriously, she had officially gone too far. “Does this have anything to do with that stupid spell you put on Mr. Callahan and I, because if you’re worried I’m going to tell. I’m not,” I said, gritting my teeth.

  “Please, I’m so over that,” she said, brushing it aside as if it was last year’s fashion.

  I glared at her. I had yet to begin to pay her back for what she had done. “Is this because of Roman, because that –”

  She stopped me. “Just stop guessing. You’re so far off. Not everything is about you. God, were you always this conceited?”

  “Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?” She glared at me. “Alright, can we just get to the point and why the hell am I tied to a chair?” I asked, pulling at my restraints.

  “We needed you to hear us out and I didn’t want you escaping before we said everything we needed to.”

  “This is ridiculous even for you. If you would have asked nicely I would have listened,” I said, twisting my wrists behind me and trying to untie the rope.

  “Yes, but this way is more fun,” she cooed.

  “Let’s just get it over with,” I said. My wrists were starting to burn from yanking at the tight rope that bound them.

  “Come on Mackenzie. Just ask her already,” Addyson said nervously.

  “Fine,” she said rolling her eyes. “We want you to ask Sienna to join our coven.”

  “Seriously? This is what this is about? Why don’t you ask her yourself?” I said, annoyed that they actually had the gall to kidnap me for that. There had to be some catch.

  “If it was that easy don’t you think we have done that already? You really are dumb.”

  “Keep it up and I will make you regret this,” I threatened.

  “Mackenzie, let’s just hurry this up,” Addyson said as she kept looking over her shoulder anxiously.

  “Fine, we need you to convince her
to join because we need her power and that dumb bitch Cameron is what kept her away in the first place.”

  “Wow, and you call me dumb,” I laughed. “Why on earth would you think I would help you?”

  “Because if you don’t, I will tell everyone that I saw you seducing Mr. Callahan and that you two are having an affair.”

  I couldn’t believe she would even use that and spin it around. “You have a lot a nerve. You know that.” She was truly heartless. “No one will believe you. The only reason that whole mess happened was because you and the other two stooges started messing around with shit you know nothing about. You’re nothing but a bunch of children playing with adult things.” I turned to the other girls. “Did she tell you how the spell back fired? How the only reason it broke was because I made her break after Mr. Callahan attacked me.” Both girls looked horrified. Clearly Mackenzie failed to mention their goof up.

  “Don’t listen to her,” Mackenzie snapped. “The spell would have worked right if you weren’t such a freak!”

  I jerked in my chair and something snapped. Addyson and Madison screeched and jumped backwards toward the door. “What are you talking about?” I said, narrowing my eyes at Mackenzie.

  “For some reason there’s something wrong with you. It took everything we had to get that spell to affect you and you still somehow broke through it.”

  I smiled at her, scaring the other girls. “You’re going to wish you hadn’t done that. Not only am I not going to help you, but when I get free I’m going to –”

  “You’re going to what? If you lay one hand on me you’ll be the one who regrets it,” she said, getting in my face. “Now, are you going to help me or not?”

  She thought she intimidated me, but she was about to get a reality check. “After all the shit you pulled? I would never help you.”

  “Fine, have it your way,” she said, walking away. “Come on girls.”

  “You can’t just leave me here!”

  “Oh, don’t worry. Someone will find you eventually and by the time I’m done people will think this was some sick little game you and your boyfriend, Aidan, were playing.”