by Lizzy Ford
“I’ll fix this, Summer,” he whispered without knowing how.
Unaccustomed to feeling helpless, Beck flipped channels until he found something to distract him. He didn’t see much of what he watched but remained, wanting to give the vulnerable girl in his arms some peace.
He sensed Decker’s presence before his twin spoke.
“Not interested in this Autumn?” Decker’s voice was cool.
Beck did his best not to tense up and disturb Autumn. He kept his gaze on the television for a long moment.
“You were right about her being in pain,” he said at last. “This is the first night she’s slept without it.”
“You’re not the only one who can help her.”
“No, but I’m not going to hurt her,” he said, looking at Decker. “You can’t say the same.”
Decker was pissed. He looked calm, but Beck saw the tension in his jaw. Decker sat in one of the armchairs.
“I thought you were going to stay away, Decker,” he pointed out.
Decker rubbed his face. “I didn’t think she was your type.”
Beck heard it then, the competitive edge. They’d been opponents in sports and academics. The idea of putting Autumn between them – knowing what Decker was capable of and how little control he had – scared him for the first time.
“Are you?” he ventured. “Interested in Autumn?”
Decker eyed him. “Are you?”
“Yeah, I think I am,” Beck said.
“I didn’t think I was until I showed up a few minutes ago.”
At least Decker was honest. Beck thought hard about what to do. When they competed in sports, it was war. They were already facing down the Light-Dark divide, especially after they had their upcoming talk about the Light witchlings.
“What if we both walk away?” Decker’s voice was quiet. “Chances are, I’ll be eaten up by the madness soon. And you’ve got a baby on the way. You don’t need another issue like that popping up.”
Beck snorted. Decker almost sounded like his overprotective brother for the first time in weeks. He studied his twin. Decker was dead serious. His gaze was still, and Beck assessed the only reason they weren’t at each other’s throats physically was because they were brothers. Decker looked ready to kill.
“Okay,” he agreed. “We both walk away from her in the morning. Right now, I want her to enjoy her only night of pain-free sleep.”
The skin around Decker’s eyes softened as he looked at Autumn. There was guilt and indecision in his gaze. Beck saw it, trying to understand exactly what his brother was thinking. Decker wanted her … but didn’t want to want her. He didn’t understand that the attraction between him and Autumn was because of Summer.
“You can stay to make sure I don’t take advantage,” Beck said, smiling.
Decker shook his head and rose. “I’ve gotta go. Don’t break our deal, Beck, because I’ll be watching.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Decker rolled his eyes. A moment later, he was gone.
Beck’s smile faded. He hadn’t liked the way Decker considered Autumn, almost like she was his already. It made Beck feel sick knowing she was stuck in the middle. They’d both be waiting for the other to mess up. This kind of competition wasn’t anything he foresaw, but if they both did as they said they would, she’d be safe.
Unless Decker loses control.
One thing was certain: Beck had to find a way to distance himself while not letting Autumn out of his sight.
Restless, Beck forced himself to stay put. When dawn crept through the windows, he gently moved her and stood. The fire had died down, and the room was chilly. Her body curled without his warmth.
Beck draped his jacket over her, gaze lingering on her features. He wiped his mouth, not sure what to do. Finally, he left through the front door. The morning was cold enough that tiny clouds formed every time he expelled a breath. He shoved his hands into his pockets and made his way through the new snow to the forest.
“Sam?” he called quietly from the edge of the forest.
The yeti rarely responded when Beck sought him. He waited for a moment, knowing Sam would signal him if he wanted to be found. The trees on either side of him shook themselves free of snow. Beck stepped back, smiling. They were the only ones that shed their white coats. It was as much of a sign as anything.
He waited for them to stop then stepped into the forest. The earth cleared a path for him, and he shivered as he walked along it. He walked for a full ten minutes before the yeti finally appeared, a splash of red against the white backdrop.
“You came!” Beck said.
Our roles changed when you became the Master of Light.
“Someone’s gotta share the rule book with me!”
Sam smiled kindly. You are troubled. Come with me.
Beck crossed his arms, cold, and obeyed. The yeti walked through the forest for a few minutes before pausing in front of what remained of a massive tree at the base of a hill. He entered the gaping hole of the stump.
Beck followed, curious. He was surprised to see the interior fashioned into some sort of dwelling, with chairs, a hammock, table, a small fire.
“Is this your house?” he asked.
One of them. We have several throughout the forest.
“Cool.” Beck sat in front of the fire on a stool. He shook off the cold and warmed his hands.
Sam sat on the other side of the fire on the floor, his back against the wall.
“So…” Beck started. “I’m having issues.”
Sam laughed.
“I know. Surprise, coming from the Light Master who has no clue what he’s doing,” he said with mild sarcasm. “Not sure where to start. Do you even want to hear this?”
Start with what bothers you most.
“Autumn. Summer. Whatever her name is.”
Sam nodded. He rested his head against the wall, waiting.
“When I made that deal, I didn’t consider that Decker might not be salvageable. I figured she’d come back, take the test, pass with flying colors and then she and Decker would live happily ever after.”
Youthful optimism.
“I know. It’s not going as planned. I just can’t figure out … Sam, I don’t know what to do.”
All things considered, you’re doing well.
Beck rolled his eyes. “You mean to say, keep trying.”
You know the answer already.
Beck was quiet. He stared into the fire. He wanted Sam to tell him there was another way.
“I have to choose,” he murmured. “Don’t I?”
You already have.
“I don’t want what that means.”
What do you think it means?
“It means I lose my brother.” The words made him flinch. They hurt. He rubbed the back of his head and stood, pacing.
It means you let him go. It does not mean you lose him.
“There’s a difference?”
You let him make his own fate.
“It feels so wrong keeping Summer from him. But I can’t help thinking …” she’s better off with me. Guilt swept through him. He loved his brother, despite their differences.
She will make her own fate as well.
“I want to hand her to him on a silver platter and save him. I want to protect her and make things right. I can’t do both, Sam,” Beck said with frustration. “Decker is almost out of control. It’s like newspapers and fire. She doesn’t stand a chance.”
You made your choice. You must let Decker go. You must protect the witchlings, including Summer.
“It sounds so easy. I don’t know how to do those things.”
You already are doing those things. Sam was amused. You feel when your witchlings are in danger. Go to them. If the danger is Decker, stop him. As the Master of Light, you are permitted the same … leniency that Decker has as the Master of Dark. You, too, can fight, if you must.
“My hope is that I can resolve things peacefully.”
Sam’s tone told Beck it wasn’t going to be that easy. He ran a hand through his hair, not looking forward to confronting Decker on what was about to become their battlefield.
Ask your mother to teach you to travel as she does. You have the ability. You need only be taught how.
Beck nodded. “And Autumn? How do I deal with …that issue?”
What – and who – she chooses is her decision.
“You’re not telling me to back off.”
Should I?
“I don’t know.”
From what I’ve seen, Autumn is much stronger than Summer. If she does not want you, she will tell you. Sam was grinning.
“And if what she wants sends her over a cliff again?” Beck challenged.
That is the risk you took when you made your deal with me.
“It is, isn’t it?” Beck growled in frustration. “When does her trial start? How soon until I know if I have to turn over my soul?”
It has started.
Beck met his gaze. “She doesn’t even know how Light and Dark work.”
I warned you it would be harder the second time around.
“Am I allowed to know what it is?”
No. But it will target her weakness.
“Well, no deer’s showed up on her doorstep yet,” Beck muttered. “So I assume it’s different this time.”
Sam shrugged.
“My dad would’ve made a great Master of Light. He wouldn’t screw up like I have.”
You are very much like him. He was your age once, you know. Sam chuckled. He learned how to balance your mother and his magick.
“I can’t imagine them young,” Beck said. “He’s so strong and smart. I feel … helpless. He wouldn’t be flipping out right now. He’d find a way to save everyone before he had his morning coffee.”
You will learn, Beck.
“I’d rather learn before everyone around me is killed off and you’ve got my soul in your pocket.”
Sam laughed again. We do not have pockets!
Beck sighed. “Alright. I guess I’m done. I’ve got to find my mom, protect Autumn and talk to Decker. If I survive all three, I’ll let you know how it goes.”
I’ll be watching.
“Did you see her at the cliff last night?” he asked suddenly, recalling Decker’s words.
Yes.
“How does she know about what happened?”
She doesn’t. But Summer does. Summer led her there.
Beck considered the information, not understanding.
I heard what she said to Decker. There was fondness in Sam’s voice. Sometimes, I think you made the right choice.
“Only sometimes?” Beck raised his eyebrows.
I cannot see the future. The forest loved Summer. It loves Autumn, too.
“What did she say to him?”
She reminded him he was not alone with his pain, much like she did you.
Beck nodded, pensive. He recalled his night with her asleep in his arms. She’d known that what he felt was much deeper than any words could soothe.
“I wish she had a twin. I think we both need her. And twins are hot, especially blond ones.”
Sam shook his head, entertained.
“I’ll check in later. Are there blond Sams?”
The yeti laughed and waved him towards the door. Beck left. He had a long day ahead of him and the feeling it wasn’t going to go remotely well.
Chapter Ten
“Autumn!”
She froze in the middle of her shower. The shout was accompanied by a pounding at the bathroom door. Dawn had hogged the bathroom for three hours this morning. Autumn couldn’t imagine the girl needed it again so soon.
“Autumn, what’s the name of that blond skank you came here with?” Dawn demanded, opening the door.
So much for the lock. Autumn rolled her eyes.
“Tanya,” she replied.
“Kay.”
She poked her head out to see Dawn hadn’t bothered to close the door. Was she wearing another of Autumn’s sweaters? She couldn’t help thinking the pregnant girl would be too big soon to steal her clothes.
Autumn finished up and dried off then braced herself as she wiped away the mirror.
The dark-haired girl was there. For the first time, Autumn wasn’t scared. She understood why the girl’s eyes looked so sad. She offered a supportive smile then closed her eyes. The girl was gone when she opened them. Leaving the bathroom, Autumn glanced at Dawn’s side of the room. Sonya was lying on Dawn’s bed, texting on her phone.
“Dawn borrowed another sweater. And the black jeans,” Sonya said without looking up.
Autumn gritted her teeth. She’d slept fantastic, aided no doubt by Beck’s magick. When she awoke, he was gone, and the scents of Sunday morning brunch had lured her to the dining table before she returned to her room.
Beck’s pain. Decker’s incredible kiss. She stood in front of her closet, not seeing her clothing. The night hadn’t gone anyway she predicted.
There will be a next time.
She barely remained standing as she recalled Decker’s intensity and steady gaze. And yet, Beck warned her away from Decker with concern that left her beyond confused. Beck seemed certain Decker would hurt her. She knew he was dangerous, but someone who kissed her like that … she wasn’t sure she cared how dangerous Decker was.
Autumn shook her head.
“Sonya,” she said, turning to the girl. “Who is Decker?”
“Only the hottest, craziest Dark witchling in the world. He’s Beck’s twin, the Master of Dark. Did Amber cover that with you yet?” Sonya asked.
“A little,” Autumn said, alarmed. She thought of the mini-lesson Decker gave her on the cliff. “So, he’s like the devil?” He’d definitely failed to mention that at any point before or after their kiss.
“More like the grim reaper lately.”
This he had mentioned. Autumn’s heart was flying, her hands trembling. He’d been surprised at her defiance. She understood why. What was she thinking? Something about him made her say and do things she wasn’t sure she should.
“Did you sleep with him?” Sonya asked curiously.
“No way,” Autumn replied.
“He’s slept with pretty much everyone. No big deal if you did.”
“Well, I didn’t. He scared the hell out of me.”
“God, he’s so sexy.” Sonya’s face was flushed, her eyes bright. “I went home with him a few weekends ago. The things he can do in bed … wow. I never …”
Autumn tuned her out and returned to her closet, irritated to feel a flare of jealousy. Beck had told her his twin slept around. It wasn’t a surprise. She shouldn’t care, especially since Decker ran around killing witchlings.
And yet she did.
At least she had a new weapon to use against him, the next time their paths crossed. Anger and pain were good motivators. She had enough of both right now to level him if he came close to her. She wasn’t going to be the latest in his collection of witchlings he’d slept with.
Mine.
Was it her thought or his? She didn’t know. It made her blood quicken and heat. Maybe it was hers, aided by his magick. She wasn’t stupid enough to think his shadows were innocent of influencing her and every other girl at the school. His pain, though, wasn’t something she’d expect him to share. She was touched by it in a way she didn’t think anyone else was able to understand. Not many people felt that deeply.
He was an enigma. Beck was right; she couldn’t trust Decker. The Master of Dark. Apparently, the Master of Seduction was a better title for him.
Autumn put on her brace then dressed, angry at herself for melting at his kiss like every other girl probably did.
“You going home for Thanksgiving?” Sonya’s question broke through her self-berating.
“No.”
“They have a big banquet here every year. I went last year. It was pretty cool. I’m staying this year.”
“Where are you from?” Autumn asked and sat on the bed.
“Mexico, originally. My family moved to Phoenix when I was six.” Sonya managed to talk while simultaneously typing with her thumbs on the phone.
Autumn’s gaze went to the pile of clothing on the bed beside her. Dawn had tried on a ton of outfits before stealing hers. She spotted one of her sweaters in the pile and limped forward to shake it free.
“What is this?” she asked, holding it up and peering at the stain on the dark sweater. “Ranch?”
Sonya looked up, startled. She was quiet for a moment. Autumn lowered the sweater to see Sonya laughing with her hands over her mouth.
“Omigod, you did not just…” she fell into the laughter, unable to talk.
Autumn slung the sweater in her dirty clothes hamper. She thought she’d liked Sonya, but now, she wasn’t so sure. Irritated, Autumn rifled through the clothing to find her other sweater that Dawn borrowed.
“Do you really not get it?” Sonya managed at last. Her mascara was blurred by tears from laughing.
“I get she ruined my sweater,” Autumn replied.
“It’ll come out,” Sonya assured her. “You know anything about the birds and the bees?”
Autumn stared at her.
Sonya began laughing again. “I love you, Autumn! You’re so sweet!”
“Are you serious?” Autumn asked, face skewing as she realized what Sonya was saying. “That’s disgusting. On my shirt?”
“Stay innocent. You’re adorable.”
Autumn flushed. She knew nothing about her pre-accident life. Was she even a virgin? She had no idea. Last night was the first kiss she recalled. Was it also her first kiss ever? Had she wasted that honor on a guy who slept with everyone?
It’d been worth it. At least he knew what he was doing.
“I gotta tell Dawn,” Sonya said. She rolled off the bed and tucked the phone away. She left the room.
Troubled, Autumn thought hard as she pulled on her boots. Did she have a boyfriend before her accident? If so, did he know what happened to her? She felt bad for the unknown guy waiting for her.
Really bad. Struck by the intensity of the emotion, she gazed at the wall. It felt like there was someone. If so, who? And where? He hadn’t been at the orphanage or the first school they put her in before transferring her here, to a place where no one knew her at all.