by Lauren Chow
“Hey losers!”
I held in a groan as Troy sauntered into the room and sat between Luke and me. Luke grunted before scooting over. Troy wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“Hey Sweet Cheeks. What’s going on?” Troy said seductively—well, he tried to sound seductive. It made me want to vomit. I used my magic to swirl around Troy before it threw him behind the couch. Everyone began to laugh as Troy got up with a scowl.
“Very funny,” Troy muttered. I just batted my eyelashes innocently.
“I have no idea what you—”
I was cut off as pain began to spread through my head. I grabbed it and clenched my jaw. I heard voices, but they were jumbled together and sounded distant.
You thought you could run away from me? Found you.
Suddenly, air reached my lungs again as I tried to get my breathing back to normal. I felt hands on my cheeks and fluttered them open to see a worried Jay. I nodded, and he reluctantly pulled back from me. I looked around to see everyone worried but Troy. I saw Eric run into the room with Maggie.
“What the hell is going on here?” Eric asked, looking at me with concern.
I looked at him tiredly. The message had made me lose all the energy that I’d had earlier.
“He found us,” I said to the room and everyone tensed.
“I think now is the time to start calling in my contacts. I can get everyone here in three days,” Eric said before walking out of the room. Maggie gave me a quick hug before saying she was going to make some tea for my head.
We were all in silence as Maggie gave me my tea.
“We need to upgrade the training now,” Drake said. “We need to put all our effort into it so we’re prepared.”
“I can share some strategies as well,” Jared added.
I turned to Troy, who had a serious expression on his face for once.
“Do you think the Drakkens will be there?” I asked him before taking a sip of my tea.
“It sounds unlikely. Dexter is probably saving them for something else,” Troy muttered in a bitter tone. “Dexter is too cocky to send them out. He wants to prove he can do it all on his own.”
“How would you know that?” Tanya asked with a raised brow. We all looked at him for an answer.
Troy chuckled. “When he offers you to join his side, he doesn’t bother to hide his pride. If you think I’m bad, you should see him,” he finished, as he rested his body on the wall.
“Alright then, we can start training in a little bit. Clara needs to rest,” Luke said. Jay nodded in agreement.
I sighed, knowing I couldn’t argue since I was exhausted. This wasn’t how I’d pictured the rest of my day going.
“What the hell happened to the wall?!” Eric shouted. Maggie tensed as I bit my lip. Everyone cracked a small smile, breaking the tension. Maybe I could blame Troy for that little incident.
27 - Late Night Talks
It was the middle of the night and I couldn’t sleep.
This had become a regular thing. It was probably due to the stress that a killer was coming after me... that was most likely it.
I left the bedroom and walked to the living room alone. I turned the TV on to see if there was anything good on at two a.m. I stopped once I saw SpongeBob on the screen.
I’d watched at least five episodes before I heard a deep chuckle. I turned and saw Troy smiling at me. The weird part was that it looked like a genuine smile. I raised an eyebrow at him.
“It’s a little unnerving that you’re still awake,” I said after our stare-down. Troy just shrugged and flopped on the couch without a care in the world.
“Couldn’t sleep with all this drama coming our way. Interesting, don’t you think?” he said simply as he glued his eyes to the screen.
I nodded in agreement and examined him. This was the first close thing to a real conversation that I’d had with Troy. He wasn’t being a jerk—he was just a regular guy like all of us.
“What makes you so special?” I blurted out. “Why are people after you?”
Troy turned and looked at me. “I can ask you the same thing. It’s more what I have up here,” he said, pointing to his heart. I looked at him, confused. He sighed and shook his head. “Jared didn’t tell you?”
I shook my head in response. He looked at me intently.
“I may not act like it all the time, but I’m one of the wisest and fiercest warriors that has lived. I know it sounds cocky, but it’s true. My magic is more powerful than I let on,” Troy paused. I waited patiently. I could tell it was hard for him to explain this part of his life. Troy took a deep breath and continued. “Few people know my little secret. Not even Jared, a fellow Warrior, knows about it.” He stopped and looked at me. “I don’t know why I’m explaining this to you though. You’re different from any other person I have ever met. No wonder Irene and Herbert were so persistent for me to meet you.”
I felt my heart stop. He knew my foster parents?
“I—I was going to meet you?” I gaped.
“Herbert and Irene thought that I was the right person to protect you. They didn’t believe any of your friends were worthy enough. I was supposed to meet you on your birthday, but I got a call saying it was cancelled. At first I was skeptical, still was when I met you at the club. But you proved me wrong during your little performance,” I blushed, but he continued talking. “You look so fragile to the average eye. It makes people more protective of you but also makes them underestimate you. It gives you the advantage. You’re going to need that. Irene and Herbert were good people, and I’m sorry for your losses.”
I looked at Troy in a new light. So, this was the real Troy Becker? This version was way better.
“And don’t get used to me like this. I’m not always going to be this way,” he stated, causing me to roll my eyes. He got up and patted my head. “Thanks for the talk. Night Sweet Cheeks,” he said before leaving the room in silence.
I turned to the TV and thought about what he’d said. I sighed before blankly watching SpongeBob.
“Need a TV buddy?”
I turned to the new voice and saw Jared looking at me. I patted the spot next to me and he silently sat down.
“How are you?” I asked as we watched Squidward get crushed by a giant pineapple.
“Good. I was going to ask you that very question,” Jared said.
“Everyone seems to be asking me that,” I said, pulling my legs to my chest and resting my chin on my knees.
“Can you blame us?” Jared said, raising his eyebrow in challenge.
“I’m fine,” I said softly before he raised his eyebrow higher. I sighed and threw my hands in the air. “Alright, I may be a little scared,” I admitted before rubbing my face. “Correction: terrified,” I said and rested my body on his side. He wrapped his arm around me and sighed.
“It’s alright to be scared, Clara. No one is asking you to take this straight on by yourself.”
“I feel this weight on me, Jared. Dexter is on his way here. We may have backup coming but...” I stayed silent for a while. “I have a feeling something bad is going to happen. I’m terrified about what might happen to you or anyone else,” I said softly as I began to yawn. Jared nestled me closer so I could get more comfortable as my eyes started to grow heavy.
“I won’t let anything happen to you, Clara. Especially if Jay has something to say about it. I promise,” I heard Jared say before I fell back into slumber.
***
I woke up in my bed again. Jared must have brought me back.
I yawned and groggily got ready for the day. I took a quick shower and threw some clothes on before walking out of the bathroom. Tanya wasn’t in the room, so I kept making my way to the kitchen for breakfast. I saw everyone eating, and I gratefully took a plate that Maggie had offered me.
“Alright everyone, people are going to start coming over by dinner. We have at least forty people coming. Hopefully we have enough room f
or everyone. Some people are going to share rooms,” Eric said as he started telling us what our day was going to consist of.
After breakfast, we lounged around until I found Tony in the corner of the room, deep in thought. I used this as an opportunity to talk to him. He didn’t notice me coming up to him until I snapped my fingers in his face to get his attention. He finally focused his eyes on me. I gave him a cheeky smile. Tony and I didn’t really talk much. We were usually with the group and he’d always talked to the guys. Now we were all alone, so I could finally attempt to play matchmaker.
I sat in the chair next to him and stared. I could feel him start to squirm.
“So... what’s been happening?” I asked as I began my interrogation.
Tony just looked at me in defeat.
“I know what you’re trying to ask, Clara,” he sighed and looked at Adam who was arguing with Tanya over something. “I really like Adam,” he admitted softly. I couldn’t help the little squeal that came out of my mouth.
“Yes!” I cheered. I turned and saw Tony looking at me with a horrified expression. I looked and saw everyone looking at me with bewildered expressions, so I decided to tone down the enthusiasm.
“What are you standing here for? Go get him,” I chastised.
“I can’t.”
He must have seen my disapproval, so he tried to explain himself. “The last time I was in a relationship, it didn’t end so well. I don’t want Adam to cause me the same pain as last time,” he said softly, his voice tinged with pain.
Give me a break.
“That is the stupidest excuse I have ever heard, Tony.”
He looked at me in shock while I started to fume. “My best friend has been crushing on you since you got here. He’s told me how you pulled him into the hallway and ate his face off,” Tony blushed at the mention of their kiss. “Be a man Tony! I want you to go up to Adam and have a nice long talk. I want details later!” I demanded. By the end of my shouting, I saw Tony looking at me with a small smile.
“You’re fierce for a runt. And thanks for the very loud pep talk. I might as well talk to Adam since you grabbed everyone’s attention.” I looked and blushed when I realized everyone was staring at us. I held in a laugh as I saw Adam’s face. It was priceless. Tony got up and went to grab Adam’s hand. I didn’t think he could get any redder. Tony gently pulled him out of the room.
“Aren’t you loud Sweet Cheeks,” Troy said with a smirk. And the annoying version was back. I shook my head at him but gave him a small smile. Troy might be a pain, but I knew better.
“Only for important reasons and when people need a push.” I looked at Drake imploringly. Drake just shook his head frantically. I laughed and flopped on the couch between Jay and Jared. Jay wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I held in a girly giggle. I heard a chuckle and turned my head to see Jared smirking at me. I elbowed him.
Leave me alone, I thought, as I sent it to him, causing him to laugh.
***
“Everyone! Come greet the newcomers!” Maggie shouted.
We all rushed down to the living room and found a large number of people in there. I saw Luke rush into the crowd and hug an older couple. I assumed those were his parents. As I registered the other people, their thoughts began ringing, and I clutched my head. I’d gotten so used to dealing with everyone else’s voices, I guessed I’d forgotten how hard it was to be with crowds. I stumbled and felt someone grab my arm. I took in a couple of deep breaths before taking my time. Finally, the voices ceased, and I opened my eyes to see Jared holding me, concerned. I nodded my head, indicating I was fine. He slowly let me go, and I turned to the rest of the confused group.
“I’m good,” I muttered before turning to the newcomers. Their faces held shock, curiosity, and awe.
“You were right Eric, she is pretty cute,” said a man who looked like he was in his late thirties. I mumbled under my breath as Jared just patted my shoulder in amusement.
“Don’t underestimate her, George. She has a lot of potential,” Eric said with a smile.
George smiled at me.
“It’s nice to meet you, little lady. It’s an honor to meet you.” I blushed at that statement.
George and Eric introduced me to more people in their group. It turned out there were way more people than I’d initially thought. Eric was talking to another person as Jared and Jay were side by side. I felt something burning the side of my neck and turned to see a guy staring at me.
Now, I’d had my past experiences with boys trying to do... things with me. So, you can’t really blame me when I squirmed uncomfortably as he ran his eyes up and down my legs lustfully. The guy looked away and I saw him smirk. I saw Jared and Jay with furious faces.
The perv made his way to us with his smirk still plastered on his face.
“Hey Jay. Long time no see. Aren’t you going to introduce me to the pretty lady?” he said huskily as he held my hand and brought it to his lips. I pulled my hand back and rubbed it on my pants. He was making me more and more uncomfortable. I felt Jay wrap his arm around me as a shield.
“Carlos, long time no see. This is Clara and Jared. There, you’ve been introduced. Goodbye,” Jay said stiffly. Carlos looked at me with a smile.
“I can see when I am not wanted. I’ll talk to you later when these losers aren’t around,” he said with a wink before walking away. I shivered in disgust.
“Carlos isn’t going anywhere near you,” Jay said. I gave him a hug to calm him down. Once I felt his muscles relax, I let go and smiled.
“I believe you,” I said before I heard Tanya calling for me. I walked over, as Tanya needed help in the kitchen with Maggie.
28 - Calm Before the Storm
“Tanya don’t you dare put that in there,” I said sternly as Tanya was getting ready to put a metal bowl in the microwave.
Maggie went to greet more guests and left the two of us in charge of finishing one of the deserts.
“I need to melt the butter. Why can’t I put it in?” Tanya snapped as she placed it into the microwave. Before I could stop her, the microwave started running. We both screeched as sparks and sounds started to burst from the microwave.
“Turn it off!” I screamed, and Tanya opened it. We both sighed in relief that no damage had been done. I jumped so I had the height to slap her on the back of the head.
“What is the matter with you?” I yelled, pulling back my hair.
“How was I supposed to know that would happen?” Tanya defended while I facepalmed. There was no way I was going to win this discussion.
“What’s with all the yelling?” Luke asked as he walked into the room. He rested his forearms on the counter, looking at the both of us.
“Tanya here can’t cook to save her life,” I said, ignoring the look Tanya was giving me. “I bet she never joined a Girl Scout troop.”
“I was in Girl Scouts! I just refused to go to any of the meetings or go camping,” Tanya shrugged. Luke and I shared a look with each other before smirking.
“Adam calls you Girl Scout. Why does he call you that?” Luke asked. I rolled my eyes.
“He thinks he’s a comedian and decided to make fun of my height. You would think the short jokes would stop. I mean, I can always continue with the tall jokes I make up,” I exclaimed.
“Hey, I’m not as tall as Tony. That guy is huge.” Luke whistled. This was very true. Luke barely made it to Tony’s shoulder.
“Can you be a dear and help me with these brownies? Tanya’s not being much of a help,” I asked desperately. I didn’t want Tanya to destroy the house.
“I’m feeling the love,” Tanya huffed before grabbing some flour and throwing it at my face. Before I could react, she ran away.
“Coward!” I shouted, knowing she probably couldn’t hear me. I grabbed a rag and cleaned my face from the white powder. Luke snickered, and I playfully glared at him.
“Start cracking some eggs, young man,” I ordered as
I found a different bowl to put the butter in. Luke obediently started while I put the butter in a safe microwavable bowl.
After we put our concoction into the oven, we cleaned the counter and dishes.
“Luke, who was that couple you ran to earlier?” I asked curiously, thinking back to the older couple.
“Those were my parents. I haven’t seen them in months and I missed them. My parents live in New York while I live in Boston. I came to Eric right away when he told me the news. We may not be related, but we’re practically all family,” he stated as he sat on one of the stools. I hopped up to join him. The brownies were starting to smell really good, and I could feel my mouth start to water. My stomach grumbled, and I blushed when Luke gave me a sly smirk.
“Hungry there?” he teased as I scowled. We hadn’t had dinner yet, so, yes, I was starving.
“I want a brownie,” I whined like a toddler. It was immature but I was too hungry to care.
The oven beeped and I cheered with joy. I hopped down and opened the oven to get the brownies.
“Ow!” I yelped as I dropped the brownies onto the stove. I’d stupidly forgotten to put on gloves. I looked and saw my hands start to blister, and I hissed at the redness. I felt Luke carefully grab my wrists before I saw the blisters disappear in front of my eyes. I sighed in relief as the burning sensation left.
“I swear, you are too reckless for your own good. If I were paid to do this, I would be filthy rich,” Luke said as he examined my hands.
I huffed. “It’s not my fault I’m so clumsy,” I retorted.
“Like the time you tripped over Drake and fell on a vase? You were lucky that it wasn’t a serious injury,” Luke said.
“That was three weeks ago! Look, I’m brand new!”
“After I healed you. You would have been in some serious pain otherwise,” Luke argued.
“Which is why you are my hero, Lukie,” I said sweetly and clambered on top of the stool so that I could kiss his red cheek. “Are you blushing?” I laughed.
“N—no. That would be stupid,” Luke muttered and turned away, but I saw the red tips of his ears. I laughed even harder as I waited for him to cool his face. I happily cut out a tiny piece of brownie and stuffed it into my mouth. I would’ve cut a bigger piece, but I knew Maggie would kill me if I ate the whole thing. I moaned in delight once it hit my taste buds. I was an amazing chef.