Draco: Book Two of The Stardust Series

by Autumn Reed

  Ignoring his jab at my unquestionably stylish boots, I said, “What a rush,” before exhaling loudly and then grinning. I could feel the warmth flooding back into my body, replacing the shaky feeling that had been there only moments earlier.

  “Yeah, I could tell when you finally loosened up. Hopefully now that you’ve gotten past your initial fear, you’ll be able to relax easier.”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  Knox pointed toward a map marking the beginning of a trail. “There’s an easy hike through old-growth redwoods. You interested?”

  “Absolutely! I loved seeing all the redwoods at UCSC, so I can only imagine how stunning the old-growth must be.”

  “It is pretty spectacular. That was one of my favorite things about UCSC, actually.”

  “I didn’t realize you went there as well. What did you study?”

  “Electrical engineering.”

  I stopped in my tracks. “Wow, I had no idea. Isn’t that a pretty challenging program?”

  Knox chuckled. “Why? Don’t think I’m smart enough?”

  My cheeks flushed as I tried to put my meaning into words. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just never imagined you spending that much time studying.”

  He started walking again. “I admit that I didn’t love the studying part, but I liked the subject. I’ve always been interested in how things work.”

  “That makes sense considering your interest in cars. Have you thought about finding a job in engineering?” I was starting to sound like a broken record. First Ethan, then Tyler, and now Knox.

  “No, I always planned on working full-time at Zenith after graduation. But, I felt like I should earn a degree while I had the chance.”

  “Back-up plan?”

  “Not really. More like a ‘to better myself’ plan. Zenith encourages their recruits to study whatever subject they’re interested in, even if it’s not directly related to private security.”

  “I guess that explains Theo majoring in the history of art and visual culture.”

  Knox groaned. “Don’t even get me started. Sometimes I want to smack some sense into my brother. I doubt he could have picked a more ridiculous degree even if he tried.”

  Noticing the pained look on Knox’s face, I laughed. “Well, at least he seems to enjoy it, and it’s not like he’ll have to search for a job after college anyway.”

  “Thank god.”

  “So did you, Liam, and Jackson all go to college together and party all the time?”

  Knox halted. “Please don’t tell me you just accused me of partying. I despise parties. I always end up cleaning up messes and taking care of annoying drunk girls.”

  “Now that you mention it, you did seem pretty stressed at Theo’s party.”

  He shook his head. “It was awful. Be glad you left when you did. I found a wasted girl wandering around upstairs, and I’m pretty sure she would have tumbled down the stairs if I hadn’t caught her just in time. Stupid high heels.”

  Wasted girl? Upstairs? The pieces clicked into place and I bit back a smile. Knox wasn’t getting intimate with the blonde bombshell at the party; he was just being a good guy. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and tried not to analyze why I cared so much.

  “And, we probably wouldn’t have partied together anyway. Liam and Jax both got degrees in business from Stanford.”

  My head snapped back in shock. “Stanford? I can’t believe I didn’t know that.”

  “Well, Jax doesn’t exactly go around bragging about his alma mater.” Knox grinned, “Liam, however, is a different story. I’m surprised you haven’t heard all about his Stanford glory days.”

  We wandered along the path sprinkled with fallen leaves, and I found myself enchanted by the massive redwoods. There was something about standing amidst trees that had lived for a thousand years that made me feel all at once insignificant and honored. With bursts of sunlight filtering through the canopy, the effect was nothing less than ethereal.

  When we stopped by a stream, I wished Theo was there to capture the picturesque scene. Knowing I wouldn’t do it justice, I pulled my phone from the inside pocket of my jacket and snapped a few photos.

  “Do you want me to take a picture of you?” Knox offered.

  “No, but we could take one together?” My voice squeaked a little on the last few words. I seriously doubted Knox would agree.

  “Okay, just don’t use the ‘s’ word. I hate that word.”

  I laughed at his reference to “selfie.” “I promise.”

  Knox wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me in close for the photo. Beneath the redwoods, it was cool and his body was warm against mine. The closeness felt intimate yet comforting. Perfectly positioned in the crook of his arm, I could have stayed there all day.

  We settled on a patch of soft grass near the stream and relaxed in silence. I was startled when Knox spoke, his deep voice louder than usual in the quiet forest. “So, Haley, how are you adjusting to Santa Cruz?”

  I shifted so that I could look him in the eye while attempting to form a response. If anyone other than Knox had asked, I likely would have provided a surface “everything’s great” reply. But, I could tell that he sincerely wanted to know, and I couldn’t give him less than the truth.

  “Some days I love it. There are so many interesting new things to do and see. That part of it is practically a dream come true for me.”

  “But?”

  I blew out a loud breath before finally responding. “But, I feel guilty anytime I’m truly enjoying myself. I’m not even supposed to be here in the first place; I didn’t choose this. And, I don’t know that I should have given in so easily. I should be out there actively searching for my dad instead of having adventures and making cookies.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I haven’t met your dad, but from the way you speak about him, I can tell that he’s a good man. He would want you to be protected and happy. And, honestly, he’s probably safer if you don’t know where he is.”

  I sighed. I knew he was right, but it was still hard to hear. “I just worry that I’ll never see him again.” Did I really just admit that out loud? I had barely admitted that fear to myself.

  I felt a lone tear roll down my cheek. Knox gently caught it with his thumb before pulling me into another one of his bear hugs. Held tight against his chest, Knox spoke in my ear, his voice heavy with promise. “Haley, we will find him. And I’m here for you—anytime you want to talk about it. You can come to me about anything.”

  A Perfect Fit

  Sitting in the leather salon chair facing the large mirror, I wondered at my surroundings. I had barely mentioned the need for a haircut to Theo and now we were at a salon, awaiting the arrival of my new stylist. “Stylist,” I thought, it sounds so fancy. Used to a no-frills walk-in shop in Minden, the price of the entire haircut there would maybe cover the tip at this salon. Maybe.

  Theo stood behind the chair chatting with another employee while I sat quietly. I had seen too many episodes of America’s Next Top Model with Jessica to stay calm; I knew what happened to the girls with long hair—whack. They often got the shortest and most severe haircuts.

  When Theo finished his conversation, he turned to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Everything okay? You look like you’re getting ready to jump out of a plane.”

  I bit my lip. “Just a little nervous about having a new person cut my hair.”

  Theo smiled, gripping both my shoulders while he stood behind the chair and met my eyes in the mirror. “Don’t worry, Haley. Max is the best, and you’ll look great.” Under his breath, I thought I heard him say, “Not that you could ever not look great.”

  A stunning girl with olive skin and a long raven ponytail walked up to Theo. He immediately turned to hug her. “Max!” Max is a girl?

  Max turned toward me. “You must be Haley.” She smiled warmly, relaxing me almost instantly.

  Her high cheekbones and long black eyelashes were incredible
, exotic even. It took me a minute to realize that the sides of her hair were shaved, giving her otherwise girly look a serious edge. And while her black clothes conformed to the uniform of other salon employees, in skinny black jeans with black leather ankle boots and a loose black top banded at her waist, her personal style made an impression. As she moved, her shirt slipped off the edge of her shoulder, revealing a bra strap and a tattoo.

  “Theo, are you going to hang out here or let us have some girl time?” Max shot him a cheeky grin.

  Theo pulled his phone out of his pocket and glanced at it. “If it’s okay with you, Haley, I may run a quick errand.” I nodded; if Theo trusted Max, I could too.

  Theo squeezed my shoulder and then headed for the door before turning back. “Don’t let me forget to discuss those hairstyles for the gala when I get back.” Max nodded, shooing him away.

  Max ran her fingers through my hair. “Your hair is beautiful, Haley. I love the subtle complexity of the color, and you have such gorgeous waves. I bet you drive all the boys crazy.”

  I laughed nervously, embarrassed by her compliments. “I don’t think so, but thank you. I love your hair, although I’d never be brave enough to do it myself. But you definitely pull it off.”

  “So what are you thinking you want to do today? Just a trim or something more . . . daring?” She raised an eyebrow.

  “It’s long overdue for a trim, but I don’t want to do anything drastic.”

  “Okay,” Max said. “So maybe keep the long layers, but shape it up and take off an inch or two. Sound good?” I nodded. “Great. Let’s get you back to the shampoo area.”

  I followed Max to the back of the salon, the noise intensifying as we passed people chatting and blow dryers humming. A clean, calm scent perfumed the air and everything looked fresh and new. It was somewhat chaotic, but there was still a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.

  I leaned my head back and closed my eyes while Max shampooed my hair. The water was pleasantly hot and her hands were adept at massaging my scalp; I felt like I was melting into a pool of butter. It ended all too soon and we headed back to her chair where she draped a cape over me before combing out my hair.

  She circled my head, combing and cutting my wet hair. “So, Haley. Theo tells me you’re new to the area. How do you like Santa Cruz?”

  “It’s beautiful here, I love it.”

  “Have you been to the Boardwalk yet?”

  I smiled, remembering the night Theo, Chase, Jackson and I spent there. “Yes, we had a blast.”

  “How about whale watching at Natural Bridges?”

  “I just found out about that, actually. I’d love to go.”

  “I’m sure Theo would be happy to take you,” she said, giving me a slightly inquisitive look before continuing. “He clearly adores you.”

  I squeezed my hands together under the cape, trying to remain composed. Does she mean he adores me as a friend-sister-type-thing or something more?

  “Have you known each other long?” I asked, hoping to deflect from me and Theo.

  “We met through my boyfriend, Chad. Chad’s a tattoo artist and when Theo found out I cut hair, he started coming to me. But he’s never brought a girlfriend to see me.”

  “Oh . . . we’re not dating,” I quickly blurted out.

  “Shame,” she said, pulling two pieces of hair near my face down to make sure they were even. “You would be really cute together.”

  Fortunately, Max switched on the blow dryer, leaving me alone with my thoughts. If Max thought I was dating Theo, did that mean he was single? If so, what was up with the whole Kenzi situation? Despite all my questions, my mind kept coming back to one thing: Max thinks we would be cute together?

  I felt lighter after the trim. As I admired my reflection I was reminded, yet again, at how good Theo was at making me look and feel better. He returned just as Max was putting the finishing touches on my hair.

  “Lookin’ good!” Theo said, his face lighting up into a grin. “Nice job, Max.”

  I blushed at Theo’s comment, wondering if Max was watching our interaction more closely now.

  Theo pulled out his phone and showed something on the screen to Max. “Ooohhh, that’s fantastic, Theo.”

  Assuming he had just shown her my costume for the gala, I glared playfully at Theo. Theo continued to focus on Max, but in the mirror I saw him grin, fully aware that I was watching him. Despite my persistent efforts, Theo continually refused to tell me anything about my costume for the gala; he said he wanted it to be a surprise. Since we were going to the costume shop this afternoon, I hoped I wouldn’t have to wait much longer.

  Max and Theo were lost in their own world, whispering behind their hands and pointing excitedly at the screen. They walked over to me and started talking in vague messages as they alternated pulling back sections of my hair. Finally, they looked at each other and nodded in unison, clearly pleased with whatever grand plans they had concocted.

  Before we left, Max hugged both me and Theo and said she’d see us next week for the gala.

  When Theo and I stepped outside, a gentle breeze blew through my hair, the clean scent swirling around me. I felt happy, content.

  “How’d you like Max?”

  “She’s great! Very easy to talk to and I love my new haircut. Thanks again, Theo.” I smiled.

  He tugged a piece of my hair. “See. I told you not to worry.”

  “I know,” I said, lightly butting my shoulder into his. “You were right, as always.” He beamed, clearly pleased by the compliment.

  “Did she tell you about Chad?”

  “Yeah, she mentioned he’s a tattoo artist. She also talked about you.”

  “Oh really?” He asked, his voice raising slightly at the end—sounding more lighthearted than surprised.

  Theo opened the car door for me before walking around to the driver’s side. After he was buckled in, I said, “Yeah. She thought I was your girlfriend.” I hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Does she not know about Kenzi?”

  Theo paused with the key in the ignition, then turned the key to start the car. “What about Kenzi?”

  “I just thought after your party that you and Kenzi were dating or something.”

  Theo laughed nervously. “She’s part of my group of friends, that’s all.”

  “So that’s why she was practically co-hosting your birthday party?” I asked, teasing him, although I honestly wanted to know.

  When he responded, his tone was playful. “Why are you so interested in my love life?”

  “I was just curious.” I paused, wondering if I should even say the rest of what I was thinking.

  “Haley?” He glanced over.

  “Other than Jessica, you’re my best friend. And I’m not sure a girlfriend would like or understand how close we are; she might get jealous.” Kenzi definitely would, I thought.

  “Oh.” Was there a note of disappointment in his voice?

  Theo pulled into a parking spot between a Prius and a car with a “Santa Cruz” sticker on the rear window. “Now, you have a ball to attend a week from today, and Liam will not be pleased with me if I don’t have you properly outfitted.” He quickly launched into an overview of the history of masquerades and masks. It was quite fascinating, but I wondered why Theo was so desperately trying to change the topic from dating.

  When we walked into the costume shop, I couldn’t help but get excited. Having never had the chance to dress up, I relished the thought of wearing a costume and attending a ball. Surrounded by racks and racks of costumes, they ranged from hideous and scary to fabulous and glamourous. I trusted Theo, but I was dying to know what my costume was.

  “This place is awesome.” I said, still gazing around in wonder at all the costumes, accessories, hats, swords, you name it.

  “I knew you would love it.” Theo grabbed my hand, pulling me through the over-stuffed shop toward the back. “Now come on, we have a fitting.”

  “Hello, Theodore,” said an old
er woman with a Polish accent. I bit back a grin at her use of Theo’s full name.

  “Nice to see you, Madame Walksa.” Theo leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek before stepping back. “This is Haley; we are here for her costume fitting.”

  “Yes, yes, of course. Lovely to meet you, Haley. Follow me, please.”

  Theo and I followed Madame Walska behind a plum-colored velvet curtain to a large space filled with chairs, mirrors, and several smaller changing rooms.

  “Would you like to sit, Theodore?” She gestured to one of the large antique upholstered couches where Theo promptly sat.

  “Through here, my dear,” she said, as she held back another curtain that blocked off one of the fitting rooms. Stepping inside, I saw three costumes laid out with matching shoes and could barely contain my excitement. There was a large ball gown that looked like it belonged on the set of Gone with the Wind, an elegant velvet dress inspired by the Middle Ages, and a satin and glitter dropped-waist dress perfect for Daisy Buchanan. Where do I even start?

  As if reading my mind, Theo called from outside the curtain, “Start with Gatsby.” I grinned.

  Madame Walksa stepped outside and closed the curtain. “Let me know if you require assistance.”

  I slipped into the dress, the smooth silk fabric sliding deliciously over my skin and clinging to my curves. I felt comfortable and sexy. I looked at my reflection, wondering what Liam and the others would think. I took a breath and opened the curtain.

  Madame Walksa led me to a raised platform in front of a trio of mirrors. “Yes,” she paused, evaluating. “This is nice.”

  I could see Theo’s face in the mirror, and he stretched his arm over the back of the couch, watching me thoughtfully. “Definitely an option. What do you think, Haley?”

  I turned and admired the dress in the mirror. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It is, but you still have two more dresses to try.”

  I selected the ball gown next. I stared at it, trying to decide where to begin when Madame Walksa peeped her head in the curtain. “Would you like assistance?” I nodded, grateful for her perceptiveness.