by Lauren Chow
Great. Thanks Maggie.
I lay flat on my back and watched everyone train. The training room was weird. Since we were underground, the training room was basically a cave. Lights dimmed the room as weapons and mats were scattered across the walls and floor. I wiped my sweaty hands on my yoga pants. Maggie went shopping and got all of us new clothes to wear, so we all wore training gear.
I looked longingly at the rest of them. I would rather do physical training than this mental crap. My eyes strayed to Jay before I looked away with a small smile.
“Okay Clara. Let’s get rid of this headache of yours—you look absolutely miserable,” Luke said, walking up. I glared at him.
“That’s not very nice,” I muttered as my headache went away thanks to his hands on my head. Luke just smirked and rubbed my hair.
“Don’t be like that, Clara. This is good for you—even if it doesn’t feel like that right now,” Luke said. I groaned and covered my face with my hands.
“Alright Luke, shoo! It’s girl time!” Maggie ordered and pushed Luke away. Maggie turned and helped me up so I could stand.
“Now that he’s gone, let’s get back to work. Since your powers are new, we have no idea what you are fully capable of. I want to see if we can summon the core of your magic. It is a bit challenging and advanced, but I believe you can handle it. So, open your palm in front of you, facing up at the ceiling.”
I did as she instructed. I wondered what we were going to do.
“There is magic inside all of us Clara—that’s how Fate made us who we are. I want you to picture the magic going through your arm and into your palm. Take your time, dear,” Maggie said gently.
I closed my eyes and pictured the magic going through my arm. I could picture and feel it going through my veins and straight into my palm. I heard gasps and I opened my eyes.
Just above my palm was exactly what I was picturing in my head. It was beautiful. It was surrounded by different colors of blue, the lights freely moving around in my palm. I felt at peace with myself, almost tranquil. I looked at Maggie for guidance. What was I supposed to do now?
Maggie looked at me with a knowing smile.
“Do whatever suits you. You can do anything with it. You have reached the core to your magic in seconds. Because you’re so powerful, your magic is unlimited. There’s nothing left to show you unless you practice,” Maggie said softly.
I turned and saw the large empty wall. Not knowing what to do, I chucked the light at the wall. Once it made contact, a slight explosion occurred right when the light connected to the wall. We all covered our faces to protect ourselves from the small pieces of stone. I eventually put my arm down and gaped at the sight of a large hole in the wall.
The peace and tranquility vanished in seconds.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to destroy it!” I said frantically.
“Girl Scout, you realize you aren’t supposed to be destroying the walls, right?” Adam began to laugh. I flushed. I didn’t know what it was going to do!
“Alright, I think we’re done for the day. No one tells Eric, understand?” Maggie said quickly. We nodded before she rushed out of the room.
“She knows he’s going to find out eventually, right?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, but let her have some hope,” Drake said, and we all began to laugh.
“Come on Keller! We have some catching up to do!” I sang to a pouting Adam.
“I’m coming,” he muttered.
24 - Teddy
“Just admit you like him already,” Tanya said.
“No. I’m not admitting something that isn’t true,” Adam said adamantly, and he ran his hand through his hair. I shook my head in disapproval.
“Adam Louis Keller, tell me the truth right now!” I ordered.
“Louis? Seriously?” Tanya began to laugh and nearly fell off her bed.
The three of us were huddled in Tanya’s room and mine, and I’d locked the door. Adam couldn’t get out until he spilled. It was so frustrating to get Adam to spill. He was normally willing to spill anything.
At Ford, Adam told me all the gossip and secrets in the school. I didn’t care much, but I felt a bit powerful with all the information I knew.
I could’ve taken down half the school with a snap of my fingers… if anyone was willing to listen to me.
“You probably even know a lot about him. I’ve seen you guys together,” Tanya said. Adam’s eyes widened.
“I do not!” Adam denied.
“Really? Where was he born? What was his family life?” Tanya challenged.
Adam stayed silent.
“Well?” Tanya teased.
Adam grumbled before speaking clearly.
“He was born in Connecticut and was raised by his uncle. He can concoct potions and has been friends with Jared for years,” Adam said.
Tanya and I looked at each other knowingly.
“Adam, I called goat! Please tell me,” I pleaded and gave him the puppy eyes. Adam sighed and I could tell he was going to relent.
“I may have a tiny crush on Tony,” Adam muttered. Tanya and I squealed.
“I knew it. I’m so excited! You guys would be so cute. Tony looks all buff and scary but has a soft heart, while you are all goofy. It would be a nice mix,” Tanya said dreamily. “I want that with someone.”
“Like Drake?” Adam countered, leaving Tanya with a very red face. I snapped my head to her.
“Is this true?!” I yelled. “Why didn’t you tell me anything?”
“It’s a tiny crush. Drake is pretty cute and he’s funny and sweet—”
“I think it’s more than a crush. You forget that I can sense the lust between—” Adam snorted.
“Shut up!” Tanya flushed red.
I started giggling before they turned to me and raised an eyebrow. What?
“Two words Clara. Jay Freaking Woods,” Tanya stated.
“That’s three words,” I countered.
“It doesn’t matter! You like him! Like-like-like him,” Tanya said, smirking. Now it was my turn to flush.
How the tables had turned on me.
“Besides, don’t think I don’t know about your little stunt last night. I saw you walk into his room,” Tanya said with a smirk.
I felt myself begin to pale. Adam looked at us, confused.
“What stunt?” Adam looked and glared at me. “I want some answers young lady! Is this the reason why you and Jay have been giving each other googly eyes after your fight yesterday?”
I sighed and began to tell them about last night.
***
Twelve hours prior
I looked at the clock next to my dresser and silently groaned. It was late and I still couldn’t go to sleep.
Everything was swarming in my head. I turned and heard Tanya snoring on her side of the room.
Giving up on sleep, I got out of bed and quietly left the room. The stone floor was cold against my bare feet as I walked through the hallways and looked around.
Tomorrow we were going to talk to Troy. Nobody wanted to tell me where we were going and that made me nervous. Many scenarios popped up in my head and I felt a sense of dread.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice that I was about to crash into someone. I heard a grunt and strong arms wrap around me before I fell on my face. I looked up and saw Jay staring down at me.
“Thanks,” I squeaked.
Jay nodded before letting go of me. I felt cold from the loss of contact. We stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. We hadn’t talked to each other since our fight. We’d been avoiding each other like the plague, even going so far as leaving rooms to avoid confrontation.
“What are you doing up so late?” I murmured to keep the conversation going.
“I could ask you the same thing?” Jay whispered back. He moved his eyes to a door that I assumed was his bedroom. I internally groaned. He probably wanted to go to bed and
I was keeping him awake.
“I’ll see you later,” I said and started to move away from the door until he grabbed my hand. I looked down and saw how his hand swallowed mine, but I liked it.
“Want to come inside?” Jay asked. I just nodded my head absently, too focused on our hands. Jay opened the door and led me into his room.
His room was mostly neat, which impressed me. Most guys would have their stuff all over the place. You should have seen Adam’s room. I didn’t know how much of a pig he was.
I sat on the couch that was on the other side of the room and Jay joined me. We sat there in comfortable silence, our hands the only thing connecting us.
“I’m sorry,” Jay said quietly. I looked at the floor. “I shouldn’t have ever said those things to you. I don’t want you to get hurt and do anything reckless. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you.” My heart skipped a beat from his confession.
I finally looked up into his grey eyes. The moonlight added more depth to them and I couldn’t look away.
“It’s okay. I should have handled it better. But I meant what I said. I need your help and support. I couldn’t forgive myself if any of you got hurt. I’ve already lost many people; I don’t want to lose anyone else. You guys are my family; it’s my job to protect you. It doesn’t matter that I’m the Chosen, I will protect my loved ones and the innocent,” I said softly.
“It comes with the description,” I continued lightly but with a tint of seriousness. I meant what I said, one hundred percent.
Then Jay did something that shocked me to my core. He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed the corner of my mouth. I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly, trying not to melt as I felt him rest his chin on my head.
“You’re going to kill me one day, Clara Evans. I’m sorry for my outburst though. As much as I hate this, you’re right—”
“I’m always right,” I said, making him laugh.
“Of course you are, Clair. How could I doubt that?”
I felt my heart warm at the nickname. I pulled back and let out a huge yawn. I guess sleep was trying to kick back in. Jay smirked at my sleepy expression.
“Come on, let’s get you to sleep.”
I felt him lift me up and walk towards his bed. He laid me gently on top and moved the covers for me. He started to head back to the couch but I stopped him. I patted the other side of the bed, hoping he’d take the invitation. I didn’t like him sleeping on the couch.
Jay slowly walked to the bed and lay down. I snuggled into him in my sleepy state, not caring how he’d react. He was like a big teddy bear.
“Goodnight,” I mumbled and I heard him chuckle.
“Goodnight Clair.”
***
I woke up to arms wrapped around me. I opened my eyes and turned my head to a sleeping Jay. Trying not to stare like a creep, I admired his features.
Asleep, Jay appeared even more peaceful than his usual calm self. He seemed younger than he acted. He looked cute with his hair all over the place. That made me smile.
I looked at the clock and saw that it was seven in the morning. I silently tried to move, but Jay tightened his grip on me. I kept moving until he finally released me. I opened the door and looked back to see Jay hugging the pillow I was sleeping on.
I walked back to my room and saw Tanya still snoring. I let out a quiet giggle before lying back on my bed with a goofy grin on my face.
***
Present day
“OH MY GOD!” Adam and Tanya screamed, and I covered my ears as I blushed profusely. This was so embarrassing!
I heard banging on the other side of the door before the door flew open with the guys behind it.
Jay and Jared surrounded me, while Luke, Tony, and Drake ran to Tanya and Adam.
“What happened?” Luke panicked.
The three of us blushed furiously.
“Nothing. False alarm. I saw a... spider. Yeah! I hate spiders?” Tanya ended with a question. Adam and I smacked our faces. Way to go, Tanya.
“They’re fine guys. Let’s get ready to go. We’re leaving in three hours. Troy came early.” Jared smirked at someone and I saw Adam and Tony. Did he know about them? I saw Tony look away and walk out first and everyone followed. Jay looked at me, and I smiled before he left the room.
Eventually, Adam left, leaving Tanya and I alone.
“So, what do we have to wear?” I asked curiously. I was thinking some jeans and a nice shirt. I didn’t know where we were going so I thought that was sufficient.
Tanya laughed at me nervously.
“I have an outfit—but you’re going to fight me through the whole process.”
I didn’t like the sound of this.
***
“Clara, get your butt downstairs!”
“No! This is humiliating,” I muttered as I stayed behind the staircase. I felt way too exposed.
“That was me being conservative for you! If it makes you feel any better, I don’t feel comfortable either in this outfit. We can be awkward together. The guys are waiting for us,” Tanya tried to convince me.
I looked at Tanya’s outfit. It was a blood red dress that barely made it to mid-thigh. It was strapless but barely showed any cleavage. I thought she looked beautiful, but I could see how uncomfortable Tanya was as she put on her red heels.
I grumbled before I reluctantly walked down the stairs. I tried not to trip on the wedges Tanya had made me wear.
The guys were talking before they turned to me when I got on the last step. I tried not to run when I saw their shocked faces.
I was in a skintight strapless black dress that went to mid-thigh. It showed some cleavage, which made me want to cover myself, but Tanya saved me with a leather jacket to cover most of it. I wore black wedges to match the outfit. I felt like a clown with the makeup on my face, but Tanya reassured me that I looked good. My hair was curled and went down my back gracefully.
“Why are you guys staring at me?” I said shyly as they blinked rapidly. I heard a wolf whistle and saw Adam wiggling his eyebrows at me. I tried not to blush. I saw that most of the guys were in jeans and a dress shirt.
“Let’s get this over with,” Jared said before a portal opened next to us. I scrunched my face in distaste. I hated this type of traveling, but I didn’t see any choice in the matter.
“You guys still haven’t told me where we’re going,” I muttered.
Jared grimaced.
“You’ll see.”
25 - The Stage is All Yours
No. Way.
“I am not going in there!” I reprimanded Jared as we stood in front of the club entrance.
“Clara, this is where Troy goes every Friday night,” Tony said. “As much as I hate saying this, we need him. He can take down ten Drakkens with his finger. He’s our only chance of having an advantage. We need to get to him first before Vlad decides to use him.”
I sighed. I was not going to like this.
“Some of the guys here are dangerous. Stay close to one of our guys. Don’t separate,” Jared warned.
I looked at Tanya, afraid. I had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well. With my outfit in this environment, I was in trouble.
We walked in front to where the bodyguard was. Jared and the guard held eye contact before the guy let us in. I didn’t bother to question it as I walked through the entrance.
I felt the music burst my eardrums as people were dancing to the music or grinding. I could see poles on the stage, and it didn’t take a genius to know what went on there. I heard multiple voices, and I grabbed my head in agony. Since I didn’t have the bracelet anymore, I had to deal with all the voices on my own. I felt hands on my shoulders, and I fluttered my eyes to see a worried Jay. He put a finger on his head, and I focused on his thoughts.
Block everyone else out. Just focus on my thoughts. See if that helps.
I’ll try.
I focused on Jay and al
l the voices began to die but his. I smiled and mouthed a ‘thank you.’ He smiled and wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked through the crowd to follow Jared and Tony.
We made it to another secure area and I almost coughed from the smoke in the room. Thankfully the music wasn’t blaring in my ears anymore. I could hear Jay’s thoughts agreeing with me. Jared turned and grabbed my hand.
“Only me, Tony, and Clara right now. I don’t want to start anything,” Jared warned. I gripped his hand tightly.
That’s when Jay’s thoughts hit me.
He didn’t want to leave me alone and wanted to glue himself to me. He didn’t want anyone to stare at me and was furious just by the thought of it. He thought that I looked gorgeous tonight and none of these guys should see me like this. I tried not to blush at these thoughts.
Jay and the others nodded stiffly as the three of us went up to a table. Jared was in front of me while Tony was behind me, like a shield.
I almost ran into Jared’s back once he came to a stop.
“Troy. It’s been a while,” Jared said in a monotone voice.
Wow Jared, what a classic greeting.
I felt him elbow me gently at my thought. Rude.
“My, my, Jared Bennett and Tony Flores. It’s been a while, my dear pals. Welcome to the party!” a deep voice said. I peered around Jared to see the man we’d come here for.
I spotted a guy surrounded by a bunch of girls. You could tell right away he got along very well with the ladies. He was handsome though. He was lean and tall with bushy sandy hair and sharp green eyes. His nose was crooked, and he had a scar on the right side of his face. Currently, he was grinning, with his arms around two ladies with barely any—ahem— coverage. I must have made a noise because his eyes snapped to mine. I saw a smirk on his lips.
“And who might this young lady be? The name’s Troy, darling,” he grinned. I heard growls from the guys between me. What were they, dogs?
I reluctantly stepped forward so he could see me fully. I didn’t like the way he kept looking up and down at my body.
“We need your help Troy. It has to do with the Chosen.”