by Lia Davis
"You're not going alone this time," she hissed at me when we'd escaped to the hall.
"It's fine, come on." I walked fast, heading for the exit.
"What's going on with you?" She kept my pace but was pissed. "I trusted you to make sure you were okay, but you're obviously not alright."
"I know, okay? Let's get to the privacy of our dorm."
She huffed but didn't question me until we were in my bedroom with the door shut.
"Spill." Harper crossed her arms and plopped onto my bed.
"It's probably not a big deal. But I've been sort of blacking out." Before she could say anything in reply, I continued. "I don't want my parents to know yet."
Throwing her hands up, she stood and stared me down. She wasn't afraid of me, not that she needed to be. Some people were, though. Due to my position or power, I wasn't sure. "Why not? They're exactly the people you need to tell! How do you know it’s not your supposed new mates doing it?"
"Because my parents would pull me from school, call a shaman, a witch doctor, hell, knowing them they'd call a human doctor, too. And of course it’s not Dorian or Peter, don’t be ridiculous. And don’t act like you can’t smell the mating all over us, because when we’re together I know you can."
She rolled her eyes. "Well, maybe that's a good thing, you seeing a doctor." Harper began to pace. As my sentry, I was putting her in a bad situation.
"I don't think it's an illness, Harp!" I grabbed her by the shoulders. "You saw how Kerry was acting?"
She nodded, waiting for more information.
"She's not been the only one to act like she was high or... sleepwalking, or whatever it is. I think I've been doing the same thing they are. That's not a sickness. It's a spell."
"Well, who in the hell would be spelling half the campus? I've noticed quite a few people being weird. Standoffish. Not drugged, really, it's not that obvious."
"Me, too. But if we alert anyone like my parents, they'd shut this place down in a heartbeat. We need to figure it out quietly and quickly."
"How? I'm a vampire. You're a hybrid. We don't know witch stuff. Maybe we'll learn in a few years, but not yet."
"I'm going to call someone. You remember Sterling Hightower?"
She nodded. "Great idea. He's the heir, and crazy smart to boot. Okay. But in the meantime, you have to check in with me. Every hour, okay?"
I nodded and pulled out my phone. "If we're not near each other, I'll set an alarm to text you. If you don't hear from me, come find me. But you can't even tell my sisters. They're too likely to spill to mom and the Niswi."
After a quick text to the group chat, I’d created with Dorian and Peter, I had Sterling’s number. They’d asked why I wanted it, but I told them I’d explain later. I smiled as I read Dorian’s response.
Dorian: Good. That means we get to see you later.
Peter: I can live with that. ;)
After taking a deep breath and releasing it in a rush, I dialed.
"Hightower residence," a dry voice said over the phone. They’d given me his house number, not his cell. Weird.
"Hello, by chance is Sterling there?"
"He is not. May I ask who is calling?"
"This is Meda Webb. We went to school together. Could you give him my number, please?"
"We are aware of the heir to the Collective. It would be my pleasure."
I relayed my number and thanked the dusty voice before disconnecting.
"Who was it?" Harper asked, having made herself perfectly comfortable on my bed.
"No idea, but I'd bet my inheritance it was a butler. Sterling always looked like he had money."
Harper burst out laughing. "That's rich coming from you."
Joining in her laughter, I protested. "Come on, we aren't rich. We only live in the big house cause its part of the government."
"Okay," Harper said as she stood. "Whatever you say, princess. I'm going to go get a jump start on my homework. Talk to you in an hour?"
I nodded. "You got it."
Chapter Five
Pushing the button on my cell, I sighed. Still working. I checked my phone every five minutes or so, waiting on Sterling's return call. Eventually, I gave up and opened my Defensive Spells book, hoping there was something in there about trancing spells or something. It was hard when I didn't know what the hell I was looking for.
When my phone rang about an hour after I left the message for Sterling, I jumped then rolled my eyes. The caller ID read "Hightower Syndicate," and my heart lurched in my chest. Odd how nervous I was. I'd had a crush on him but nothing to call home about, but I was mated now, at least, I’d met my mates. We wouldn't be fully mated until one of us bit the other. Why would I care about Sterling?
I hit the green button on the screen, but my words stuck in my throat. "Hello." I rushed out after sucking in a deep breath. Seriously, why the apprehension?
His smooth, husky voice glided over me, and I almost sighed. "Meda?"
"Yeah, it's me." I let out a nervous laugh.
"It's great to hear from you. I've been thinking of calling. Ah, you know, because we're both heirs to our people." I could almost feel the shakiness in his tone, and it made me relax. "That and now you’re a part of my crowd, it seems."
"Yeah, we should keep the communication open, for sure. But that's not why I'm calling today." I paused, thinking of how to explain what's been happening to me. "I um...there have been some weird things going on, and I don't want my parents involved right now."
A chuckle filtered through the line, then I heard rustling like he was moving the phone. "I get it. Tell me what's going on, and I'll see if I can help."
Relief flooded me. He was going to take me seriously. Plus, Sterling was the one person that would understand overbearing parents. "I knew you'd understand. I think I've been blacking out. At least I'm missing time or just my memory, I'm not sure." I went on to tell him about the other students and the weird places I've woken up.
"Save your breath. I think I know what it could be. I'll be there in an hour or so?"
Oh, no. Only an hour. Shit. "Thank you."
"No problem. Talk to you soon." He hung up, and I fell back onto my bed and stared at the ceiling for about three seconds before jumping up and heading to the mirror, sure my mates would come with him. I didn’t want to see them without looking nice. My hair needed a brush but otherwise was fine. I’d never been a big makeup wearer, but I swiped on a little mascara and lip gloss.
The dorm was super neat, of course. Tala couldn’t help herself. She had to have every square inch of her living space meticulously neat and clean. It was like her therapy. If I found out she’d gone in and cleaned Calista’s room I wouldn’t have been surprised at all. She’d been cleaning my room for as long as I could remember.
To pass the time until Sterling arrived, I picked up my laptop and Defensive Spells books and went to the kitchen. After setting my stuff in the kitchen island, I popped a frozen pizza in the oven.
By the time the pizza was done, I decided that defensive spells were no help. All the reading I did was interesting, and would get me ahead in the class, but nothing for figuring out the blackouts.
As soon as I sat on the sofa with my laptop and a plate full of pizza, my phone rang. Frowning, I pulled it from my pocket and froze at the ID. It was Paw. Great. Taking a deep breath, I answered, "Hi, Paw, what's up?"
"You tell me. Why are you missing classes?" His low voice sounded pissed.
My heart skipped a few beats. Lying over the phone to him was easier than in person, but it was still tricky. His hearing was as tuned as his sense of smell. He’d been, after all, one of Mom's sentries before they mated. "I haven't been feeling well. I'm sure it's nothing and will pass soon."
His voice switched immediately to worried. "I can call the healer and send them over."
"No! Um...thanks, but I called someone already." I tried to calm my panic and my tone as I added, "I'm okay. Promise."
He was silent for a few
moments. "If you're not in my class tomorrow, I'm coming to check on you."
I really didn't expect any less from him or any of the Niswi. Actually, I’d expected a lot more. "Fair enough. I'll be there."
Another pause. "If you're in trouble, you can tell me."
My chest tightened and gut burned. "No trouble. Plus, you promised us some independence. That means making our own decisions. We're not babies anymore, Paw."
"I know. But your dad, Quin, and I are here to kick ass if you need us. Not to mention your mom, but since she’s pregnant--"
"What? Since when? How far along?" Talk about dropping a news bomb.
Paw chuckled. "We just found out and she’s not far. A few weeks."
A smile tugged at my lips and my stress eased. "Are you guys making this a six-year tradition?"
He laughed, and I sensed his own tension lessening. "We might." He fell silent again, and I wondered if he was doing a trace on my phone, which I wouldn't put it past him. "If you’re having any troubles, don't get in over your head trying to fix things on your own. And call your mom, she's worried that you missed dinner on Sunday."
"I will. Thanks for checking on me."
"What are dads for? Love you."
"Love you, too. Tell mom to kiss all the Niswi for me." I waited for him to end the call first. Releasing a sigh, I set my phone on the coffee table beside my laptop.
A mix of emotions swirled inside me. I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time, while killing someone. Maybe Lilipad had some spare time to spar with me. My grandmother always knew how hard to push me when I was feeling emotional or just too pissed to contain the fire.
Just as I pulled my phone out to text her, a knock sounded on the outer door to our top floor living space. Jumping up, I crossed the common area and opened the door to our dorm, looking out into the hall. The scent of three males hit me full force, and I stepped back several feet. Intense desire nearly as strong as the day I first saw Peter and Dorian hit me, racing through my body and igniting my flames. My inner wolf whimpered and nudged me to get closer. I filtered out the scents I already knew, but the new one was overpowering.
Inching toward the outer door, I tried to talk my fire and wolf down. They both pushed for freedom. I held my breath before throwing open the door. Standing in the foyer outside our large apartments were Sterling, Peter, and Dorian. My fucking mates. Yet, I’d known them in school and never felt like dragging them inside and fucking them. All three… At once.
Damn it. I didn't need this complication. Three of them. Not two.
Dorian, my vampire, stepped around Sterling and stalked toward me. I backed up, not out of fear, but because I could sense his desire and the tiniest provocation would release my own. His dark gaze held mine as he closed the distance between us, winding his arms around my waist and claiming my mouth in a raw, hungry kiss as my back pressed into the wall of the hallway.
Fire rushed in my veins and my skin heated. If Dorian felt it, he didn't show it or care. He slipped his tongue past my lips, and I met his with gusto. A growl rumbled between us, but I didn't know if it was me or him or someone else. Nor did I care.
In the next moment, Dorian was pulled away from me. He whirled around and snarled at Sterling and Peter. Using my supernatural speed, I flew to the far end of the room, trying to put space between us.
This can’t be happening. Three? Just like my mom. That’s so weird!
All three followed, stopping inside the door. Dorian met my stare and moved toward me. I held up my hand and shook my head. "Stay right there. Having three of you here is overwhelming me."
They froze and glanced at each other. After a few moments, Sterling cursed and pointed to the sofa. "Sit. We need to figure this shit out." Then he looked at me and smiled. Damn, my pussy pulsed, dampening my panties. "Does this mean that we get to unite the witches with the Collective one day?" His smile deepened, a dimple appearing.
I sighed and started to laugh weakly. "It seems likely."
Just like that, the tension between the guys disappeared. I still wanted a little space between us. Otherwise, I’d be stripping down right there in the living room.
Harper poked her head through the door that joined the sentries' apartments with ours. When she saw the guys she came in and met my gaze. "I thought I heard someone."
Relaxing a little more, I introduced Harper to the guys. "Harper, you remember Sterling. And know Dorian and Peter." With her there I was less likely to go into a mating frenzy. My inner vamp really wanted to frenzy. The damn wolf agreed.
She nodded. "Yeah. Hi."
The guys said hi and glanced at me. That was when Harper scented the air and chuckled, a wicked smile on her face. "Well, this is fun! All three of you?"
Dorian and Peter sat on the couch, silent and brooding. Sterling answered. "All of us." He met my stare with a huge smile on his face and held out his hand. "Come over here and tell us what's been going on. I won't attack you like Dorian did."
Harper sent a sharp look at Dorian, then pulled out the blade she kept in a hidden sheath behind the top pocket on the leg of her cargo pants. "You're lucky you're her mate."
"Harper," I warned before sitting down, but not beside the three temptations. I took a chair across from them. "My Defensive Spells teacher hasn't liked me from the first day. I sense darkness surrounding him."
"That doesn't necessarily mean anything. Most witches don't like vampires, although my parents are trying to resolve that issue." Sterling picked up my laptop. "May I?"
I nodded and moved to the couch beside him, careful not to touch. The hum of desire vibrated through me and my wolf wanted to claim him and the other two. How would that even work with me as alpha? Would I bite them, or would Peter bite me? Sterling probably wouldn’t bite anyone, but Dorian would probably love it. He’d hinted as much many times. Time to not think about that. I nearly groaned. "What are you doing?"
"Hacking into the college's security feeds." He grinned and raised his brows at me, then went back to work. "I want to see what you were doing during the times of your blackouts." His fingers paused. "I have to say, I was really jealous of these two." He looked at his friends, who’d made themselves at home. Dorian was flipping through the channels on the television and Peter was looking through the fridge.
I told him the time frames I lost, and we watched as I roamed the campus. "Why would anyone just have me walk around?"
"Could be getting you out of the way," Peter suggested. I looked at him and tried not to think about what Paw would say. Paw had trained Peter since we were little kids. Ugh. What was Tala going to say? Peter was her best friend outside her sisters. Damn it. I’d been avoiding telling anyone for just these reasons.
Peter met my eyes, smiling.
"Yeah, but why?" I wondered aloud.
The guys shrugged. Harper said, "I could have Randell, Noah, and Elijah keep eyes on Professor Nelson. I'll try to dig up info on your roommate, Calista."
I nodded but didn't think Calista had it in her. She was too spacey. Besides, I didn't sense magic on her strong enough to take control over someone. "Whoever is doing this is powerful enough to control multiple people at once. I don't think Calista is that powerful."
Sterling took my hand and flutters of desire swirled in my belly, rousing my wolf again. She sniffed the air and crouched down, frisky and playful. "We can't be too careful. You could see if there are a few more sentries that could help who wouldn't immediately run to High Alpha and her Kings."
Harper agreed. "I know a few. But if this gets out of hand, we'll have to go to your mom and get the council involved." She gave me a sharp look. She wouldn’t let things get out of hand.
"I know. But for now, we'll keep it on the DL." As long as no one was being murdered we should be able to handle it. At least investigate so I could turn in the person responsible and get back to normal. Or whatever normal was going to become with new mates.
Sterling pulled out his phone. "What would you like for dinner?"
The mention of food had my belly growling. The uneaten pizza sat on the kitchen counter. "I'm not picky. Whatever you want."
Peter said, "Tala is picky, but she loves Chinese. I assume she’ll be here soon?" He plopped down in the chair I’d vacated. "Are we finally telling them? I think we need to, especially with you having these blackouts. I don’t like it."
He was right. "You and Tala." I frowned. What was she going to think or say? What if she had feelings for him?
Peter moved from the chair across from me to the sofa and pulled me to him. I went willingly and inhaled his earthy scent. I could feel his wolf move just under his skin. "She'll be happy for both of us." He looked at his friends. "All four of us."
He laughed, which made me laugh and loosened some of the fear.
Sterling shook his head. "Chinese it is."
I sensed my sisters and our other three sentries moments before they entered our apartments, crowding in the door as they stared at us. Tala crossed the common area and froze in front of the couch, looking down at us. I hadn't moved from Peter's embrace. My sister studied us for a moment, then looked at Sterling, then Dorian. "What's going on?"
Where do I start? "Well, um. First. Sterling, Dorian, and Peter are my mates. Second, I think someone has put a spell on me to control me."
Tala blew up at my last statement. "What? What kind of spell? Who could do something like that? You’re like the most powerful creature ever!" Ami frowned but remained quiet.
I waited for Tala to calm before slipping off of Peter’s lap and filling her and the others in on what I knew and the theories the guys and Harper had come up with. When I finished, Tala turned to Peter. She jerked him to a stand and hugged him. "Welcome to the family."
I sagged against Sterling and smiled. Tala didn't show emotions often, but with me, Ami and Peter, she was totally relaxed. I was happy she wasn't upset with me or Peter about the mating. Then again there wasn't anything we could’ve done to stop it.