She yanked it out of his hands. “Thanks.”
“Oh and Caroline, There’s human things in the bathroom. They might help wash off Nikolas’ scent.”
Katrina’s eyes grew wide in shock. Embarrassment flooded her and without another word she shut the door. She shook herself together and frantically searched for her phone. It was on the nightstand hidden underneath Cole's letter. She carefully dialed and waited. It seemed like years before Alaric answered.
“Caroline, is that you?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I don’t have much time. Please don’t speak, just listen. Your mother's been in a car accident. The police report says she hit some type of bear, but I know better. It was Farkas, I’m sure of it. She has a few scrapes and bruises, but she’s going to be okay. I’m going to take her home with me for observation and to keep her safe. To get to you, Caroline, they will go after anyone you care about. Be careful and Andreas will be around if you need him. I have to go, but I will talk to you soon.”
Before Katrina could get a word in Alaric hung up. She set the phone down with a trembling hand. Her body was starting to go numb. If something happened to her mother she wasn’t sure what she’d do. Images of the creature she saw crushing her mother’s car turned her stomach.
She’d only been awake a few minutes and already her day had turned to crap. Her mother was almost killed and everyone was telling her what to do. Katrina needed something to calm her nerves before she went insane. A shower never sounded more inviting than it did at that moment.
Katrina grabbed her things. Taking a deep breath, she entered the bathroom and set her stuff down. Cole’s bathroom was like his bedroom—oversized. There weren’t many furnishings inside. It was hollow and vacant like a hotel bathroom. Every step she took echoed behind her. Katrina took a moment to wrap up her cast and take off her amulet. She turned on the water and carefully stepped inside the large, rectangular space. There was so much room inside that she felt like she had stepped into another bedroom.
The hot water helped ease some of her achy muscles. Unfortunately, the ache she felt in her heart wasn’t as easily soothed. Tear drops fell down her cheeks and her emotions flooded her.
Thoughts of what happened last night kept replaying in her head. It was her first time and she was glad it was with Cole. Her body flushed, as she remembered every single detail. She had no idea her body could have ever felt that way. Each time he touched her, his hands were gentle and warm. Tingles of excitement took over her body and she already missed him like crazy.
Katrina was lost in her thoughts when she suddenly gasped in shock. Holy Crap, that’s cold!
The freezing water sent her body into a shivering frenzy. In her daze, she hadn’t realized she used all of the hot water.
Katrina staggered out and wrapped herself in one of the black bath sheets nearby. Drying her face, she tried not to think about what Alaric had just told her, but that was impossible. She couldn’t think of anything else. Exhaling, she forced herself to brush away her sadness and dry off.
After what seemed like many painstaking hours, though it was only minutes, Katrina managed to finish getting ready. Dressing amongst many other ordinary tasks was even a strenuous battle for her thanks to that damn cast. It would take some time for her to get use to, but she knew she would adjust fine. Running down the stairs, she found Andrew waiting and holding the front door open for her.
“Shall we?”
“Whoa. Andrew, whose car is that?”
“Mine.”
“Of course it is.”
“You don’t like it?”
“No, it’s perfect actually. Loud and obnoxious, just like you.” Her eyes gleamed as she bit her lip to suppress her smile.
“Ah, Caroline how I’ve missed your sarcasm after all these years. Besides, having a bright yellow mustang makes a statement amongst you simple-minded humans.”
“Like you care what any human thinks.”
“True, but I do like to see the looks on their faces when I pull up in this.”
“I bet you do.”
“On that note, let’s go. Nikolas will kill me if I don’t keep my promise and get you there on time.”
“Wait. Before we go, could you give me a hand with this?” She held the amulet up to him with her good hand.
“I suppose. Give it here.” Andrew’s cold firm hands were silky smooth like Cole’s, but to Katrina they lacked his suave finesse. Before she could blink, Andrew had clasped the amulet closed and let it fall around her neck. “After you.” Giving her a forced smile, he curtsied and held the car’s door open for her.
“Thank you.” She rolled her eyes and climbed inside.
“You’re welcome, but don’t get use to it.” Andrew slammed the door shut, narrowly missing her legs. “Oops!” he grinned, as he climbed inside.
She shot him a dirty look and had to calm herself down before she could speak again. “How’s Jake doing?” Katrina attempted to be civil.
“He’s doing fine. He just needs to sleep most of it off.”
“How long before he’s—one of you?”
“Shouldn’t be long. I’m guessing a few days, give or take.”
“Will I be able to see him after?”
“Forget it. No way. I’m going to have a hard enough time teaching him the ropes, without you around to tempt him.”
“Not even a quick peek? Just so I know he’s okay?”
“Nope. If I let you anywhere near danger Nikolas will kill me.”
“Oh.”
“You know you could see him sooner, if you—” Andrew caught himself before he finished his thought.
“If I what?”
“Never mind. Forget I brought it up.” He turned his attention back to the road.
The rest of the ride to school became just as tense as the two of them. In an effort to avoid talking, Andrew cranked the stereo, drowning out any unwanted noise. Katrina stared irritated out the passenger window, but part of her was glad that it took the place of any conversation that would more than likely end up as an argument.
Pulling into the school’s parking lot, Katrina noticed Stacy pacing back and forth waiting for her. That was just the excuse she needed to escape her current prison guard’s watch.
“Hey, Andrew.”
“What?”
“I know you’re not thrilled with being stuck with me. And I’m not too pleased with the idea either.”
“What’s your point?”
“Why don’t I catch the bus to my house with Stacy after school?”
“I don’t know.”
“Think about it. You want to spend time with Jake, not babysitting me.”
“True, but I’m under strict orders to pick you up and drop you off at your house.”
“Come on. I won’t be far and I’m wearing this.” She held up the amulet.
“I suppose.” He seemed to be running simulations in his head.
“Great. It’s agreed and I’ll see you later.” Katrina opened the door.
“Hold it.” He grabbed the back of her shirt before she could set a foot on the ground.
She glared at him. “What now?”
“I have a few conditions for our arrangement to work.”
“Such as?”
“Keep your cell on you at all times and never take off the amulet. If one hair on your head gets scratched it’s my ass, got it?”
“I got it.” She rolled her eyes annoyed. “Where did I put my—”
“Looking for something?” He held the phone in front of her like a magician holding the right card.
“How did you get it?”
“While you were in the shower I took the liberty of programming my cell number in it. Don’t look so surprised. I can be very sneaky when I want to.”
Aggravated, Katrina snatched the phone from Andrew and shoved it into her backpack. She exited the car and slammed the door in protest behind her.
“Oh, Caroline.”
She w
hipped around to see Andrew had rolled down the window. “What?”
“I won’t be far.” He gave her an over friendly wave, as she watched the car speed off. Grateful she was free from his unwanted company for a while, she made her way over to Stacy.
“Hey, Stace.”
“Hey. What’s going on?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why are you riding to school with him?” She tilted her head in Andrew’s direction. “Where’s Cole and Jake?”
“Oh, that.”
“Yeah, that.”
“Jake stayed home because he’s—sick,” she stumbled over the word. “Cole had a family emergency, so he asked Andrew to drop me off.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, it’s been a crazy morning.” Katrina bit her lip.
“What’s wrong?”
“What?”
“I know that look. Something’s up, so spill!”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Katrina attempted to hide the grin on her face.
“Kat you’re not—Oh my God you did! You had sex!”
“Shh, I don’t want the whole school knowing we slept together.”
“Okay, but I want details. What did it feel like?”
“It’s hard to explain. Your whole body sort of feels like it’s on fire and—when you know, your body sort of explodes. In a good way.” Katrina blushed thinking back to everything she did last night
“Sounds like an eruption I wouldn’t mind feeling!” Stacy winked.
“You’re so bad,” Katrina laughed.
“I may be, but let’s just hope he wasn’t?”
“I don’t know! Not like I have a lot to compare him to!” Embarrassment was consuming her. “Can we please talk about something else? Anything else?”
“Just trying to live through you.”
“Let’s hope you won’t have to.”
“Oh, that reminds me. Guess what?” Stacy smiled beaming with excitement.
“What?”
“I overheard Cynthia talking on the bus this morning about us getting another new student today.”
“Who?” Katrina’s curiosity ran wild. She wasn’t surprised that word had spread so quickly of another new addition. In this town, anyone new was always a spectacle.
“I’m not sure, but I did overhear Ms. Stevenson telling another teacher her nephew is coming to stay with her. Maybe, he’s the newest addition? I wonder if he’s cute.”
“Hmm, maybe.”
“And maybe he’ll need a date for the dance.”
Katrina couldn’t help but laugh at Stacy’s awkward attempt to vogue like a model. Stacy’s coordination or lack there of was part of the reason she had never made the cheerleading squad, but it always made Katrina laugh. Since Cole had arrived, everything had gotten chaotic and this moment reminded her exactly how much she had missed her off-the-wall friend.
“I almost forgot to ask. My mom was in an accident last night and since Jake is sick, would it be okay if I came to your house with you after school for a little bit?”
“Oh no! Is your mom okay?”
“She’s going to be. It was nothing serious, just a fender-bender. But to be safe, Cole’s dad’s keeping an eye on her.”
“Really?” Stacy made a goofy face.
“Shut up,” Katrina laughed.
“Hey if your mom wants to get her groove on with the hot doctor, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Eww. Stop it!”
“Oh, come on Kat. Your mom’s a beautiful living woman, with needs and urges like anyone else.”
“That’s not something I’d like to picture.” Katrina shuddered at the thought. There were some things about her mother she didn’t want visuals of and that was one of them.
“Oh, don’t pretend at her age you wouldn’t feel the same.”
“Whatever. So, can I come over?”
“Of course you can,” Stacy giggled. “We’ll catch up on that juicy gossip you promised me.”
“Sounds fair enough.”
“Crap, there’s the bell.”
Both girls ran as fast as their legs could carry them up the school steps. With little effort, Stacy passed Katrina and made her way inside, disappearing around the corner. Even as kids Stacy was the better runner. Katrina didn’t mind. Truthfully she hated to run; she felt it was a form of corporal punishment.
In the seventh grade, during one of those physical fitness tests, Katrina was forced to run a mile in under twelve minutes. Not one keen on running, Katrina opted to walk it instead. Stacy had been the one to convince her otherwise. She stayed by Katrina’s side the whole time, cheering her on. Katrina hated “Coach” Stacy, she was rather bossy and annoying, but “Friend” Stacy was the best. Distracted by images of Stacy shouting at her, Katrina rounded the corner when something caught her off guard.
“Ouch!” Katrina shouted, dropping her backpack and falling back to the floor. At first, Katrina wasn’t sure what she hit. All she knew was it felt like she ran head-first into a wall, only to be knocked on her butt.
“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” asked a male voice.
“No.”
Looking up to identify the owner of the serene voice, Katrina saw two chocolate brown puppy dog eyes staring back at her.
“Here, let me help you.”
Feeling the stranger grab her gently by the arm and lift, Katrina made her way to her feet. The stranger’s hands felt warm and soft against her fragile arms. Warmth of nerves scorched through her insides, as he held her up.
“Thanks.”
“I’m Donovan Stevenson.” He grinned revealing perfectly porcelain teeth glistening back at her. His russet colored tresses were messily tousled around his shoulders, as stray pieces dangled around his deep dimples.
“Ms. Stevenson’s nephew?”
“I am.”
“Katrina D—” Suddenly, Katrina had the air knocked out of her. Her chest began to burn as if it was on fire from within.
“You all right?”
Katrina took a deep breath before finally answering. “I’m fine. I’m Katrina Davenport.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Katrina Davenport. Oh, here, let me get that for you,” he offered, bending down to pick up her backpack.
“Thank you, again.” Katrina heard an overly-loud giggle come out of her mouth.
“Anytime.” Donovan’s child-like brown eyes stared back at her. “I should probably get to class.”
“Uh-huh,” was the only thing she could utter.
Katrina just stood facing him in uncomfortable silence. She couldn’t bring herself to leave. She wasn’t sure why, but her body felt intrigued and curious by the school’s newest addition.
“What’s going on out here?” an older, female voice interrupted.
“Hi, Aunt Stella,” Donovan greeted, without taking his eyes off of Katrina.
“Donovan, where are you supposed to be?”
“English, I think.”
“And Miss Davenport, what are you doing loitering in our halls? You should have been in my class 10 minutes ago.”
“Sorry, Ms. Stevenson.” She finally found her brain. “I was on my way to class when—”
“When I ran into her,” Donovan finished for her.
“I see,” Ms. Stevenson sighed in disapproval. “Both of you please get going to your classes.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Katrina said.
“I’ll see you around, Katrina Davenport.”
“See you.”
Katrina smiled, as she turned and headed towards Ms. Stevenson. Making her late entrance into the classroom, Katrina's blood rushed to her face in embarrassment. The entire class was staring at her. Looking straight ahead, trying to avoid the many probing eyes, Katrina found Stacy’s inquisitive face staring at her from the back of the room. Then her heart sank, as she caught sight of Cole’s vacant chair behind hers. It was another reminder that he was gone and that her nightmare was indeed true. She quickly took her seat and readie
d herself for the day ahead in hopes it would be the distraction she needed from everything.
School seemed to move at an awkward but steady pace for Katrina most of the day. Most teachers understood about her wrist. She didn’t have to do much. Just listen to the lectures. This left her plenty of time to ponder over her family troubles along with the otherworldly ones as well. Thankfully for her, lunch came sooner than she was expecting. On her way to her locker she could see Stacy in deep conversation, with whom she couldn’t tell. All she saw was the back of their head.
“Kat!” Stacy’s loud voice echoed through the halls. With her thunderous voice, it always made it easier to find her in crowd that was for sure. Katrina maneuvered herself among the many bodies and made her way over to Stacy and the person she was talking to.
“What’s up?”
“I’d like you to meet Donovan Stevenson.”
“Hello again, Katrina,” Donovan smiled and made Katrina lose her step.
“You two know each other?” Stacy looked at both of them.
“We sort of ran into each other earlier,” Donovan explained.
“Nice to see you again.” Katrina pressed her lips together into a small smile.
“Sorry about my aunt, she’s not a morning person. But don’t worry, her bark is much worse than her bite,” he winked.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Katrina said, flashing him a friendly smile. “How do you two know each other?”
“We have fourth period French together,” Stacy explained.
“Oh,” Katrina said.
“Shall we?” Donovan gestured towards the lunchroom area.
“Enchante,” Stacy giggled, leading the way.
“After you.” Donovan smiled, his chocolate eyes glistening back at Katrina.
“Thanks.”
The three of them sauntered into the cafeteria like old friends. Students were staring as they sat at their usual table. They were looking at Donovan as if he were a shiny new toy they were jealous they couldn’t play with. Stacy enjoyed all of the attention she was getting from it. Katrina on the other hand felt the opposite. She hated having everyone's eyes focused on them.
Instead of letting the unwanted attention bother her, Katrina focused on the empty seat next to her. It felt weird to be sitting at the table without her brother. They had never really been apart and seeing his empty seat only saddened her more. She felt a big part of her was missing.
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