The Roses Academy- the Entire Collection

by Tara Brown

  Lorelei spins, stopping Marcus from doing anything first. “Excuse you?” She has a serious thing with dirty talking. I assume it's the whole living through the sixties and seventies three times—she’s a prude. Her being with Marcus is a mystery to me. He always seems so nasty. He’ll say anything to make you uncomfortable at the same time Lorelei makes you a mai tai and some cookies.

  “What you deaf, bitch? I said show me that a—” Lightning shoots from the sky, striking him where he stands. His friends all groan and recoil, laughing at him.

  The man twitches, trying desperately to finish the sentence, but the more he tries to say “ass” the more she strikes him with lightning. Eventually, he falls to the ground, jerking and muttering “ass.” His group of friends are laughing and pointing.

  It’s an odd example of friendship for me.

  Lorelei turns and stomps off.

  Shane snickers—actually snickers—and Marcus laughs boldly. He points at the man and shouts, “That’ll teach you to talk dirty to my lady!”

  It feels weird to walk away, leaving him alive. I turn as we get half a block away and run back. I’m wink-running until I reach the urine-soaked man. I send him to meet his maker, no doubt Satan. I turn and grab the other men. Each of them try to escape but I wink, catching and sucking them dry. After a moment, they’re all dead and my hands are coated in blood.

  Shane enters the decaying house I’ve broken into, giving me an uncertain look. “You okay?”

  I shake my head. “They had to die.”

  He nods. “Okay.”

  The light filtering into the room from the holes in the walls and the broken windows catches my eye. I notice the way the dust dances in the light. It swirls and twirls and then I’m on my knees sobbing tearless noises.

  Lorelei’s hand is on my arm, shooting me full of him again. I can’t cry, but I heave from the waves of forgotten love smashing against me.

  She massages the spot she has burned me with my own love. “It’ll pass. We simply let it go too long.”

  The room filled with dead men is an example of what happens when we let it go too long. The indifference means I have to kill. Shaking and trembling with overwhelming emotion, I stand and walk from the house. Marcus has a suspicious tone, “I think we should stick you in the black water too.”

  I flip him the middle finger and pace past him in the direction we had been going. I step over the dead man as if he’s nothing but a bag of garbage on the road.

  I hate this life.

  I hate it more when we finally find Sam. Lorelei stops outside a place that smells like cruelty.

  “Blood brothel?”

  She replies, “I think so. Feels like one.”

  Marcus swallows hard. “You don't mind if I help with the life ending, do you?” He licks his lips, earning him a swat from Lorelei. “Keep it in your pants, pervert.”

  It makes me smile, through the stench of the evil burning my nose.

  Shane pats him on the back. “If I happen to have one that fights, I’ll toss her your way.”

  Marcus swallows again as if he can already taste the blood. “Appreciate it, mate.”

  When we get inside, the stench of death is overwhelming to the senses. I don't quite know if a single person is alive upstairs, but the entire bottom floor of the brothel is a slaughterhouse. Sam sits behind the counter, frowning at us as we enter. My eyes dart to the carnage, giving away my thoughts on the whole thing. He shrugs when I gape back at him. “Don't look at me like that, Aimes. I couldn't help myself. I tried to fight it but they were evil and God was telling me to do it. I had to.”

  I can hear in his voice that the change is gone. He is normal again.

  Lorelei’s eyebrows knit together. “Sam, did you kill everyone?”

  He admits, “Even the dog. I don't know why. He came at me like he was protecting them and I killed him. I didn't know I could kill an animal with a kiss but I did. He tasted so innocent it was hard to swallow.”

  My heart aches at the hollow sound of his voice. He runs a hand through his messy dark hair and shakes his head. “I don't know why I came here. I can’t seem to find Hanna. I don't know what day it is.”

  Lorelei grabs him, hitting him with a dose of the real stuff. He moans, clutching his heart and doubling over. Lorelei seems sickened and even Marcus appears distraught. Sam wails and Lorelei takes all our hands. I wink us to the bayou, certain this is where she wants to be. I know she will want him in the water with the rest.

  Our family is getting smaller and smaller.

  Sam walks to the water on his own. He glances back at me, regret filling his eyes. “Sorry, Aimes. I didn't mean for it to happen like this. I wanted to help.”

  I nod. “See you when she’s dead and we can end the spell.”

  He smiles, breaking my heart with his perfection and despair. He really is the most beautiful man.

  He takes his first steps into the water, jumping back screaming like it burns. “Holy God, do I have to go in there? Is it going to burn the whole time? I don't think I can live through that.”

  Lorelei’s eyes dart to me and then him. “It shouldn't burn.” She lifts her hands, calling the juju. I turn back, glancing at the cabin and the old woman standing in the doorway. She lifts her hand, waving at me like we’re old friends. Not like she’s the person who sucked my man dry as a bargain to save my life and O’s. I can’t hate her though. She is what she is. So I wave back, feeling weird about the private exchange.

  Lorelei chants louder, drawing my attention back to her. Suddenly, the wind races around us and the rain pours down. Lightning strikes the ground all over the beach and thunder rumbles so close it’s inside me almost.

  But nothing happens. Sam is still standing on the beach, confused and in agony.

  Lorelei lowers her arms and the weather stops completely, instantly becoming the calm and humid bayou. She turns and shakes her head. “They won’t take him. They said he’s got bad juju from the angels.”

  Sam shakes his head. “I’m half siren so it can’t be all bad.”

  Lorelei shrugs. “Maybe they hate sirens.”

  I point. “They took Hanna.”

  “I don't know, Aimee,” Lorelei snaps at me, clearly exhausted. “They just said no. That's it.”

  I sigh, grabbing Sam and winking home, leaving the rest of them to get home with Shane.

  Only when we land, we aren’t home. We’re in Lydia’s yard. Her house is destroyed and her land is charred. It is gone. The sad and lonely house at the end of the street lined with massive trees is gone.

  I drop to my knees in the dirt and broken concrete. Sam drops next to me, staring at the ruins of what we once called home.

  Neither of us speaks, we stare and mourn. We have nothing left. It hits then. There is nothing left in the world for us. She has taken it all.

  Sam gives me a blank face. “What are we going to do?”

  “I don't know.” I shrug. “But we have to do it sooner than later because she is only getting worse and the world is only getting sicker.”

  He takes my hand and lifts me up, pulling me to the yard. We walk down to the water where the dock remains intact. We sit there, staring at the lake in silence. I lean my head on his shoulder and take in the deep breaths of him. At least I still have him.

  Chapter 7

  I’ll kill you again

  The setting sun on my back is warm. I sense it the most where my wings are located, beneath the skin. I don't know why that is, but the sun hitting there is akin to a perfect sleep in or a hot bath. It soothes the soul.

  It’s one of the few things that make me think we still have souls—I can feel mine being soothed.

  The view doesn't make me feel better.

  My mom is crying on the back steps. She’s alone, sobbing into her hands. I shouldn't but I can’t help myself. I stroll into the yard as if casually walking by, and wave at her nonchalantly. “Hey, Mom.”

  She lifts her face, smiling all of a sudden. She
dries her eyes, assuming I can’t see her wiping them because I’m all the way on the far side of the yard. She has no idea how far I can see now. When I get closer she smiles harder, faking it completely. “Hey, sweetie. How’s it going?”

  I shake my head, sitting next to her. “No too bad. Sort of busy with work and stuff.” I don't remember if I’m in college or not. I don't remember the last time I spoke to them. Everything is a blur. I am certain Blake has told them a lie of sorts—he must have.

  “Your dad said that the East Coast was bombed and Seattle has a sickness they’re trying to kill with fire.” The tears fill her eyes again. “The world is so broken. I don't know if we’ll ever get it back.” She wipes her face, rolling her eyes. “I know I’m being silly, but it feels hopeless.”

  I turn, hoping there is some compassion left in me. It’s been almost an hour since I saw Lorelei last. “I think that the saying about only when it’s dark enough can you see the stars—that saying was made for this moment. You watch, something amazing is going to happen. It’ll fix all of this.”

  She shakes her head, gazing down. She’s completely defeated, my optimistic and upbeat mother. “No, honey. We need to realize this is it. There are no more freighters coming in with food and the stores are bare. The power flickers now constantly. They say we are so close to losing it that it’ll be days, not weeks. The president has done his final-thoughts speech. We are on our own. It’s martial law in cities but these small towns are on their own.” She turns, giving me a silver-eyed stare-down. “You need to stay here now.”

  I wince. I should have known it would come to this. “Mom, me and Blake are in on the solution. We are part of the team trying to help. I can’t stay, but I can tell you I’m all right and the world will be too.”

  The smile that comes off her face is so patronizing I could swat her. “That’s nice, honey.”

  She doesn't believe me at all. I smile back, glancing behind me for my dad. It’s so weird, but we are still close from the lifetimes where she died. He doesn't know that's why, but it is. He sees me through the window and waves, coming out onto the deck with a weak and exhausted face. “Hey, kiddo. I was wondering when you were going to grace us with your visit. I assumed when the bombs dropped you’d be here right away, but I know your job is important.”

  Thank God, the lie I told them is actually close to the truth. That makes it easier.

  “It is. I just wanted to pop in and say I’m safe. I also wanted to make sure you knew the world does have a plan.”

  My dad lifts his eyebrows like he might laugh at me any second. “For what?”

  “To stop the wars.”

  He snorts. “Oh, Aimee. You can’t believe the propaganda. The world is done for. The United States has fallen. Europe has fallen. The Middle East is done. Asia is buried in diseases; they aren’t moving a single thing there, no planes and no trade. Africa is on fire. South America is gone to the corrupt. There are a few places in the world, like this one, where life isn’t touched by it all, apart from the food. But we can grow. We can manage. The town has put together a plan for invaders and surviving. We’re lucky our winters aren’t bad. We can survive when the power goes out.”

  I forgot how bad things are.

  But it doesn't make me give up hope. I still believe there is a solution. I take my mom’s hand and my dad’s and squeeze. “Have faith.” My dad looks confused and my mom amused. I have never said a thing like it in my life. But I mean it. I want them to believe the world can be saved and that we can save it. I want them to be safe from the heartbreaking sadness that follows an apocalypse.

  I get up and walk down the stairs, waving at them. “I have to go back to help but I’ll keep in touch. I swear, I’ll find a way.”

  My parents seem ready to fight me on this, but I hurry to the side of the house and wink, before they can. I land inside Shane’s house and glance around. Lorelei isn’t here. Luckily, no one in town knows we are here. They can’t see anything but the house.

  When I look down at my hand I see the green glow of the astral projection spell she put on me earlier. If I go to sleep and see him, I’ll remember him. I need to wait for Lorelei to come, like we planned. She wants to supervise my dream walk so she has answers when I wake.

  I wink to my room, hoping she’s there. But she isn’t. I fall onto my bed, closing my eyes when my head hits the pillow, certain she’ll be here any second.

  Immediately, I’m in the same dark corridor.

  I don't see or hear anyone again.

  Everything is slowly becoming a fuzzed-out haze. I step from the shadows, not seeing anyone.

  Where am I?

  The answer sits on the tip of my tongue. I’m supposed to be here, but I can’t remember why or where here is.

  I take another step, noticing the way everything feels fake. I can’t touch or feel or smell or see anything, not really. It’s not real.

  One word sits on my tongue, a name. I don't know why I want to say it, but I do.

  “Dorian.”

  The name reminds me I need him. I need to say it again. I repeat the word. “Dorian.”

  It echoes in the air, the strange smelling air.

  “You came back.”

  I turn, confused as to why I’ve called him. Dorian stands there, sexy as hell, but softer than I remember him being.

  “You’re still not dead, right?”

  I glance down at my feet, not even sure why. “I don't know.”

  He walks to me, placing a hand on my chest. I shove him back. “What are you doing?”

  He cocks an eyebrow. “I assumed we were at the touching point of our relationship, love.”

  “Relationship?” The word makes me laugh. “What relationship? You’re dead and I’m awesome.”

  His eyebrows both lift. “And humble, let's never forget that part.”

  “Coming from you, that's a compliment.”

  He grabs my arm. “What is this game? Your heart is beating and you’re here but you seem different, cold.”

  I try to pull back, but he hangs on harder, hauling me into his embrace. He grabs my face, pressing his lips to mine forcefully. I try to knee him in the balls as a thousand things filter back into my head and heart. The impact knocks me to the ground. I cry out, winded by the force of it all. He drops to his knee, offering me a hand. “What is going on?”

  Though exhausted and completely drained, I grin like a fool at him. “Hi.”

  He chuckles. “Wow, I always thought you calm for a girl. But now I realize you simply developed slower than the others. Bring on the mood swings and hormones I suppose.”

  “You’re an idiot.”

  “You’re back.”

  I roll my eyes. “Lillith cast a spell on us, all of us. It makes us become like the other fallen. We are killing whoever and ignoring the problems.”

  His eyes grow serious. “What?”

  I cling to him in desperation. “We are becoming the way Jonathan, Oliver, and Anthony were.”

  “No.”

  “Yeah. It’s a spell she has cast on the Earth. Or on the fallen. Anyway, it’s severe.”

  His hand drags down my cheek. “How are you able to fight it?”

  The thought of my answer makes me smile, again like a fool. “You. The feather you gave me is representative of our love. It's my anchor. It keeps me grounded.”

  He reaches into his pocket and produces my feather. “You scared me. I thought maybe I had dreamt you coming the first time.” He hands me the feather, pressing it into my palm. I sigh as the feeling of it against my skin takes the edge off, dispersing her magic completely.

  “No. I came for you. I just had to fight harder this time to remember why I came.”

  He brushes his lips against mine softly. The force is gone. It’s delicate and sweet. Exactly the way I remember from the last time. He moans and stands up, lifting me too. “I would love nothing like spending the time we have in here alone. But this is serious. We need to see Lorri.”
/>   “Okay.” I feel bad about failing her. I wish we had done better. But the thought is fleeting as Dorian slips his fingers through mine and wraps his other arm around me. We travel like the wink to a spot inside a building. Lorri is at a table. Her eyes lift and narrow when she sees me. “If you’re dead, Aimee, you better run, ‘cause I’m going to kill you all over again.”

  The threat brings an instant smile to my lips. “I missed you.”

  She grins, harsh and scary-like, but it’s still a grin. “You better not be dead. I won’t miss you, let me tell you.”

  “I’m not dead. I’m a projection, a spell from Lorelei.”

  She grins for real suddenly. “I knew I liked that girl.”

  Dorian kisses the side of my head and breathes me in before speaking softly, “Aimee has an explanation for the actions of the fallen, an excuse for us all.”

  Lorri cocks an eyebrow. “Do tell.”

  “When they fell with you, there was an influence on the planet or on them. Lillith has some kind of witchy shit going on. It affects our kind only.” I swallow hard, hating that this will bring up old wounds for her. “So when Jonathan and Oliver were acting like psychotic perverts, they were only acting on Lillith’s behalf. She cast a spell, probably forever ago, on the Earth or the fallen. It makes us indifferent to the Earth and people. It makes us act like Jonathan on a bad day.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “No.”

  “Oh my God, that makes so much sense. Of course.” She swallows hard, her eyes darting to Dorian. “But how does she keep it running? Spells take work. It has to be outside of her now, a spell being continued by something or someone.”

  “I don't know. We haven’t been able to find her. She’s using everything in her books on us.”

  Lorri sighs. “How is everyone down there fairing with that?”

  “I don't know about the spell but we are a mess. Everyone is a hot mess. Everything is a hot mess. The world is lost, Lorri. We have lost it.”