by Rose J. Bell
Jason threw his bag sulkily in the corner. He didn’t have any interest in this trip. Most of all he wanted to be in Boston, rescuing his sister, but Milena had said he should wait three days.
“You want to tell me who this Milena is?” Philip asked, and sat down on the bed.
Jason sighed and leaned against the wall. Then he told Philip, how and when he had met Milena, and what he hoped to gain from her.
“Do you think it was right to trust her?” Philip wanted to know, looking skeptical.
Jason was aware that Milena was a hunter and that she could betray him, but he didn’t believe that Milena would. He had seen she hated the hunter clan. In addition, Milena had given him a hint where Jasmine was.
“Yes, I think it was the right choice,” Jason replied. Philip still looked skeptical, but nodded.
“But it wasn’t very nice that we had to leave her alone.”
Jason shoved himself from the wall and lay down on the bed. He had told Milena that he had to go on a class trip. She had understood, and assured him it would not be a problem for her tostay alone in his apartment.
Philip shrugged. “You had no choice. You couldn’t bring her on the trip, but I don’t understand why you are so kind to her. She is a human, Jason, and a hunter. Since when are Nephilim nice to humans and hunters?”
Jason pursed his lips. Yeah, he had recognized that he acted completely different toward Milena than he did to other humans. He did not really know why, but suspected it had something to do with Rosa.
“I don’t know, Phil,” Jason admitted.
“Do you have a plan on how to rescue Jasmine?”
“I’m still developing it.”
“Which means no.”
Jason looked at Philip. “How do you know?”
Philip snorted. “Whenever you say ‘I’m still developing it’, nothing comes out of it.”
Jason took the pillow and threw it at his friend. He dodged it effortlessly.
“Did I hurt your ego, Jason?” Philip quipped and threw the pillow back at him.
Jason caught it and laughed. “My ego is too big to get hurt.” He took the pillow and laid his head on it.
He heard how Philip got up. “I’m in the shower, bro.”
“Don’t drown,” Jason called after him.
“Don’t worry. I’m a big boy.”
Jason smiled and took off his shoes, making himself comfortable on the bed. He heard the shower turn on.
His thoughts wandered back to Rosa. Something had happened between them, on the plane. She had smiled at him and he felt caught in her beautiful ice-blue eyes.
She was beautiful, strong and funny, but also dangerous. He had not received a confirmation that she was a hunter, so he could only guess.
Jason just hoped that she wouldn’t thwart his plans. He was definitely attracted to Rosa and his body wanted to do lots of thing with her body. He wanted to introduce himself to every part of her.
He was aware that his feelings were more than just sexual attraction to Rosa.
The situation reminded him of another one.
An old pain spread across his chest as he caught up with the old memory. It had been three years already, but it felt like it was yesterday. The pain had become weaker, but his heart was still suffering.
Do not think about it, Jason. You have to concentrate on the rescue of Jasmine. Think of a plan.
He tried to find a plan, but after a while tiredness overcame him.
Jason closed his eyes and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Something woke Rosa up. She was not sure what it was at first, but when she opened her eyes, she stared into the face of Matt.
She winced. “God, you scared me,” she said and put a hand on her chest.
“I’m sorry,” said Matt.
She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up. A glance out the window told Rosa that it was still dark. Her eyes went back to Matt.
“What are you doing here? And how did you get in here?” Rosa asked and raised her eyebrows.
Matt ran a hand through his hair. “I need to talk to you,” he replied and then looked her in the eyes. “I can’t stand it when we argue.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and pointed him to continue.
“And I’ve been thinking about what you said. About everything.” He took a deep breath. “You were right. I should have called you and should have let you know that I am fine. I should have known that you would be worried about me.”
Rosa nodded, but said nothing. Matt scratched the scar on his palm, as always, when he was nervous.
“Well, it sucks that you don’t love me, but I can’t change it. I’ll accept it and take everything that you’re willing to give me, Rosa.”
Matt took her hands in his and squeezed. “I don’t want to lose you. If you want to be just friends, that’s okay. Even if it will be difficult for me. It’s better than losing you completely.”
Rosa could not be angry any longer with Matt. She hated it when they argued, too. Matt was her best friend, her brother. She could not stay mad at him, or lose him.
She smiled at him weakly. “I don’t want to lose you, either, Matt.”
“I know.” He smiled at her warm.
“Then what had happened to you when we had talked to each other?” Rosa asked.
He shrugged. “If I only knew, Rosa.” His eyes looked honestly at her. “I don’t know. I have yet to figure it out.”
“Let me help you.” She stroked his hands.
He smiled. “I would like to figure it out on my own, Rosa.”
She nodded. She could only accept it, although she would have liked to help him.
Rosa took her hands from his. “Do you have any idea what it could be?
He shook his head. “Unfortunately, I have nothing. But I’m working on it. Please be patient until I find out.”
She smiled at him, and then they fell in silence. It wasn’t an awkward silence; Rosa could just sit beside Matt and say nothing.
“How did you get in here?” she asked finally, breaking the silence.
The mischievous smile appeared on his face. “I asked for a second key, and they gave it to me.”
“What does that tell you about the hotel? They simply give the room key to others,” Rosa said, shaking her head.
“It wasn’t that simple, Rosa. They had called Ms. Franklin and confirmed that I know you and so on.”
“Oh, yeah. Okay.”
Rosa snuggled back into her bed. “If you want to sleep here, you can,” she offered him.
Matt’s eyes wandered from her to the bed. Then he shook his head slowly. “I don’t think it would be good if I sleep in a bed next to you.” He stood up. Something had changed in his eyes.
Rosa understood. “Yes, maybe it wouldn’t be good.”
He gave her a kiss on the cheek that lasted a little longer than necessary. Then he wished her good night and left the room.
Her toothache increased with every passing hour. It was as her heart was beating in her jaw.
She clutched her jaw and moaned. Her cheek was thick, like a small balloon. Although she had suffered through torture or worse pain, the pain in her jaw was driving her crazy. She could not eat anything, or speak. She had to do something about it, and soon.
She crawled to the steel door and pounded her fists against it. She wanted to shout something, but only a croak came out.
Then the lights went on. She would never get used to this bright light. She squinted and looked away.
“What is it, Jasmine?” the voice asked her.
Since she could not speak, she pointed with her hand on her swollen cheek.
The voice laughed. “Do you feel the pain, Jasmine?”
She nodded.
“And now you want me to help you?”
Again, she nodded.
“All right. I will help you.”
The light went off and a little light went on. She stared dumbfounded at the light. She found
it odd that they wanted to help her without consideration. There was something wrong.
The slot in the steel door opened and something heavy fell loudly to the ground. Confused, she went to the door and bent down.
She took the something in her hand and held it into the light.
It was a pair of pliers.
Pliers? What am I supposed to do with these?
She turned them in her hand back and forth until she understood.
She stared open-mouthed at the pliers.
She should have to pull out her tooth with pliers.
“Today we will visit the sights of Vancouver,” announced Ms. Franklin and looked at the sleepy faces of her students.
Rosa yawned, and rolled her eyes. Sights! Who wanted to see them?
She did not want to visit the sights. She would rather crawl quickly into her warm bed and sleep.
“Teachers and their attractions,” said Jason quietly. “Inseparable.”
“Why must they teach us on every trip, too?” Philip asked.
Rosa put her head on Matt’s shoulder and closed her eyes. She was tired, but today was the day to search for the talisman.
When she opened her eyes, her eyes fell on Ellen, who was talking happily with her friends.
Did she know that she would be searching for the talisman with a hunter? Ellen didn’t seem to be excited or nervous.
Rosa, however, was a little of both. Maybe she would find a talisman. That would give the hunters a huge advantage in the war against the archangels.
Maybe it would be another deadlock. Tonight, she would find it.
She lifted her head and tugged at her hair.
“Tell me, Ice Princess,” Jason said to her.
“Hmm?” She looked at him.
“Is this your real hair color or colored?”
“Colored.”
“And why?”
She lifted her gaze. “Because I like the color red.”
“I also like the color red, but I don’t dye my hair because of that.”
Rosa smiled. “The red color enhances my eyes.”
Jason watched her, his eyes settled on her face; his gaze was not urgent. He just looked at her, but his eyes made her nervous and she blushed.
Damn it! Since when have I blushed when Jason looks at me? What is the matter with me?
“You don’t need anything, Ice Princess,” Jason said. “Your eyes shine anyway.”
Matt and Colin gave her constant compliments that she was beautiful, but Jason’s compliment got to her. It woke up so many emotions that she had never felt until now.
The touch of a smile curled the corner of her lips, and she said, with a grin, “I know.”
Pleased, Jason laughed a rich, deep laugh that vibrated through her chest.
At the same time, Rosa was aware she had to break whatever attraction was going on between them. Feeling his gaze on her, Rosa turned around and chewed on her bottom lip.
He was her enemy! She could not be attracted to her enemy. It was forbidden. This sin was worse than a hunter simply saving the life of an enemy.
It was impossible that she could fall in love with a Nephilim. The hunter clan would find Rosa her mate who she would marry, and spend her live with him.
That was her life.
There was no place for the wishes of her heart; and there would never be. Rosa suppressed her feelings and desires for years.
Her feelings for Jason, she would also suppress.
Rosa didn’t know if she would succeed.
After they had finished the sights tour, Matt and Rosa had decided to go to a cafe and get something to eat. Rosa couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten, but as they passed the coffee shops, her stomach growled like a wild animal. It did not take long for them to stop.
In the evening, the class was going to a club to celebrate a little. Rosa was not in the mood to celebrate, but she didn’t want to spend her evening sitting alone in her hotel room, killing time, so decided to tag along.
“Do you want to go this evening?”
Rosa took a bite of her sandwich and nodded. “Think so,” she said with a mouth full.
Matt grinned. “A noble lady doesn’t talk with a full mouth.”
She stared at him. “Since when am I a noble lady, Matt?”
He nodded. “Since never.”
Rosa took a sip of her coffee and gulped. “Are you coming?”
“Sure. It’ll be funny.”
“And have you found out what Jason and Philip are planning?” Matt asked, while he sipped his Coke.
Rosa shook her head. “Not really. I just know that they worked with the fire users. But no more.”
“And what would you do now?”
If she only knew. With a sigh, Rosa leaned back in her chair. Suddenly, her appetite was gone.
“I don’t know. I ask myself that question often.” She rubbed her face. “Sometimes I hate my life.” No, not just sometimes. Recently, she hated her life every day.
Matt’s face was soft and he smiled at her encouragingly.
“You’re the best hunter, Rosa. You’ll figure it out.”
“You don’t know Lord Constantine. You do not know what he is like. If I can’t figure it out ...” She left the sentence unfinished.
“You will certainly figure it out, Ice Princess,” Matt reassured her. “You have the gift to fight. He would certainly not want to lose you.”
Matt didn’t know Rosa had saved the life of Jason, or that Lord Constantine had made her his enemy. She wouldn’t tell him.
Some things had to be kept a secret.
“Yes, maybe you’re right,” said Rosa to end the issue.
Matt pressed his lips together. “What’s happening between you and Jason?”
Rosa blinked, surprised, and asked, “What do you mean?”
He took a deep breath. A shadow flashed over his face.
“Well, he’s paying you compliments, and he is looking at you, like he’s interested in you.”
Rosa didn’t know what she should say. It surprised her that Matt noticed the attraction between her and Jason. She knew she had to convince Matt there was nothing between them.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Matt,” she laughed a nervous laugh. “Jason is a Nephilim, my enemy. He just wanted me as his toy and you know that I won’t fall for him.”
Matt watched her in silence then he nodded. “Okay.”
Rosa smiled, relieved.
He looked down at her sandwich. “Are you going to eat that?”
Rosa shook her head and pushed the plate to him. “Eat it if you want.”
He smiled and took the sandwich. Rosa knew that they should consider a plan, but she could not think of anything.
Somehow, she had to talk to Jason and Phillip. Best method was torture, but she didn’t want to torture. They had somehow become her friends. And Jason something more.
Then you need to think of something else, Rosa.
A knock on her door brought Rosa out of her daydreams. She answered the door, only to be greeted by Jason, Matt, and Philip dressed for the fancy party.
Matt was wearing a white shirt under a black vest with a black tie. His hair was disheveled as always, but he looked handsome.
Philip wore white pants with red Chucks and a red T-shirt. He looked gorgeous no matter what he wore.
Jason had dressed himself completely in black.
“Matching clothes today, Ice Princess?” he asked, smiling. His smiles sent tingles through her body. She tried to ignore her feelings for him.
As always, Rosa was wearing black. Black pants, black tank top, black leather jacket, and black boots.
“Certainly not,” she said and closed the door behind her.
The card that Lord Constantine had given to her was nestled in her pocket. She had packed several daggers, all well hidden—and she took a sip from the paralysis spell.
“Why don’t you dress differently?” Jason asked as they walked along the corridor.
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Rosa sighed, annoyed. “Because I don’t want it.”
“The only other color you can get on her is dark red hair. Otherwise, it’s only black,” Matt explained. Rosa shot him a glance, which he ignored.
“She really only wears black?”
Matt nodded. “Yes.”
Jason’s eyes wandered to her. “Can it be that you’re a Goth?”
Rosa stopped and stared at him. “Can it be that you’re an asshole?” she hissed.
The others had asked Rosa, too, if she was a Goth. Even though she’d nothing against Goths, the question got on her nerves.
Jason smirked. “We all know that I’m an asshole. You don’t have to ask it.”
Rosa growled and turned away from him. She could not believe she was attracted to Jason, even though he could get on her nerves. How could that be? How could you be attracted to somebody, and at the same time, hate that person?
Rosa didn’t understand anything anymore. She felt the urge to talk to Valerie. Valerie would have a solution and an explanation to her problem, but Rosa had to concentrate on her quest. She had to find the talisman.
They met the others in the hall and hit the road to The Tonic Club.
On the way, the four friends didn’t speak a single word. Rosa couldn’t think about anything else, other than the talisman. She wondered if she would find the talisman—and what Ellen would do when she learned Rosa was a hunter.
Calm down, Rosa. It is just a job. You have done similar jobs a hundred times before. You do not need to be excited.
The ride calmed her a bit, but the tension was still there.
The club was full when they entered it. Stale air filled with smoke, and beer welcomed Rosa. Her eyes began to burn. She hated clubs that were filled with so many people. She did not get a panic attack, but she was uncomfortable with so many people in one room.
“Let’s go to the bar,” Matt yelled over the music, but his voice was like a whisper. Rosa nodded and they made their way through the dance floor to the bar. The music was loud and vibrated through the floor to her body. It was dark in the club; only lights in different colors flashed above them. Some female strippers were dancing on the dance floor.