Souljacker

by Kodilynn Calhoun

  It isn’t until we sit down at the table that Caddie scoots her chair closer and leans in. “So how was it? Sexy? Cute? Wet or dry? Details, woman!”

  I shake my head. “I’m not exactly a kissing connoisseur. I don’t judge each kiss by a certain standard. But it was…nice.”

  “Ugh!” Caddie throws up her hands. “Everything is just ‘nice’ with you,” she rants, but she’s grinning. “Oh!” She sets my bag down on the table and opens the flap and Sync hovers beside her. My stomach plummets as the robot gives me the electronic equivalent of laser-eyes and promptly ignores me. “I figured you’d want me to take care of her while you were gone.”

  “Thanks, Cad. Really. I owe you one.”

  “I would’ve been fine on my own,” Sync snaps.

  I glance between Caddie and Sync, an awkward silence spawning between us. I’m about to say something, even though I don’t know what to say, when Caddie blurts, “When do I get to meet him? Can we like, double date? You and Iofiel, me and Jale? I think it would be super fun!”

  I shrug. “You’ll meet him, I promise. Give me time. I’m not even sure how this is going to work out yet. Just that… God, I really want it to work out.” I pick up my fork and twirl it around in the pasta, taking a hesitant bite. Not bad. I guess it just looks weird.

  We eat for a few minutes, the only sounds being the chorus of the riotous cafeteria around us and the crunch-chomp of Caddie munching garlic bread. I reach out to Sync, determined to make it right. She has a right to feel abandoned. I shouldn’t have left her to go chasing boys and I feel bad. “Sync, at least look at me. I’m really sorry.”

  “No, Luce. Really you’re not. I’m nothing more than a cute accessory to you anymore,” Sync says, turning beet red. “I’m there when it’s convenient for you, but when you have Caddie? I’m just forgotten! You’d rather go hang around with your dog of a boyfriend than give me the time of day!”

  I blink at her, too shocked to speak. This is Sync we’re talking about. Nice, gentle Sync. I never knew she was capable of such cutting words. I feel my face heat up and I growl at her before I can stop myself. “Well at least he has a body.”

  Sync’s antennae flashes and I know I’ve hit the nail on the head. I feel triumphant for a moment’s time, then I just feel like shit. I open my mouth to apologize, but she turns away from me, hiding behind Caddie’s elbow.

  “Guys, come on,” Caddie says softly.

  “I’m staying with Caddie,” Sync announces.

  “What?”

  “You heard me, Luce. I’m staying with Caddie. You don’t want me around anyway. Why should I be there for you when you’re never there for me?”

  I feel a wave of emotions—hurt, anger, sadness—roil up inside of me. I clamp my jaws shut and force my shoulders into a shrug. “Whatever. It’s your life. Maybe I don’t need you. Maybe you’re right; I’ve outgrown you.”

  “Okay, that’s enough of that. Lucy, Sync just is feeling bad right now. She needs time away, to recoup. Sync, Lucy’s going through a lot of emotions. You guys just need a break away from each other, that’s all. I’ll keep Sync with me. She’ll be safe. Don’t worry.” She touches my hand lightly with her fingers.

  I shrug. I slide my tray away from me, my appetite gone, replaced with a knot that twists like a snake. “Whatever.”

  “Sooooo…” A pause. “You wanna come over for dinner tonight? Mom’s making her famous meatloaf. She’s seriously won contests with this recipe. If you want, I’ll walk with you to my place.”

  Even though I want to go immediately home, bury my face in my pillow and cry out these raging emotions, I nod. I need to take a little soul, anyway. I hate the feeling of the Need resurfacing; it makes me feel like a monster. “Sure. Sounds cool. Your mom’s cookies were amazing; I can’t wait to try an actual dinner.”

  “Great. I’ll meet you out front after school.”

  The rest of the day drags by, like being stuck in molasses in the middle of December. I wait out front for Caddie, my hands stuffed in my pockets. I’ve long since kicked off my other shoe; I hated those flats anyways.

  Caddie hops down the steps, Sync bobbing along at her side. I don’t even acknowledge her as we head towards Caddie’s place. “So, question,” I say, cutting my friend a glance. “Would there be any possible way that I could…recharge?”

  Sync snorts, a clunking sound, and I bite back my growl.

  “No prob.” Caddie nods. “I noticed my fire was burning a little brighter anyway and—” She continues talking, but I’m in another world; across the street is Iofiel and beside him, a tall guy with blond curls. My heart picks up speed at the sight of him.

  He glances our way, catching my eye for a moment’s time. Instead of the beaming smile I want, he frowns and turns away quickly. The blond cranes his neck to look at me and I duck my head when I see a similar leather mask hiding the left side of his face. Cyberhound. Last thing I need is to get Iofiel into trouble over a simple look.

  I watch as they walk away and I feel a prickle of sadness. I’d hoped for at least a smile.

  “Lucy, what the heck is your issue? Did you hear anything I just told you?”

  I offer her a smile, but it feels tight. “No…sorry. I thought I saw someone.”

  “Whatev, let’s go. I’m starved and apparently, you are too.”

  But whatever appetite I had is gone now, just like him.

  Chapter 16:

  Iofiel

  It’s like the Pack knows I want time alone, so they’re purposefully keeping me busy, sending me on patrol duty and assigning Sariel or Raziel along to keep me company. Lylan’s still suspicious, but I’ve been on my best behavior.

  I haven’t seen Lucy in days. Admittedly, I’ve been avoiding her usual haunts, just so I don’t have to pretend to ignore her when my instinct is screaming at me to gather her in my arms and kiss her frown away.

  I hunch my shoulders as we head towards the store for supplies. Raziel’s bitching my ear off as our shoes scuff the pavement, but I hardly hear him. My eyes are trained on the familiar form of Lucy in a black tank top and tight jeans, her hair making waves around her shoulders. She’s got her back to me, chatting with the blonde girl she’s always hanging around. I’m glad Lucy has someone at least, even if it’s not me, but I can’t help feeling like I’m letting her down. When she saw me the other day, her expression was so hopeful…and I just turned away. What else could I do?

  “Is that your bitch?” Raziel pauses mid-stride, his dark eyes narrowing. I snap my gaze to his, biting back the low growl that threatens to tear itself up my throat just for the title he gave her. He holds my gaze, challenging, but I don’t back down like I usually do.

  “No. I’m over her. She can’t give me what I need anyway.” The words are bitter, painful. I twist my features into what I hope is a disdainful look. “What does it matter to you?”

  He smirks. “Just wondered.” He’s fiddling with something in his pocket and I know it’s the controller to the Shockchip. The realization that Raziel’s only pretending to be a friend makes my gut sour.

  I shrug one shoulder, shake my head, and keep walking with a silent apology to Lucy. She doesn’t turn around to look at me, but I know she knows I’m there. Raziel seems put off by the fact that I didn’t react the way he’d probably hoped; he hurries to catch up to me, complaining about the next best thing.

  I tune him out as we shop, until I hear: “I can’t fuckin’ believe I don’t get to go on the hunt tonight.”

  I zero in on him. “Hunt?” Another one? Curiosity edges around my voice, but I try to sound casual. We haven’t been on a hunt since we went after Supersonic Scream girl and the Pack’s been getting edgy with nothing to do.

  “Yeah. Supposedly—and I’m just goin’ by rumor here so don’t quote me on this—there’s been another power surge near Loren. Only a few miles off where we found the last one.”

  The last one—like that little girl was just a creature, not a person, not someone
with her own identity, her own fears.

  “Lylan’s called a hunt later tonight. I don’t get to go because of my arm. He says I’ll slow them down. So I get patrol duty. Lucky me.” He rolls his eyes.

  I tune him out once more, my mind churning with possibilities. A hunt means all my brothers will be with Lylan, out of the city. They’d be preoccupied—to please our queen, that’s a big thing—so maybe…

  Hope rises in my chest. Maybe I’d be able to duck out tonight. Maybe I could see Lucy. We’d have to avoid Raziel, but if he’s out patrolling the streets, as long as we picked some place inside to hang, we shouldn’t get caught. Immediately, my mind starts making plans. I succeed in stifling my smile, but can’t stop the bounce in my step.

  I’m snapped back to the present by Raziel’s hand clamped down on my shoulder. “Lucky bastard. Well, I’ve gotta go. We’ll catch up after the hunt. See ya then, Io.” He bolts out of the store, leaving me to do the rest of the shopping. Typical Raziel. He might love his duty, but only when it’s exciting and worthwhile.

  ***

  I run alongside my brothers for a little while, slowly pulling back to take up the rear. To my misfortune, Sariel stays behind with me and we move together, shoulder to shoulder. He watches me with unhidden curiosity before he puts on the brakes. I slow down as well, suddenly wary. He’s suspicious. Damnit. There’s no way I’ll be able to see her now.

  The Pack is just a black smudge against the twilit horizon line. Sariel’s body gives a slight shiver and he changes. “You’re being foolish, Iofiel.” His voice is soft. I set my jaw and stare into his eyes, bracing myself for the shock I deserve.

  But it doesn’t come.

  Sariel’s lips form a small, sad smile. “Love isn’t part of our vocabulary, Io. Believe me, I know…” He shakes his head. “But I had to learn it the hard way and so do you. Go find your girl; I’ll cover for you. Lylan likes me.”

  I blink at him, not sure if I should believe him. Sariel only shrugs and shifts back to his canine form. Our eyes meet and he gives a soft rumble, then turns and lopes after the Pack. I just stand there for a few minutes, my body tingling from such a close call. Then my heart seems to reach my mind and I take off in the direction of Lucy.

  I make a wide loop around, entering Rogan City from a different part of the forest. Raziel’s on duty, but it shouldn’t be too hard to stay away from him. I head for Lucy’s place. Her foster dad’s car is gone from the driveway and her scent is thick, lingering here. I breathe in, then head around back and peer in through the sliding glass door.

  She’s sprawled on the couch, her legs kicked up on the arm rest and hooked at the ankle. I take a quick look around and shift back to human, knocking on the glass lightly with my knuckles. Lucy visibly jumps.

  She twists around in her seat, suspicious, and I wave. Her face goes from nervous, to shocked, to extremely pleased. She all but leaps off the couch to unlock the door and as soon as it slides open, I wrap my arms around her. She nuzzles into my chest and I rub her back, run both hands through her hair, tip her head back and steal a kiss. She replies fervently.

  “God, I missed you,” I manage to say between kisses. She grins from ear to ear and she’s so beautiful when she smiles. She’s like my own personal guardian angel, sent down from heaven to save my poor soul. I squeeze her hands in mine, pulling them to my chest. “The Pack’s on a hunt. We have a little time. I want to take you out tonight.”

  “Where?”

  “Anywhere, I don’t care. As long as we’re together.” I sound like one of those chick-flicks, but it only registers as sappy for a moment. Her eyes are crystal clear and so happy, and if that makes me girly? Then I guess I am. “How about out to dinner? And then someplace fun.”

  “Mini golf?” She smirks at me.

  “We both know I fail at that, thanks. I was thinking maybe a little more…closed in. Just in case they come back early. We could go to my favorite arcade and I can show you what a boss I am at good old button mashing.”

  “I’m so kicking your ass.” She steps back, one foot pointing towards the stairs. “Let me change real quick and we can go.”

  “You look great already, Luce.” And it’s true; her cut-off shorts reveal her long legs and the tank top she’s wearing shows just enough cleavage to leave the rest to my imagination. I can’t help but grin.

  She blushes and grabs her bag off the counter in the kitchen, then returns to my side. I angle my chin towards the bag. “Sync coming along?”

  Lucy freezes for a moment and shakes her head. “No. We’re…not on talking terms. She’s with Caddie.”

  “Hopefully nothing too serious?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Let’s just have fun, okay?” She scribbles something on the tablet hanging on the fridge, then reaches for my hand. I twine my fingers through hers and lead her back out into the humid night air.

  We walk down the street, side by side, our arms swinging together and it’s somehow right, somehow picture perfect. Wonderful. How can I ever begin to live without this? Why would I ever want to?

  We end up eating at the Matchlight Diner—they’re having all-you-can-eat fish night. The smells in the restaurant are enough to make my mouth water and that first bite of fish is flaky and amazing. We talk about nothing of importance, but it doesn’t really matter. We could talk about rocket science, or Fae technology, and still have a good time.

  With our bellies full, we head towards Daly’s. It’s a busy little building stuffed wall to wall with ancient arcade games like Pinball and Asteroids. The more technological advanced games are in the front of the place, but I’ve never found them nearly as fun.

  Lucy’s eyes are wide as she takes in the flashing bulbs, the mechanical laughter of mocking machines, the whirr-buzz of tickets being spit out, and the clink of arcade currency. “This place is my home away from home,” I tell her, not embarrassed in the least, tugging her deeper into the recesses of the building.

  Robb Daly has owned this place for more than thirty years and he still manages it. He’s a big guy covered in tattoos. They’re a mix of angels and demons, bloody, brutal scenes, but I know on his left shoulder blade, he has an ink of his two daughters. We lock eyes and I slap money down on the counter.

  “Who’s the pretty girl, Io?” His voice is whiskey roughened.

  Lucy’s suddenly gone shy and ducks her head. I wrap an arm around her waist, tugging her close to me, and I beam as I introduce her. “This is the beautiful Lucy Swift. Luce, this is Robb Daly. This arcade has been around for a long time. I come here whenever I get a free minute.” Or at least I used to, before Lucy.

  Robb holds out a hand and Lucy’s is dwarfed by his as they shake. “Love the hair, by the way,” he says around a smile, then cuts a glance to me. “Always thought you were gay.” So blunt. Lucy snorts and Robb laughs.

  “No such luck.” I slide my money across the counter and he deals out two paper cups filled to the brim with bronze coins. Each one is stamped with an angel wing.

  “Have fun, kids.” He shoos us off, turning to the next customer in line.

  I hand Lucy her cup of coins. “You should feel honored. Typically Robb’s a tightwad with his faux money. C’mon, let me show you how it’s done.”

  “I’m going to kick your ass.”

  “You’re on.”

  We blow through half the coins in no time. I can’t help but laugh; as good as she was in mini golf, she’s ten times worse at games. I score higher and higher every time, and she huffs and pretends to pout, but her eyes are shiny with excitement. She laughs, the sound like weathered bells on the wind.

  We lean against a two player game where you’re a guy in the jungle trying to escape from gators. I smash the buttons deftly—I love this game—and she groans as her character is eaten and dragged under the water.

  “Player Two defeated,” says the mechanical voice as my score flashes in red.

  She flails for a minute, crossing both arms over her chest in a whiny little kid
way. “Seriously, switch me sides. My joystick’s sticking to the right.”

  “Riiiight,” I say around a grin and she shoves me playfully. I stumble and catch myself on the side of the machine, then freeze. My skin prickles with unease as a lean guy with shaggy black hair skims past several yards again. “Shit.” Raziel. Why the hell would he come here?

  Lucy gives me a quizzical look, but I duck and grab her wrist. “Hurry,” I whisper, and she realizes something’s wrong because she picks up speed. We wind around the corner, ducking behind a pinball machine. I scope out the situation.

  Raziel’s blocking the exit. Does he know I’m here? That I skipped out on the hunt? It’d be just like him to follow me, just for the chance at seeing me in pain. I bite back a growl.

  Nerves twist my stomach into a knot. Lucy’s fingers clamp around mine, her body tensed and still. I glance around the room, back to where my brother was standing…and he’s gone. Just gone. “Shit. Shit. Shit.”

  I zero in on one of those cheesy photo booths, where you sit inside behind a curtain and get your picture taken. Lucy follows my gaze and we race towards it. I feel eyes on the back of my neck, paranoia creeping up on me, a vicious stalker. My heart’s skipping beats like mad.

  Lucy ducks into the booth first and I cram myself in behind her. We’re squeezed together like sardines in a can, but I pull the curtain shut and pray that he leaves.

  “I thought they were out on a hunt.” Worry lines crease Lucy’s forehead.

  “Well…they are. Except for him. I honestly didn’t think he’d be a problem.” I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Calm down. He’s not going to find you. It’s not like he’s looking for you; it’s just a coincidence. Maybe he was bored and figured a couple of rounds of Pinball would be fun.