by Tara Brown
“I don’t think she’s my type.”
“So you wouldn't care if she went on a date with another guy?”
“What?” His voice lowered, “What do you know?”
“Nothing. I barely know her. She hangs with Aimee all the time. Aimee’s not really my type of fun. I’m just saying that the best way to know if you like someone is to imagine them with other people. If you can do it, you don't like them that much. If you get angry, well maybe you should consider that. Not to mention, Giselle is hot. Blind men can see how hot she is. Someone is going to ask her out.”
He smirked, eyeing the hillside. “Not while I’m around.”
“I think you have your answer, Aleks.”
A man’s voice interrupted us, “Aleks, my dear brother, is this her? Is this the infamous siren? Dear God, someone has gotten you riled up lately, haven’t they, love? You smell irresistible. I thought it might be Giselle who smelled so good but it’s not.”
I glanced back, seeing the same dark-haired guy who’d fought with Aleks in the kitchen the other day. “Who are you?”
His eyes were like dark pools. “I’m Dorian, my dear. And you are Hanna. I knew your father. He was a sweet man.”
Aleks grimaced “Not a good time, Dorian. I’m sure you noticed we already have a couple of loiterers waiting for her. We don’t need more.”
Dorian glared at him. “You can’t have all the single girls to yourself. Don’t be greedy.”
“Hanna, don’t look into his eyes.” Aleks stood rigidly as if facing off.
“Shall we?” Dorian leaned in, dazzling me with his stare and offering his arm.
“You smell delicious.” The words sort of fell from my mouth. I got up, reaching a hand for him as a giggle slipped from my lips.
“Imagine how we would smell together?”
We made it about ten heavenly steps before Aleks shouted from behind us, “Sam, Ben, Dorian thinks he’s won Hanna over.”
“What are you doing, Aleks?” Dorian turned back.
“Well, the boys aren’t going to let you waltz out of here with her under your spell. Maybe if you guys fight for her, one of you can claim her as the prize,” Aleks shouted.
“That was rude, bloody rude. For bloody Christ’s sake, I am your oldest friend. That means you let me get the girl.”
Aleks snarled, “You’re a terrible friend.”
“Well, that doesn’t make me less of a friend.” Dorian pointed at Sam and Ben. “Who are they to you?”
“Don’t make me hurt you,” Aleks warned him.
“Hurt me?” Dorian growled back. “My turn to warn you of the boundaries of our friendship.”
Aleks stepped closer to me, offering his hand. “Sorry, Hanna. But you better come with me. They’re going to be busy being ridiculous.”
Dorian grinned wickedly. “Speak for yourself. I haven’t even murdered anyone today. My behavior has been impeccable.”
Ben phased into a wolf midair and Sam vanished, only to reappear behind Dorian.
I screamed, realizing what was happening as Sam and Dorian both grasped at me.
“Hey, sorry, I had to. This will actually occupy them long enough for you to sneak away,” Aleks muttered as he grabbed my arm and flashed across the yard, shouting at the brawl, “Don’t worry, guys, Dorian hits like a girl.”
“You better watch it or I’m going to hit your girl.” Dorian laughed, trying to get Sam off of him as Ben gnawed on Sam’s leg.
“She isn’t mine,” Aleks defended himself and gave me a look. “I never said you were mine.”
“What’s going on?” I was lost.
“Hanna, go inside and wait for me. I’ll just be a minute,” Dorian shouted as he flashed and then came back.
“Wow, not something I ever imagined I would hear you admit to. I mean, there have been rumors,” Aleks mocked him.
Aimee walked out the back door, pausing and her eyes darting to mine. “What the hell?”
Dorian grinned at Aimee. “Aimee James. My favorite death dealer.” He flashed away but Sam somehow caught him and dragged him back. They flashed again, continuing to fight.
Aimee stared at Aleks who shrugged. “Fighting to the death for Hanna?”
“Wow.” Aimee gave Dorian a disgusted look. “You can’t even smell her anymore from over there. Why are you fighting?”
Aleks laughed harder. “Aimee’s right. You’re like sixteen-year-old boys.”
“I need that bracelet,” I muttered, shocked at how fast that all went wrong. “Dorian smells better than you do. What is he?”
“Trouble,” Aleks whispered as he backed up more, dragging me with him.
“Why does he have his arm around her waist?” Sam noticed us, pointing at Aleks. He and Dorian wrestled again as Ben attacked. They flashed a couple of times, reappearing in different positions.
When they reappeared the last time, Sam was obviously the champion. Ben was unconscious and naked on the grass while Sam held Dorian on the ground. Dorian appeared to be missing a large piece of thigh.
“Sam’s the winner,” Aleks hooted, not alarmed at all by Dorian seeping black blood from his huge bite.
Sam grinned at me. “I won you!”
“Oh my God.” I backed up behind Aleks.
“You traitorous bastard, stop touching her,” Dorian shouted at us, climbing off the ground and brushing dirt and blood off his designer jeans. His leg was healed behind the tear.
Aleks laughed. “You guys know this is all against house rules.”
“The siren used her magic first.” Dorian grumbled and limped toward us, pointing back at Sam who was dusting himself off. “Next time that kid leaves the house, it’s on.”
“You got beat up by a couple of kids,” Aleks provoked him.
“Uh, they’re coming this way. I need to go.” I backed up.
“Don’t come any closer. I’m taking her home now,” Aleks shouted.
“At least she’s not going back to Marcus Dragomir’s house.” Dorian snorted. “Insufferable wanker.” He frowned. “Is Henry still there?”
Aleks’ tone was sharp. “Yup and he really likes Hanna, so if you insist on being an ass I will take her there.” I knew he was lying. He wouldn’t take me back to Marcus.
“Not worth it, even if she is in heat.”
“You’re an animal,” Aleks snarled and flashed me away.
Standing outside the Tudor, I finally got my bearings. My head cleared of the fog it was in. “What was he?” I rubbed my eyes.
“He’s the worst when it comes to women. Just stay clear of him until you get the bracelet. He’ll be a complete gentleman after that.” His eyes drifted to the house. “Maybe just stay in the house until I come get you. Lydia is up and about again. She’ll have that bracelet done in no time.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I stepped back from him. “I need a full Roses Academy break.” I turned and went inside, worried some of them might come to the house.
Chapter 26
Steamboat Hanna
After a week of waiting I couldn’t take it any longer. I needed to be free of the fake feelings and emotions. I drove around the block, contemplating going to the old house on the wooded street, but I was scared.
On my second lap I turned in, deciding my need was too desperate. I moved silently, hurrying inside and through the halls to Lydia’s room.
“Hanna dear, how are you?” she asked from what appeared to be a coma.
“I guess I should have expected you to know I was here.”
“Yes, and I am happy to say, it’s done.” She opened her eyes and reached for a small box on her night table. It was white and covered in shells.
I took the small white box and opened it. Inside was a delicate white bracelet with four tiny shells hanging from it. “Thank you, Lydia.”
“This will stop the siren’s call. It won’t work on people who have heard the call already, but it will stop anyone new from hearing the call.”
“Oh.” I tri
ed not to be disappointed. “Okay. What can I do about them?”
Lydia laughed. “Run.” Her eyes sparkled with humor. Clearly, she’d heard the story.
“Will they always want me?”
“The cure is the only thing you can do for the ones who have already seen you. No more forced feelings and hopefully less fighting in the yard and whatnot. You have some of the cure, right?”
“I have a little.”
“That’s good.” Lydia smiled like a sweet old grandma.
I took the bracelet in my hand, and closed the box which I passed to Lydia. “No, dear, you keep it. Always store it in there. It is charmed, protecting it against anyone who would try to take it. Only a siren can open the box.” The pause and once-over she gave made me uncomfortable. “You know you’re blasting sexual energy, right?”
I blushed, stammering, “W-w-what?” Dorian saying I was in heat was making sense. “Can I turn it off?”
“Yes, dear,” Lydia assured. “The last book on the shelf over there—the one that has the dark-purple spine—you may borrow it. It will explain things. The bracelet probably won’t be able to handle the workload until you’re feeling more yourself by getting away from all of these men who have heard the call.”
“Oh my God.” I turned, humiliated, and picked the book up from the shelf. It was old with a broken spine. “I’m going to go home now. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Don’t be.” Lydia sounded tired still. “Never be sorry for what you are. None of us can help it. If you were downtown, tricking humans into giving you their money and possessions, then I would expect you to be sorry.”
“Is that an option?” I raised an eyebrow. “Can I do that?”
“Read the book.” Lydia chuckled.
I put the bracelet back into the case and turned to leave the room. “Thanks for everything, Lydia.”
“Lorri will be coming to see you next week. You’ll be tested for the Roses Academy.”
“Me?” I paused in the doorway. “The Roses Academy? Am I strong enough? I haven’t changed since Marcus gave me the cure for the Hanna Hyde thing. Maybe I’m just normal now.” I lifted the book. “Except obviously this part of it.”
Lydia’s eyes sparkled. “I guess we will have to wait and see.”
“Thanks again.” I snuck back out of the room and down the hall.
“There you are. I knew I could still smell you here.” Words were whispered into my neck as someone pressed against the back of me. He smelled like dessert. I turned to find Sam.
His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him as his lips met mine.
His tongue invaded my mouth while his hands cupped my butt, lifting me into the air, and then he turned and pushed my back into the wall.
I fought the kiss, freeing my mouth. “STOP!”
“What?” He slowly placed me on the ground. “Sorry.”
I stepped back, panting. “Don’t come any closer.” I side shuffled away from him, ignoring the pull and desire to be back in his arms.
The sparkle in his eyes suggested trouble as he took a step toward me. I turned and ran from the house as quickly as I could. He followed, grabbing at me as I raced out the front door, but I shoved him back, sliding through his fingers. I jumped in the car and started it as fast as I could. As I drove away I remembered Aleks once saying that they couldn’t flash into moving objects.
Tears formed in my eyes. I drove away without looking back.
I drove to Marcus’ house, admitting Lydia was right. I had to be free of them all, and there was one the cure hadn’t worked on.
Henry greeted me with his usual smile.
“Hi, Henry.” I stormed into the house. “Marcus,” I called out.
“Came back for more, did you?”
“No,” I growled at him. “You need to help me. I have to free Andy from my evil clutches.”
He walked from the shadows in the huge hallway. “You want to decrease your list of suitors? How can I help? I might even be able to help with Aleks. Henry owes him a death. I bet if you asked, he would do it.”
“Not even funny. Aleks had the potion and he no longer sees me as a viable option. But I gave it to Andy and he’s still attracted to me. I need you to convince him he barely knows me and isn’t fond of me. This list of dudes has to get smaller. Tell him something. Maybe that I am a spoiled-rotten bitch. I don’t know, I disgust him. Something.” I was on the verge of tears again, but the struggle was the only thing stopping me from ripping my clothes off.
As he got closer the shiver struck my body. “Oh my, Hanna. You seem to be blossoming.”
I gave him my best you-disgust-me face. “Just do it.”
“Your wish is my command.” He was gone instantly. He couldn’t fly, but I wondered how he moved so quickly.
I ran from his house and drove back to mine. I locked the doors and windows, poured myself a glass of wine, and ran a hot bath. The hot water only made the ache in my stomach worse. Images of Marcus filled my mind. I shook them off, downing the glass of wine and pouring another.
I opened the book, becoming fascinated from the first words: Sirens are never to be trusted. I nodded along with the opening line. “No kidding.”
Within pages I became absorbed in the details.
My powers made sense to me as did the realization that they were going to be a problem, until I fell in love. Real love. Then I would be free of this. That made me feel better about my parents. They had been in real love. I was conceived in a regular marriage. My mother must have loved being with my dad and being free. I envied her that.
I got out of the bath and put on my least sexy pajamas and continued to read in front of my fire. But my mind wasn’t free of sex. It wasn’t free of Sam. All the words and the firelight made images of his naked body dance across the floor.
“Why do I have a terrible feeling you’re not thinking of me?”
I spun to see Marcus standing in my doorway. “How did you get in here?”
“Honestly, Hanna, you underestimate me at every turn.” He laughed. “Locked doors and windows will never keep me from you.”
“Marcus, I can’t do this right now. I don’t want to play games. Something is horribly wrong with me.”
“I know.” He came closer. “You’re ripe for the picking.” His words made me think.
Keeping an eye on Marcus, I got up and reached into the small box and pulled the bracelet out. As I slipped it on, a cooling sensation washed over me. It was as if my feelings and emotions were pulled into the bracelet. The white shells turned bright red. It hadn’t done that when I’d just held it in my hand.
“What are you doing?” He smirked at my wrist. “When did you get that?”
“Lydia made it for me,” I beamed, staring at the bright-red shells. “I can’t believe it works. I feel so much better with it on.”
He glanced at the door, scowling. “Aimee’s here.”
“Aimee, death-dealer Aimee?”
“The very one.”
“Weird,” I groaned.
Roland knocked on the door. “Miss James and Aleks are here to see you.”
“Okay, I’ll be down in a minute.” I glanced at Marcus. “Go out the window and come in the door. I don’t want anyone to think anything.”
“Not a chance.” He laughed. “I’m older than anyone in this house, except Roland. I will absolutely not climb out a window like a teenage boy.”
“Oh really?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “You’ll climb in like one though?”
He smirked. “That’s different.”
“Whatever.” I opened the door and walked down the stairs.
“Aimee is never to be trusted.” He leaned in, whispering, “Ever.”
“Neither am I. Haven’t you heard?”
“I have.” He chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I got the memo on that one.”
I was nervous seeing Aimee in my house again, but she appeared normal sitting in the parlor with Aleks. I tried not to notice
how hot he was in his light-blue tee shirt and dark-blue jeans. I tried not to notice his white-blue eyes or how big he was compared to Aimee.
In fact, I barely noticed Aimee.
I smiled brightly at him. “Hi, Aleks.” I sounded like a schoolgirl. I rubbed the bracelet to gain some composure. “Hey, Aimee.”
“To what do we owe this honor?” Marcus asked, placing one of his warm hands on my shoulder. He might as well have peed on my leg.
“Hi, Hanna. Sorry to come so late, but we actually came to speak to Marcus. We tried the house, but you weren’t home. Aleks thought you might be here.” Aimee smirked. “We need to know what the new chemist looks like. I have a picture of the guy I think it is.”
She held up the photo, but Marcus didn’t budge. “Why do you want to know this?”
Aimee sighed. “Please, Marcus, no effing around. Please, just answer.”
“Have you ever seen the chemist?” Aleks gave me a look.
“No.” I glanced over at Marcus. He appeared stoic—that was a bad start.
“Why do you want to know this?”
“It’s a problem for me, not Roses Academy, just me.” Aimee stood and paced. “My sister is involved with him. He was my best friend when I was a teenager.”
Marcus remained perfectly still. “Why do you suspect him?”
“Giselle.” Aimee was on the verge of losing it. “He got her hooked as a blood bag. She was blood drugged. I just think it’s him. I think he’s gone evil.”
Marcus looked deep in thought.
“Marcus, just answer the question.” I nudged him. “What does it matter to you?”
“Hanna.” He said my name with a tone I didn’t like. “Stay out of this, love.” And then his eyes flickered to Aimee. “If I do this for you, will you do something for me?”
“Yeah,” Aimee agreed. “Fine, whatever I can.”
Marcus licked his lips. “Oh, Aimee, don’t toy with me. It’s my way or no way.”
“I hate you. I hate the things you’ve created almost as much. I will do what I can.” She narrowed her gaze.