“Who cares? You should just enjoy the opportunity. You’re living every girl’s dream. You’ve got beautiful name brand clothes, a fancy room designed in the most expensive style, and you live in a giant castle.”
“I don’t think it’s that simple.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look, I’m sure you grew up a little differently than I did, but where I come from, we learn pretty quick that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. I have to question everything, especially when things just don’t add up.” She glanced over at our classmates. “Take a look at Blair over there.”
My gaze swung to her long, black-dyed hair and dark makeup. “What about her?”
“Her best friend was killed in a car accident—a car she was driving at the time. The school hired a lawyer who managed to get all the charges dropped so she could come here.”
“Hmm. Hunter’s been kicked out of more schools than you can count on one hand,” I admitted softly. I sucked in a deep breath as I pondered, then gazed up at Shantel. “What does this all mean?”
“I don’t know, but I’m trying to figure it out.”
“So we all have baggage,” I said.
“Baggage? In my case, we’re talking a whole flippin’ U-Haul,” she said, only half-joking.
“You’ve got me thinking. Why would they let us into this elite school?”
“That’s the point. Any ordinary school would have blackballed us during the application process.”
“My friend back home applied here as well. She’s a straight-A student. She didn’t get in, yet I did. Why?”
Her gaze drifted to Brad. “Brad is the greatest guy you’ll ever meet, but he only gets C’s and D’s and has to work pretty hard for those.”
“In my interview, they told me they were looking for the cream of the crop,” I said.
She motioned across the room. “Looks more like they settled for the rejects, if you ask me.”
My jaw dropped as I processed her words.
“We’re not here because of our stellar marks, and I guarantee you this isn’t a Dean’s List and Honor Student crowd,” she whispered, staring at the students in front of us.
“Then why? What criteria did they use to pick us?”
“I have no idea, but I swear I’m gonna find out. Something weird is going on.”
“You’re right,” I said.
“It kind of scares me. What if we all have some kind of rare DNA and they plan to experiment on us? Maybe they’re putting something in our food, causing mass hallucinations.”
I let out a breath and playfully nudged her. “C’mon, Shantel. Who would go to all this trouble just to lure some unsuspecting below-average teenagers into their castle so they can treat us like lab rats? There’re easier ways to find guinea pigs. It’s just…crazy.”
“Is it?” She leaned back in the antique couch. “I’ll tell you one thing for sure. I don’t believe in ghosts, and I know that giggling girl was just some kind of trick or hallucination. The only thing that can make a person imagine something that vividly is drugs.” She nervously tapped her foot on the ground. “Am I right or wrong?” she asked.
Having no solid answers, I only shrugged.
“You know, I’ve even hunted for their secret lab.” She laughed. “Am I paranoid or what, lurking around for Dr. Frankenstein’s lair?”
I laughed too. “I don’t think you’re paranoid at all. Hunter, Pam, Eric, and I have explored the other side of the castle too, though we weren’t looking for anything so specific. It was more out of curiosity, but I guess we treaded on sacred ground or something.”
“Yeah, I heard. That was where you saw those orbs, right?”
I playfully nudged her. “You mean where we hallucinated the drug-induced orbs?”
We both smirked at each other.
Mrs. Duball peeked her head in and wrinkled her brow, as if wondering what we were all doing there. “Students, it’s time for bed.”
I stood and said my goodbyes to everyone. As Pam walked me back to my room, I pondered everything Shantel had said. Some of it made sense, but I really had no idea what to make of it. I couldn’t pretend it didn’t bother me, because it really did—at least until I finally slipped under the lush covers and drifted off to Dream Land, forgetting about ghosts and basking in the warm remembrance of being in Hunter’s strong arms.
Chapter 9
Over the next week, I hung out with Hunter every chance I got. When we weren’t together, he still lingered in my head. We worked on homework, studied for tests, went for walks, chatted on the steps for hours, and did book reports together.
I’d finally gotten to sleep when I was awakened by someone whispering my name. Oh no! Not again, I thought. Glancing around, I watched shadows flicker on the wall from the moonlight shining through the window, but I didn’t see anyone. A knock on my door startled me.
“Zoey? Are you up?”
I jumped out of bed, slipped on my robe, and answered the door. “Hunter?” I said, relieved and baffled at the same time. He looked so handsome, and those darn butterflies were back in an instant, doing aerobics in my stomach.
“Hey, Zoey.”
I loved the way he said my name. He had the biggest smile on his face, and I couldn’t help but notice how messy his black hair was, a total turn-on. “Can’t sleep?” I asked, wishing desperately he would’ve texted me first so I could have at least run a brush through my crazy mop of bed-head.
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Well, it seems there’s this princess in the castle that I can’t get my mind off of,” he flirted.
“Isabella?” I teased with a smile, all while my heart melted.
“I’m thinking of a more modern-day fair maiden. Anyway, get dressed, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“What?” I asked anxiously.
He fanned my hair out over my shoulders and stared at me intently. “It won’t be a surprise if I answer that, now will it?”
“Right,” I said, blushing. “Where do you want me to meet you?” A nighttime adventure with Hunter? My heartbeat spiked at the thought. Him knocking at my door was enough of a surprise for a thousand lifetimes, but I had no idea where he was taking me, and that made it even more mysteriously alluring. When our eyes locked, I knew I couldn’t refuse. Leaving my room in the middle of the night to run off with a guy would carry big consequences for both of us if we got caught, but none of it mattered in that moment. I just wanted to be with him, and he was worth the risk.
“Meet me by the south tower…and wear tennis shoes,” he softly said as he turned around and left.
I brushed my hair and left it down. After brushing my teeth, I slipped into jeans and a sweater, then threw my black jacket on. I anxiously walked to the designated spot in the castle, ready for a moonlight stroll with my Prince Charming.
“Zoey,” he said when he saw me, his face beaming even more than usual, glowing in the moonlight flooding through the window.
I couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m dying to know about this surprise.”
“Follow me.” He grinned and started to walk up the stairs.
“I thought we were going outside,” I whispered.
“You’ll see,” he said in a teasing voice, then glanced over his shoulder and shot me a grin.
After walking the treacherous 200 stairs, we came to a circular stone room. Candles shone brightly from every open, oval window. My jaw dropped. It was such a beautiful, romantic ambience, and he’d even thought to bring his iPod along for soft music.
“Wh-what is all of this?” I asked, stunned.
“Just something you deserve.”
“It’s beautiful, Hunter. You didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to, and speaking of beautiful, I want to dedicate this song to you.” He reached down and fussed with his iPod. “One Direction’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful,’” he said, sounding like a radio announcer. “Have you heard it?”
&n
bsp; “Yes. I love that song,” I said.
“Have you ever really listened to the words?”
“Something about beautiful.”
He grinned. “I didn’t want something too sappy and gushy. When I heard this, I knew it was perfect. Listen closely.”
I smiled.
“Zoey, I dedicate this song to you.”
The song turned on, and the melody began to play. Hunter wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a casual, slow dance. I smiled as I listened to the lyrics. It was about a shy girl who didn’t know she was beautiful, but she still lit up the singer’s world. I could barely hold it together. My eyes welled with tears. The song touched my heart, and I vowed that I’d download it to my phone the minute I got back to my room.
Hunter grabbed my hand and twirled me around quickly, smiling as I giggled. His arm wrapped around my waist, and he dipped me backward, until my long hair brushed against the floor. He pulled me out of the dip and back onto my feet. Again, he twirled me around. We laughed and danced in that beautiful, romantic, candlelit room, making memories I’d never forget.
Finally, we danced close and slow. My heart pounded as our eyes connected, and silence filled the air. There was something more between us, something that sizzled as brightly as the stars on the horizon, even hotter than every candle that brightly illuminated that tower room.
Hunter’s brilliant blue eyes reflected the candlelight in a most glorious way. I traced a fingertip across his lips, losing myself in those gorgeous eyes. To top it off, he had the most beautiful smile. Everything felt like a dream; he was everything I’d ever wanted and more.
“Tonight’s been anything but ordinary,” I said, completely mesmerized. “You have totally taken my breath away.”
Hunter grinned, pushing locks of hair out of his face. “I’m not done,” he said, wearing an intoxicating smile.
“More?”
“Didn’t you wonder why I asked you to wear tennis shoes?” he asked, smirking.
“Hiking?”
He started to climb out the window, and my jaw dropped. “A rooftop hike? Some midnight parkour? Hmm. I gotta admit, that never crossed my mind.”
He winked. “You don’t know me very well…yet.” Laughing, he reached for my hand. “Trust me. It’s safe. I scouted it out after I lit all the candles.”
Swallowing hard, I grabbed his hand and clambered slowly out, praying I wouldn’t fall and break my neck. Hunter guided me step by step across the sloping roof until we reached the safest place to sit. The wind softly blew his hair around, and I studied his handsome face. He was hot, smart, and outgoing, a bit of a bad boy with a really sweet side underneath that sassy exterior. Hunter was a little crazy, a little dangerous, and a little romantic, a combination I very much adored. We lay down on the sloping roof, and I felt safe because of the wide stone landing just a couple feet below, but mostly because I was with Hunter.
“Here. Use my arm for a pillow,” he said.
I snuggled into the nook of his shoulder and stared up at the breathtaking vista of the night sky.
“Is this the most awesome spot or what?” he asked.
“It’s fantastic. This is one of the most amazing nights of my life.”
A grin grew across his lips. “Does that mean I get another date?”
I smiled and nodded, trying to calm my suddenly racing heart. “I can’t get over this view. It’s just…incredible.” I turned and smiled at him—a shy smile that I hoped wouldn’t give away my nervousness.
When he gazed into my eyes, my heart melted. He always knew just what to say and leaned close and whispered, “No view is more incredible than the one I’m looking at this very moment.” His warm breath caressed my cheek as he said it.
I beamed at Hunter as butterflies fluttered in my stomach. He was such a catch, and judging from the leisurely smile on his face, he knew that all too well.
“I’m gonna pick out a star for us, but there are so many to choose from.”
I pointed to the biggest, brightest one. “How about the one to the right, way over there?”
“It’s perfect.” He leaned closer and put his hand in mine, his hot breath almost touching my skin. “That’s it, Zoey—our star, for all eternity, no matter what happens.”
“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather stargaze with,” I said.
He must have detected a bit of sarcasm, because he smiled sheepishly and said, “I hope this is not all too over-the-top.”
I laughed. “Not at all, Hunter. I’m starting to learn that normal is not your style…and I like it.”
He gazed deeply into my eyes. “You really get me, Zoey…and I like that.”
I laughed, overcome with happiness that went from my toenails to my earlobes. The darkness seemed to melt away when I was with Hunter. He made me forget the pain, and for once in my life, I could breathe easy, smile, and genuinely laugh. It was wonderful to be able to let go, and I couldn’t do it without him.
We spent another hour watching the night sky, then finally blew out all the candles. Hunter walked me back to my room and kissed me on the cheek, and I shut the door and smiled. My heart was still beating a million miles a minute. It had been the best night ever. Digging through my drawer, I grabbed my iPhone and listened to the song Hunter had dedicated to me and couldn’t stop smiling as I mouthed every single word—a ringtone that went straight to my heart.
Chapter 10
I went to school, finished all my assignments, and freshened up, then shut my door and headed down to Hunter’s room for a study date. With my history book under my arm, I headed out and passed through the gothic archway that led to the boys’ side of the castle. I passed by medieval paintings, crown wall plaques, swords, and crests. When I turned the corner, I jumped back to avoid the huge, black, steel dragon that lunged out of the wall, 3D down to its neck. “Okay, you got me, dragon,” I said with a chuckle, embarrassed that I’d been frightened by medieval artwork once again. As startling as it was, I adored the castle for all of its dark nuances and the enchanting moods it inspired. It was all about the grandeur of gothic style and drama, mysterious, haunting, and spooky. As much as it frightened me, it also intrigued me.
Finally, I reached his room and clutched the book in my hand. I flipped my hair over my shoulder and put on my bravest smile. I wasn’t sure why I was nervous, but I dismissed it, assuming it was just because I’d never been to his room before. I knocked on the door somewhat shakily, hoping he’d answer quickly and put me out of my misery.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me, Zoey.”
“Uh…you’re early. I’m not dressed, but you can come on in.”
“Not dressed? Um…do you just want me to wait out here for you?”
He opened the door and smiled. “I’m only missing my shirt, unfortunately for you,” he teased. “Come on in.”
I swallowed hard and tried not to stare at his hard, bare chest, his sculpted abs, and his muscular arms. Don’t drool, Zoey.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He kissed me gently on the lips. “I can’t get last night out of my mind. You looked so beautiful in all that moonlight.”
His compliments made my head spin, and I wrapped my arms around him tightly, partly to maintain my balance. “I had a fantastic time. Thank you.”
“Anytime.” He smiled. “I can’t believe I finally got you to my room. What do ya think?”
I glanced around at the stone walls and grand vaulted ceiling that looked very similar to mine. The room had the same dreary dark stone and metal chandelier hanging in the center, and heavy, hunter-green curtains hung from metal rods, covering huge windows. The large, cherry wood four post bed was covered with a forest-green bedspread and matching pillows. I loved the old chest at the end of the bed. My gaze drifted to his antique dresser, which was way bigger than mine. For some reason, I’d assumed his room would be black, but the gothic color scheme also allowed gem colors like deep red, emerald, indigo, and sapphire blue. “I’
d say hunter green is perfect, considering your name,” I said. I then ran my hand along the antique, carved wooden mirror. “I love this. Your room is fantastic.” I said, shooting him the biggest grin. “The gothic charm shines right through.”
“I’m so glad we don’t have to share rooms,” he said.
“Yeah, it’s nice to have all this space to ourselves.”
“Come take a look at this.” Hunter walked to his laptop on his desk. “I Googled our castle.”
My eyes widened as I gazed at the image of Tiker Castle on the screen. “And what does the Internet have to tell us?”
“For starters, it’s sort of a landmark, one of the top ten haunted castles in Scotland.”
I gasped. “No way!”
“I guess it would have been nice for them to mention that before we signed all the paperwork, huh?”
“Yeah, you’d think. We had every right to know,” I said. “Why would they even attempt to bring teenagers to a place like this?”
Hunter pondered. “You know how adults are. Maybe they think it’s just a bunch of urban legends and fairytales.”
“I knew there was something creepy about this place from the minute I stepped foot inside it. How could they not?”
“Maybe they just don’t care.”
I skimmed through the article and read about the strange noises and eerie phantoms that had been seen for years. Goosebumps rose on my skin. None of us had any idea that we’d signed up for a one-year stay in a haunted castle. I read aloud, “Visitors have heard unexplained pipe music, voices, and laughter from a little girl. Witnesses say poltergeists are known to throw and hide objects, even open and shut windows. Visitors have followed a woman dressed in historical garb, assuming she was a tour guide, only to see her disappear through the walls, right before their eyes.” I looked up at Hunter. “Wow. That’s really freaky.” I looked off and tried to pretend it didn’t bother me.
“Zoey, are you okay?” Hunter asked.
“I’m not gonna lie, Hunter. This stuff has me pretty freaked out. Who wouldn’t be?”
My Haunted Fairytale - Book 2 (The Enchanted Castle Series) Page 9